Letters of no objection

Without a residency visa, a letter of no objection [usually from your employer] is needed to get anything set up. We had fun and games going in circles when we first arrived, and it's not over yet as we're still waiting on the visas to come through.

We've now got letters of no objection for the following:
1. Renting our flat
2. Setting up an account for water and electricity
3. Setting up a phone line
4. Setting up a broadband account

Then there are some things that a letter of no objection [no matter who signs it!] will not help. To open a cheque account or buy a car, you need a residency visa. Go figure!