In your first weeks in a new country, focus on a few essentials in a sensible order: find out which registration or residence steps apply to you and their deadlines, secure a place to stay, get a local phone number, open a bank account, understand how to access healthcare and insurance, and learn how to get around. Keep copies of your important documents throughout. The rules differ a lot between countries and visa types, so always check the official government sources of the country you are moving to.
Whether you are moving for a job, a degree, a working holiday or retirement, the first weeks can feel like a long list of tasks in a language you may not yet speak. This checklist puts them in a practical order. It is general guidance, not legal or financial advice.
What should you do first after arriving?
Some tasks depend on others. In many countries, for example, you need an address to register, a registration to open a bank account, and a bank account to sign a lease or get paid. Working out this chain early saves a lot of back and forth. A sensible order often looks like this:
- Check your registration and residence obligations. Some countries require newcomers to register their address or apply for a residence permit within a set period after arrival. Find out what applies to your visa or status and note any deadlines.
- Secure accommodation for the first weeks. You need somewhere to stay and, often, an address you can use for official letters.
- Get a local phone number. Banks, landlords and employers will often ask for one.
- Open a bank account. This makes it easier to receive a salary, pay rent and avoid fees on foreign cards.
- Sort out healthcare and insurance. Find out how you can see a doctor before you actually need one.
Use the official websites of the government of your new country, the immigration authority and, if relevant, your employer's or university's international office. Forums and social media groups can be helpful for practical tips, but rules change, so confirm anything important with an official source.
How do you find somewhere to live?
Many newcomers start with short-term accommodation, such as a furnished rental, a serviced apartment or a room in a shared flat, for a few weeks. This gives you time to learn which neighbourhoods suit you before you commit to a long lease. When you look for longer-term housing, keep these points in mind:
- Read the contract carefully. Check the length of the lease, the notice period, what is included in the rent and who pays for repairs and utilities. If the contract is in a language you do not understand well, ask for a translation or help from someone you trust before signing.
- Understand the deposit. Ask how much it is, how it is held and under what conditions it is returned. Some countries have rules about deposits, so check what applies where you live.
- Document the condition. On move-in day, take dated photos of every room and any damage, and share them with the landlord.
- Watch out for scams. Be careful with listings that look too cheap, landlords who cannot show you the property, or requests to pay a deposit before you have seen the place or signed anything.
Bank account, money transfers and a phone number
Opening a local bank account usually requires your passport and often proof of address, a residence document or a local tax or identification number. Requirements vary by country and by bank, so ask the bank which documents it needs before your appointment. Some banks also offer accounts you can open online.
Until your account is ready, you may rely on cards from home. Check the fees for foreign transactions and cash withdrawals, and compare the costs of different ways to transfer money between countries, as exchange rates and fees can differ considerably. Keep a backup card in a separate place.
For your phone, a prepaid SIM or eSIM is often the quickest way to get a local number in the first days. Later you can compare monthly contracts, which may require a local bank account or address. Before you leave home, check whether your old number needs to stay active so you can still receive security codes from your bank or other services.
How do you access healthcare in a new country?
Healthcare systems work very differently from country to country. In some, residents are covered by a public system after registering; in others, private health insurance is required or strongly recommended, and some visas come with specific insurance requirements. Find out early:
- whether you are entitled to public healthcare, and from when;
- whether you need private insurance, and what it must cover for your visa or status;
- how to register with a doctor or clinic, and what to do in an emergency;
- how to get prescriptions filled if you take regular medication.
Bring a supply of any regular medication and a letter or prescription from your doctor, and check whether the medicine is allowed in your new country. Save the local emergency number in your phone.
Getting around and keeping your documents in order
Learn how public transport works: the main apps, the types of tickets and whether a monthly pass or a discount for students or older residents is available. If you plan to drive, check whether your driving licence is valid in your new country and for how long, as some countries require you to exchange it after a certain period.
Paperwork follows you through the first months, so keep it organised:
- Make copies. Keep scans of your passport, visa or residence permit, work or study contract, birth or marriage certificates and diplomas in a secure place you can reach from any device.
- Check whether documents need translation or certification. Some authorities ask for official translations or an apostille. Find out before you move, as it is often easier to arrange at home.
- Keep a folder. Store every letter, contract and receipt from official offices in one place, along with your reference numbers.
- Note your deadlines. Put the expiry dates of your visa, permit and insurance in your calendar with reminders.
Language, loneliness and building a social circle
Even a basic level of the local language makes everyday tasks easier and helps you feel more at home. A language course is also one of the easiest ways to meet other newcomers. Beyond that, clubs, sports teams, volunteering, hobby groups and events for newcomers or international residents can all help you build a social circle over time.
It is normal to feel lonely or tired in the first months, even if the move was your own choice. On mytripdate you can see who is in the same city on the same dates and send them a message, which can be one more way to meet people when you arrive. Look for a verified profile, chat on the site first and meet in a public place. If loneliness or low mood persists, consider talking to a doctor or a counsellor.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I bring when moving abroad?
Usually your passport, visa or residence documents, your work or study contract, and important certificates such as birth, marriage or education documents. Check with the authorities of your new country whether any of them need an official translation or certification.
Should I sign a long lease before I arrive?
It is often safer to start with short-term accommodation and look for a long-term rental once you are there and can view places in person. Never pay a deposit for a place you have not seen or sign a contract you have not read.
Can I open a bank account before I have an address?
It depends on the country and the bank. Some ask for proof of address, while others offer accounts that can be opened with fewer documents. Ask the bank directly which documents it accepts.
How long does it take to settle in?
There is no fixed timeline. The paperwork may take weeks or months, and feeling at home often takes longer. Give yourself time and focus on one step at a time.
Give yourself time
Settling into a new country takes more than ticking boxes. Handle the essentials first: registration, housing, a phone number, a bank account and healthcare. Keep your documents organised and check every important rule with official sources, because rules can change. Then let the rest come gradually: the language, the routines and the people. Being patient with yourself is part of the process.
