130+ expert answers to the most common questions about moving to Europe: EU bureaucracy, residence registration, work permits, healthcare and banking.
MoveToEU is a free, independent bureaucracy navigator built for anyone planning to relocate to or within Europe. It covers all 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (EEA), Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Moldova — 34 countries in total.
The platform serves three audiences: EU citizens exercising free movement; non-EU nationals applying for residence permits and work authorisations; and HR or relocation managers handling employee transfers. Whether you need a registration checklist, an official government form, a translation tool, or a comparison of relocation service providers, MoveToEU consolidates it all in one place.
MoveToEU is not a law firm, a government body, or a paid consultancy. All content is sourced from official government and EU Commission portals and is updated regularly.
Yes, completely. Every country guide, official form, translation tool, relocation checklist, and comparison table on MoveToEU is free with no paywall and no account required. There are no premium tiers and no subscription fees.
MoveToEU is sustained by optional affiliate partnerships with vetted relocation service providers (such as Wise, SafetyWing, Flatio, and MyBaggage), which are always clearly disclosed. When you use an affiliate link and make a purchase, MoveToEU may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
No. MoveToEU requires no registration and no account. All country guides, forms, the translation tool, and the service comparison are accessible immediately without providing any personal information.
The Workflow Builder allows you to build and save a personalised relocation checklist. This data is stored locally in your browser and does not require an account. If you clear your browser storage or switch devices, the checklist will not carry over.
MoveToEU does not collect or store personal data beyond the minimum required to deliver the service. The platform has no user accounts, does not ask for names or email addresses, and does not track individuals across sessions. Any data entered into the Workflow Builder is stored locally in your own browser and is never transmitted to MoveToEU servers.
Standard server-side analytics (anonymised page view data) are used to understand which guides and tools are most useful. MoveToEU does not sell personal data to third parties.
MoveToEU covers 34 countries: all 27 EU member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden), the three EEA non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), Switzerland, and three additional destinations: the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Moldova.
Each country has a dedicated guide covering mandatory and recommended registration steps, with deadlines, fees, official links, and consequences of non-compliance.
MoveToEU guides are reviewed and updated on a rolling basis, with priority given to countries that undergo frequent regulatory changes. Each guide references the official government source so you can always verify the current rules directly.
Registration deadlines, fee amounts, and procedural steps occasionally change at the national level without EU-wide notice. If you spot information that appears outdated, the page allows you to flag it directly.
No. MoveToEU is a private, independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the European Union, the European Commission, any EU member state government, or any national immigration authority.
The information on MoveToEU is sourced exclusively from publicly available official portals such as europa.eu and national government websites. Always verify important procedural details directly with the relevant national authority before acting.
Yes. MoveToEU is fully responsive and designed to work on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. All country guides, the translation tool, the Workflow Builder, and the service comparison pages are accessible and usable on mobile without any loss of functionality. Adding MoveToEU to your home screen via your browser's "Add to Home Screen" option gives you quick access.
MoveToEU's interface and all country guide content are written in English. The integrated Translation Tool supports over 30 European languages for document translation assistance. Interface language switching is available via the Language button in the top navigation bar.
Yes. HR teams, relocation managers, and mobility professionals frequently use MoveToEU as a reference when preparing employees for international assignments within Europe. The country guides provide clear, structured overviews of each country's mandatory registration steps, deadlines, and required documents.
The Workflow Builder can generate a personalised checklist for a specific country and employee type, which can be shared with the employee or incorporated into an onboarding pack.
The single most important first step is residence registration — declaring your address to the local municipal authority. This one action unlocks almost everything else: your tax ID is sent to your registered address, your employer needs it for payroll, your bank may require it to open an account, and healthcare registration often depends on it.
The exact deadline varies by country: Germany requires Anmeldung within 14 days, Belgium within 8 working days, Poland within 30 days, and Italy within 20 days for EU citizens. Missing these deadlines can result in fines.
Residence registration is the act of officially recording your home address with the local municipal authority. It is legally required in most EU countries and is the administrative foundation of your life in the new country. Without it, you are effectively invisible to the state.
Practically, your tax ID is mailed to your registered address (Germany, Netherlands), your employer needs proof of registration for payroll, banks require it to open an account, and your children cannot be enrolled in public school without it.
No. EU citizens have the right of free movement under EU Treaty law and Directive 2004/38/EC and do not require a visa to live, work, or study in any other EU member state. The same right applies to EEA nationals (Icelanders, Liechtensteiners, Norwegians) and Swiss nationals under bilateral agreements.
However, "no visa" does not mean "no bureaucracy." EU citizens who intend to stay for more than three months are required to register their residence with the local authority. Failure to comply can result in fines even though there is no visa requirement.
The exact documents depend on the country, but most residence registration procedures require: a valid passport or national ID card; a rental contract or landlord confirmation letter proving you have a fixed address (in Germany, this is the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung); and for non-EU citizens, additional documents such as an employment contract, proof of sufficient funds, or a student enrolment certificate.
In some countries (France, Portugal), a utility bill or sworn declaration suffices as proof of address. In others (Netherlands, Belgium), a home visit by a municipal official is part of the process.
Deadlines vary significantly by country:
The consequences vary by country but are rarely trivial. Administrative fines are the most common outcome: Germany can fine up to EUR 1,000; Belgium up to EUR 200; Poland up to PLN 500; Italy up to EUR 100 for non-EU citizens.
Beyond financial penalties, the practical consequences are often more significant. Without registration you cannot open a bank account, enroll in health insurance, obtain your tax ID, or register your children in school. In Germany, employers withhold the maximum tax rate (approximately 42%) until the Anmeldung is completed and the Tax ID is issued.
A registration certificate confirms that you have registered your address with the local authority. It is a relatively quick administrative document that records your presence. EU citizens in most countries receive this type of document. It does not grant the right to stay — it records an existing right.
A residence permit is a formal authorisation that grants a non-EU national the right to reside in a country. It involves a more involved application process, review by the immigration authority, and conditions that must be satisfied. EU citizens do not need residence permits within the EU.
For EU citizens, Directive 2004/38/EC generally allows stays of up to three months in another member state without registration. However, Germany is a notable exception — Anmeldung is required regardless of intended duration, even for short stays, if you establish a habitual address there.
For non-EU nationals, the three-month rule applies to the Schengen visa-free period (90 days in any 180-day period). Staying beyond this without a residence permit is a violation of immigration law in all EU member states.
Legally, no. Employers in most EU countries are required to verify that their employees are registered before processing payroll and social security contributions. Without residence registration, your employer cannot obtain your tax ID, cannot correctly register social security contributions, and may be exposed to compliance risk.
In Germany you are taxed at the maximum rate (Steuerklasse 6) until your Tax ID is provided; in the Netherlands your employer cannot legally start your BSN-based payroll without BRP registration.
