What Will You Need In Order To Start Working?
One of the main problems I had once I'd moved to Germany was obtaining all legal documents needed in order to get a job; no job equals no money, so obviously this was an urgent and important matter. Although I was just moving within the EU and thought I'd be relatively ok off the bat, it turned out that there were a lot more forms I needed to fill before I could even start applying for jobs!
Therefore I strongly suggest that if you're looking to work and earn money when you move then find out what paperwork and documents you'll need and how to acquire them before you arrive! Here http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en you can find tips on what you'll need and how to go about looking for a new job (this is specific to Germany as that's where I moved, however its easy to find other countries with a simple search!).
The first thing you'll need to be allowed to work will be a Visa. (If you're like me and just moving within the EU or a similar situation, then you can skip this part!) Many countries do however require a Visa depending on where you come from and how long you want to stay, so you should make sure you acquire the correct Visa as soon as your decision is final as this will be crucial before moving and working. You must also make sure that your Visa allows you to work in that country as there are many different Visa types available. To do this go to the government website of the chosen country and search for Visas.
There, they'll show you which Visa you will need and how to go about getting one. Usually it's a fairly straightforward process, but can often involve a fee, so make sure you can afford this at the time of acceptance.
The next document that you may need in order to begin working is your proof of residence. In Germany you will automatically receive one of these (known as a "Meldebescheinigung) when you move as it is law to register you and your address at the local council. Although this may not be neccessary in all countries, definitely double check as it left me stuck with no work for two whole months when I first moved to Germany, and trust me you don't want to experience the same.
You'll also need to bare in mind that for most places, sorting out your tax number, social security and bank account will all be necessary in order to work and live, so find out the quickest way you can set these up before your move. The best way will be to visit the Government website of your chosen country, and read through their various requirements for housing, working etc. Often you'll be able to either apply right there for what you need, or they will explain the steps you need to go through in order to become a legal worker.
If this can't be done online then make sure you do it as soon as possible on arrival, or even fly out for a weekend in advance, as it will definitely help you when the time comes to move; you do not want to be in my position and end up having to sit around and wait months, not being able to work because you didn't plan far enough ahead!
With things like a bank account you will most likely be able set up an account online. Do some research on the best accounts with the best banks and create your account online as soon as you can. They may then ask you to pop in-store once you arrive in your new home, in order to provide an ID check, sign the last few things and of course, pick up your card.
If you need to transfer currencies then I highly recommend getting a Revolut account. I have been using them for a while now, and without any flaws so far it has been great for uploading and exchanging currency online with great rates!
One final useful tip I can give you is to use Google Chrome if you are moving somewhere with a different language. It allows you to automatically translate pages into your own language, making it much easier to fill stuff out before you move and before you've mastered the language!
If you are moving to Germany like I did, then you should be fine to work as you won't need a visa. Non-EU members should double-check what they might need in terms of working-rights. Once you have sorted your bank account, tax ID, your Sozialversicherungnummer (Social Security) and you have your Meldebescheinigung (Proof of residence) then you are all set in Germany to start earning and working at your new job - so the process here is relatively simple, provided that you sort it all on time!
A fantstic site I can recommend if you are moving to Germany is https://www.toytowngermany.com/ . There's loads of info on Visas, finding a job and genereral current affairs in Germany.
If you have any further questions about moving to Germany, or just general moving questions then don't hesitate to leave a comment or get in touch via our Contact Page.