The total cost of moving abroad is almost always higher than people expect. Between visa fees, flights, shipping, deposits, insurance, and the financial buffer you need while settling in, even a budget move costs several thousand euros.
Here's what to actually budget for, broken down by expense category and destination.
Cost Breakdown by Category
| Expense | Budget Range (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa/permit fees | €60–€2,500 | Varies by country and visa type |
| Credential evaluation | €100–€400 | WES, NARIC, etc. |
| Document translations | €50–€300 | Certified translations per document |
| Apostilles | €10–€50 per document | Required for most documents |
| Flights | €200–€2,000 | One-way; depends on destination |
| Shipping belongings | €500–€5,000 | 20-foot container: €2,000–€4,000 |
| First month rent + deposit | €1,000–€6,000 | Usually 2-3 months rent upfront |
| Health insurance (3 months) | €300–€1,200 | Until local coverage activates |
| Living expenses buffer (3 months) | €2,000–€12,000 | 3x monthly cost of living |
| Local setup costs | €200–€500 | SIM card, basic furniture, transport |
Total Budget by Destination
| Destination | Budget Move | Comfortable Move | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | €3,000–€5,000 | €6,000–€10,000 | €10,000–€18,000 |
| Eastern Europe | €4,000–€7,000 | €8,000–€12,000 | €12,000–€22,000 |
| Southern Europe | €5,000–€10,000 | €10,000–€18,000 | €18,000–€30,000 |
| Western Europe | €8,000–€15,000 | €15,000–€25,000 | €25,000–€45,000 |
| UK | €8,000–€15,000 | €15,000–€25,000 | €25,000–€45,000 |
| Canada/Australia | €8,000–€18,000 | €18,000–€30,000 | €30,000–€50,000 |
| USA | €10,000–€20,000 | €20,000–€35,000 | €35,000–€60,000 |
| UAE/Singapore | €5,000–€12,000 | €12,000–€20,000 | €20,000–€40,000 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Ship only essentials — it's often cheaper to buy furniture locally
- Use Wise or Revolut for currency exchange (save 2-4% vs banks)
- Negotiate a relocation package with your employer
- Start in a short-term rental to avoid committing to expensive areas
- Apply for tax exemptions available to new residents (NHR, 30% ruling, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to move abroad?
For a single person, budget €5,000-15,000 minimum depending on destination. This covers visa fees, flights, initial accommodation, and 3 months of living expenses. Families should budget €15,000-45,000. The exact amount depends heavily on the cost of living in your destination city.
Should I save 3 months or 6 months of expenses?
3 months is the minimum safety net. 6 months is recommended if: you're moving without a job lined up, you have dependents, you're going to a country where finding work takes longer, or you want peace of mind during the adjustment period.
What's the cheapest way to move abroad?
Move to a low-cost country (Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America). Sell everything instead of shipping. Fly budget airlines with carry-on only. Start in a hostel or shared flat rate. Use free banking tools (Wise, Revolut). Some people manage budget moves for under €3,000.
Do employers pay for relocation?
Many do, especially for skilled positions in shortage occupations. Relocation packages typically cover: visa fees, flights, temporary housing (1-3 months), shipping allowance, and sometimes a settling-in bonus. Always negotiate — relocation support is often available even if not initially offered.
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About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
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