Residency permit application
Not a tourist visa and not the whole relocation — the residency-permit bureaucracy itself after arrival: your basis for residency, income proof, address registration and renewal. Rules differ sharply by country — every point comes with a reminder to verify locally.

[ ] Confirm your exact basis for residency
    Work, study, family reunification, investment — the basis determines the whole document list, so confirm it precisely rather than assuming it matches someone else's case.
[ ] Check the country's official source
    The immigration authority or consulate site, not a forum full of other people's anecdotes — requirements change, and outdated advice gets expensive.
[ ] Translate and legalize the required documents early
    Birth certificate, diplomas, a police clearance certificate with an apostille — translation and legalization take weeks, start well before filing.
[ ] Check the validity window on the police clearance certificate
    Often valid for only a limited number of months from issue — time it so it doesn't expire before you file.
[ ] Check the income proof requirements
    Minimum amount, document format, the period it covers — confirm exactly with the immigration authority, this varies a lot by permit type.
[ ] Arrange health insurance if required
    Some countries require a policy with specific coverage just for the application — check the minimum requirements ahead of time.
[ ] Prepare proof of accommodation
    A lease or a letter from a host — check the exact format your specific immigration authority requires.
[ ] Check the photo requirements
    Size, background, how recent — every country has its own standard, often different from a familiar passport photo.
[ ] Book the appointment early
    Wait times at popular destinations' immigration offices stretch into months — book a slot as soon as the document set is ready.
[ ] Check the biometrics procedure
    Fingerprints and an in-person photo — some countries require a separate appointment for this, apart from document submission.
[ ] Check the application fee and payment method
    Cash, bank transfer, or on-site payment only — confirm in advance so the appointment doesn't need rescheduling.
[ ] Keep copies of everything submitted
    Originals sometimes stay with the authority — keep a digital copy of every document in your own hands before filing.
[ ] Check the address registration requirement
    Many countries require a separate registration step after receiving the permit and after every subsequent move — check the deadline and any late penalty.
[ ] Find out how to track the application status
    An online portal or only an in-person check — find out how to check readiness rather than waiting on a letter that might be delayed.
[ ] Put the renewal deadline in a calendar well ahead
    Renewal filing is usually due months before expiry — a lapsed status is often much harder to fix than renewing on time.
[ ] Check how the permit affects tax residency
    Getting the status can change where you're obligated to pay taxes — check with a cross-border tax specialist if your situation isn't simple.
[ ] Check the filing process for family members
    Whether they're filed together with you or as a separate document package — find out ahead of time to avoid a wasted resubmission.

Checklist from Unload: https://unloads.me/c/residency-permit-application