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or criminal record check) for use in another country party to the Hague Convention of 1961.
Within the EU, apostilles are frequently required when submitting foreign public documents to national authorities. Importantly, EU Regulation 2016/1191 abolished the apostille requirement for most public documents exchanged between EU member states — so if both countries are EU members, an apostille may no longer be needed. Always confirm the current requirement with the receiving authority.
No. EU citizens have the right to work in any EU member state without a work permit under the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). This right of free movement for workers is one of the four fundamental freedoms of the EU. The same applies to EEA nationals and Swiss nationals.
However, you still need to comply with national registration requirements: Spain needs an NIE number before you can be legally employed; Germany needs Anmeldung so your Tax ID can be issued; the Netherlands requires BRP registration before payroll. These are administrative prerequisites, not work permits.
A tax identification number (TIN) is a unique personal number used by your employer, bank, and the tax authority to link your income to your tax record. Every EU country has its own version: Germany's Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer (IdNr), Spain's NIE or NIF, Italy's Codice Fiscale, Portugal's NIF, the Netherlands' BSN, France's Numero Fiscal, Poland's NIP, and Ireland's PPS number.
How you obtain it depends on the country. In Germany it is issued automatically by post 2-4 weeks after Anmeldung. In Portugal, the NIF is issued same-day at any Financas office for EUR 10.20. In Italy, the Codice Fiscale is issued immediately at the Agenzia delle Entrate.
For employees, social security registration is almost always handled by your employer. When your employer registers you on payroll, they simultaneously notify the national social security authority. You do not need to apply separately as an employee.
For self-employed individuals, you must register directly with the social insurance authority before starting any activity. In Spain, autonomos must register with RETA; in Italy, the self-employed must open a Partita IVA and register with INPS; in the Netherlands, freelancers must register with the KVK (Chamber of Commerce).
Yes. EU citizens have the right to establish themselves as self-employed in any EU member state. Non-EU nationals can also be self-employed, but their residence permit must specifically permit self-employment.
The registration process varies significantly. France has the micro-entrepreneur regime at URSSAF; Portugal requires opening an Atividade Aberta with the Tax Authority; the Netherlands requires KVK registration; Spain requires RETA enrollment. Social contributions for the self-employed are generally higher than the employee share, since you pay both the employer and employee portions.
The A1 certificate is an EU social security coordination document that proves which country's social security legislation applies to you. It is primarily relevant for workers who work across multiple EU countries simultaneously, or who are posted temporarily by their employer to work in another member state.
If you are a permanently employed worker who moves to a new EU country and works there full-time, you generally do not need an A1 certificate. You need one if you work in more than one EU country at the same time, or if your employer posts you temporarily abroad while keeping you on the home country's payroll.
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit designed to attract highly skilled non-EU workers to the European Union. Introduced by EU Directive 2009/50/EC and reformed by Directive 2021/1883, it offers a fast-track to long-term residence rights and is accepted across 26 EU member states (Denmark has an opt-out).
To qualify, you generally need a higher education qualification, a valid employment contract for at least 6 months, and a salary meeting the national threshold (typically 1.0x to 1.6x the average gross annual salary). Blue Card holders can bring family members immediately and switch to another EU member state after 12 months.
EU Regulation 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems protects pension rights across EU member states. You cannot physically transfer pension contributions from one country to another, but your contribution periods in multiple EU countries are aggregated when calculating your entitlement.
When you retire, each EU country where you worked and contributed pays its portion of your pension directly to you. You do not need to choose one country. It is advisable to track your contribution records across countries carefully.
A trade license (also called a business registration) is a formal authorisation to operate a commercial or trade business. In Germany, this is the Gewerbeanmeldung at the local Gewerbeamt, required for all commercial activities. In Poland, self-employed persons register via CEIDG (free, online). In the Netherlands, all businesses must register with the KVK.
Some countries distinguish between commercial trades (requiring a trade license) and liberal professions (lawyers, doctors, accountants) who register differently. In Germany, Freiberufler in recognised liberal professions are exempt from Gewerbeanmeldung and register directly with the Finanzamt.
Article 45 TFEU guarantees EU citizens the right to move freely to another member state to seek and take up employment, and to remain there after employment ends. This right cannot be restricted by the host state based on nationality — you must be treated the same as nationals in terms of pay, working conditions, access to social benefits, and union rights.
Freedom of movement also extends to your family members, regardless of their nationality. The main condition for retaining the right to reside beyond three months is that you are working, self-employed, a student, or have sufficient resources.
A social insurance number is a unique personal identifier used to track your social insurance contributions (pension, healthcare, unemployment) across your working life. Each EU country has its own version: Germany uses the Sozialversicherungsnummer; Spain uses the Numero de Afiliacion a la Seguridad Social; France has the Numero de Securite Sociale; Ireland uses the PPS number; Sweden uses the Personnummer for both tax and social insurance.
For employees, this number is typically issued automatically once your employer registers you on payroll. Keep a record of your social insurance number in every country you work in.
Access to a country's national healthcare system requires formal enrollment, usually triggered by residence registration and/or employment. In Germany, employees are automatically enrolled in a statutory health insurance fund (GKV) when they start work. In France, CPAM registration must be completed independently and takes 4-12 weeks. In the Netherlands, every resident must independently choose a private insurer within 4 months of becoming a resident (monthly premium approximately EUR 130-180). In Sweden, you must actively contact Forsakringskassan after receiving your Personnummer — it is not automatic.
The EHIC entitles you to state-provided healthcare in EU and EEA countries on the same terms as nationals during a temporary stay. It covers medically necessary treatment that cannot wait until you return home — not routine care, planned treatment, or repatriation.
Critically, the EHIC is a temporary coverage card for travel, not a substitute for enrollment in your new country's health system. Once you become a resident in a new EU country, you must enroll in that country's health insurance system.
It depends on your employment status and the transition period. For employed workers in most EU countries, enrollment in the statutory health insurance system covers you adequately. Private or expat health insurance is useful during the gap between arrival and formal enrollment in the public system (which can take weeks to months), or if you are self-employed and cannot immediately enroll in the public system.
The process varies significantly. Germany: your employer enrolls you in a GKV fund on your first day of work. France: apply at ameli.fr or visit a local CPAM office for a Carte Vitale. Netherlands: choose a private insurer from the regulated Zorgverzekeringswet system within 4 months. Italy: visit your local ASL after residence registration. Spain: register at your local Centro de Salud after empadronamiento. Sweden: contact Forsakringskassan actively after receiving your Personnummer. See individual for full instructions.
Health insurance is mandatory in virtually all EU countries for residents. In Germany, health insurance is legally mandatory. In the Netherlands, every resident is required by law to hold a basic Zorgverzekering policy within 4 months of residency. In Belgium, registration with a mutualite is compulsory within 3 months of starting work.
