After you move, the first weeks.
The steps that start once you arrive: registering, health cover, money, the car, school and settling in. Some of them have to happen soon after you arrive, so they're listed in the order they come.
The first month after you arrive
- Appointment
Check in to the new home: photos, meter readings and defects
1 day after you arriveDefects you do not record now can be charged to you when you leave.
- Photograph every room
- Record meter readings
- Send the defects list in writing
- When you move abroad
Get a local SIM or eSIM
1 day after you arriveMany forms and banks need a local number.
- Bring your passport
- Check whether the SIM must be registered to your ID
- When you move to a new town
Save emergency numbers and the nearest hospital and pharmacy
3 days after you arriveYou will not want to search for them in an emergency.
- Check the built-in emergency contacts
- Add the nearest hospital and pharmacy to Contacts
- When you move to a new town
Learn the basics: transport, waste rules and local apps
7 days after you arriveSmall rules such as waste sorting and transport tickets cause fines and stress.
- Read the city's newcomer page, or ask the assistant
- Buy a transport pass
- Official step
Register your address
Plan for: about 2 weeks after you arriveMany countries require registration within days of moving in. The certificate unlocks the bank account, tax number and permits.
- Bring passports, the lease and the landlord confirmation
- Register every member of the household
- Scan the certificate into Documents
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Send your new address to friends and family
about 2 weeks after you arriveSo personal post and visits reach you.
- Share the address and your time zone
- When you move abroad
Open a local bank account
7 days after “Register your address”Salary, rent and many contracts need a local account.
- Compare banks that accept newcomers
- Bring your passport and registration certificate
Tip: Most banks need the registration certificate. Until then, keep a working card from home.
Set up salary, rent and standing orders
about 3 weeks after you arriveLate rent is a bad start with a new landlord.
- Give HR the account
- Set up rent and utilities
- ContractWhen you move to a new town
Cancel your home health cover when the new cover starts
Right after “Enrol in local health insurance or the public system”Cancel too early and you are uninsured. Cancel too late and you pay twice.
- Check the notice period
- Send the cancellation with the new start date
- Official stepWhen you move to a new town
Enrol in local health insurance or the public system
Plan for: about 4 weeks after you arriveLocal cover is often required for residents and needed for the residence permit.
- Apply with your address and ID
- Scan the health card when it arrives
Tip: In some countries you enrol before you register. If so, remove the link to registration.
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Get liability and contents insurance
about 4 weeks after you arriveLiability cover is required or expected for tenants and dog owners in some countries.
- Compare a few insurers
- Add the policy to Documents
Pay final bills and cancel direct debits you no longer need
about 4 weeks after you leaveForgotten debits and final bills turn into debt collection at an address you no longer read.
- List all direct debits
- Cancel what you no longer need
- Check the final bills
- Appointment
Receive the delivery and note damage before you sign
about 4 weeks after you arriveDamage noted on the delivery papers is far easier to claim.
- Check box numbers against Boxes
- Write damage on the delivery receipt
- Official step
Register for local levies such as broadcast fee or waste charges
Plan for: about 4 weeks after you arriveSome levies apply automatically to every household and run from the move-in date.
- Check which levies apply, or ask the assistant
- Register and set up payment
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official stepWhen you move to a new town
Register the pet and find a vet
Plan for: about 4 weeks after you arriveSome places require pet registration, a dog tax or liability insurance.
- Register with the local office
- Choose a vet and add them to Contacts
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- When you move abroad
Register with your own embassy or consulate
about 4 weeks after you arriveYour embassy can reach you in an emergency and helps with lost passports.
- Register online
- Official stepIf you move for workIf you work for yourself
Register your business at the destination
Plan for: about 4 weeks after you arriveSelf-employed work usually has to be registered before you invoice.
- Register with the business office and tax office
- Set up invoicing and records
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official step
Turn your entry visa into a residence permit
Plan for: about 4 weeks after you arriveMany entry visas are only for arriving. The permit is what lets you stay, work or study.
- Book the appointment as soon as you know your address
- Bring the documents on the office's list
- Keep any temporary certificate they give you
Tip: Slots are scarce in many cities. Book first, even if the date is weeks away.
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Unpack and check everything arrived
about 4 weeks after you arriveMissing items must be reported within the claims deadline.
- Mark boxes unpacked in Boxes
- Recycle the boxes
Later, once you've settled
- Official stepWhen you move abroad
Get your personal ID or tax number
Plan for: about 3 weeks after “Register your address”Payroll, banks and health insurers ask for it.
- Check whether it is sent automatically or must be requested
- Scan the letter when it arrives
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official stepIf you move for workWhen you move abroad
Give your employer your tax number and bank details
Plan for: 7 days after “Get your personal ID or tax number”Payroll needs a local tax number, social security number and bank account.
- Send the numbers to HR
- Check the first payslip
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official stepIf you rent now
Get your deposit back
Plan for: about 6 weeks after “Hand over the home with photos and meter readings”In many places the landlord must return the deposit, or explain deductions, within a set time.
- Note the official deadline
- Send a reminder with your bank details
- Dispute deductions with your handover photos
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Furnish the home
about 6 weeks after you arriveIn some markets homes come without a kitchen or light fittings.
- Check what the lease includes
- Budget for basics
- When you move to a new town
Register with a family doctor, dentist and paediatrician
about 6 weeks after you arriveWaiting lists are long in many places. Register before you are ill.
- Ask neighbours or colleagues for names
- Add them to Contacts
- Official stepIf you move for workWhen you move abroad
Register for social security
Plan for: about 2 weeks after “Get your personal ID or tax number”Contributions decide health cover and pension rights.
