Your First Weeks in Europe: Essential Checklist
Congratulations on your EU Blue Card! The first few weeks after arriving in Europe are crucial for setting up your new life. This comprehensive moving to Europe checklist will guide you through every essential step, from address registration to opening a bank account.
Before You Arrive: Pre-Departure Preparation
When relocating to EU countries, preparation is key. Before you board your flight, make sure you have these essentials ready:
Pre-Arrival Checklist
Week 1: Immediate Priorities
Your first week when settling in Germany or any EU country focuses on legal requirements and immediate necessities. These tasks should be completed as soon as possible after arrival.
Arrival and Settling In
- Arrive at your temporary accommodation
- Get a local SIM card for mobile phone (available at airports)
- Familiarize yourself with public transportation
- Purchase essential supplies and groceries
- Contact your employer to confirm start date and paperwork needs
Address Registration (Critical)
Address registration is mandatory and must be completed within the first 1-2 weeks in most EU countries. This is your most important administrative task.
Germany (Anmeldung)
- Where: Local Citizens Office (Burgeramt)
- Deadline: Within 14 days of moving in
- Documents: Passport, rental contract, landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestatigung)
- Result: Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
Netherlands (BSN Registration)
- Where: Municipality (Gemeente)
- Deadline: Within 5 days if staying 4+ months
- Documents: Passport, legalized birth certificate, rental contract
- Result: BSN (Burgerservicenummer) - required for everything
France
- Where: Prefecture or town hall (Mairie)
- Deadline: Within 3 months
- Documents: Passport, proof of address (justificatif de domicile)
- Result: Various confirmations for other services
Important
Book your registration appointment online as soon as possible - in major cities like Berlin, Munich, or Amsterdam, slots can fill up weeks in advance!
Start Work and Employer Paperwork
- Begin employment and complete HR paperwork
- Provide your registration certificate to employer
- Choose your health insurance provider (employer will guide you)
- Set up payroll and provide bank details (temporary home account is fine initially)
- Understand your pension and social security enrollment
Week 2: Financial Setup
With registration complete, focus on establishing your financial presence. This is essential for receiving your salary and managing daily expenses.
Open a Bank Account
A local bank account is essential for receiving salary, paying rent, and daily transactions. Most banks require your registration certificate.
Read our complete banking guideHealth Insurance Enrollment
Health insurance is mandatory in the EU. As an employed Blue Card holder, you'll typically be enrolled in the public health system through your employer.
Complete health insurance guideTax Number Registration
You'll need a tax identification number for employment and financial services.
Week 3-4: Settling In
With the critical administrative tasks complete, focus on quality of life improvements and finding permanent housing.
Week 3-4 Checklist
Finding Permanent Housing
Finding an apartment, especially in major cities, can be challenging. Start your search early and be prepared to act quickly.
Popular Search Platforms
Germany: ImmobilienScout24, Immonet, WG-Gesucht (shared flats)
Netherlands: Funda, Pararius, Kamernet
France: SeLoger, Le Bon Coin, PAP
Documents to Prepare
Schufa credit report (Germany), employment contract, recent payslips, ID/passport copy, and sometimes a personal cover letter explaining your situation.
Budget Expectations
Expect to pay 30-40% of net income on rent. Be aware of warm rent (including utilities) vs cold rent. Budget for 2-3 months deposit.
Essential Apps and Services
These digital tools will make your daily life much easier when relocating to EU countries.
Transportation
- DB Navigator - German trains
- NS - Dutch trains
- SNCF Connect - French trains
- Google Maps / Citymapper - Local transit
- Uber / Bolt / FREE NOW - Ride services
Daily Life
- DeepL / Google Translate - Translation
- Lieferando / Thuisbezorgd - Food delivery
- Gorillas / Flink - Quick grocery delivery
- Too Good To Go - Discounted food
- eBay Kleinanzeigen - Second-hand items
Finance
- Your bank's app - Banking
- Wise - International transfers
- PayPal - Online payments
- Splitwise - Expense sharing
Social & Community
- Meetup - Local events and groups
- InterNations - Expat networking
- Facebook Groups - City-specific expat communities
- Tandem / HelloTalk - Language exchange
Country-Specific Tips
Each EU country has unique processes and cultural considerations. Here are specific tips for the most popular Blue Card destinations.
Germany
- Anmeldung is everything: You cannot do anything without registration
- Cash is king: Many shops don't accept cards, always carry cash
- GEZ (TV license): Mandatory fee of EUR 18.36/month per household
- Appointments: Book everything (doctor, Burgeramt) well in advance
- Schufa: Build credit history early, pay bills on time
- Sundays: Most shops are closed, plan grocery shopping accordingly
Netherlands
- BSN is essential: Required for employment, banking, healthcare
- DigiD: Apply early for digital government ID
- 30% ruling: Check if you qualify for tax benefits
- Bikes: Get one immediately - it's the primary transport
- Housing crisis: Finding housing is extremely competitive
- English-friendly: Most Dutch speak excellent English
France
- Carte Vitale: Apply for health card through CPAM
- CAF: Register for potential housing benefits
- French bureaucracy: Be patient, processes take time
- Language: French is essential for daily life outside Paris
- Lunch break: Many offices close 12:00-14:00
- August: Many businesses close, avoid major tasks
Austria
- Meldezettel: Registration within 3 days of moving in
- e-card: Health insurance card arrives after registration
- German: Hochdeutsch with Austrian variations
- ORF fee: Broadcasting fee similar to German GEZ
- Banking: Erste Bank, Raiffeisen are major banks
- Shops close early: Most close at 18:00-19:00, Saturday at 17:00
Complete First Month Timeline
Here's a comprehensive overview of your moving to Europe checklist organized by priority and timing.
Immediate (Days 1-7)
- Address registration (Anmeldung/BSN)
- Local SIM card
- Start employment
- Temporary bank account or use digital bank
Urgent (Days 8-14)
- Local bank account opening
- Health insurance enrollment
- Submit documents to employer
- Public transport card
Important (Days 15-30)
- Tax number confirmation
- Internet/phone contract
- Permanent housing search
- Liability insurance
- Language course enrollment
Ongoing (Month 2+)
- Blue Card pickup (if not issued at embassy)
- Driver's license conversion
- Family reunification (if applicable)
- Integration course
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing Registration Deadlines
Late registration can result in fines (up to EUR 500 in Germany) and complications with other services. Book your appointment before or immediately after arrival.
Not Getting Landlord Confirmation
In Germany, you need a Wohnungsgeberbestatigung from your landlord. Request this immediately when you move in - landlords are legally required to provide it.
Delaying Health Insurance
Don't assume you're covered. Confirm with your employer that enrollment is processed. In the Netherlands, you must arrange your own insurance within 4 months.
Underestimating Housing Market
In cities like Munich, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, finding housing can take months. Start searching early and have documents ready to apply immediately.
Need More Information?
Explore our detailed guides for specific topics or browse country-specific information to make your move as smooth as possible.