Immigration
Your first 90 days: a newcomer's money checklist
Landing in a new country is overwhelming. Your finances don't have to be.
The first three months in a new country set the tone for everything that follows — especially your money. Here is a calm, ordered way to get sorted without the overwhelm.
✅
Open a local account before you need it. The paperwork is far easier when you are not in a hurry.
Before you arrive
- Photo ID and passport
- Proof of enrolment or employment
- A plan for your first month’s rent
Weeks 1–4: the essentials
Focus on three things: a way to receive income, a way to pay bills, and a way to send money home without losing a fortune.
| Week | Goal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Proof of address + ID sorted |
| 2 | Account open, income routed in |
| 3–4 | Bills on autopay, first transfer home |
Watch out for
Student and newcomer accounts often hide monthly fees. Read the fine print before you sign.
A 3-minute primer
By day 90
- Income arrives reliably
- Bills are automated
- You can send money home in seconds
Do I need a local credit history?
Not to get started — but building one early helps with housing and bigger purchases later.
Responses