Indian Professional Relocating to the EU
From Visa Approval to First Day at Work
Name: _____________________________________________
Destination Country: _____________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________
EU Employer: _____________________________________________
Start Date: _____________________________________________
Travel Date: _____________________________________________
This checklist covers everything an Indian professional needs to complete between visa approval and their first day at work in the EU — from financial preparation and India-side wind-down to accommodation, logistics, and arrival-day essentials. It is a practical companion to the Documentation Checklist (Doc 91) and the EU Visa Route Selection Guide (Doc 90).
BLOCK 1 — IMMEDIATELY AFTER VISA APPROVAL
BLOCK 2 — INDIA-SIDE WIND-DOWN (4–6 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE)
Financial and Tax
Administrative
BLOCK 3 — ACCOMMODATION SEARCH (WHILE STILL IN INDIA)
BLOCK 4 — LOGISTICS AND SHIPPING
BLOCK 5 — EU ARRIVAL ESSENTIALS (FIRST WEEK)
Day 1 — Arrival
Week 1 — Essential Registrations
BLOCK 6 — FIRST MONTH SETTLING IN
EMERGENCY CONTACTS AND QUICK REFERENCE
Doc 92 — Pre-Departure Preparation Checklist: Indian Professional Relocating to the EU — Neutral Template
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport with visa stamp / national visa sticker received — verify entry validity date, number of entries, and type (Type D / national visa). | [ ] | |
| Visa conditions read carefully — start date, conditions of stay, and any endorsements noted. | [ ] | |
| EU employer HR confirmed — start date, first-day reporting instructions, onboarding documents, and point of contact details received. | [ ] | |
| One-way or return flight booked — arrival date allows sufficient time before employment start date for registration formalities (minimum 5 working days recommended). | [ ] | |
| Travel insurance for the journey and initial period in the EU — includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and baggage. | [ ] | |
| Accommodation confirmed for arrival — at minimum the first 2–4 weeks. Permanent accommodation search can continue from in-country. | [ ] | |
| Temporary accommodation options for first weeks: serviced apartments (Home Away, HousingAnywhere), co-living spaces, or extended-stay hotels. Airbnb for very short-term. | [ ] | |
| Currency converted: Carry EUR 1,000–2,000 in cash for the first week (deposits, transport, groceries before bank account is operational). Forex card loaded. | [ ] | |
| Notify current Indian bank of international travel — to avoid card blocks on EU transactions. | [ ] | |
| Wise / Revolut / N26 app installed and account opened: Multi-currency digital account for international transfers without high fees — useful until EU bank account is operational. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indian income tax return for the current / last financial year filed — up to date. | [ ] | |
| FEMA residential status: Understand that once you leave India for employment abroad, your FEMA status changes from Resident to Non-Resident Indian (NRI) — from the date of departure. Implications: NRE/NRO account requirements, FEMA reporting obligations for assets in India. | [ ] | |
| NRO account: Convert existing Indian bank savings account to Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account — for receiving Indian-source income (rent, dividends, pension) and for Indian-side expenses. | [ ] | |
| NRE account: Open Non-Resident External (NRE) account if intending to repatriate foreign earnings to India — NRE accounts are fully repatriable and interest is tax-free in India. | [ ] | |
| Existing Indian investments reviewed: Mutual funds, FDs, PPF, EPF, shares — ensure nominations are updated. Some investments (like PPF) cannot be extended as an NRI. | [ ] | |
| EPF withdrawal or transfer: If leaving permanent Indian employment, EPF balance can be withdrawn (taxable if withdrawn before 5 years of service) or transferred to new account. | [ ] | |
| Health insurance: Review Indian health insurance policy — notify insurer of NRI status. Indian policies typically do not cover treatment abroad. | [ ] | |
| Life insurance: Review Indian life insurance policies — most Indian policies remain valid for NRIs. Notify insurer of change in residential status. | [ ] | |
| Property in India: If owning property — ensure rent agreements are in place, property manager appointed if needed, utility bills on standing payment. | [ ] | |