Countries with universal tax-funded systems (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark) do not impose a "buy a policy" obligation, but you must register with the public health authority as a resident to access services.
There is often a coverage gap between leaving your home country's health insurance system and completing enrollment in the new country's system. This gap can last from a few days to several weeks. During this period, your EHIC card from your home country should provide emergency cover, but routine care may not be covered.
To bridge this gap: keep your EHIC active until your new country enrollment is confirmed; consider a short-term expat health insurance policy; and prioritise health insurance enrollment immediately after residence registration.
Iceland operates a universal state-funded health system. New residents must register with the National Registry (Thjodskra) and obtain a Kennitala (personal ID number) before accessing the public health system. A waiting period of 6 months applies before full entitlement to reimbursed care begins.
During this 6-month waiting period, residents are required to have private health insurance coverage. This makes Iceland a particularly strong use case for expat insurance products during the transition period.
The Dutch healthcare system is privately operated but universally mandatory and tightly regulated by law. Every resident must hold a basisverzekering (basic health insurance policy) from one of the regulated private health insurers. The contents of the basic package are fixed by law. You must enroll within 4 months of becoming a Dutch resident.
Lower-income residents can apply for a zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) via the Belastingdienst to reduce the monthly premium cost. The GP (huisarts) is the gatekeeper to all specialist care in the Netherlands — you cannot self-refer to a specialist without a GP referral.
Yes, but each family member typically needs to be registered individually with the relevant health authority. In contributory systems (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium), dependent family members are covered as co-insured under your policy up to certain conditions. In Germany's GKV, a non-working spouse and children under 25 in full-time education are covered as Familienversicherung at no extra premium. In the Netherlands, children under 18 are automatically covered at no additional cost.
A social security number links you to all the social protection systems of your country of residence: pension contributions, healthcare entitlement, unemployment insurance, sick pay, parental leave, and disability benefits. It is also used by employers to register payroll contributions and by tax authorities to cross-reference income declarations.
The number persists for your entire working life, even across borders. In some countries it doubles as a universal personal identifier: Ireland's PPS number covers Revenue (tax), the HSE (health), social welfare, and bank account opening. France's Numero de Securite Sociale is printed on your Carte Vitale health card. Sweden's Personnummer covers everything from banking to prescription refills. In Germany, the Sozialversicherungsnummer and the Steuer-ID are two separate numbers — both required for employment, but for different purposes.
Note: For personalised social security advice, consult a qualified professional in your destination country.
The documents most frequently required in certified translation when relocating to the EU are: birth certificates; marriage or civil partnership certificates; criminal record certificates; educational diplomas and professional qualifications; medical records and vaccination certificates; and driving licence documentation.
Any document issued in a non-EU language that you submit to a government authority will require a certified translation. Some countries (Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain) are particularly strict; others (Ireland, Sweden for English-speakers) accept English-language documents without translation.
A certified translation is accompanied by a signed declaration from a qualified translator attesting that the translation is accurate and complete. In some countries, government authorities additionally require a sworn translator — one officially authorised by a court or public authority (Germany's vereidigter Ubersetzer, Spain's Traductor Jurado, France's traducteur assermente). A sworn translation carries legal weight in official proceedings.
A regular or machine translation has no such declaration and is not accepted by government authorities for official submissions. For visa applications, residence permit submissions, and civil registry documents, always use a certified or sworn translation.
In most cases, yes — if the birth certificate is in a non-EU language or in any language not understood by the receiving authority. Germany's Standesamt requires sworn translations for all foreign birth certificates. Spain's Registro Civil requires a sworn translation by a Traductor Jurado. Italy's Comune requires a certified translation for foreign birth certificates used in civil registrations.
Important exception: EU Regulation 2016/1191 introduced multilingual standard forms for birth, death, and marriage certificates, which do not require translation when exchanged between EU member states. Ask your home country's civil registry for the multilingual standard form to potentially avoid translation costs.
A certified copy is a photocopy certified as a true copy by an authorised person — typically a solicitor, notary, bank manager, or government official. It confirms that the copy matches the original that was presented. Most EU government authorities will accept certified copies for routine administrative procedures.
A notarised copy is certified specifically by a notary public. Notarisation is a stronger form of verification, required for property transactions, power of attorney documents, and high-value legal submissions. In Germany, Poland, France, and Italy, notaries play a particularly prominent role.
An apostille is obtained from a designated competent authority in the country that issued the document. The Hague Conference on Private International Law maintains a public directory of competent authorities for all 124 contracting states. Common competent authorities include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Supreme Court, or the relevant ministry depending on the document type.
The process typically takes 1-5 working days and costs EUR 5-50 depending on the country. Remember: within the EU, apostilles are not required for public documents exchanged between EU member states under Regulation 2016/1191 — check this first before incurring apostille costs unnecessarily.
No. The is an orientation and comprehension aid, not a certified translation service. It uses AI-assisted translation to help you understand the content of foreign-language documents — for example, to understand what a German registration form asks before you go to the Burgeramt.
Government authorities, courts, notaries, and employers require certified or sworn translations for official submissions. The Translation Tool is not a substitute for this. For official translations, MoveToEU recommends using professional certified translation services such as Rushtranslate or Translayte.
Certified translation costs vary by language pair, document length, urgency, and provider. For standard EU relocation documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal record extract), certified translation typically costs EUR 40-120 per document from professional online services. Sworn translations by court-appointed translators tend to cost EUR 60-200 per document. Rush services (24-48 hours) carry a premium of 30-100% above standard rates.
Criminal record certificates are required as standard for non-EU residence permit applications in most EU countries. For EU citizens, the requirement varies: Germany does not require it for standard Anmeldung, but it is required for certain professional licences. Spain requires it as part of the long-term residency application. Poland requires it for the Karta Pobytu application.
Countries where it is consistently required for non-EU residence permit applications include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Czechia, and Austria. The certificate must usually be no more than 3-6 months old and accompanied by a certified translation if issued in a non-EU language.
For civil registry documents (birth, marriage, death certificates), most countries issue two types: a full certificate containing all details including annotations, corrections, and marginal notes; and an extract that provides a summary of the key facts without the full history.
Government authorities for immigration and civil registration purposes almost always require a full certificate or an extended copy, not a simple extract. For a school enrollment or routine identification, an extract is usually sufficient. If in doubt, request the full certificate — it is always accepted in place of an extract, but not vice versa.
The supports all 24 official EU languages (including German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Romanian, Czech, Hungarian, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, and Greek) as well as major non-EU European languages including Norwegian, Icelandic, Ukrainian, Russian, and Turkish. The tool is best suited for understanding the general meaning of bureaucratic documents, forms, and correspondence.
Yes. Under EU Directive 2004/38/EC, the non-EU spouse of an EU citizen exercising their right of free movement has the right to join them in the host EU member state, regardless of the spouse's nationality.
