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Relocating Abroad: Your First 30 Days Checklist
Relocation · 5 min read

Relocating Abroad: Your First 30 Days Checklist

The first month in a new country is a whirlwind. Doing things in the right order saves a surprising amount of stress — many tasks depend on each other, so a little planning goes a long way. Here’s the sequence we recommend to candidates we place.

Week 1 — Get the essentials in place

Your first priority is the paperwork that everything else depends on.

  • Get your local identification or tax number (e.g. NIE in Spain, AFM in Greece, NIF in Portugal)
  • Buy a local SIM card so you have a working phone number
  • Confirm your temporary accommodation and commute to the office

Week 2 — Banking and registration

Once you have your ID number, open a local bank account so your salary can be paid and you can set up direct debits. Register your address with the local authority if your country requires it — this is often needed for healthcare and other services.

Weeks 3–4 — Settle in for the long term

With the basics handled, focus on building a stable base:

  • Start your search for a long-term apartment
  • Register for healthcare and get your social security details from your employer
  • Explore your neighbourhood — transport passes, groceries, and the nearest essentials
  • Begin learning the basics of the local language; it pays off socially and practically

Don’t do it alone

When you take a role through us, much of this is supported — from airport pickup to help with paperwork and apartment hunting. Lean on that support; it’s there to make your move smooth.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first when I arrive?+

Get your local identification or tax number and a local SIM card. Almost everything else — your bank account, your apartment, your phone contract — depends on having these in place.

How long does it take to feel settled abroad?+

Most people have the practical essentials sorted within the first month. Feeling truly at home usually takes a few months, and learning some of the local language speeds it up considerably.

Ready to make the move?

Browse open jobs abroad

We recruit for roles across Europe — most include a full relocation package.