Moving to Europe Checklist: 20 Essential Steps for a Successful Relocation

Moving to Europe, Step 1: Research countries where you meet the visa criteria

The first and most important thing you’ll have to figure out is where you can move to based on the viable visa and residency options. Moving to Europe involves much more than packing your things and finding a place to live. Your biggest challenge will be identifying a visa that allows you to legally live and work abroad.

Each country has different visa types, but not all will apply to your situation. If you want to move to Austria or Sweden, but if you don’t qualify for any of their visa options, you’ll probably need to reconsider. So how do you know if the country you’re considering has a visa that's available for you? You’ll need to do some research. To get started, browse the official website of the embassy or consulate of the country you're interested in. You can also check out the visa and immigration pages on Relocate.me, which explain which visa routes are available for each country.

Step 2: Decide where you want to live

Once you’ve narrowed it down to countries where you’re eligible to move, the next step is to think about where you’d actually like to live. Do you prefer a bustling capital like Berlin or Madrid, or a smaller, quieter city like Tallinn? Do you like a colder climate, or would you rather live somewhere sunnier, like Lisbon?

Think about the things that matter to you: walkability, climate, cultural pace, access to nature or international airports. Work–life balance is also important to keep in mind—some countries, like France and Austria, are known for having competitive salaries and generous holiday policies, which can make a real difference if you’re moving for work.

Language is another factor to consider. Many countries in Europe have strong English-speaking communities, especially in larger cities like Amsterdam and Stockholm, but that’s not always the case. If you’re planning to stay for a while, you might want to consider learning the local language—or at least the basics—before you arrive.

And don’t forget to factor in tax obligations, especially if you’re from the United States, where you might still have to file at home. Tax obligations will also depend on how long you stay and your income level. You can read more about taxes later in this checklist.

Step 3: Look into job opportunities

Depending on your case, this step might come first. For some people, finding a job is what drives the move. For others, it comes after they’ve chosen a country and figured out their visa options. But these things are all connected—your job can affect what visas you’re eligible for, and your visa options can impact where and how you can work.

Some visas are linked to having a job offer, while others let you move first and sort that out later. For example, France’s Talent Passport and the UK’s Global Talent visa don’t require a job offer in the destination country to apply. Portugal has a digital nomad visa that works a bit differently—it requires proof of income through a job contract, but this can be your current remote job. In other words, you’re moving to Europe but keeping your job. These are just a few examples of how your work plans and visa path can go hand in hand.

If you haven’t secured a job yet, now’s a good time to start looking. Relocate.me is a helpful platform if you work in tech. It lists open roles across Europe that often come with relocation help and visa support. You can search by country, tech stack, or remote work options. Many of the companies on the site are experienced in hiring people from abroad and guiding them through the process.

So, our advice here is: keep both job search and visa research moving at the same time. Where you want to live, the kind of job you’re looking for, and what visa you qualify for can all influence each other.

Step 4: Look into the cost of living and transportation

Take time to understand what everyday life might cost in different cities before you decide where you’ll apply for a visa or start job hunting. Monthly expenses without rent vary quite a bit—around €980 in Germany, €712 in Spain, and €1,070 in Austria for a single person. Public transport also differs from place to place. A monthly pass costs about €49 in Berlin, €21 in Barcelona, and €51 in Vienna.

Some informational websites let you compare cities side by side. You can see average prices for groceries, utilities, dining out, and even fresh produce or bottled water. It’s a useful way to get a sense of what daily life might look like in each place. If you find those comparison sites a bit clunky, we suggest you instead check our Cost of Living pages where we give a rundown on Berlin, Lisbon, or Paris alike. You can also use them for a country comparison.

Step 5: Learn the basics of taxation

Before moving to Europe, it’s important to understand how taxes work in both your home and destination countries. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll still need to file a U.S. tax return no matter where you live or earn your income. That’s because the U.S. taxes based on citizenship, instead of residency. So even if you’re living and working in Europe, the IRS expects an annual tax filing.

For most other countries, including India, taxes are based on residency. If you’re no longer considered a resident for tax purposes in your home country, you generally won’t be taxed there. Still, your income in Europe will be subject to local tax rules.

Another essential thing to check is whether your home country has a double taxation treaty with the European country you’re moving to. These agreements prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income, and can also influence where it makes the most financial sense to live.

Finally, remember that your visa type and income level can affect your tax rate. If you’re not sure how that applies in your case, this might be something to check while narrowing down where to live (see Step 2).

