A detailed checklist for the first 90 days abroad. Streamline your move, adjust smoothly, and integrate with expert-backed steps, practical advice, and answers to top arrival questions.

Introduction

Relocating abroad is a bold decision—one that over six million people make every year. Your first 90 days in a new country set the stage for a successful transition. From handling critical documents and securing accommodation to navigating daily logistics and integrating socially, each step is crucial. This guide presents a comprehensive First 90 Days Abroad checklist, arming you with the practical know-how and confidence you need for a smooth, rewarding start.

Pre-Arrival Preparation: The Foundation of a Smooth Landing

Organize these relocation essentials before departure to minimize surprises and paperwork bottlenecks.

  • Visa & Immigration Requirements: Check current visa rules, expiration dates, and work/study permissions for your nationality. Understand maximum allowed stay and needed renewals.
  • Required Travel Documents: Gather your passport, visa, accommodation confirmation, entry permits, and any supporting letters. Keep digital and paper copies securely available.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Many countries require a lease, host letter, or hotel booking for immigration. Arrange this well in advance and update if your plans change.
  • Essential Paperwork: Collect all critical documents—bank statements, immunization and medical records, birth/marriage certificates, insurance info. Originals plus translations or certified copies are ideal.
  • Lifestyle & Cost of Living Research: Study average prices, transport options, school fees, and neighborhood data. Budget realistically and establish a small savings buffer for the newcomer adjustment period.
  • Culturally Appropriate Arrival Meal: Know local food access post-arrival, such as halal, vegetarian, or specialty stores, especially for overnight travel.
  • Packing Strategy: Prepare an essentials box/bag (toiletries, change of clothes, medication, chargers, snacks, documents) to keep handy for the first 48 hours.

Tip: Start visa and document applications 3-6 months before your move. Some items, like criminal record checks or apostilles, can take time.

H2: Arrival Orientation—Your First Week’s Core Tasks

After landing, the new country arrival checklist focuses on quick wins and urgent setup tasks:

  • Airport Reception & Airport-to-Housing Transfer: Plan transport from the airport to your initial accommodation in advance, especially if arriving late. Many relocation or university programs offer dedicated arrival orientation services.
  • Initial Accommodation Setup: Inspect for utilities, locks, appliances, internet, and cleanliness. Record any damage for landlords; photograph rooms for your records.
  • Local SIM Card & Mobile Setup: Activate a local phone number at the airport or nearest outlet. Access to data and calling is indispensable for administration and emergencies.
  • Securing Housing Abroad: If initial housing is temporary, restart your search immediately. Utilize trusted local agencies and seek recommendations through expat groups.
  • Municipal Registration: In many countries, registering your address with the local authority is mandatory within days of arrival. This step often unlocks further services such as health care and banking.
  • Embassy/Consulate Registration: Register your presence for access to support, notifications, and voting rights in emergencies or crises.
  • Utilities Setup (electricity, water, internet): Arrange or transfer essential services. Utilities providers may require proof of identification, visa/residency, or local registration.
  • Standard Local Orientation: Map out nearby essentials: grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics, transportation hubs, ATMs, and green space. Download relevant local apps for navigation, translation, or transport.

Tip: Take orientation tours, often offered by community groups or city councils, to speed up your settlement and meet other newcomers.

H2: Initial Settlement Tasks—Fulfilling Your Legal and Daily Needs

These initial settlement tasks are vital for legal compliance, personal safety, and easing day-to-day life:

