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I just moved abroad — what do I do first?

Q: I just moved abroad — what do I do first?

The first-month checklist, in the order it has to happen. The complete first-month checklist, in the order it has to happen.

The first-month checklist, in the order it has to happen.

Every country's first-month steps on this page

Secure an address you can register: Most registrations need a proof of address: a lease, a landlord's letter or a utility bill. A short-term place is fine if it allows registration — ask before signing.
Register your address: Tell the town hall (or the local registry) where you live — many next steps ask for this proof.
Sort out your residence permit: Follow the steps your visa or permit requires after arrival — some visas must be activated or exchanged for a card.
Get your tax or ID number: Employers, banks and phone contracts ask for it.
Get a local SIM: A prepaid SIM on day one; a contract once you have an address and an ID number.
Open a bank account: For salary, rent and bills — with your address and ID number.
Get health cover: Join the public system where you can, or keep private insurance until you're in.
Register with a doctor: Before you need one — waiting lists can be long.
Enrol your children in school: Schools ask for address proof, vaccination records and past school reports.
Register your pet with a local vet: Keep its vaccination records; some countries require a local registration.
Exchange your driving licence: Your foreign licence works only for a limited time as a resident.
Check where you pay tax now: Moving can make you a tax resident — tell your old and new tax offices.
Put your renewals in one place: Permit, passport and licence renewals — before they catch you out.
Watch for newcomer scams: Fake landlords asking for deposits before a viewing, “visa agents”, and calls pretending to be immigration.

Germany — Register your address (Anmeldung) (14 days): Within 2 weeks of moving in, at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt), with your passport and the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Your tax ID then arrives by post. https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/120686/
Austria — Register your address (Meldezettel) (3 days): Within 3 days of moving in, at the registration office. https://www.oesterreich.gv.at
Netherlands — Register with the municipality (5 days): Within 5 days of arrival if you'll stay more than 4 months — you get your citizen service number (BSN) there. https://www.government.nl
Japan — Register your address at the city office (14 days): Within 14 days of settling in, with your residence card (or passport). Health insurance and pension enrolment are usually done at the same visit. Late: a fine of up to ¥200,000; no address for 90 days can cost your status. https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001450969.pdf
France — Validate your long-stay visa (VLS-TS) online (90 days): Within 3 months of arrival on the ANEF website — with your visa, arrival date, French address and a bank card for the tax stamp. Without it, your visa stops counting as a residence permit. https://administration-etrangers-en-france.interieur.gouv.fr
Italy — Apply for your permit of stay (permesso di soggiorno) (8 working days): Within 8 working days of arrival: take the kit from a post office, send it there, and keep the receipt — it's your proof of legal stay until the card is ready. https://www.unibocconi.it/sites/default/files/media/attachments/permesso_di_soggiorno_2023.pdf
Spain — Apply for your foreigner card (TIE) (30 days): Within a month of arrival if you entered on a long-stay visa — book the appointment early. Register at the town hall (empadronamiento) too. https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
United Kingdom — Set up your eVisa (UKVI account) (7 days): Your immigration status is online: create the account and link your passport so you can prove your right to work and rent. https://www.gov.uk/evisa
United Kingdom — Apply for a National Insurance number (14 days): Needed to work and pay tax correctly — apply online. https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
United Kingdom — Register with a GP (30 days): Registration is free and you don't need proof of address or immigration status. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
United States — Apply for a Social Security number (14 days): If you're allowed to work — wait a few days after arrival so your entry record is in the system. If you move again, tell USCIS within 10 days. https://www.ssa.gov/number-card
Canada — Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) (7 days): Needed to work and get benefits. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html
Australia — Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) (7 days): Give it to your employer and bank to avoid higher tax withholding. https://www.ato.gov.au
New Zealand — Apply for an IRD number (7 days): Needed to be taxed at the right rate. https://www.ird.govt.nz
Philippines — Get your ACR I-Card before day 59 (59 days): Staying past 59 days means an extension and an ACR I-Card at the Bureau of Immigration — banks and the LTO ask for it too. Every January–March, file the annual report. https://e-services.immigration.gov.ph
Philippines — Get a TIN if you'll work or run a business (30 days): From the BIR — banks may ask for it too. https://www.bir.gov.ph
Thailand — Make sure your landlord files the TM30 (1 days): Within 24 hours of your arrival — immigration asks for the receipt at every 90-day report and extension. Own the condo? File it yourself. Your first 90-day report falls 90 days after arrival. https://www.forvismazars.com/th/en/insights/doing-business-in-thailand/legal/notification-of-place-of-residence-form-tm30
South Korea — Register for your residence card (ARC) (90 days): Within 90 days of entry at the immigration office — book through HiKorea. https://www.hikorea.go.kr
Taiwan — Apply for your resident certificate (ARC) (15 days): Within 15 days of entry if you came on a resident visa. https://www.immigration.gov.tw
Mexico — Exchange your visa for a resident card (30 days): Within 30 days of arrival at the immigration institute (INM). https://www.gob.mx/inm
India — Register with the FRRO (14 days): Within 14 days of arrival if your visa is for more than 180 days — online through the e-FRRO portal. https://indianfrro.gov.in
China — Register your address with the police (1 days): Within 24 hours of arrival — hotels do it for you; in a private home, go to the local police station. https://en.nia.gov.cn
China — Apply for your residence permit (30 days): Within 30 days of entry if you came on a work or long-stay visa. https://en.nia.gov.cn
Brazil — Register with the Federal Police (CRNM) (90 days): Within 90 days of arrival — you get your national migration registration card. https://www.gov.br/pf
United Arab Emirates — Complete your residence visa (30 days): Medical test, biometrics and the Emirates ID through the ICP — most other steps wait for the Emirates ID. https://icp.gov.ae

As an EU citizen moving inside the EU you need no visa or permit — if you stay over 3 months, some countries ask you to register as a resident at the town hall.

23I just moved abroad — what do I do first?

I just moved abroad — what do I do first?