Are you moving from India to Europe in 2025? Whether it’s for work, studies, or to join your family, the paperwork can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered.
This guide walks you through all the important documents Indian expats need before relocating to Europe. From major legal documents like your passport and visa to lesser-known essentials like police clearance and apostilles — it’s all here.
📌 Save this checklist — it’s your one-stop guide to a smooth, stress-free relocation to Europe. It could save you time, money, and stress!
- 🛂 Valid Indian Passport:
Your passport is your gateway to Europe. Make sure it is:
✔ Issued within the last 10 years
✔ Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date
✔ Has at least 2 blank pages
🔍 Tip: If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before applying for any visa. - 📝 Visa Application Documents:
Depending on your reason for moving (job, study, or family reunification), you’ll need:
✔ Visa application form (correct country)
✔ Passport-sized photos
✔ Appointment confirmation slip
✔ Visa fee receipt
✔ Travel itinerary (flights or entry dates)
🧠 Every European country has specific visa requirements. Always check with the embassy of your destination. - 🎓 Educational Certificates:
If you’re going to Europe for work or education, carry:
✔ Degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s)
✔ Transcripts and mark sheets
✔ Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
✔ School leaving certificates (for children)
🛑 Some countries may ask for your documents to be apostilled by MEA India. - 👩💼 Employment-Related Documents:
If you’re going to work in Europe:
✔ Job offer or employment contract
✔ Work experience letters
✔ Salary slips (last 3 months)
✔ Updated CV (use Europass format if needed)
✔ Professional certificates (if relevant) - 🏠 Housing or Accommodation Proof:
You’ll need to show where you’re staying:
✔ Signed rental agreement
✔ Hotel bookings (if temporary)
✔ Invitation letter from a host (if staying with family/friends) - 👪 Personal and Family Certificates :
Especially needed for spouse visas, family reunification, or if kids are moving:
✔ Marriage certificate (apostilled)
✔ Birth certificates (for dependents)
✔ Divorce decree (if applicable)
✔ Adoption documents
📄 Make sure these are translated into the local language (e.g., German, Dutch, French) if required. - 👮 Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):
European countries often ask for:
✔ General medical fitness certificate
✔ Vaccination records (for children)
✔ Valid health insurance (EU-compliant)
✅ For students and employees, insurance is usually mandatory. - 💳 Financial Documents (Proof of Funds):
Visa officers will want to confirm you can support yourself:
✔ Personal bank statements (last 3–6 months)
✔ Fixed deposit receipts
✔ ITR (last 2–3 years)
✔ Sponsorship letter (if someone else is funding you)
💰 Required funds vary by country but usually range from €6,000–€10,000 per year for students. - 🏥 Medical Certificates and Health Insurance:
European countries often ask for:
✔ General medical fitness certificate
✔ Valid health insurance (EU-compliant)
✅ For students and employees, insurance is usually mandatory. - 🧾 No Objection Certificates (Optional):
While not always needed, NOCs can be useful:
✔ From your employer (if on leave/sabbatical)
✔ From your college (for students) - 📜 Power of Attorney (Optional):
If you’re leaving behind property or legal responsibilities in India:
✔ Issue a registered Power of Attorney
✔ Notarized and legalized (if dealing with real estate or bank matters) - 🌐 Apostille & Translation of Documents:
Many official Indian documents must be:
✔ Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA India)
✔ Translated into the official language of your destination (by certified translators)
📋 Final Checklist – Documents Needed to Move from India to Europe
| Document Type | Examples / Notes |
| Identity | Passport, Visa photos |
| Visa Documents | Application form, appointment slip, flight details |
| Education | Degree, transcripts, MOI |
| Employment | Offer letter, salary slips, CV |
| Family Certificates | Marriage, birth, adoption, divorce (apostilled + translated) |
| Housing | Rental agreement, host invitation |
| Police Clearance | PCC from Indian authorities (apostilled) |
| Medical | Health certificate, vaccination records, insurance |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements, ITRs, sponsor letter |
| Optional Docs | NOC, Power of Attorney |