First Month at Work Abroad

In most countries, you have about 30 days after arrival to register with every government agency that wants to know you exist, set up banking, figure out your payslip, and learn why your colleagues eat lunch at a different time than you expected.

Address Registration

Many countries require you to register your address with local authorities within days of arrival. Germany's Anmeldung must happen within 14 days, with fines up to EUR 1,000 for missing the deadline. You'll need your passport, rental contract, and a landlord confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).

France requires registration at the local mairie or prefecture. Japan requires ward office registration within 14 days. Don't assume you can settle in and handle this later. The clock starts when you arrive.

Tax Registration

Some countries require you to personally register with the tax authority and obtain a tax identification number before your first payslip.

In the Netherlands, you get a BSN (citizen service number) at your municipality appointment, which doubles as your tax ID. In Italy, you need a codice fiscale from the Agenzia delle Entrate. Your employer may not be able to pay you without it.

If your home country has a tax treaty with your destination country, familiarize yourself with it. You may be exempt from double taxation, but the exemption doesn't apply itself. You often need to file paperwork in both countries.

Social Security Enrollment

EU countries automatically enroll you in social security when your employer registers your employment. But you may still need to choose a health insurance provider (Germany), register with the social security office (Spain), or obtain a social security card (France).

Outside the EU, check whether your home country has a totalization agreement with your destination. These prevent you from paying into two systems simultaneously and ensure contributions count toward retirement in both countries.

Opening a Bank Account

Most employers require a local bank account for salary deposits, which creates a chicken-and-egg problem. Some banks require proof of address (which requires registration), and registration sometimes requires proof of income (which requires being paid).

Bring everything to your first bank appointment: passport, visa/residence permit, employment contract, proof of address, tax ID. In Germany, online banks like N26 or Comdirect are often easier for expats than traditional branches. In France, BNP Paribas and Societe Generale have English-speaking services in major cities.

Understanding Your Payslip

Social contributions in many European countries take 20-40% of gross salary before income tax. A EUR 60,000 salary in Belgium might net you EUR 2,700/month after taxes and social security. In Switzerland, the deductions are lower but health insurance is a separate mandatory expense.

Line items to understand:

• Income tax withholding, often provisional, adjusted when you file your annual return
• Social security contributions for pension, unemployment, health, sometimes disability
• Solidarity surcharges like Germany's Solidaritatszuschlag

Ask your HR department or a local accountant to walk you through your first payslip.

Health Insurance Activation

Even with employer-sponsored health insurance, you may need to actively enroll, choose a provider, or register with the public system. In Germany, you must select a Krankenkasse and notify your employer. In countries with a national health system, you'll typically receive a health card after registration.

Workplace Culture

Lunch in Spain is at 2 PM. Meetings in Japan start exactly on time. Email in the Netherlands is more direct than you might be comfortable with. Observe first, ask questions, and don't assume that what's "normal" in your previous workplace applies here.