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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

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."

• 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.