Is moving to Europe on your bucket list? Thinking that 2020 might be the year that you take the leap? Right now, we’re all pretty much grounded due to the coronavirus, but it won’t be this way forever. If you’re planning a future move to Europe, these six steps will help you to get nice and organized.
1 . Apply for a visa
The visa process will be different depending on which country you are moving from, and which type of passport you have. The UK exited the European Union on January 31st, 2020. Previously, UK nationals were able to visit or reside in Europe without visa restrictions, however, it’s likely that this will change once the transition period is over. UK residents with Irish heritage are advised to complete an Irish passport application. With an Irish passport, individuals can continue to be a part of the EU, and therefore avoid any stricter travel regulations. Americans can stay in Europe for up to three months without a visa. Individuals will need to obtain a visa if they are planning on staying for longer.
2. Organize insurance
Before you move to Europe, you’ll need to organize your travel and health insurance. You’ll need coverage for medical needs, accidents, personal possessions, and so on. A few of the leading travel insurance companies out there include Allianz Global Assistance, Seven Corners, and Travel Guard.
3. Create a budget
Moving abroad comes with a whole load of expenses that you’ll need to budget for. There are the costs to move your luggage, your initial accommodation and bills, and your visa and travel insurance costs. Start saving well in advance of your move, and use a budgeting app to help you stay on track. A few popular budgeting apps include ‘You Need A Budget’, ‘Mint’, and ‘Good Budget’. Each of these allow you to create spending categories, sync with your bank accounts, and create saving goals.
4. Learn the lingo
To help yourself settle in faster, it’s best to have a basic knowledge of the local language. Language learning apps such as Duo Lingo can be of assistance to learn a new language in your spare time. The app helps users to build grammar and vocab and practice listening, speaking and reading. Duo Lingo features over 35 different languages using interactive bite-sized lessons.
5. Organize work
Perhaps you’re moving on a job relocation, or you’ve already got a job offer? If not, it’s beneficial to start job searching before you arrive. Don’t worry if you aren’t due to move for another month or so; many companies will take on remote staff or hold interviews using Skype. Take a look at the EU-startup jobs website for options across professional and creative sectors.
6. Research accommodation
It’s important to conduct thorough research on the different neighbourhoods. The last thing you want is to end up with accommodation in an undesirable area. It’s useful to book a temporary Airbnb, and then start searching for more permanent apartments when you arrive. Those virtual tours are pretty handy, but it’s best not to commit to renting an apartment before you’ve seen it for real.
With so many beautiful places in Europe to choose from, it may well be tough to decide on where to move!
Photo by Davi Pimentel from Pexels