- Check whether your employer registers you
- Keep the number in Documents
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- When you move to a new town
Check in on everyone's wellbeing
about 9 weeks after you arriveHomesickness and culture shock often peak after the first months.
- Plan a family talk
- Keep in touch with home
Check in on how the children are settling
about 9 weeks after you arriveProblems at a new school show up after the first weeks.
- Talk with teachers
- Keep regular calls with old friends
- Official stepWhen you move abroad
Claim child benefit or family allowance
Plan for: about 9 weeks after you arriveMany countries pay families, but only from the claim date or a few months back.
- Apply once you have the tax number
- Stop the payment at home
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- If you move for workWith a new job or a transferWhen you move to a new town
Claim relocation costs from your employer
about 9 weeks after you arriveUnclaimed costs are lost after the policy's deadline.
- Export the tagged costs from Budget
- Submit the claim with receipts
- Contract
File damage claims before the deadline
about 4 weeks after “Receive the delivery and note damage before you sign”Claims after the contract's deadline are refused.
- Send photos and the inventory
- Keep copies of all messages
- When you move abroad
Get the digital government login
about 9 weeks after you arriveMany offices work online only.
- Apply once you have your number
- Save the login securely
- Official stepIf you ship the car or drive it there
Register the car at the destination
Plan for: about 9 weeks after you arrivePlates from another country or state are allowed only for a limited time after you become resident.
- Pass the technical inspection
- Insure the car locally
- Register it and get local plates
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- When you move abroad
Review life and disability cover and beneficiaries
about 9 weeks after you arriveHome policies may not cover you abroad.
- Check each policy's residence rules
- Update beneficiaries
- When you move abroad
Update app store region, streaming and account phone numbers
about 9 weeks after you arriveServices depend on region and phone number.
- Change regions after subscriptions end
- Update phone numbers in key accounts
- Appointment
Collect the residence permit card
about 6 weeks after “Turn your entry visa into a residence permit”The card proves your right to stay when you travel or change jobs.
- Collect it in person if required
- Scan it and set the expiry date
90-day check: mail, address changes, deposit back
about 3 months after you arriveLoose ends show up after three months: missing mail, a deposit not returned, an old bill.
- Check every address change is done
- Check the old deposit is back
- Review the budget against the plan
- When you move abroad
Close home accounts you no longer need
about 3 months after you arriveUnused accounts can carry fees and tax reporting.
- Keep one account and card at home
- Close the rest
- Official stepIf you don't need a visaWhen you move abroad
Get a residence certificate if you need no visa
Plan for: about 3 months after you arriveSome countries ask people with free movement to register as residents after a few months.
- Check whether it applies
- Apply with ID and proof of work, study or funds
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- When you move to a new town
Meet people: neighbours, clubs and groups
about 3 months after you arriveA local network helps with everything from doctors to jobs.
- Join one club or class
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- With family moving with youWhen you move to a new town
Support your partner's job search
about 3 months after you arriveA partner without work is the most common reason moves fail.
- Check work rights
- Use the employer's spouse support if offered
- Official stepIf you drive
Exchange your driving licence or update its address
Plan for: about 5 months after you arriveLicences from another country or state are often valid only for a limited time after you become resident.
- Check whether your licence can be exchanged or you must take a test
- Book the appointment early
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official stepIf you need a visa
Join a language or integration course if your permit requires it
Plan for: about 6 months after you arriveSome permits require a course or test before renewal.
- Check the permit conditions
- Register for a course
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official stepWhen you move abroad
Plan your first tax return in both countries
Plan for: about 6 months after you arriveThe move year often needs a split-year or dual return, and some countries require reports on foreign accounts.
- Note the filing dates in both countries
- Check foreign-account reporting rules
- Keep the move-year papers together
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- When you move abroad
Start building local credit history
about 6 months after you arriveCredit history from home rarely counts, and it affects rentals and phone contracts.
- Get a local card and pay it in full
When it applies to you
Check citizenship rules, including dual citizenship
When it applies to youSome countries require you to give up your old citizenship.
- Check both countries' rules before applying
Check when you can apply for permanent residence
When it applies to youPermanent residence removes renewals and gives more rights.
- Note the qualifying years and conditions
- Official step
File yearly taxes in one or both countries
Plan for: When it applies to youSome citizens must file at home even when living abroad.
- Note both filing dates each year
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
- Official step
Register births and marriages abroad with your home country
Plan for: When it applies to youChildren born abroad may need registering to get your citizenship.
- Check your consulate's deadline
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Renew passports, IDs and licences through your consulate
When it applies to youRenewing from abroad takes longer than at home.
- Keep expiry dates in Documents
- Book consulate appointments early
- Official stepIf you need a visa
Renew your residence permit before it expires
Plan for: When it applies to youRenewal usually opens a few weeks before expiry and slots are scarce.
- Add the permit card in Documents with its expiry date
- Book renewal as soon as it opens
Tip: Reminders follow the expiry date of the permit card in Documents.
The deadline is set by local rules. Read it on the official page and set the date yourself; Rootstep links that page where it has one.
Track days abroad for residence and tax limits
When it applies to youLong absences can break the path to permanent residence and change tax residence.
- Log trips abroad
- Check the limits that apply to you
Let the dates take care of themselves.
Rootstep counts these steps from the day you arrive, and their dates move with your plan if your moving day changes. Try everything free for 9 days; your plan stays free to follow, and one payment keeps you planning.