Step 6: Get your paperwork in order and apply for your visa

This is the step that usually takes the most time and energy, because you’ll be dealing with paperwork and requirements that vary by country. By now, you’ve hopefully figured out which visa you’re applying for, so the next step is to actually start the application process.

Reach out to the embassy or consulate of your destination country to move forward with your specific case. Some embassies require an in-person appointment, while others allow online submission. Either way, give yourself time as processing can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, and it’s common for additional documents or clarification to be requested along the way.

Some documents may need to be translated or officially certified. In many cases, you’ll need an apostille, which is a specific stamp from your country’s Secretary of State that makes the document legally valid in another country. Also, make sure your passport is still valid and won’t expire anytime soon—many countries require it to be valid for at least six more months.

Step 7: Decide what to do with your current home

If you are a homeowner, you’ll need to decide whether to sell, rent, or leave your house vacant. That choice often depends on your long-term plans and financial situation. Renting it out can be a good option, especially if you’re not sure how long you’ll be abroad.

If you’re renting, options are more straightforward. You can end your lease early, sublet, or simply wait until your lease expires. This last option might give you time to save money, plan in ahead and prepare yourself for the move. Just make sure you give your landlord proper notice and check your contract for any penalties.

Step 8: Prepare your finances

Once you’ve looked into the cost of living in your destination country, it’s time to think about your budget and how much you’ll need to get started. You don’t need to be wealthy to move abroad, but you do need to have some financial buffer. At a minimum, you’ll need enough to cover known expenses like your visa application fee, plane ticket, housing deposits, and the first few months of living costs.

Most visas also require you to show proof that you can support yourself financially. This means you’ll need to provide bank statements or savings records when you apply. Some visas give you a clear threshold. For example, Portugal’s digital nomad visa requires proof of personal savings—at least €10,000 if you’re applying alone, or €21,000 for a family of four—in addition to your remote work contract.

It’s also a good idea to have extra savings set aside for unexpected costs. You might need to pay for a last-minute travel, buy furniture, or cover medical bills before you’re eligible for the local healthcare system. Even setting up internet service or public transit cards can add up.

Some people move with €10,000, others with €30,000 or more—it really depends on your situation and where you’re going. Try to build a realistic estimate based on your destination’s living costs and the visa requirements, then save some more just in case.

Step 9: Plan your living arrangements abroad

Now is the time to think about which city or neighbourhood you want to live in. You’ll also want to decide if you’d prefer to live alone or with a roommate. This will depend on your personal situation, your budget, and how long you plan to stay.

Sharing a flat can help lower your rent and utility costs and can also give you a built-in support system during your first few months. You can always move into your own place later on once you’re settled.

Rental prices vary a lot depending on the country and the city. For example, rent in Berlin or Amsterdam can be €1,000 or more, while smaller cities in Portugal or Spain might be around €700. Relocate.me has detailed country guides where you can compare housing prices across counties like France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands. You’ll likely be asked to pay a deposit and a few months’ rent in advance, so factor that into your budget.

Step 10: Start packing and downsizing

Moving abroad means deciding what to take and what to leave behind. Go through your belongings and decide what to sell, donate, pack, or store. Give yourself time to do this, as it often takes longer than expected. Also, this is the part where moving to Europe really starts to feel tangible, and it can be an emotional experience to start packing your things.

Think practically about what’s worth shipping and what might be better to repurchase once you arrive. Relocation companies can help you plan this out. Some even assist with things like opening a local bank account or enrolling children in school. You can find recommendations for these services on Relocate.me.

Step 11: Gather all your important documents

This step might seem obvious, but a lot of people still end up leaving it until the last minute, especially with so many other things going on. Make a checklist of the essential documents: passport, visa, diplomas, medical records, driving licence, insurance, and anything else you might need. Print a few hard copies, and also scan everything and store it in the cloud. Taking care of this early can save you stress later.

Step 12: Research your banking options

You’ll probably want to keep your home bank account, especially if you still have bills to pay or direct deposits tied to it. But opening a local or digital account in Europe will help with everyday things like paying rent, receiving your salary, or signing up for local services.

A lot of newcomers start with digital services such as Wise or Revolut even before moving to Europe. These are quick to open, don’t usually require proof of address, and let you send or receive money in different currencies with better exchange rates than traditional banks.

Just keep in mind that online accounts can sometimes come with restrictions. Some people have had their accounts with providers like N26 closed without much explanation, which meant they couldn’t access their money for a while. This doesn’t happen often, but it’s a reminder not to put all your funds in one place. Having a backup option, like Wise, can help if anything changes suddenly.

