The European Expat Pre-Move Master Plan: 90/60/30/7-day checklist, scripts and pitfalls

Published October 6, 2025

Moving countries is a project. Treat it like one. Use the 90/60/30/7 timeline below to avoid last-minute stress and the classic traps that cost time and money.

90 days before — foundation

• Passport validity (≥ 12 months), certified copies, digital scan folder.

• Residence/visa needs (if non-EU family or UK/CH cases). Start appointments now. Check our guide on the new EES border system for travel requirements.

• Money: open a multi-currency account (Wise/Revolut) + keep home bank. Set aside 3 months' living costs. Learn about opening a European bank account.

• Health: request EHIC (if eligible), vaccination records, prescriptions with generic names. Read more about European health insurance.

• Work: request reference letters, contract drafts, salary currency & pay schedule.

60 days — housing & paperwork engine

• Housing scouting: book 2 weeks' temporary stay (apart-hotel/short let). Create a rental dossier PDF: ID, income, savings, employer letter, previous landlord ref. See our complete guide on renting your first home abroad.

• Shipping: compare suitcase shipping vs. small van vs. storage. Photograph valuables.

• Kids/pets: start school document translations; check pet vaccines & microchip rules. If moving with family, read about enrolling children in European schools.

• Tax IDs: research host country ID (e.g., NIF/NIE, Steuer-ID). Prepare notarised copies.

30 days — convert to commitments

• Sign employment offer; confirm start date & probation.

• Book city hall/registration appointments.

• Insurance: travel cover for 60 days + liability insurance quotes in host country.

• Budget: simulate first 3 months (rent, deposit, transport, SIM, groceries).

7 days — final pack & backups

• Two wallets: carry originals + a cloud folder link of all PDFs.

• Cash cushion: €300–€500 for deposits/transport when cards fail.

• SIM strategy: eSIM on arrival + keep home SIM active for 2FA.

• Copies: print 10 passport copies; 4 passport photos.

Scripts you can copy

Employer proof: "To help with housing, could you issue a signed letter confirming my role, gross salary, start date, and permanent contract status?"

Landlord intro: "We're relocating for work on [date]. Attached is our rental dossier (income, references, savings). Happy to pay 3 months upfront if required."

Classic pitfalls (and quick fixes)

• Paying rent before viewing → Fix: video tour + verified agency + escrow.

• Only one bank → Fix: keep home bank + EU e-money account.

• No paper copies → Fix: carry 10 copies; many offices still need them.

• Appointments too late → Fix: book any slot; reschedule locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start?

Three months out is ideal. If you have less time, do 30/7-day blocks ruthlessly.

Digital vs paper copies?

Carry both. Offices still stamp paper; digital keeps you safe if you lose a folder.

Stay updated

For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:

Conclusion: Preparation doesn't remove uncertainty, it shrinks it. With this timeline, you'll arrive focused on opportunities, not firefighting.

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About the author:

Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com

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The European Expat Pre-Move Master Plan: 90/60/30/7-day checklist, scripts and pitfalls

Published October 6, 2025

Moving countries is a project. Treat it like one. Use the 90/60/30/7 timeline below to avoid last-minute stress and the classic traps that cost time and money.

90 days before — foundation

• Passport validity (≥ 12 months), certified copies, digital scan folder.

• Residence/visa needs (if non-EU family or UK/CH cases). Start appointments now. Check our guide on the new EES border system for travel requirements.

• Money: open a multi-currency account (Wise/Revolut) + keep home bank. Set aside 3 months' living costs. Learn about opening a European bank account.

• Health: request EHIC (if eligible), vaccination records, prescriptions with generic names. Read more about European health insurance.

• Work: request reference letters, contract drafts, salary currency & pay schedule.

60 days — housing & paperwork engine

• Shipping: compare suitcase shipping vs. small van vs. storage. Photograph valuables.

• Kids/pets: start school document translations; check pet vaccines & microchip rules. If moving with family, read about enrolling children in European schools.

• Tax IDs: research host country ID (e.g., NIF/NIE, Steuer-ID). Prepare notarised copies.

30 days — convert to commitments

• Sign employment offer; confirm start date & probation.

• Book city hall/registration appointments.

• Insurance: travel cover for 60 days + liability insurance quotes in host country.

• Budget: simulate first 3 months (rent, deposit, transport, SIM, groceries).

7 days — final pack & backups

• Two wallets: carry originals + a cloud folder link of all PDFs.

• Cash cushion: €300–€500 for deposits/transport when cards fail.

• SIM strategy: eSIM on arrival + keep home SIM active for 2FA.

• Copies: print 10 passport copies; 4 passport photos.

Scripts you can copy

Employer proof: "To help with housing, could you issue a signed letter confirming my role, gross salary, start date, and permanent contract status?"

Landlord intro: "We're relocating for work on [date]. Attached is our rental dossier (income, references, savings). Happy to pay 3 months upfront if required."

Classic pitfalls (and quick fixes)

• Paying rent before viewing → Fix: video tour + verified agency + escrow.

• Only one bank → Fix: keep home bank + EU e-money account.

• No paper copies → Fix: carry 10 copies; many offices still need them.

• Appointments too late → Fix: book any slot; reschedule locally.