How to Move to Europe from the US

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Logistics

Dreaming of cobblestone streets, cappuccinos in piazzas, and a slower pace of life? Moving to Europe from the U.S. is exciting… but the logistics can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. Whether you’re relocating for work, love, or lifestyle, this step-by-step guide breaks down exactly what you need to do to make the move successfully.

Step 1: Choose the Right Country (and Visa)

Before you pack your bags, decide where you can legally live and work. Every European country has different immigration rules. Popular visa options for Americans include:

• Work visa (sponsored by an employer)
• Student visa (for education programs)
• Spouse or family reunification visa
• Digital nomad visa (offered by countries like Portugal, Croatia, and Estonia)
• Freelancer/self-employment visa
• Retirement visa (for those with stable income or savings)

Step 2: Organize Documents

Visa applications usually require a bundle of official documents. Prepare:

• Employment contract or school acceptance letter

• Valid U.S. passport (6–12 months before expiration)
• Proof of income or savings
• Background checks (FBI or local police)
• Proof of housing/accommodation
• Health insurance documentation

Step 3: Decide What to Do with Your Stuff

Relocating across an ocean requires you to think about what is essential. There are several options for your belongings, including:

• Sea freight
• Air freight
• International luggage shipping
• US storage unit
• Selling, donating, or throwing away some items and repurchasing later

TIP: Less is more. You likely need far fewer things on a day-to-day basis than you think.

Step 4: Handle Your Finances

Setting up your financial life in Europe is one of the trickiest parts. You’ll need:

• A local or international bank account
• A plan for transferring money (e.g., Wise, Revolut)
• To notify your U.S. bank and credit card companies of the move
• To keep a U.S. account open for domestic payments
• To understand double taxation and U.S. expat tax rules

Step 5: Secure Housing

In many places, you’ll need proof of housing before applying for residency. It can also be challenging to find housing without a visa. A few starting points include temporary rentals (like Airbnb) and local real estate websites. You should also take time to learn about the local laws regarding lease agreements.

Step 6: Get Health Insurance

Most European countries require proof of valid health insurance before issuing a visa. Your options include:

• Private international health insurance (Cigna, Allianz, etc.)
• Expat insurance for temporary coverage
• Public healthcare registration once you’re a legal resident

Prescription coverage, dental, and mental health services vary, so make sure your plan fits your needs.

Step 7: Take Care of Loose Ends in the U.S.

Before you officially move, you should ensure that you don’t leave anything in the US outstanding. Examples include:

• Utilities
• Gym memberships
• Mail forwarding
• Notifying institutions of your move (IRS, Banks, etc)

Step 8: Prepare for Your New Life Abroad

Once you land in Europe, you’re not quite done. Expect some bureaucracy during your first few weeks:

• Register your address with local authorities
• Apply for a residence permit or national ID
• Set up a local SIM card and internet
• Get a local tax ID
• Join community groups or expat organizations

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What Next?

You’ve decided to move to Europe. Congratulations! There are many critical components of relocating abroad; it can be difficult to know where to start. Hopefully, our step-by-step guide to moving to Europe from the US can get the ball rolling.

You’ve got this! Adventure awaits