How to Move to Europe
In the summer of 2021, my wife and I moved to Europe from the United States. We found ourselves in an unfamiliar continent, with new people to meet, new foods to try and new customs to learn about.
This was a huge challenge, but also a wonderful opportunity to try new things and expand our world. This move turned out to be the best decision we ever made, and it opened our eyes to just how much beauty and wonder exists on this earth.
Whether it is finding adventure in everyday activities like shopping for seasonal produce or traveling to a new country every other weekend, there is so much that makes this part of the world special. Before we talk about How to move to Europe, let’s talk about a few advantages.
Advantages of moving to Europe
Food
One of the things that shocks newly minted expats is the quality of food in Europe. This is true not just in the fine dining establishments, but also the ingredients you encounter on the day to day.
In Europe, the emphasis is on fresh, seasonal ingredients. You may not find mountains of sauce or gut-busting portion sizes, but you will definitely find simple cuisine that tastes gourmet.
Even the ingredients you will find at the grocery stores and weekly food markets will be more pure, free of preservatives, chemicals and colorings that are commonplace in the U.S.
Housing and Pricing
It may come as a shock to many that prices in Europe are far lower than in most of the United States. Outside of places like Zurich and London, things cost a mere fraction.
It may seem expensive when you come here as a tourist, staying in hotels and eating out every night, but if you find a reasonable apartment and live as you would at home, it would cost you far less here.
The big advantage you will notice is not needing a car. the average American spends 16% of their income on transportation when you include cars, insurance, gas and repairs. In Germany, you pay just $49 per month for virtually unlimited transportation around the country on trains, trams and buses.
Adventure
Even if you put all the benefits aside, there are still major advantages to moving to a new country. Having experience living in more than one place broadens your perspectives about the world and gives you the opportunity to learn much quicker.
This extends not only to language, but also to local customs, history, architecture and more! In Europe, if you drive just a few hours outside your city, it will feel like you are on an exotic adventure. With so many countries, languages and customs to explore, you’ll never have a dull moment living in Europe.
How to Move to Europe with Your Job
When it comes to how to move to Europe, start with the absolute easiest option and see if your current employer has a position in a European city. We meet a lot of Americans that have been able to move without even really changing their job, they just move to a different office.
See if your employer offers an International Assignment Service, and if they do that will likely be the easiest way for you to move to Europe.
Changing companies
Most countries won’t grant you permanent residency or a visa unless it is clearly defined what you will be doing there. The most basic form of this is an employment contract from a European company.
The catch is, they only want you if you are doing a job a European can’t do. For example, anything that requires native English or a degree from a specific field at an American college might suffice. We have met people that fall under both of these categories.
Look for Work
We’ve included this last because it is the most risky, but still could be a viable option. Some countries offer a “job-seeker visa” which allows people to stay in the country while they look for work. This is to bring skilled high wage workers into the country so they can be matched to jobs.
Americans must obtain a residence permit first before they apply, but it can help extend your time.
How to Move to Europe as a Student
Another easy option is to be accepted as a student at a European university. Again, the important thing when it comes to how to move to Europe is that you make it clear what you will be doing when you live here.
Being a student fulfills this requirement, and if you are enrolled in a University, you should be able to get a residence permit while you are studying.
This will at least buy you some time to figure out where you can work. At the very least, it will be a fun learning experience!
Retirement Visa
Retirement visas are designed for individuals who wish to spend their golden years in Europe. These visas allow retirees to live in a country without engaging in employment, provided they have sufficient financial means to support themselves.
How to move to Europe with a retirement visa
Proof of Sufficient Income: Applicants must demonstrate a steady income from pensions, investments, or savings. The required amount varies by country but should cover living expenses without the need for local employment.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance valid in the host country is usually mandatory.
Accommodation: Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement or property ownership, is often required.
No Criminal Record: A clean criminal background check may be necessary.
Countries Offering Retirement Visas
Spain: Non-Lucrative Visa.
Portugal: D7 Passive Income Visa.
Italy: Elective Residency Visa.