| Loan obligations: Any outstanding Indian loans (home loan, personal loan) — ensure EMI payment mandates are in place from NRO account. Notify lender of NRI status if required. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar and PAN: Not cancelled on becoming NRI — retain both. PAN required for Indian tax filings as NRI. | [ ] | |
| Voter ID: NRIs retain Indian citizenship and can vote in Indian elections — notify Electoral Roll office if desired. | [ ] | |
| Driving licence: Check if Indian driving licence is valid in the destination EU country for initial period (typically 3–6 months) — apply for international driving permit (IDP) from RTO if needed. | [ ] | |
| Power of Attorney: Consider granting a trusted family member a Power of Attorney for Indian administrative matters — property, banking, tax filings — while abroad. | [ ] | |
| Notify government authorities: Change of address with UIDAI (Aadhaar), Income Tax, banks, insurance companies. | [ ] | |
| Forward mail: Redirect important mail to a trusted address in India or set up a mail forwarding service. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City and neighbourhood research: Identify neighbourhoods near the office with good public transport links. Commute time target: under 45 minutes. Research: Numbeo (cost of living), local Facebook groups for expats and Indians, Expatica.com. | [ ] | |
| Germany: Research platforms — ImmoScout24, Immowelt, WG-Gesucht (shared apartments). Rental market is very tight in Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin — apply widely and early. | [ ] | |
| Netherlands: Funda.nl for rentals. Pararius.nl. Market is highly competitive — budgeted EUR 1,500–2,500/month for 1-bed in Amsterdam / Rotterdam. | [ ] | |
| Portugal (Lisbon): Idealista.pt, OLX. Rental market is competitive — EUR 1,200–2,000/month for 1-bed in Lisbon. | [ ] | |
| France (Paris): SeLoger.com, PAP.fr. EUR 1,800–2,800/month for 1-bed in Paris. | [ ] | |
| Lease agreement reviewed before signing: Key terms — deposit amount (typically 1–3 months' rent), notice period, pets policy, furnished/unfurnished status, utilities included/excluded, landlord's right of entry. | [ ] | |
| Guarantor requirement: Many EU landlords require a local guarantor or a larger deposit from non-EU nationals. Some property management companies offer guarantor services (e.g. Garantme in France). Employer reference letter helps. | [ ] | |
| Utilities: Confirm which utilities are included in rent and which must be set up separately (electricity, gas, internet, TV licence in Germany — Rundfunkbeitrag EUR 18.36/month). | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Decide what to ship: Air freight (fast but expensive — for essentials only); sea freight (economical for volume — 4–8 weeks transit); hand carry on flights (most common for professionals relocating for the first time — 2 checked bags at 23kg each). | [ ] | |
| Baggage allowance: Confirm airline baggage policy. Most full-service airlines (Air India, Lufthansa, Emirates, KLM) allow 2 × 23kg checked bags in economy on long-haul — book extra bags if needed. | [ ] | |
| Unaccompanied baggage: Can ship additional baggage as cargo through Indian Post, DTDC International, or specialist international movers. | [ ] | |
| Electronics: India runs on 220V / 50Hz — compatible with EU. Plug adaptor needed (Type F / Schuko for most of EU; Type G for Ireland). Most modern electronics are dual-voltage. | [ ] | |
| Medication: Carry minimum 3 months' supply of any prescription medication. Bring prescription from Indian doctor. Check whether the medication is legal in the destination country (some Indian medications contain controlled substances — verify before travel). | [ ] | |
| Original documents for hand carry: All original documents — passport, visa, degree certificates, employment contract, apostilles — carried in hand luggage. Never checked in. | [ ] | |
| Irreplaceable items: Carry photographs, important USB drives, jewellery, and items of personal significance in hand luggage. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport immigration: Present passport with Type D national visa / EU Blue Card (if already issued). Answer questions confidently — state purpose of travel (work, relocate for employment). | [ ] | |
| Airport customs: Declare any goods above EU duty-free limits (EUR 430 from non-EU country). Used personal effects are generally admitted duty-free. Household goods for personal use are duty-free on first relocation (EU Moving Relief — requires documentation). | [ ] | |
| SIM card: Purchase a local SIM card at the airport (Aldi Talk in Germany, Lebara in Netherlands, NOS in Portugal, SFR in France). Prepaid — switch to contract plan once bank account is open. | [ ] | |
