Moving abroad in 2026: Step-by-step guide to changing country

Moving abroad in 2026 isn’t just about choosing a city you like. It’s a chain of small decisions: visa rules, money, housing, healthcare, paperwork, and what happens in the first 90 days once you land.

2026 is an especially important year to plan carefully. Europe is changing how its borders work (biometrics and new pre-travel authorisations), and costs are still high in many popular destinations.

Here’s a practical plan you can follow, whether you’re moving for work, study, love, or a reset.

Why moving abroad in 2026 is different

1) Border changes across much of Europe

If you travel into the Schengen area as a non-EU traveller (for short stays), border checks are becoming more digital:

• EES (Entry/Exit System) began rolling out in October 2025 and is scheduled to be fully implemented by 10 April 2026. It replaces many passport stamps with electronic records and biometric registration.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to start in the last quarter of 2026. If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need an ETIAS travel authorisation before travelling to many European countries.

Key point: These systems mainly affect non-EU nationals travelling for short stays. If you’re an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen moving within Europe, your move is still paperwork-heavy, but these border systems are not the main story for you.

2) Costs haven’t “dropped back to normal”

Even though prices are rising more slowly, daily life can still cost a lot. Big cities are still expensive, especially for rent.

Bills like heating and electricity can go up in winter. Many people also get shocked by the first month, because they must pay a deposit, the first rent, and basic setup costs, like bedding, kitchen basics or cleaning supplies.

Your moving abroad in 2026 timeline

If you want to move at any point in 2026, this is a safe planning rhythm:

• 6–9 months out: choose your visa pathway, collect documents, compare cities, build a budget.
• 3–6 months out: submit applications, line up temporary housing, plan health insurance.
• 1–2 months out: book travel, arrange banking, get certified translations/apostilles, organise shipping/storage.
• Week 1–4 after arrival: register your address, sort local healthcare steps, get your tax/ID numbers, set up phone + banking.
• Month 2–3: stabilise: long-term housing, routines, social circle, admin clean-up.

Step 1: Pick a country using “visa-first” thinking

Your visa is the foundation. It decides how long you can stay, whether you can work, and what paperwork you must do after landing.

Common move pathways

Common move pathways include the study route, which usually allows part-time work and requires proof of enrolment, funds, and health cover. Another option is the work route, which usually needs employer sponsorship or a specific skills route, and the requirements can vary widely by country.

There is also the remote or digital nomad route, which is for people working for a foreign employer or client base, but the rules vary a lot depending on the destination. Finally, the family route lets you join a spouse or partner or a close family member, and it is often slow, so it’s best to plan for months, not weeks.

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Quick reality check

Before you fall in love with a city, answer these:

Step 2: Build a realistic “Year One” budget

Most move budgets fail because they forget setup costs.

The “move-in month” costs people underestimate

• Deposit + first rent: often 2–3 months of rent upfront (varies by country and landlord).
• Temporary housing: plan 2–4 weeks if you can, so you don’t panic-rent from a scam listing.
• Admin + paperwork: translations, apostilles, appointment fees, residence cards, and courier fees add up.
• Basic setup: bedding, cookware, SIM card, transport pass, small furniture if unfurnished.

A simple budgeting rule is to take your expected monthly cost of living and multiply it by 1.3 for your first 2 months. Also, keep an emergency cushion of 3–6 months of essential expenses if possible.

Step 3: Understand the new border systems (EES + ETIAS)

This section matters most if you’re travelling into Schengen as a non-EU national for short stays (tourist/business trips, or “arrive first, then move later” plans).

EES (Entry/Exit System): What changes

EES (Entry/Exit System) changes how border checks work. You may be asked for biometric registration (facial image and fingerprints) the first time you enter after rollout, and it helps authorities automatically track entry and exit, as well as the 90-in-180-day short-stay rule.

Expect queues during rollout, since some borders will implement it earlier than others, and the first months can be slower than normal.

ETIAS: What it is

ETIAS is a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. It’s expected to launch in late 2026 and the fee is €20 (with fee exemptions for under-18s and over-70s).

Scam warning: Only apply via the official EU channel once it opens. Don’t pay random “ETIAS agencies” now.

If you live in Ireland or the UK

Ireland does not take part in EES or ETIAS, so you follow Irish entry rules, while the UK is separate and has its own travel and immigration requirements. The Common Travel Area (CTA) makes movement between the UK and Ireland simpler for certain travellers, but it doesn’t replace immigration permission, so make sure your status is valid.

