Your First 30 Days Abroad: A Practical Settling-In Guide
Just arrived in Europe? Here is a practical week-by-week checklist covering registration, banking, healthcare, schools, and utilities for your first month.
Moving to Europe involves far more than getting your furniture from A to B. Once Avrupaya has delivered your belongings door-to-door — fully insured, customs cleared — the real work begins: building a daily life in a new country. This settling-in guide walks you through the most important steps of your first 30 days abroad so you can start your new chapter with confidence rather than chaos.
Week 1: official registration and basics
Your first priority after arrival is registering your address with the local authorities. In Germany this is the Anmeldung at the Einwohnermeldeamt; in the Netherlands it is BRP registration; in France you notify the local mairie. Without this step, most other administrative processes — bank accounts, health insurance, school enrolment — cannot move forward. In the same week, get a local SIM card (roaming charges on your Turkish number will add up fast) and arrange utilities: electricity, water, and broadband at your new address.
Week 1–2: opening a bank account
Cashless payments dominate everyday life across most of Europe. A local bank account is essential. Traditional banks typically require your address registration certificate and passport and may take 1–3 weeks to activate. Digital banks such as N26, Wise, or Revolut are faster to open and generally accept international documents. Keep your Turkish account active in the meantime — it serves as a useful bridge for international transfers during the transition.
Week 2–3: healthcare and insurance
- Health insurance: check whether public or private cover is mandatory in your country
- Register with a GP (family doctor): required for accessing the health system in most countries
- Children's vaccination records: may need translation or official recognition
- Prescription medications: identify European equivalents with your new doctor early
- Emergency number: 112 works across all EU countries
Week 3–4: schools, transport, and social life
If you have school-age children, enrol them as soon as your address is registered — most European countries assign a local school based on your home address. For secondary or private schools, start the process earlier if possible. Sort out your daily commute: a public transport pass, a bike-share subscription, or a car registration depending on where you live. Joining local Turkish associations or expat groups is one of the fastest ways to build a support network and pick up practical tips from people who have already been through it. By the end of month one, you'll have the foundations of your new life firmly in place.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do first after arriving in my new European country?
Register your address with the local authorities as soon as possible. In Germany that means Anmeldung; in the Netherlands, BRP; in France, the mairie. This single step unlocks almost everything else.
How long does it take to open a bank account?
Traditional banks typically take 1–3 weeks. Digital banks such as N26 or Wise can be up and running within a few days — a good interim solution.
Will my child be automatically assigned to a school?
In most European countries, yes — the local school is determined by your registered home address. For private or secondary schools, independent applications are usually required.
Is my Turkish health insurance valid in Europe?
Only temporarily (e.g. through travel insurance or EHIC). For long-term residents, local health cover — either public or private — is mandatory in most countries.
Can I reach Avrupaya after my belongings have been delivered?
Yes. Our team is available at 0532 374 34 93 for any post-delivery questions or support.