Your non-EU spouse will need to apply for a Residence Card for Family Members of EU Citizens. The processing time is typically 3-6 months and requires proof of the EU citizen's registration, proof of the marital relationship, passport copies, and potentially proof of sufficient resources.
EU free movement (Directive 2004/38/EC) applies when an EU citizen moves to another EU member state and brings their family. The right is strong, relatively automatic, and the family member cannot be refused unless there are serious grounds of public policy, security, or public health.
Family reunification (Directive 2003/86/EC) applies when a non-EU national who holds a residence permit wants to bring their family. This is a more restrictive process: the non-EU sponsor must typically have held a permit for at least 12 months, have a stable income, and have adequate housing.
Yes, in most EU countries children must be registered individually at the same address as the parents, even if they are minors. In Germany, minors are included in the Anmeldung at the same appointment. In Belgium and the Netherlands, each child requires individual registration. In Spain, children are included in the empadronamiento registration together with parents.
Children's registration is important for school enrollment in public schools, healthcare card issuance, and child benefit applications. You will need each child's birth certificate and their passport or ID card.
School enrollment in the EU is generally the responsibility of the local municipality or regional education authority. The prerequisite in almost all countries is completed residence registration — you cannot enroll in a local school without a registered address in the catchment area.
Standard documents required: proof of residence registration; child's birth certificate with certified translation if required; vaccination records; previous school records; and passport or ID. In Germany, school enrollment is compulsory (Schulpflicht) and must be completed within weeks of establishing residence.
For the EU family member residence card application, your non-EU spouse will typically need: a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity; the original marriage certificate with a certified translation and apostille if required; passport-style photos; proof that you (the EU citizen) are registered as a resident in the host country; and proof of the EU citizen's employment or sufficient resources. Some countries additionally require health insurance proof.
Directive 2004/38/EC requires EU member states to "facilitate entry and residence" of an EU citizen's "durable partner" with whom they have a durable relationship, even if not married. However, unlike spouses (for whom entry must be granted), member states have discretion on how they define "durable" and what evidence they require.
In practice, most EU countries will accept evidence of cohabitation for at least 2 years, a joint bank account, shared utility bills, or an official registration as partners.
Processing times vary enormously by country and type of application. For the EU family member residence card (EU citizen sponsor): Germany typically processes within 6-10 weeks; the Netherlands within 90 days by law; Spain within 3 months; France 4-6 months; Ireland 6-9 months in practice.
For non-EU national family reunification applications (non-EU sponsor): Belgium has a target of 9 months but often takes 12-18 months; Germany takes 3-12 months; the Netherlands 3-6 months; France 4-9 months.
If your partner is an EU citizen, no — they have an independent right to work in any EU country under free movement rules. If your partner is a non-EU national and holds an EU family member residence card, the card itself gives them the right to work in the host country without a separate work permit.
Under Directive 2004/38/EC, dependent direct relatives in the ascending line (parents, grandparents) of an EU citizen have the right to join the EU citizen, provided they are genuinely dependent. The key word is "dependent" — financial or physical dependence must be demonstrated through bank transfer records showing regular support payments, medical certificates confirming care needs, and a statutory declaration.
EU Directive 2004/38/EC defines two categories. Article 2 family members (strong right to accompany/join): the spouse; the registered partner if the host member state treats registered partnerships as equivalent to marriage; direct descendants (children, grandchildren) under 21 or dependent; and dependent direct relatives in the ascending line.
Article 3(2) family members (host state must facilitate entry, but has discretion): any other dependent family member; the durable partner (unmarried partner in a durable relationship). Article 3(2) family members have a weaker right.
Bank account opening requirements typically require: passport or national ID; proof of address (residence registration certificate, rental contract, or recent utility bill); a tax identification number (mandatory in Portugal and Italy); and sometimes an employment contract. Opening a local bank account early is important because most employers pay salaries only to local IBAN accounts.
Until your local account is operational, use a multi-currency account such as Wise to receive your salary and make local payments. Wise provides a European IBAN in various currencies and can be opened before you move.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a UK-regulated financial services company that offers multi-currency accounts and international money transfers at the real mid-market exchange rate with a small transparent fee, rather than the inflated rates charged by traditional banks.
For expats, Wise is particularly valuable: during the transition before your local bank account is open, Wise provides a European IBAN that employers and landlords can use immediately. For sending money internationally, Wise's fees are typically 70-90% lower than a traditional bank wire transfer.
Yes. Wise provides an EUR IBAN (and IBANs in GBP, PLN, SEK, and other currencies) that functions like a regular bank account number for receiving salary payments and SEPA transfers. However, some employers' payroll systems specifically require an IBAN from a licensed bank. This is more common in Germany (some employers require a deutsches Konto) and France. If your employer has concerns, maintain a local bank account alongside your Wise account.
Tax residency determines which country has the primary right to tax your worldwide income. Most EU countries use a 183-day rule as a primary test: if you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in a country, you are considered tax resident there. However, many countries also apply the "centre of vital interests" test (where your family, home, and primary economic activity are) which can establish tax residency even with fewer than 183 days.
Once you take up full-time employment and register your residence in an EU country, you will almost certainly be considered tax resident there by the end of your first full calendar year.
Note: Tax residency rules are complex and country-specific. This is general information only — consult a qualified tax adviser for your personal situation.
Generally not, if you have properly established tax residency in your new country and notified your previous country. The EU countries have bilateral Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) that prevent the same income from being taxed twice. Once you are tax resident in Country B, Country A can generally only tax income that specifically arises there (e.g. rental income from a property you still own there).
However, in your year of departure, you may need to file a final tax return in both countries. The USA is a notable exception — American citizens must file US tax returns regardless of where they live.
Note: Double taxation rules vary by country pair and individual circumstance. Always consult a qualified tax adviser before acting.
The BSN (Burgerservicenummer) is the Dutch citizen service number — a unique 9-digit personal identifier used for all interactions with the Dutch government, including tax, healthcare, employment, and banking. It is issued automatically when you register in the BRP at your municipality. You cannot legally work in the Netherlands without a BSN.
After completing BRP registration, your BSN is issued immediately during the appointment. You will need your BSN to register with a GP, choose a health insurer, submit your first tax return, and open most Dutch bank accounts.
MitID is Denmark's national digital identity system (replacing NemID in 2022). It is a secure digital authentication solution used to access virtually all Danish public and private digital services: online banking, tax filings (SKAT), e-Boks (government inbox), and healthcare appointments.
To obtain MitID, you must first have a CPR number (Denmark's civil registration number). With your CPR number, you then activate MitID via the Borgerservice or online at mitid.dk. Without MitID you cannot access Denmark's extensive e-government infrastructure.
You can technically keep your home country bank account open, but it is generally impractical as your primary account. Most employers will only pay salary to a local IBAN account; many landlords require local direct debit (SEPA) for rent; and utility companies are often set up for local bank accounts. Using a foreign card for day-to-day expenses also incurs currency conversion fees.