Step 4: Get your documents ready (this causes most delays)

This is the boring part that determines whether your visa application proceeds smoothly.

Your core paperwork checklist

• Passport validity: Aim for 6+ months beyond arrival (more is better).
• Education documents: Transcripts and diplomas (often need translation and/or apostille).
• References: Work letters, landlord references, bank statements.
• Police clearance certificates: Many visas require them, and they often expire quickly.
• Certified translations: Budget time and money for this.

Timing tip: Police checks and medical certificates often have short validity windows. Don’t request them too early.

Your digital life checklist

Back up your files using cloud storage and one offline copy, use an authenticator app for 2-step login (not SMS), and make sure you won’t lose access to your bank if you change phone numbers.

Step 5: Money + tax basics (without the headache)

You don’t need to be a tax expert, but you do need to avoid obvious traps.

The 183-day trap (and the messy first year)

A common rule of thumb: many countries treat you as a tax resident if you spend 183+ days there in a year (but rules vary). In your first year, you can end up in a “split” situation where two countries think you’re a resident.

What to do: Keep a simple travel log with your dates in and out. Also, don’t assume that “I’m only there temporarily” means “I’m not a resident,”. Finally, if you’re earning across borders, get professional advice early.

Banking basics

Set up a plan for getting paid and paying rent in the local currency. Multi-currency accounts can help at first, but long-term you may need a local bank account for salary, bills, and tenancy requirements.

Step 6: Housing plan for reality, not Instagram

Housing is where most moves become stressful.

How to avoid scams and panic-renting

Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself when looking for housing abroad: don’t send deposits without viewing the place (in person or by live video call), be cautious with “I’m abroad, my cousin will hand you keys” stories, and use reputable platforms and local agencies, but still verify.

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Ask these questions before committing

Landlord/agent:

• What’s included in rent (utilities, internet, building fees)?
• Can I register my address here? (This matters for residence permits.)
• What are the deposit return rules?
• Who handles repairs, and how fast?

Flatmates:

• Bills split how?
• Guest policy?
• Cleaning expectations?
• Why is the room available?

Step 7: Moving your stuff (and avoiding surprises)

This is the missing step in most move guides.

Three options

When you’re deciding how to move your things abroad, you have three main options: suitcases only, which is the cheapest, simplest, and fastest and works well for the first 6 months; storage back home plus travelling light, which is a good choice if you’re unsure the move will stick; or shipping your belongings, which is expensive and slow and may involve customs paperwork.

A smart approach is to go light for the first 3–6 months if you can, then upgrade later once you’ve secured legal status and stable housing. If you do ship, research whether your destination offers “transfer of residence” customs relief and what proof is required.

Step 8: Your first 90 days (where the move becomes real)

This is the phase where you either stabilise or burn out.

Week 1–4 priorities

• Register your address (deadlines vary; some places are strict).
• Start healthcare steps: Your visa insurance may get you in the door, but long-term access often requires local registration, tax numbers, or employment/student status.
• Set up essentials: SIM card, transport card, banking steps, local ID/tax number where required.
• If you’ll drive: Check local rules on licence exchange and whether you need an international permit.

Build a starter social circle on purpose

Choose 1-2 repeatable activities. such as language class, sport, coworking or volunteering, and aim for “same people, same time” activities rather than random events.

Burnout watch (normal, but manageable)

Red flags: Staying inside for days, constant frustration, avoiding admin tasks, obsessive comparisons to home. If you’re struggling, shrink your to-do list to “one admin task a day”, prioritise sleep and routine, and look for local support (universities often have counselling services).

Step 9: Review after 6 months: Stay, pivot, or move on

At six months, do a simple check-in:

• Can I afford my life here without constant stress?
• Is my visa situation stable for the next year?
• Do I have at least a few reliable people?
• Is my career/study direction improving?
• Do I feel better than when I arrived?

If the answer is “mostly yes,” you may just be in the normal adjustment dip. If it’s “mostly no,” it’s smart -not shameful- to pivot: change cities, switch pathways, or plan a different country.

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Moving abroad in 2026 can feel overwhelming. But it gets easier when you treat it like a project: visa first, budget second, documents early, and a clear plan for your first month on the ground.

Save this checklist, work through it step by step, and remember: adjusting takes time. The goal isn’t a perfect move. It’s a move that’s legal, affordable, and sustainable for you.