5 Essential Things to Prepare Before Moving to Europe

Moving to Europe requires organization in practical areas that prevent delays and unnecessary costs: documents and visa, housing, money transfers, language, and health are priorities before leaving Brazil, according to Italianismo.

Meta description: Documents, housing, money transfers, language, and health: five areas to organize before swapping Brazil for Europe.

1. Documentation and visa: choosing the right visa before departure

Before boarding, it is essential to research and gather the documentation required for the type of visa appropriate — work, study, job searching, or another category. This includes a valid passport, proof of funds, diplomas and professional certificates as required by the destination country.

• Researching the suitable visa in advance reduces the risk of delays due to slow bureaucracy; consulates and embassies often schedule interviews weeks or months ahead.
• Checking the possibility of citizenship by descent can be relevant in many countries, but note: rules vary greatly by country, and in the case of Italy, there were important legal changes in 2025. The Tajani Decree (DL 36/2025, converted into Law 74/2025) changed and restricted administrative/consular pathways for recognition for certain generations — therefore, those seeking information about Italian citizenship should consult updated official sources and/or a specialist (lawyer) before planning the move. Do not assume that recognition by descent will be possible via the consulate or local administrative channels without confirming current rules.
• Keeping digital and printed copies of the main documents makes it easier to prove identity at airports, banks, and local records.

2. Housing before arrival: temporary accommodation and local requirements

Securing an initial address is often necessary to open accounts, request tax identification numbers, and register residence, but requirements vary by country and institution.

• Consider renting temporary housing (Airbnb, aparthotel, or a room for weeks) for the first weeks while you search for a permanent place.
• Learn about local requirements, such as proof of income, employment contracts, or a guarantor — common practices in many European cities, though they vary widely between countries and between large and small cities.
• Having a defined address facilitates opening a bank account and registering with authorities; use reliable platforms and beware of deals that look “too good to be true” to avoid scams. For news and updates affecting arrivals or residents in Europe, see the News in Italy and pages on Life in Italy.

3. Planning money transfers: reduce costs and surprises

Transferring funds between Brazil and Europe requires planning to minimize fees and exchange losses.

• Plan regular transfers to Brazil or transfers of savings before the move to reduce total costs.
• Watch exchange rates and transfer fees: traditional banks often charge more and may offer less favorable quotes than specialized platforms.
• Hire or open an account with a reliable international transfer service before departure to ensure transparency and speed; comparing fees and reading reviews helps choose a safe provider.

4. Language and local customs: practice before and after arrival

Knowing basic language skills and local customs makes daily life, job search, and social integration easier.

• Learn important phrases and social etiquette norms to simplify everyday life and avoid misunderstandings.
• Practice the language with apps, online classes, or conversation groups before arrival; afterwards, seek in-person courses to expand your network.
• Even in countries with closely related languages, pay attention to vocabulary differences and to the professional culture to ease adaptation at work and in public services.

5. Health coverage: understand the public system and buy insurance when needed

Health is a priority during the transition; knowing how to access services prevents surprises.

• Learn about access to the destination country’s public health system via work, social security contributions, or residency; processes and timelines vary by country.
• When there are gaps in initial access, obtain a private health insurance policy that is active shortly before arrival to ensure coverage from day one. Pay close attention to coverage, waiting periods, exclusions (pre-existing conditions), and requirements for controlled medications.
• Bring copies of medical history and prescriptions, ideally translated or with sworn translation for controlled medicines.

Relevance for Brazilians and descendants

Planning these five areas reduces delays and unexpected costs when moving from Brazil to Europe and is especially relevant for those with family or financial ties to Brazil. Descendants who may be eligible for citizenship by blood should check this option, as it can facilitate migration processes and rights in the European country — always consulting official sources and specialists when needed. In the case of Italy, for example, consult official Italian sources and a citizenship lawyer before assuming that recognition by descent will be possible without a judicial process, as recent legislative changes affected administrative and consular avenues.

Conclusion Organizing documents and visa, securing initial housing, planning money transfers, learning the language, and arranging health coverage are essential steps for a safer and more affordable move to Europe. Early planning and verification from official sources reduce risks and assist with early integration in the destination country.

Source: Italianismo