The practical solution is to open a local bank account as quickly as possible and keep your home account for international transfers and any income or commitments you maintain at home.
Traditional banks add a margin of 2-5% to the mid-market exchange rate on international transfers. Wise charges a small transparent percentage fee (typically 0.35-2%) with no hidden exchange rate markup. For large transfers (buying property, moving substantial savings), dedicated FX specialists such as OFX or Currencies Direct offer competitive bulk rates and rate-lock options.
A multi-currency account allows you to hold, send, and receive money in multiple currencies within a single account, converting between them at the real exchange rate without needing separate accounts in each currency. It is provided by fintech companies such as Wise and Revolut.
For expats, a multi-currency account is particularly useful when you earn in one currency but have commitments in another; when waiting for your local bank account to open; or when you frequently travel between countries. For most people in the first 1-3 months of relocation, a Wise account alongside a developing local bank account is the most practical setup.
In most EU countries, yes — a fixed, verifiable address is required to complete residence registration. A rental contract (lease agreement) is the most commonly accepted proof of address, supported in Germany by the mandatory Wohnungsgeberbestatigung (landlord confirmation letter).
The key challenge for new arrivals is the chicken-and-egg problem: you need an address to register, and you need registration to access almost everything else. Mid-term rental solutions that offer a proper lease (rather than just a hotel booking) are important at the start of a relocation.
In most EU countries, hotels and short-term tourist accommodations such as Airbnb cannot be used as a registration address, because they do not provide the lease contract or landlord confirmation letter that authorities require. Germany's Anmeldung specifically requires a Wohnungsgeberbestatigung signed by the landlord, which Airbnb hosts are unlikely to provide.
If you are arriving without permanent housing, prioritise finding a mid-term rental with a proper contract. Platforms like Flatio specialise in furnished mid-term rentals (1-12 months) with proper legal contracts.
A mid-term rental is a furnished apartment let for a period of 1-12 months under a proper legal lease agreement. It occupies the gap between short-term tourist accommodation (Airbnb, hotel) and long-term unfurnished rentals (12+ months). Mid-term rentals are designed for people in transition: international employees awaiting long-term housing, or expats who need a legal address before signing a permanent lease.
The key difference from Airbnb is the legal contract: mid-term rental platforms provide a proper tenancy agreement required for residence registration. Prices are higher per month than long-term unfurnished rentals but substantially lower than equivalent hotel rates for the same duration.
The Wohnungsgeberbestatigung (WGB) is a mandatory written confirmation from your landlord or property owner that you live at their property, required by German law (Bundesmeldegesetz Section 19) to complete your Anmeldung at the Burgeramt. Without it, the registration office will refuse to process your registration. Landlords are legally obligated to provide it within two weeks of your moving in, and refusing to do so is a fineable offence.
The WGB must contain: your name; the property address; the date you moved in; the landlord's name, address, and signature; and confirmation that you live there. It is not an official government form — any signed written statement with these details is valid. A template is available in the section. If your landlord refuses, you can report this to the Meldebehorde who can compel compliance.
Without the WGB you cannot complete Anmeldung, and without Anmeldung you cannot receive your Tax ID or open a bank account.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone that allows you to activate a mobile data plan without needing a physical SIM card. It is particularly useful for expats because you can activate a local data plan the moment you land — before you have a local address, bank account, or even visited a mobile phone shop.
eSIMs from providers like Saily, MobiMatter, and Holafly allow you to buy data packages for specific countries or the whole of Europe. Most modern smartphones (iPhone XS and later, most 2020+ Android flagships) support eSIM.
For relocating within the EU, the main options are: renting a removal van for larger moves; using a removal company for a full-service move; or shipping individual items via parcel or pallet services. For luggage and boxes, specialist luggage shipping services such as MyBaggage offer door-to-door shipping at 50-70% below standard courier rates for large or heavy items.
MyBaggage is particularly useful when you are flying to your new country and airline baggage fees make excess luggage prohibitively expensive, or when you are shipping personal items that exceed airline baggage allowances.
Finding housing remotely in a European city is genuinely challenging. The most effective approach is a two-stage strategy: first, book a mid-term rental for your initial 2-3 months (via Flatio or similar platforms) to give you a legal contract for registration and a stable base for apartment viewings. Second, use local platforms once you are registered: Immobilienscout24 and Immowelt for Germany; Idealista and Fotocasa for Spain; Funda for the Netherlands; Seloger for France; Daft.ie for Ireland.
In some countries yes. If you own the property, your title deed suffices. If you are staying with a friend or family member, many countries (France, Spain, Portugal) accept a signed declaration from that person stating that you live there, accompanied by their ID and a utility bill in their name.
In Germany, even if staying with a friend, the landlord (whoever holds the rental contract) must sign the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung. In Italy, a sworn declaration (dichiarazione sostitutiva) by the owner is accepted. Without any of these, registration may be refused.
For utilities, the process depends on whether the previous tenant had active contracts and whether you are taking them over or starting new ones. In many European countries, utilities are set up as a condition of the rental contract. You will typically need: your registered address; your local tax ID number; your bank account IBAN; and your passport or ID. Broadband internet typically requires 2-4 weeks lead time for installation.
Council tax is a UK-specific local government charge levied on residential properties to fund local services. It is not replicated directly elsewhere in the EU, though most EU countries have analogous local property or residence taxes. In Germany, residents pay Rundfunkbeitrag (public broadcasting, EUR 18.36/month per household). In France, property owners pay Taxe fonciere. In most cases, these taxes are charged to property owners rather than renters, or are relatively low.
The Anmeldung (official residence registration) is legally required for everyone who establishes a primary or secondary residence in Germany, regardless of nationality. It must be completed within 14 days of moving into a new address, at the local Burgeramt (Citizens' Office).
You will need: a valid passport or national ID card; the completed Anmeldeformular; and the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung (landlord confirmation letter). Appointments are booked online at the relevant city portal — in Berlin and Munich, slots can be 4-8 weeks out, so book immediately upon arrival. Your Steuer-ID (Tax ID) will be posted to your registered address within 2-4 weeks.
The NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero) is Spain's foreign identity number, required for all official transactions: opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, paying taxes, and being employed. EU citizens who plan to stay more than 90 days must also obtain a Certificado de Registro, which also carries an NIE number.
To obtain an NIE or Green Certificate: book an appointment (Cita Previa) at the nearest National Police Station; complete form EX-18 (EU citizens) or EX-15 (non-EU NIE); bring your passport plus a copy; pay the Tasa fee (approximately EUR 12) using form 790 at a Spanish bank. Processing is usually same-day.
The Codice Fiscale is Italy's tax identification code — a 16-character alphanumeric code derived from your name, date of birth, and birthplace. It is required for virtually every interaction with Italian authorities: employment contracts, bank account opening, healthcare enrollment, and utility registration.
