What is MoveToEU and who is it for?

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, Moldova, and Canada — 35 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.

Is MoveToEU free to use?

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.

Do I need to create an account to use MoveToEU?

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.

Does MoveToEU store my personal data?

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.

Which countries does MoveToEU cover?

MoveToEU covers 35 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 four additional destinations: the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Moldova, and Canada. Each country has a dedicated guide covering mandatory and recommended registration steps, with deadlines, fees, official links, and consequences of non-compliance.

How often is the information updated?

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 Contact page allows you to flag it directly.

Is MoveToEU affiliated with any government?

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.

Can I use MoveToEU on my phone?

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.

In which languages is MoveToEU available?

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.

Can HR teams use MoveToEU for their employees?

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.

What is the first thing I should do when I arrive in an EU country?

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 residence registration 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.

What is a residence registration and why does it matter?

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.

Do EU citizens need a visa to live in another EU country?

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.

What documents do I typically need to register my residence?

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 landlord confirmation letter [Wohnungsgeberbestaetigung]); 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.

How long do I have to register after arriving?

Deadlines vary significantly by country: Germany: 14 days Belgium: 8 working days from establishing residence Italy: 20 days for EU citizens; 8 working days for non-EU citizens Poland: 30 days Netherlands: 5 days from establishing a permanent address Spain: 3 months from entry for EU citizens Portugal: 90 days for EU citizens Ireland: No mandatory registration for EU citizens; non-EU must register IRP within 90 days

What happens if I miss the registration deadline?

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 residence registration is completed and the Tax ID is issued.

What is the difference between a residence permit and a registration certificate?

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.

Do I need to register if I am staying less than 3 months?

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 — residence registration 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.

Can I work in an EU country without registering my residence?

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 (tax class 6) until your Tax ID is provided; in the Netherlands your employer cannot legally start your BSN-based payroll without BRP registration.

What is an apostille and when do I need one?

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.

Do I need a work permit as an EU citizen moving to another EU country?

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 residence registration so your Tax ID can be issued; the Netherlands requires BRP registration before payroll. These are administrative prerequisites, not work permits.

What is a tax identification number and how do I get one?

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 tax identification number (IdNr), Spain's NIE or NIF, Italy's tax code, Portugal's NIF, the Netherlands' BSN, France's tax number, 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 residence registration. In Portugal, the NIF is issued same-day at any Tax Office (Financas) for EUR 10.20. In Italy, the tax code is issued immediately at the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate).

How do I register for social security in a new EU country?

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 obtain a VAT number and register with the Italian National Social Security Institute (INPS); in the Netherlands, freelancers must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK).

Can I be self-employed in another EU country?

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 with the French social security contributions agency (URSSAF); Portugal requires opening a self-employment activity with the Tax Authority; the Netherlands requires Chamber of Commerce (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.

What is an A1 certificate (E101) and when do I need one?

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.

What is the EU Blue Card?

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.

Can I transfer my pension if I move between EU countries?

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.

What is a trade license and which countries require it?

A trade license (also called a business registration) is a formal authorisation to operate a commercial or trade business. In Germany, this is the trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) at the local Trade Office (Gewerbeamt), required for all commercial activities. In Poland, self-employed persons register via the Central Register of Business Activity (CEIDG; free, online). In the Netherlands, all businesses must register with the Chamber of Commerce (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 trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) and register directly with the Tax Office (Finanzamt).

How does EU freedom of movement apply to workers?

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.

What is a social insurance number?

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 social security number; Spain uses the social security affiliation number; France has the social security number; Ireland uses the PPS number; Sweden uses the personal identity number 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.

How do I access healthcare in a new EU country?

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, registration with the French Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) 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 the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Forsakringskassan) after receiving your personal identity number — it is not automatic.

What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

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.

Do I need private health insurance when moving to the EU?

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.

How do I enroll in the national health system of my destination country?

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 French Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) office for a French health insurance card (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 Health Centre (Centro de Salud) after municipal census registration. Sweden: contact the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Forsakringskassan) actively after receiving your personal identity number. See individual country guides for full instructions.

Is health insurance mandatory in all EU countries?

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.

What happens to my healthcare coverage during the move?

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.

What is the waiting period for healthcare in Iceland?

Iceland operates a universal state-funded health system. New residents must register with the National Registry (Thjodskra) and obtain a 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.

How does the Dutch mandatory health insurance (zorgverzekering) work?

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 Dutch Tax Authority (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.

Can my family members access healthcare when we relocate?

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.

What is a social security number used for?

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 social security number is printed on your health insurance card (Carte Vitale). Sweden's personal identity number covers everything from banking to prescription refills. In Germany, the social security number and the Tax 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.

Which documents typically need to be translated when moving to the EU?

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.

What is a certified translation and how is it different from a regular 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.

Do I need a certified translator for a birth certificate?

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 Civil Registry Office (Standesamt) requires sworn translations for all foreign birth certificates. Spain's Civil Registry (Registro Civil) requires a sworn translation by a Traductor Jurado. Italy's municipality (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.

What is the difference between a certified copy and a notarised copy?

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.

How do I get an apostille on my documents?

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.

Can I use the MoveToEU Translation Tool for official government submissions?

No. The MoveToEU Translation Tool 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 Citizens' Office (Buergeramt). 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.

How much does a certified translation typically cost?

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.

Which countries require a criminal record certificate when moving there?

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 residence registration, but it is required for certain professional licences. Spain requires it as part of the long-term residency application. Poland requires it for the Polish residence card (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.

What is the difference between a full certificate and an extract?

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.

Which languages does the MoveToEU Translation Tool support?

The Translation Tool 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.

Can my non-EU spouse join me when I move to an EU country?

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.

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MoveToEU - EU/EEA Bureaucracy Navigator

Free step-by-step relocation guides for 35 countries across the EU, EEA, and beyond. Official forms, residence registration, tax numbers, healthcare enrollment and more.

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