You Got the Visa. Now What?
Visa approval is the beginning of your journey, not the end. The first 90 days after arriving in a new country are critical — and they're filled with bureaucratic tasks, logistical challenges, and decisions that will shape your experience for years to come.
This guide covers the essential steps that every new visa holder needs to complete, regardless of destination. Treat it as your master checklist.
Before You Leave: Document Preparation
Apostille & Document Legalisation
Many countries require foreign documents to be apostilled — a form of international certification under the Hague Convention. Documents that typically need apostille:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- University degree(s) and transcripts
- Police clearance / background check
- Professional qualifications and licenses
- Medical records (for healthcare registration)
How to Apostille
- US: Contact your state's Secretary of State office. Some offer online processing; others require mail-in.
- UK: Apply through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Online applications available.
- EU countries: Typically through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or designated courts.
- Non-Hague Convention countries: Documents need full "legalisation" through the embassy/consulate of the destination country — a longer, multi-step process.
"Get your apostilles before you leave. Doing this from abroad — coordinating with your home country's authorities while in a different time zone — is exponentially harder."
Certified Translations
If your destination country's official language differs from your documents' language, you'll need certified translations. In many European countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain), only translations by sworn/official translators are accepted. Budget €30–€80 per page.
Essential Document Copies
Before departure, create multiple copies of:
- Passport (including all visa pages)
- Visa approval letter / e-visa
- Employment contract
- Proof of accommodation (even temporary)
- Health insurance documentation
- Financial statements (for registration purposes)
Keep physical copies in your carry-on luggage and digital copies in cloud storage.
Week 1: Immediate Priorities
1. Register with Local Authorities
Most countries require new residents to register their address within a set period:
| Country | Registration | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Anmeldung at Bürgeramt | 14 days |
| Netherlands | BRP registration at Gemeente | 5 days |
| Spain | Empadronamiento at Ayuntamiento | 3 months (but do immediately) |
| Portugal | AIMA appointment | Within visa validity |
| Australia | No formal registration (but TFN + Medicare needed) | First week recommended |
| Canada | SIN application at Service Canada | Before starting work |
| UK | BRP collection (if applicable) | 10 days |
Tip: In Germany and the Netherlands, you cannot open a bank account, sign a phone contract, or register for health insurance without your residence registration. It's the master key to everything else.
2. Get a Local Phone Number
A local number is essential for:
- Two-factor authentication for local services
- Bank account verification
- Receiving OTPs for government portals
- Being reachable by employers and landlords
Prepaid SIM cards are available at airports and convenience stores in most countries. Budget €10–€30 for a starter pack with data.
Weeks 1–4: Financial Setup
3. Open a Local Bank Account
This is often the most frustrating step. Requirements vary wildly:
- Documents needed: Passport, visa, proof of address (catch-22: you often need a bank account to rent, but need an address to bank), employment contract or proof of income
- Digital-first options: Neobanks like N26, Revolut, Wise, and Monzo can serve as interim accounts while you establish a traditional bank relationship. Many accept foreign addresses initially.
- Traditional banks: Schedule appointments in advance — walk-ins are increasingly rare in Europe. Bring every document you have.
4. Set Up Tax Registration
- Tax identification number: Most countries issue one automatically upon residence registration (Germany: Steuer-ID; Netherlands: BSN; UK: National Insurance Number; Australia: TFN)
- Tax residency: Understand when you become a tax resident and what reporting obligations you have — both in your new country and your former one
- Professional advice: If you have income from multiple countries, consult a cross-border tax advisor within the first 90 days
Weeks 1–4: Health Insurance
5. Secure Health Insurance
Health insurance requirements vary by country model:
- Mandatory private insurance (Netherlands, Switzerland): You typically have 4 months to select a provider. In the Netherlands, basic coverage costs ~€130/month.
- Employer-enrolled public system (UK NHS, Canada, Australia Medicare): Registration is usually automatic or simple, but there may be waiting periods (3 months for Australian Medicare for new PR holders).
- Hybrid systems (Germany, France): Employees are typically enrolled in the public system through their employer. Self-employed individuals may need private coverage.
- Bridge insurance: Always carry international health insurance or travel insurance to cover the gap between arrival and local coverage activation.
Weeks 2–8: Housing
6. Find Permanent Housing
Rental markets in popular expat destinations are highly competitive. Strategy:
- Temporary first: Book 4–6 weeks of temporary accommodation (Airbnb, serviced apartment, or co-living) to give yourself time to search properly.
- Local platforms: Use country-specific rental sites, not just international platforms. Germany: Immoscout24, WG-Gesucht. Netherlands: Funda, Pararius. UK: Rightmove, OpenRent. Spain: Idealista.
- Scam awareness: Never pay rent before viewing a property in person. Never wire money to a "landlord" you haven't met. If a deal seems too good to be true, it is.
- Documentation: Landlords will typically want to see your employment contract, recent payslips, and sometimes a reference from a previous landlord. Having these ready speeds up the process.
Weeks 4–12: Integration
7. Language
Even in countries with high English proficiency, learning the local language:
- Is often required for permanent residency or citizenship applications
- Dramatically improves daily life and social connections
- May be subsidized — Germany offers integration courses (Integrationskurs), the Netherlands has inburgering programs
8. Build Your Network
- Join expat communities (InterNations, local Facebook groups, Meetup.com)
- Attend professional networking events in your industry
- Find a local mentor or buddy — many cities have volunteer programs matching newcomers with locals
The Master Checklist
| Timeline | Task | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Before departure | Apostille all documents | Critical |
| Before departure | Get certified translations | Critical |
| Before departure | Arrange bridge health insurance | Critical |
| Before departure | Book 4–6 weeks temporary housing | High |
| Day 1–7 | Register with local authorities | Critical |
| Day 1–7 | Get local SIM card | High |
| Week 1–2 | Open local bank account | High |
| Week 1–4 | Enroll in health insurance | Critical |
| Week 1–4 | Register for tax ID | High |
| Week 2–8 | Find permanent housing | High |
| Week 4–12 | Start language course | Medium |
| Week 4–12 | Build local network | Medium |
The Bottom Line
The first 90 days set the foundation for your entire life abroad. Preparation before departure — especially apostilles, translations, and bridge insurance — eliminates the biggest friction points. Once you arrive, prioritize in order: register, insure, bank, house. Everything else flows from there.
It's a sprint of paperwork, but once it's done, you're free to focus on why you moved in the first place.