It is issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate at any of their offices with just your passport — no appointment is needed and it is issued same-day at no cost.
The Personnummer is Sweden's personal identity number — a 10-digit number in the format YYMMDD-XXXX used as a universal identifier for all interactions with Swedish public and private services. It is required for healthcare access, tax filing, bank account opening, mobile phone contracts, and pharmacies.
To obtain a Personnummer, you must register at the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) via Folkbokforing (population registration). Requirements: you must be staying in Sweden for more than 12 months and have a fixed address. The process takes 1-4 weeks after your application is processed.
The PPS (Personal Public Service) number is Ireland's personal identifier used across all government services: Revenue (tax), Department of Social Protection, and HSE (healthcare). It is a 7-digit number followed by one or two letters.
To obtain a PPS number, apply in person at your local Intreo Centre with: a valid passport or national ID; proof of address in Ireland (utility bill, bank statement, or landlord letter within the last 3 months); a completed form REG1; and evidence of why you need the number (employment letter, etc.). The PPS number is issued on the day in most cases.
The NIF (Numero de Identificacao Fiscal) is Portugal's 9-digit tax identification number, essential for employment, bank account opening, renting property, and healthcare. You can walk into any Financas (tax office) or Loja do Cidadao (Citizen Shop) with your passport and leave 15 minutes later with a paper NIF certificate. The cost is EUR 10.20 and no appointment is needed.
Non-EU nationals applying for a NIF before arriving in Portugal or without a fixed address need a Portuguese fiscal representative. Once you have a Portuguese address, you can update the NIF to remove the fiscal representative requirement.
In France, the equivalent of residence registration is the inscription sur les listes electorales (electoral roll registration) at your local mairie (town hall), plus the accumulation of proof-of-address documents. Unlike Germany or Belgium, France does not have a single mandatory registration form for all new arrivals. Instead, you establish administrative presence through: a rental contract, utility bills, a bank statement, or an attestation de domicile (declaration of residence).
Registering at the mairie is important for EU citizens wishing to vote in local elections and is a prerequisite for enrolling children in public school and accessing certain public services. The key administrative step is CPAM (health insurance) enrollment via ameli.fr, which triggers issuance of your Carte Vitale. For employment, obtain a Numero Fiscal from the Direction Generale des Finances Publiques at impots.gouv.fr. See the for the full sequence.
The Kennitala is Iceland's national identification number — a 10-digit code assigned to all residents by Thjodskra Islands (the National Registry). It is required for employment, bank account opening, healthcare, and almost all government services.
EEA citizens need to register within 3 months of arriving if they intend to stay more than 3 months. Documents required: passport; rental contract or proof of address in Iceland; employment contract or proof of sufficient resources. Remember that a 6-month waiting period applies before you have full access to Iceland's state healthcare system — private health insurance is strongly recommended during this period.
The CPR number (Det Centrale Personregister number) is Denmark's civil registration number — a 10-digit code (DDMMYY-XXXX) used as a universal personal identifier across all Danish public and private services: tax (SKAT), healthcare, banking, and MitID (digital identity). Without a CPR number, you cannot function administratively in Denmark.
To obtain a CPR number, register at your local Borgerservice with: valid passport or national ID; proof of Danish address; and evidence that you meet the conditions for free movement (employment contract, study enrollment, or proof of sufficient resources).
The Netherlands has a well-defined sequence of mandatory registrations that must be completed in order. The first priority is BRP registration (Basisregistratie Personen) at your municipality — required within 5 days of establishing a fixed address. This gives you your BSN (citizen service number), which is required for everything that follows.
With your BSN in hand: choose a health insurer (mandatory within 4 months); apply for zorgtoeslag at Belastingdienst if your income qualifies; register with a huisarts (GP); register your children at the local school if applicable; and notify the Belastingdienst of your new Dutch address using DigiD.
EU citizens exercising free movement have a broad set of legally protected rights under Directive 2004/38/EC. The core rights include: the right to reside for up to three months without conditions; the right to reside beyond three months if working, self-employed, studying, or having sufficient resources; equal treatment with nationals in employment, pay, and working conditions; access to social benefits on the same terms as nationals after five years; the right to vote and stand in local elections; and the right to permanent residence after five years of legal and continuous residence.
Nationality is your citizenship of a specific country — e.g., German, French, Italian. EU citizenship is derivative: every person who holds the nationality of an EU member state automatically holds EU citizenship, which confers additional rights including free movement.
Residency is a factual and legal status based on where you actually live. You can be a German national living and registered in Spain — you remain a German citizen while being a Spanish resident. Residency determines which country's laws and social services apply to you in most day-to-day matters.
Yes. EU citizens residing in another EU member state have the right to vote and stand as candidates in both local municipal elections and European Parliament elections in their country of residence, under the same conditions as nationals.
To exercise this right, you must be registered as a voter in your host country. The registration process varies: in some countries it is automatic upon residence registration; in others (France, Germany, Belgium) you must actively request registration on the electoral roll. You generally cannot vote in national parliamentary elections in the host country unless you naturalise.
Since 1 January 2021, UK nationals are third-country (non-EU) nationals for EU immigration purposes. They no longer benefit from EU free movement rights and must comply with the same immigration rules as any other non-EU national when moving to an EU country. This means obtaining a national visa and/or residence permit in each EU country individually.
The one major exception is Ireland: the Common Travel Area (CTA) between the UK and Ireland is maintained post-Brexit, so UK citizens can continue to live and work in Ireland freely. For all other EU countries, UK nationals should consult the specific embassy or consulate of their target country well in advance.
In theory, yes — but the grounds are narrow and subject to due process protections. Under EU Directive 2004/38/EC, an EU citizen's right to reside can be restricted on grounds of public policy, public security, or public health. However, these measures must be proportionate, based on the personal conduct of the individual, and not for economic reasons.
The right to reside can also be lost if you become an unreasonable burden on the social assistance system during the first five years of residence. After five years of legal continuous residence, you acquire a right of permanent residence that is much harder to remove.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission requirement for nationals of countries who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK (including EU nationals). It costs GBP 10, is valid for multiple trips over 2 years (or until passport expiry if sooner), and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. It is applied for via the UK ETA app or online and is linked to your passport electronically.
The ETA is only for short-term visits and does not grant the right to work or live in the UK. The requirement for EU nationals was fully implemented from January 2025.
Habitual residence is a factual concept in EU social security law (Regulation 883/2004) that determines where a person is considered to have their centre of life for social insurance purposes. It goes beyond having a registered address — it considers where you actually live on a stable and regular basis, the duration and continuity of residence, your employment situation, and your family and social ties.
Habitual residence matters because EU social security coordination rules use it to determine which country is responsible for your social insurance benefits, particularly when you work across borders or have recently moved.
