Moving to another European country: The ultimate checklist
Relocation, housing, healthcare, taxes, vehicles... The complete checklist to ensure a successful move to another European country without missing anything.
Preparing for your move
Moving to another European country is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful preparation. Good organization helps you avoid costly mistakes. Here is a checklist of the key points to address before and after your departure.
- Start preparing your move several months in advance.
- List all priority administrative tasks.
- Keep a written record of every step.
Housing
Find a home before you leave, ideally through a physical visit or by authorizing someone you trust to view it for you. For rentals, prepare a complete application package (proof of income, guarantor). In the meantime, an interim solution (subletting or temporary housing) is often better than staying in a hotel.
- Search for housing before you move.
- Prepare a complete rental application (income proof, guarantor).
- Arrange for temporary housing upon arrival.
Healthcare
Request your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you leave for your initial medical needs. Once settled, register with the local health insurance system. Keep your medical records updated and consider getting supplementary health insurance.
- Get your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before departure.
- Register for local health insurance upon arrival.
- Keep medical records up to date and look into supplementary health insurance.
Taxes and Banking
You become a tax resident of your host country if you live there for more than 6 months per year. Open a local bank account, report your income in the host country, and notify your home country's tax authority of your departure to avoid double taxation.
- Tax residency in the host country after 6 months of living there.
- Open a local bank account.
- Declare your income in your host country.
- Notify your original country's tax authority of your departure.
Vehicles and Schooling
For your vehicle, check the local registration and insurance regulations. For your children, register them in school early and check for degree equivalencies. Plan for the language barrier: taking language classes before you move will make integration much easier.
- Comply with local vehicle registration and insurance requirements.
- Register children for school well in advance.
- Check diploma and degree equivalencies.
- Take language courses before moving to facilitate integration.
Final preparations
Prepare a folder containing all your important documents (passports, birth certificates, contracts, bank statements). Remember to transfer your subscriptions, set up mail forwarding, and notify your insurance provider. A printed checklist is always helpful on the day of your departure.
- Gather a complete document folder: passports, certificates, contracts, and statements.
- Transfer subscriptions and set up mail forwarding.
- Notify your insurer and energy providers.
- Keep a physical checklist for moving day.
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