Moving abroad to work with a friend; do’s and dont’s

Moving abroad to work with a friend might sound like an easy hop across borders. After all, EU citizens enjoy free movement. But moving isn’t everything, because there are still plenty of practical and emotional hurdles to clear. Whether you’re trading Berlin for Barcelona, Dublin for Dubrovnik or Paris for Prague, here’s a playful yet practical guide to doing it together without losing your mind (or your friendship).

Do: Pack your paperwork – even if you don’t need a visa

The big perk of moving within the EU is that you don’t need a work permit; EU citizens can look for a job, work and live in any member state and must be treated the same as local workers. That doesn’t mean you can rock up with nothing but a backpack. You can stay in another EU country for up to three months without registering, but some countries require you to report your presence at the town hall or local police station during that period.

If you want to stay longer, you may need to register your residence and obtain a registration certificate. Jobseekers who register usually get six months to find work and may be asked to show proof of active job‑hunting. Bring your passport or national ID card, employment contract (if you have one), and make sure your tax and social security affairs are in order.

Do: Take your health and social security seriously

Your home country’s social security may still cover you when you move, but the details vary. If you’re moving temporarily or job‑hunting, carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to simplify access to healthcare. Once you start working and paying into the local social security system, you’ll generally be covered in your new country. If you’re receiving unemployment benefits from home, you must register with the employment service in your host country. Treat these registrations like the boring but essential admin tasks they are. Handling these things early means you can allow yourself to relax and spend time relaxing on the beach and eating tapas.

Do: Know your worker rights and work market

Free movement also means equal treatment: you’re entitled to the same working conditions, salaries and social advantages as nationals. But each country has its own labour laws, collective agreements and pay norms. Research typical salaries and costs of living before relocating. Landing a job before moving still provides a safety net, ensuring you have an income and an employment contract to show during registration. If you’re job‑hunting, keep records of applications and interviews—authorities may ask to see them if you stay longer than six months. And don’t forget taxes: check for double‑taxation treaties to avoid nasty surprises.

Do: Choose your companion wisely and set ground rules

Just because you both hold EU passports doesn’t mean you’ll be compatible housemates. If you are moving abroad to work with a friend, make sure you both have similar expectations about lifestyle, finances and travel plans. When Alexia moved to Rome with a friend, their differing expectations about independence and shared living quickly caused friction. Sisters Noa and Lou advise choosing a companion you know well and have lived with before. Plan budgets together, discuss how you’ll split bills and decide whether you’ll live together or separately. Encourage each other’s independence, so that each builds their own routines and social networks.

Do: Learn the language and embrace local life

You might share a currency and a passport with your new neighbours, but there are still cultural differences. Learn basic phrases in the local language and research etiquette, driving rules and payment habits. Monet Sommers highlights that understanding social norms, like quieter supermarket interactions in Germany or different opening hours, helps you avoid faux pas. Making local friends will enrich your experience and help you navigate through bureaucracy.

Don’t: Assume bureaucracy is the same everywhere

Moving within the EU is simpler than relocating from another continent, but each country has its own quirks. Registration deadlines, tax numbers, residency certificates and health insurance requirements vary. Don’t ignore letters from local authorities or assume you’re exempt because you’re an EU citizen. Failing to register can result in fines or jeopardise your right to stay.

Don’t: Rely solely on your friend for your social life

Having a built-in buddy is great, but don’t let it stop you from branching out. Beth Whitman warns that relying on one friend can prevent you from making new connections. Dana Crosby notes that expecting one person to fill every social role puts strain on relationships. Take language classes, join sports clubs or attend meetups in your new city. The friendship with your travel buddy will be stronger if you both have independent circles in your new hometown.

Don’t: Avoid hard conversations

Moving abroad to work with a friend magnifies normal roommate issues. Differences in sleep schedules, cleanliness or weekend plans can quickly become flashpoints. Whitman’s almost‑broken friendship shows that strong bonds can break under pressure. Discuss expectations before you leave and revisit them regularly. Plan these conversations, as both of you might want to avoid these hard talks. If you feel suffocated or neglected, speak up; open communication is key to avoiding resentment.

Don’t: Forget your home social security and benefits

If you’re receiving unemployment benefits or other social security payments from your home country, you must register with the employment service in your host country. You may also be asked to prove you’re actively job‑hunting. Keep all paperwork, from job applications to interviews, so you can legally stay longer if needed. And remember: EU law guarantees equal treatment at work, but benefits like non‑contributory welfare may not apply until you establish a genuine link with the local labour market.

Final thoughts about moving abroad to work with a friend

Moving abroad to work with a friend is a fantastic way to explore Europe, find a new job abroad and share the experience. The freedom of movement makes the process smoother than cross‑continental relocation, but it still demands planning and mutual respect. By registering on time, learning the language, researching the local job market, establishing ground rules and building independent social lives, you and your friend can enjoy the perks of living and working abroad together, without turning your dream into a bureaucratic nightmare.

Use the cheat sheet below when you are moving abroad to work with a friend:

Do’s and Don’ts	Key points	Sources
Do register properly	Report your presence within 3 months; register your residence if staying longer; jobseekers get 6 months to find work	EU Your Europe
Do carry EHIC & organise social security	An EHIC simplifies healthcare; your home social security may cover you temporarily	EU Your Europe
Do know your rights	EU citizens can work without a permit and enjoy equal treatment	European Commission
Do set expectations with your friend	Choose a compatible companion and maintain independence	Expat.com
Don’t rely only on your friend	Build local friendships to avoid strain	Wanderlust & TEFL Academy
Don’t ignore admin differences	Each country has distinct registration and tax rules; missing deadlines can cause problems	EU Your Europe
Don’t avoid tough conversations	Strong friendships can falter without clear communication	Wanderlust & Expat.com
Don’t forget job seeker rules	You may need to prove active job hunting and register with employment services	EU Your Europe

With these tips and a healthy dose of adventure, you can make moving abroad to work with a friend great. Make the most of Europe’s open borders and create an unforgettable chapter abroad.