If you are an EU citizen and your residence registration or residence card application is refused, you have several avenues. First, request the refusal in writing with reasons. Second, appeal the decision through the administrative appeal process (Widerspruch in Germany, recours gracieux in France, recurso de alzada in Spain). Third, if the administrative appeal is unsuccessful, challenge the decision in the national administrative courts.
In parallel, you can submit a complaint to SOLVIT (ec.europa.eu/solvit), the EU's free informal problem-solving service for cross-border rights violations. SOLVIT has a 10-week resolution target.
Note: This is general guidance only and not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer for your specific situation.
A grace period is a defined window of time after a visa or residence permit expires during which you may legally remain in the country while a renewal application is pending. Grace periods are not universal — they depend on the specific visa type, country, and whether you have filed a timely renewal application before expiry.
In most EU countries, if you submit a residence permit renewal application before the permit expires, you are granted a legal stay until the application is decided. The key principle: always apply for renewal well in advance of expiry (most countries recommend 3 months before) and keep documentary proof of your pending application.
For EU citizens exercising free movement, the right of permanent residence is acquired after five years of legal, continuous residence in the host member state, under Directive 2004/38/EC, Article 16. "Continuous" means uninterrupted, though temporary absences (under 6 months per year) do not break continuity. Permanent residence significantly strengthens your position and gives access to most social benefits on equal terms with nationals.
For non-EU nationals, Germany's Niederlassungserlaubnis can be applied for after 5 years (or 33 months for Blue Card holders with B1 German language skills). The Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain all grant permanent residence after 5 years. Naturalisation typically requires 5-10 years of legal residence plus language skills and integration requirements.
The Workflow Builder generates a personalised, ordered relocation checklist based on your specific situation: your destination country, your nationality (EU vs. non-EU), whether you are bringing family members, your employment type, and whether you have arranged housing. It then produces a step-by-step action plan with mandatory steps first, recommended steps second, and optional enhancements last — each with estimated timelines, required documents, and official links.
The Workflow Builder stores your checklist locally in your browser. You can mark steps as complete, add your own notes, and revisit the list at any time without an account.
The is an AI-assisted orientation tool that helps you understand the content of foreign-language bureaucratic documents, government forms, and official correspondence. It supports all 24 official EU languages plus Norwegian, Icelandic, Ukrainian, Turkish, and other European languages.
Important scope limitation: the Translation Tool is for comprehension and orientation only, not for certified or sworn translation. Output from the tool cannot be submitted to government authorities, courts, or employers as an official translation.
Be cautious with any online tool, including ours. If a document contains sensitive personal data such as your IBAN, passport number or national ID, consider removing it first with a tool like PrivacyPromptAI, which strips personal information entirely in your browser before you paste or share the document anywhere.
The section of MoveToEU provides a country-by-country database of official forms, registration templates, and document checklists for all 34 covered countries. Each form is linked to the official government source so you are always downloading the current, authorised version.
Forms available include: residence registration forms; landlord confirmation templates (Wohnungsgeberbestatigung Germany); tax registration forms; health insurance enrollment applications; and social security registration requests.
Yes, where the form is a direct link to or a clean reproduction of an official government form. MoveToEU links forms directly to official government sources wherever possible. Template documents such as the Wohnungsgeberbestatigung (not a government form but a standardised private document) can be used directly.
Always verify that the form you download is the current version before submitting. The form pages on MoveToEU show the last-verified date. For critical submissions, download the form directly from the official government website on the day you intend to submit.
The uses AI to help you understand and navigate foreign-language bureaucratic documents. It is fast, free, and good for comprehension. It produces no signed declaration, carries no legal weight, and cannot be submitted to any official authority.
A certified translation is produced by a qualified human translator who signs a declaration of accuracy. Both certified and sworn translations have legal weight and are accepted by immigration authorities, courts, employers, and notaries.
Yes. The Workflow Builder automatically saves your checklist progress in your browser's local storage. As long as you return to MoveToEU on the same device and browser, your checklist (including completed steps and notes) will be waiting for you. You do not need an account for this to work.
If you clear your browser's cookies and local storage, your checklist will be lost. To prevent this, use the PDF export function to save a snapshot of your checklist before clearing browser data or switching devices.
Use the Language button in the top-right corner of the navigation bar on any page. This opens the language selection menu. Currently, English is the primary interface language, with additional interface languages being added progressively. The Translation Tool within the platform supports all 24 EU official languages and major non-EU European languages for document translation purposes.
Since MoveToEU stores all your data locally in your browser's local storage rather than on MoveToEU servers, you can delete it at any time by clearing your browser's site data for movetoeu.eu. In Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data → filter for movetoeu.eu. The Settings page within MoveToEU also includes a "Clear local data" option.
There is no dedicated MoveToEU app in the App Store or Google Play. However, MoveToEU is a Progressive Web App (PWA), meaning you can install it on your home screen from any browser for a near-native app experience. On iOS, open MoveToEU in Safari, tap the Share button, and select "Add to Home Screen." On Android, open in Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Add to Home Screen" or "Install App." A dedicated native app is planned for future development.
MoveToEU actively welcomes corrections from users who have first-hand experience of the relocation process. If you encounter incorrect, outdated, or missing information, please use the to send the specific correction with a link to the official source confirming the updated information. Reports are reviewed and incorporated into the relevant guide, typically within 1-5 working days.
Anmeldung (residence registration) — mandatory within 14 days:
Following Anmeldung, for employment:
Penalty for late registration: up to EUR 1,000.
France does not have a single mandatory residence registration window, but several key administrative steps must be completed promptly:
CPAM enrollment (health insurance) — apply as soon as possible:
Tax registration — required before first tax filing:
For non-EU nationals additionally: Long-stay visa before arrival, OFII procedure within 3 months, Carte de Sejour application at the Prefecture.
Empadronamiento (municipal census registration) — at the local Ayuntamiento:
NIE / EU Registration Certificate — for stays over 90 days:
Codice Fiscale — first step, at Agenzia delle Entrate (free, same-day): passport or national ID only — no appointment needed.
Residency registration (Iscrizione anagrafica) — at the Comune, within 20 days for EU citizens:
For non-EU nationals additionally: Permesso di Soggiorno application at the Post Office within 8 days. Penalty for late non-EU registration: up to EUR 100.
BRP registration — at municipality, within 5 days of fixed address:
The BSN is issued at the same appointment.
After BRP, in priority order:
Penalty for non-enrollment in health insurance: automatic enrollment by CAK at higher premium plus a fine.
NIF (tax number) — first step, at Financas or Loja do Cidadao (EUR 10.20, same-day):
EU Residence Registration Certificate — at AIMA, within 90 days for EU citizens:
Commune registration — mandatory within 8 working days of establishing residence:
After registration, a municipal official visits your address to verify residence. An E-card (EU registration certificate) is then issued to EU citizens, valid for 5 years. Health insurance with a mutualite is mandatory within 3 months of starting work. Penalty for late registration: up to EUR 200.