| Cash: EUR cash from forex card or ATM. Carry enough for transport, first food shop, and any immediate needs before bank account is open. | [ ] | |
| Transport from airport to accommodation: Pre-book or use a ride-hailing app (Uber available in most EU cities; Bolt is popular in Portugal and Baltic states). | [ ] | |
| First night: Confirm Airbnb / serviced apartment access. Collect keys. Explore basic amenities within walking distance — supermarket, pharmacy. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Address registration (Anmeldung in Germany / Registration in Netherlands / Registo in Portugal): Must be completed within 1–2 weeks of arrival — required before most other registrations. | [ ] | |
| BSN / Steueridentifikationsnummer / NIF / BSS: National identification / tax number — obtained from local municipality or tax authority immediately after address registration. Required to open a bank account and start work. | [ ] | |
| Bank account: Open EU bank account — required for salary payment. Bring: passport, address registration document, tax number, EU employer offer letter. N26 (digital) or Sparkasse / Commerzbank (Germany); ING / Rabobank (Netherlands); Millennium BCP / Novo Banco (Portugal) are commonly used. | [ ] | |
| Health insurance: Enroll in statutory health insurance through EU employer. Employer will typically initiate this — confirm start date of coverage. | [ ] | |
| Blue Card collection: Schedule appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (Germany) or IND (Netherlands) to collect the physical Blue Card / residence permit. | [ ] | |
| EU employer onboarding: Report to work on Day 1. Bring all original documents for employer records. Complete HR paperwork — bank details, tax forms, emergency contact. | [ ] | |
| Transport pass: Monthly public transport pass (Deutschlandticket EUR 49/month in Germany; OV-chipkaart in Netherlands; Viva Viagem in Lisbon) — strongly recommended over car ownership in most EU cities. | [ ] |
| Item | Done | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent accommodation: If in temporary accommodation, begin apartment search in earnest. Attend viewings. Prepare rental application package: passport, visa/permit, employer letter, last 3 payslips (to be provided once first salary received), bank statements. | [ ] | |
| Explore the city: Public transport, key amenities, parks, Indian restaurants, cultural communities. | [ ] | |
| Indian community: Connect with Indian expat communities (Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups for Indians in [city], Indian Cultural Associations, GOPIO chapters). | [ ] | |
| Language learning: Begin local language course — even basic skills significantly improve daily life quality and EU employer perception. Many local councils offer subsidised integration courses. | [ ] | |
| India connectivity: WhatsApp calls for family. Set up a calling plan or use Wi-Fi calling. JioFi international plans or Airtel international roaming as supplement. | [ ] | |
| Tax filing in India: As NRI, still required to file Indian income tax return if Indian-source income exceeds INR 2.5 lakh per year. Engage an Indian CA familiar with NRI taxation. | [ ] | |
| FEMA remittances: Any funds transferred from EU to India must comply with FEMA rules. No restriction on NRI remittances to India from foreign earnings — but keep documentary evidence of source of funds. | [ ] | |
| TRC (Tax Residency Certificate): After 183 days in the EU member state — apply for a Tax Residency Certificate from the EU tax authority. Required for DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) benefits — to avoid paying tax on the same income in both India and the EU member state. | [ ] |
| Indian Embassy / High Commission in destination country: | _____________________________________________ |
|---|---|
| EU employer HR emergency contact: | _____________________________________________ |
| Immigration lawyer contact: | _____________________________________________ |
| EU local emergency number: | 112 (all EU member states) |
| Police non-emergency: | Germany: 110 Netherlands: 0900-8844 Portugal: 21 765 4242 |
| National health service: | Germany: health insurer's 24hr line Netherlands: Huisarts (GP) number Portugal: SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) |
| Indian Community Association: | _____________________________________________ |
| Trusted Indian CA (for NRI tax): | _____________________________________________ |
| Nearest Indian consulate appointment link: | _____________________________________________ |