Before you leave
Legalise and translate civil-status documents, diplomas and driving licences. Request police clearance certificates while you are still in the country.
Arrange temporary accommodation for the first four to eight weeks — most permanent leases require a local address and bank account you do not yet have.
The first month
Register your address with the local authority (Anmeldung in Germany, empadronamiento in Spain, residenza in Italy). Almost everything else depends on this.
Then: national identity or social security number, bank account, health insurance registration, residence-permit card appointment, and a local phone number.
Housing
Landlords typically ask for a work contract, three payslips or proof of funds, a deposit of one to three months' rent, and sometimes a local guarantor.
Use official municipal housing portals and established platforms; deposit fraud on informal listings is common, and no legitimate landlord asks for money before a viewing or a signed contract.
If you are applying from Morocco, North Africa, Africa or the Middle East
- Shipping household goods from North Africa is often more expensive than replacing them locally — check customs allowances for returning residents and new residents separately.
- Diaspora associations in France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Canada and the Gulf are practical sources of housing leads and guarantor advice.
- Keep certified copies of every Arabic or French document with its sworn translation; you will be asked for them repeatedly in the first year.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I open a bank account before arriving?
- Sometimes, with online banks that accept a foreign address. A traditional account usually requires local registration.
- How much money should I have on arrival?
- Plan for three months of living costs plus the rental deposit — commonly €4,000–€8,000 in Western Europe.
Not sure which route fits you?
Answer a few questions and we will point you to the work, study or immigration guides that match your situation.