Ireland is relatively straightforward for EU citizens — there is no mandatory residence registration requirement for EU/EEA nationals.
PPS Number — at Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:
For non-EEA nationals: IRP registration required within 90 days of arrival.
Folkbokforing (population registration) — at Skatteverket, required for stays over 12 months:
The Personnummer is issued 1-4 weeks after the application is processed. EU citizens staying fewer than 12 months can obtain a samordningsnummer for limited administrative purposes.
Zameldowanie (residence registration) — at local Urzad Gminy/Miasta, within 30 days:
PESEL number: EU citizens staying more than 3 months can apply for a PESEL number at the same appointment. It is required for banking, tax, and healthcare.
Penalty for late registration: up to PLN 500.
SafetyWing is a Norwegian insurtech company that offers two health insurance products: Nomad Insurance Essential (travel medical insurance on a subscription basis) and Nomad Insurance Complete (comprehensive expat health insurance).
For people relocating to Europe, SafetyWing is particularly useful during the gap period between leaving your home country's health system and completing enrollment in your new country's national health insurance. Nomad Essential starts from around USD 56/month for adults under 39 and covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, repatriation, and some outpatient care.
SafetyWing Nomad Essential covers: emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation up to USD 250,000 per policy period; emergency dental treatment up to USD 1,000; medical evacuation and repatriation; personal liability up to USD 25,000; and accidental death and dismemberment.
Important limitations: it does not cover pre-existing conditions, routine checkups, preventive care, or maternity care on Essential. The product is best understood as emergency and acute care coverage, not comprehensive primary healthcare.
Nomad Essential is a travel medical insurance product for short-to-medium-term coverage during relocation transitions. It covers emergency and acute care, hospitalisation, evacuation, and accidental dental — but not routine care, preventive screenings, or maternity. Pricing starts from around USD 56/month for adults under 39 with no minimum commitment.
Nomad Complete is a comprehensive expat health insurance product for people settling abroad long-term. It includes routine outpatient care, preventive screenings, maternity care (after a 10-month waiting period), mental health treatment, and prescription medications. Premiums are significantly higher (typically 2-3x Essential rates).
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is a UK-regulated financial technology company authorised by the FCA. It is not a bank in the traditional sense — it does not hold a banking licence in most jurisdictions and does not offer credit or overdrafts. Instead, it specialises in international money transfers and multi-currency accounts.
The key difference from a bank: Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate for all currency conversions, charging a small transparent fee (typically 0.35-2%) rather than a hidden exchange rate margin. Traditional banks typically add 2-5% to the exchange rate. Wise holds customer funds in safeguarded accounts but these are not covered by EU Deposit Guarantee Schemes.
Many expats use Wise as their primary account for 1-6 months while their local bank account is being established. The Wise EUR IBAN works for SEPA transfers, salary receipt (in most cases), and everyday spending via the Wise Mastercard debit card.
However, there are practical limitations: some German employers specifically require a German (IBAN starting DE) bank account for payroll; Wise accounts are not covered by the EU's EUR 100,000 Deposit Guarantee Scheme; and credit history does not build through Wise. The optimal approach is to open a local bank account as quickly as possible and use Wise as a parallel account for international transfers.
Flatio is a mid-term rental platform operating across 300+ cities in Europe, specifically designed for stays of 1-12 months. The critical difference from Airbnb for expats is the legal contract: every Flatio booking comes with a proper tenancy agreement between the tenant and landlord. This contract is suitable for official address registration in most EU countries.
There are no agency fees charged to tenants, utilities and internet are typically included, and all apartments are furnished. Prices are higher per month than equivalent unfurnished long-term rentals but 30-60% cheaper than equivalent hotel stays of the same duration.
MyBaggage is a luggage and excess baggage shipping service that collects your bags, boxes, or suitcases from your home address and delivers them door-to-door to your destination anywhere in Europe. It is designed for students, expats, and travellers who want to avoid airline excess baggage fees.
Typical costs: a standard 20kg suitcase shipped from the UK to Germany typically costs GBP 25-45 with MyBaggage, compared to GBP 60-100+ for the same bag as airline excess baggage. Transit times are typically 2-5 working days within Europe.
MoveToEU recommends two specialist certified translation services: Rushtranslate and Translayte. Both specialise in EU relocation documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, educational diplomas, driving licences, and official correspondence.
Rushtranslate is known for fast turnaround (24-48 hours) starting from approximately EUR 49-69 per document with full certification. Translayte offers similar services from EUR 55-89 per standard document. Note: neither provides sworn translations for Spanish jurado or Italian giurato purposes — for those, a locally appointed sworn translator is needed.
MoveToEU recommends three eSIM data providers: Saily, MobiMatter, and Holafly. Saily (by the makers of NordVPN) offers EU-wide and country-specific data plans with a clean, easy-to-use app and strong privacy credentials. MobiMatter aggregates eSIM plans from multiple operators, letting you compare and purchase country-specific or EU-wide data plans at competitive prices — activation is instant via QR code and plans can be purchased before you land.
Holafly specialises in unlimited data plans for 200+ destinations worldwide, with no data caps or top-ups required. It is particularly suited to expats and long-term travellers who want a worry-free connection without monitoring their data usage. All three providers support instant QR code activation and require an eSIM-compatible device.
Yes, fully and proactively. MoveToEU has affiliate partnerships with a small number of vetted relocation service providers: Wise, SafetyWing, Flatio, MyBaggage, Rushtranslate, Translayte, Mobimatter, Saily, Holafly, and Feather. When you use an affiliate link from MoveToEU to purchase or subscribe to one of these services, MoveToEU may receive a small commission from the provider at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are clearly marked throughout the site.
These partnerships do not affect the information provided on MoveToEU, which is sourced independently from official government and EU Commission portals. MoveToEU does not accept paid placement or payment to promote products in guides or FAQs. If a service is recommended, it is because MoveToEU has independently evaluated it as genuinely useful for expats. If you have concerns, use the to raise them.
Feather is a Berlin-based digital insurance broker that specialises in providing English-language insurance for expats living in Germany. It operates as a regulated insurance broker and offers products through partnerships with licensed German insurance companies. Products include: private liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung, strongly recommended for all German residents, from around EUR 40-80/year); household contents insurance; legal protection insurance; and supplementary health insurance add-ons for dentistry and specialist care beyond GKV statutory cover.
For expats in Germany, Feather is notable because it provides fully English-language service — application, documentation, and claims — at a time when most German insurance providers operate exclusively in German. Coverage levels and pricing are comparable to domestic German insurers. See the page for Feather's full product range.
Step-by-step bureaucracy guides for all 34 EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, Ukraine, Moldova & the United Kingdom
The most searched registration steps, permits, and tax IDs for EU/EEA countries