Opening a bank...

EU Visas and EU residence permits

If you've just landed in your new country of residence, it's tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first. Sorting out your EU visa or EU residence permit is the first essential step. Expatica guides you through the local immigration, residency and expat visa regulations for , France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK.

Opening a bank account

Another essential step is opening a bank account in your new country of residence. Visit our Banking topic for details on how to do this and keep up-to-date with news from the financial world.

Finding a home

So you have your EU visa and bank account. Now you need to find a place to stay: Should you rent or buy a home—and where? Expatica helps you to do the research and decide on the best housing option. For basic guides to renting and buying in your new country of residence, visit our Renting and Buying topic pages. For students, articles such as How to find student accommodation in Belgium and Renting private student accommodation in the UK are invaluable.

Education abroad

Education overseas is another important point for you to consider when moving abroad with your family. You’ll need to decide on local or international education for your children and then pick a school. Visit our School topic to find out about the education system in Belgium, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK. If you have young children, you will need to enrol them in a day-care centre or hire an au pair. Expatica’s Kids and Pre-school topics will help you to find suitable childcare. Students should visit our Higher education topic and Courses & Workshops has something for everyone.

Setting up home

Once you have found accommodation, you’ll need to set up home. Ask around to find the most cost-effective service providers. Expatica articles such as Setting up home in the Netherlands offer a guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas.

Finding a job

If you are looking for a job, then check out our Job search tool and our Employment & Trends topic. Expatica’s A-Z listings will direct you to specialist agencies abroad.

Learning the language

Speaking the local language is important if you want to improve you social life as well as job prospects, therefore make sure that you enrol in a language school or a municipal course.

Overseas healthcare

So far so good, but don’t forget your health – moving country is stressful. Learn about the local health system, choose a health insurer and find a doctor.

Driving abroad

If you want to get out on the roads, find out if you can exchange your driving license and, if you don’t have one, find out if you can learn or even take your test in English or a language other than the local one. Both the Getting Started and Travel & Tourism topics carry information on Driving and driving permits.

Join the community

Get out and about, and network – become a member of Expatica’s community in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands and the UK and make full use of Expatica’s Forums, and use the Dating site to meet and interact with like-minded people in the international community.

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