Checklists

Three checklists for a clean move.

90-day pre-move prep, arrival-week actions, and first-30-days setup — in priority order so nothing slips through the cracks.

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Jump to:90-day pre-move checklist Arrival week checklist First 30 days checklist

90-day pre-move checklist

Everything to complete before you book your one-way ticket — paperwork, finances, and logistics.

Visa & documents (90–60 days)

Confirm which visa category applies to your move purpose and passport
Check passport validity — minimum 6 months beyond intended stay
Gather birth certificate, educational certificates, and transcripts
Get police clearance certificate (valid 6 months in most jurisdictions)
Gather employment offer letter or business documents if required
Book visa appointment slot as early as possible — slots fill quickly
Organise physical and digital copies of all identity documents
Apply for visa and track status with official reference number

Finances (90–30 days)

Open a zero-forex international debit/credit card (Niyo, Scapia, etc.)
Inform your Indian bank of your travel dates to prevent card blocks
Research destination bank requirements (most need proof of address first)
Set aside first-month budget: rent deposit + setup + living + buffer
Arrange USD/local-currency cash for the first 48 hours
Review FEMA remittance limits and wire-transfer options from India
Check if your company provides a relocation allowance

Housing (60–30 days)

Shortlist 2–3 neighborhoods that fit your commute and budget
Book flexible serviced apartment or Airbnb for the first 2–4 weeks
Research rental platforms used locally (Zillow, Rightmove, PropertyGuru, etc.)
Understand lease norms: advance rent, deposit, break-clause, and agency fees
Test commute times from shortlisted areas during peak hours (Google Maps)

Life admin (30 days)

Inform EPFO of employment cessation if leaving Indian employer
Update address and contact for all Indian financial accounts
Check insurance: health, travel, and valuables during transit
Back up all critical documents to encrypted cloud storage
Book flight with flexibility if visa timeline is not confirmed
Ship or store items you cannot carry — compare sea freight vs air freight
Cancel or pause Indian subscriptions that won't work abroad

SettlyAI tracks each of these steps inside your dashboard, mapped to your specific destination and visa route.Start tracking →

Arrival week checklist

The first 7 days are the most time-sensitive. Complete these before settling in.

Day 1: Airport to accommodation

Clear immigration — keep all documents accessible, not in checked baggage
Purchase a local SIM at the airport (eSIM recommended for instant activation)
Withdraw local cash from an airport ATM using your zero-forex card
Travel to pre-booked short-term accommodation
Store photocopies of passport, visa, and arrival stamp securely

Days 2–3: Mandatory registrations

Register with local authorities if required by your visa (Anmeldung in Germany, residence card in Japan, etc.)
Collect arrival documents and endorsements required by your visa terms
Note nearest hospital, police station, and Indian Consulate/Embassy location
Set up a local bank account — bring passport, visa, and address proof
Get a local transport card (Oyster, Octopus, Opal, EZ-Link, etc.)

Days 4–7: Neighbourhood and logistics

Test commute to your workplace or key destinations at actual travel times
Locate nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and GP surgery
Pick up a local number for your employer's records and app verifications
Download local apps: maps, food delivery, transport, and payment
Send your new address to contacts and update it with your Indian bank

SettlyAI tracks each of these steps inside your dashboard, mapped to your specific destination and visa route.Start tracking →

First 30 days checklist

Post-arrival setup that typically needs to happen within the first month — in rough priority order.

Residence & legal

Complete any residence or address registration required by immigration rules
Apply for national ID, tax number, or health card as applicable
Inform employer HR of your visa status and work-authorization documents
Understand notice period and visa-dependency rules before signing employment contract

Banking & money

Complete bank account opening and activate online banking
Set up salary deposit with your employer's payroll team
Understand local tax residency rules and file any required notifications
Research remittance options back to India (Wise, bank wire, etc.)
Set up automatic rent payment once a permanent lease is signed

Healthcare

Register with a local GP or primary care doctor
Understand health insurance — employer-provided, national, or private
Transfer critical prescriptions to local pharmacy equivalents
Confirm dental and optical coverage under your plan

Housing

Sign a long-term lease once you have confirmed your commute and neighborhood fit
Set up utilities: electricity, gas, internet (broadband + backup data)
Check renter's insurance availability and cost
Document any pre-existing damage with your landlord in writing

Life admin

Update Indian Consulate/High Commission records with your overseas address
Enroll children in school if applicable — waitlists can be long
Notify India's CKYCR / PAN records of non-residency if required
Get a local driver's license or international driving permit if needed
Explore community groups, coworking spaces, and Indian diaspora networks

SettlyAI tracks each of these steps inside your dashboard, mapped to your specific destination and visa route.Start tracking →

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