  • Local Registration Process: Secure your local tax/identity number, such as a Social Insurance Number, Tax File Number, or residence permit ID. This unlocks jobs, health, and social services.
  • Opening a Bank Account: Bring ID, proof of address, and any necessary visa. Some banks have streamlined migrant/onboarding accounts. Consider both local and digital banking options.
  • Address Update Services: Update your address with your employer, bank, insurance, and consulate as soon as possible.
  • Health Insurance and Healthcare Registration: Understand the national or local health system. Apply for public insurance/cards where available. Research whether private or supplementary insurance is needed.
  • Children’s School Enrolment: Enquire about required health records, language test results, and residency documentation. Submit applications as soon as possible—school spots fill quickly.
  • Public Transportation Access: Obtain transit cards, download transit apps, and check for resident discounts on multi-use tickets or passes.
  • Emergency Contacts: Program local emergency numbers, embassy, and consular contacts in your phone. Learn the layout of local hospitals or clinics.
  • Insurance Registration: Confirm coverage for health, property, or car insurance. Legal requirements differ country to country—research before driving or renting property.
  • Proof of Accommodation for Records: Retain contracts or utility bills for ID, driver’s licence, school, or residency renewals.
  • Driver’s License Conversion: Research if your current license is valid or requires conversion to a local license. This can be time-sensitive or involve additional tests.
  • Legal Compliance Steps: Always ensure your registration, document updates, and local taxes are completed within legal deadlines to avoid fines or penalty.

Tip: Prepare a folder (digital and paper) with updated IDs, registration proof, key contacts, and insurance details for rapid access.

H2: Expat Integration—Building Routines, Networks & Cultural Awareness

A fulfilling expat experience is rooted in solid social and practical integration strategies:

  • Cross-Cultural Transition: Learn customs, local etiquette, daily routines, and non-verbal communication cues. Attend cultural orientation classes or language courses.
  • Expat Integration & Adaptation Strategies: Be proactive in social involvement; join expat or migrant support groups, hobby clubs, sports, or parent meet-ups to combat isolation and expand your support network.
  • Migrant Induction Program: Attend local newcomer welcome events, city tours, or induction programs for essential information and social opportunities.
  • Language Acquisition: Enroll in classes (community centers, online platforms, or language exchange meetups) to boost communication and confidence in formal and informal settings.
  • Community Resource Centres: Use their drop-ins for free information on housing, laws, budgeting, and legal aid.
  • Mental & Emotional Support: Stay in touch with loved ones, but also focus on forming new traditions and routines locally to ease homesickness and promote emotional resilience.
  • Volunteer and Support Networks: Volunteering helps you understand local values, build a CV with local references, and accelerate integration.

Tip: Track your adaptation by noting progress—language confidence, use of public transport, or handling paperwork solo.

H2: Practical Daily Life Activation—Personalizing the Journey

Move beyond basic setup by personalizing your early days and building independence:

  • Neighborhood Walk-Through: Explore on foot to discover local shops, parks, cafĂ©s, gyms, or libraries. This builds daily familiarity and safety awareness.
  • Essential App Downloads: Navigation, transport, translation, weather, and emergency apps all boost self-sufficiency.
  • Grocery & Shopping Basics: Identify local food markets, learn price norms, and try culturally specific dishes to enhance the relocation orientation experience.
  • Transportation Card Setup: Apply for bus, tram, or subway cards for discounted fares and straightforward commutes.
  • Utilities/Bill Payment: Learn to pay bills by bank transfer, online portal, or in-person at utility offices or kiosks.
  • Safety Orientation: Understand local emergency protocols, such as fire drills, and where to go for urgent help.
  • Long-term Housing Search: If still in temporary housing, prioritize finding long-term accommodation and clarify contract terms (deposit, maintenance, move-out notice).
  • Personal Finance Management: Set up digital banking, keep track of daily expenses, and familiarize yourself with local currency.

Tip: Document your checklist; adjust and update as your challenges and needs evolve—personalization is key for a positive newcomer adjustment period.

90 Days

The First 90 Days in a New Country: Checklist offers a structured, flexible roadmap for landing confidently, handling administration, integrating, and thriving. By combining planning, compliance, and adaptation strategies, you set yourself up for both personal and professional success. Start strong, stay curious, and update your approach as you learn—your international journey depends on it.