As for local banks like Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank, many expats find them unnecessarily complicated, as they require in-person appointments, lots of paperwork, and local proof of address. Unless you need specific services like a mortgage or local loan later on, it’s usually easier to skip them in the early stages.

Step 13: Set up a Power of Attorney (if needed)

If you think you’ll need to take care of any legal or financial matters back home after moving to Europe, it might be wise to set up a Power of Attorney. This allows someone you trust, like a parent or close friend, to act on your behalf if you can’t be there in person. It can be helpful if, for example, you need to close a bank account, manage property, or deal with paperwork back home while you’re living abroad.

Step 14: Understand healthcare and insurance options

If you’are moving to Europe for a couple of months or years, your current health insurance likely won't cover you abroad. In the first few months, its a good idea to have international health insurance—or at least comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage. This helps you avoid unexpected bills if anything happens during the early stages of your move.

Health insurance is mandatory in many European countries, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Once you’re settled, and depending on your visa or residence status, you may be required to register in the public healthcare system, buy private health coverage, or use a combination of both. In France and Germany, for example, many expats use public healthcare alongside private “top-up” insurance to cover extras.

Step 15: Start learning the local language

If you’re moving to a country where English isn’t the main language, learning some basics of the local language before you go can really help. Even a few words and expressions can make a difference. Apps like Duolingo or YouTube videos are very good to get started. Later on, you might want to take an in-person course to continue learning. Many cities offer affordable language classes through community centres, so definitely check that out once you’re there.

Step 16: Join expat groups and forums

Once you’ve started planning your move, it’s a good idea to join some online expat communities—especially on Facebook and Reddit. You’ll find communities for nearly every country, city, and topic, often filled with people who have already gone through the same move you’re about to make.

Many members share firsthand experiences, offer grounded advice, and answer questions that might not be easy to find elsewhere. They’re also one of the best places to find up-to-date insight into day-to-day life in your destination. You might even come across job or housing leads, tips on local services, or recommendations for mobile plans. And beyond all the useful information, these groups can help you make your first social connections before you arrive.

Step 17: Research education and family support options

If you’re moving with kids, it’s best to start looking into schools early on. In many cases, the school you choose will influence where you end up living, so it makes sense to inquire about both at the same time.

Some cities have international schools that teach in English or offer bilingual programs, while others follow the local curriculum. Each comes with different teaching styles, fees, and admissions processes, so give yourself time to compare. You can use International Schools Database to get a first idea of what’s available in your destination.

If your children are younger, check what childcare options are available too. Public childcare is often more affordable but can have waiting lists. It helps to ask other parents or check local expat forums to see what they recommend on this matter.

Step 18: Plan your travel dates and itinerary

When you book your flight, it helps to have a rough timeline of when you plan to arrive and leave the European Union. Some visa applications ask for your flight itinerary, and in some cases, showing a return or onward ticket can improve your chances of approval. You don’t need to book the most expensive flight, but you should have a general plan laid out.

Step 19: Sort out your phone number

At some point early on, you’ll need to decide what to do with your phone number. Do you want to keep your number from back home, get a local number, or use both?

Keeping your original number can help if you still need it for things like two-step verification, especially for banking or accounts tied to that number. But for daily life in your new country, having a local number usually makes everything easier. You’ll probably need it to make appointments, sign up for services, or just to stay in touch with people there.

If your phone supports eSIM or has space for two SIM cards, then you will be able to keep both numbers without much struggle. Once you arrive, buying a local SIM card is usually simple and cheap.

Moving to Europe, Step 20: Register with local authorities after arrival

Once you arrive in your new European country, you’ll likely need to register your address with the local municipality. This is often required to get your residence card, open a bank account, or sign a rental lease. It usually involves showing your passport, visa or residence permit, and proof of address.

In Germany, this is known as Anmeldung; in the Netherlands, it’s registering with the gemeente. Some countries will also give you a national ID number at this point, which you’ll use for taxes, healthcare, and public services.

Depending on your visa type, you might also need to complete a separate immigration step after arrival. For example, in France, long-stay visa holders must validate their visa online within three months. In Portugal, some visas require you to attend a residency appointment with AIMA. Check what applies to your situation so you can take care of both processes in time.

Talk with an immigration expert and make moving to Europe easier

There’s a lot to figure out when you’re moving to Europe: visas and job options, healthcare, taxes, and all the small rules that change from country to country. And since things keep updating over time, it’s important you always double-check the latest information before you go. If you’re feeling unsure about anything, talking to a relocation expert can help you get clarity on your options. We can connect you right away. They can walk you through the steps, explain what applies to your situation, and save you time and money along the way.