Relocation
How to Move to Europe from the USA: Your Complete Relocation Roadmap
Moving to Europe is not a single decision — it is a sequence of decisions and actions that span 12–18 months. This is the complete roadmap, from first serious research to your first full year as a European resident.
Moving to Europe from the US is one of the most significant decisions you will make. Done right, it is also one of the most rewarding. Here is the complete timeline and action plan.
12–18 months before your move: Research and planning
Choose your country — and be specific. "I want to move to Europe" is a dream; "I want to move to the Algarve region of Portugal on a D7 visa and buy a 3-bedroom property for under €400,000" is a plan. The earlier you get specific, the better you can prepare.
Visit before you commit. A two-week holiday will not tell you enough. Spend at least 4–6 weeks in your target area, living as a resident rather than a tourist. Rent an apartment, shop at local supermarkets, visit a doctor, use public transport.
Get your finances in order. Understand your total liquid and semi-liquid assets. Determine what you can afford to spend on a property while maintaining your retirement income. Consult a cross-border financial planner who understands both US and European tax law.
9–12 months before: Start the paperwork
Research your visa pathway and gather required documents. Most European residency applications require: passport (valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay), proof of income (last 3 years of tax returns, bank statements, pension/investment statements), health insurance (active international policy), criminal background check (FBI apostille — takes 8–12 weeks to process), proof of accommodation.
Get your FBI background check started immediately — it is the longest lead-time document in any European visa application.
Apostille your documents. Most European consulates require documents to be apostilled (a form of international notarisation). Your attorney can guide you through this.
6–9 months before: Property search and purchase
If buying, begin your property search in earnest. Engage a local buyer's attorney. Get your local tax number (NIF, NIE, Codice Fiscale, AFM). Open a local bank account.
If renting first (recommended for your first year), find a 12-month rental lease through a reputable local agent. Having a signed rental contract is required for most visa applications.
3–6 months before: Visa application
Submit your long-stay visa application at the European consulate in your US state of residence. Processing times vary: Portugal D7 is currently 2–4 months; Spain Non-Lucrative varies by consulate (2–6 months); Italy Elective Residency 2–4 months.
You cannot submit the application too early — the documents (especially bank statements) have to be recent.
1–3 months before: Practical logistics
Decide what you are shipping versus replacing. International shipping is expensive — it often makes more financial sense to sell furniture and buy locally.
Cancel or transfer US services: insurance policies, subscriptions, bank accounts (keep at least one US bank account and credit card). Set up mail forwarding.
Plan your Medicare strategy (see our healthcare guide). Notify Social Security of your change of address.
Your first year in Europe
Within 30 days of arrival, register at your local town hall (Câmara Municipal in Portugal, Ayuntamiento in Spain, Comune in Italy, Dimos in Greece). This is required to convert your entry visa to a full residency permit.
Expect the first year to be harder than you imagined and better than you imagined — simultaneously. Finding good doctors, understanding local bureaucracy, making friends, and learning the rhythms of your new community takes time. Almost every client who has made the move tells us the first six months were a grind and the first year was a revelation.
We support clients through every stage of this process, from the first country comparison to the first year of residency.