Greece: Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons.
Malta: Permanent Residence Programme.
Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
Investment visas, commonly known as "Golden Visas," grant residency to individuals who make significant financial investments in the host country, typically in real estate or businesses.
How to move to Europe with an Investment Visa
Real Estate Investment: Purchase property above a certain value (e.g., €500,000 in Spain).
Capital Investment: Invest in local businesses, government bonds, or funds.
Job Creation: Create a specified number of jobs in the country.
Stay Requirements: Some countries have minimal stay requirements, making it appealing for investors who do not wish to reside full-time.
Countries Offering Investment Visas:
Portugal: Golden Visa Program.
Spain: Investor Residency Program.
Greece: Golden Visa Program.
Malta: Citizenship by Investment.
Ireland: Immigrant Investor Programme.
Business/Entrepreneur Visa
These visas are tailored for individuals who wish to start, invest in, or expand a business in the host country. They aim to attract entrepreneurial talent and stimulate economic growth.
How to move to Europe with a Entrepreneur visa
Business Plan: Submit a viable business plan that outlines the business model, market analysis, and financial projections.
Financial Resources: Demonstrate sufficient capital to establish and sustain the business.
Experience: Provide evidence of relevant business experience or expertise.
Economic Benefit: Show how the business will benefit the local economy, such as job creation.
Countries Offering Business Visas
Germany: Self-Employment Visa.
France: Entrepreneur Visa (Passport Talent).
Netherlands: Startup Visa.
Spain: Entrepreneur Visa (Ley de Emprendedores).
United Kingdom: Innovator Visa.
Self-Employment Visa
Self-employment visas are for freelancers, consultants, and independent contractors who wish to reside in a country while conducting their own business activities.
How to move to Europe as a freelancer
Proof of Income: Demonstrate a stable income from self-employment activities.
Client Base: Provide contracts or letters from clients, especially if they are based in the host country.
Qualifications: Show relevant qualifications or professional licenses.
Economic Contribution: Some countries require evidence that your work will contribute positively to the local economy.
Countries Offering Self-Employment Visas
Germany: Freelance Visa (Freiberufler Visa).
France: Profession Libérale Visa.
Spain: Self-Employment Work Visa.
Italy: Autonomous Work Visa.
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital nomad visas cater to remote workers who are employed by companies outside the host country or who have clients abroad. These visas allow individuals to live in the country while working remotely.
How to move to Europe as a Digital Nomad
Proof of Remote Employment: Employment contract or proof of business ownership outside the host country.
Minimum Income Requirement: Demonstrate a steady income that meets or exceeds the threshold set by the host country.
Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering the duration of stay.
No Local Employment: Agree not to engage in local employment or economic activities.
Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas
Estonia: Digital Nomad Visa.
Croatia: Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads.
Greece: Digital Nomad Visa.
Portugal: D7 Passive Income Visa (applicable for remote workers).
Malta: Nomad Residence Permit.
Spousal/Partner Visa
Overview: Spousal or partner visas allow individuals to join their spouse or registered partner who is a citizen or legal resident of the host country.
How to move to Europe under a Partner Visa
Proof of Relationship: Marriage certificate or registered partnership documentation.
Financial Means: The resident spouse may need to demonstrate the ability to support the applicant.
Accommodation: Evidence of suitable housing for both parties.
Language Proficiency: Some countries require basic knowledge of the local language.
Integration Courses: Participation in cultural integration or language courses may be necessary.
Countries Offering Spousal Visas
All European Union Countries: EU family reunification directives apply.
United Kingdom: Spouse or Partner Visa.
Norway, Switzerland, Iceland: Similar provisions under their national laws.
Citizenship via Descent
Citizenship by descent allows individuals to claim citizenship based on their ancestry. If you have parents, grandparents, or sometimes great-grandparents from a European country, you may be eligible.
How to move to Europe via descent
Documentary Evidence: Provide birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents proving lineage.
No Renunciation Required: Some countries allow dual citizenship, so you may not need to renounce your U.S. citizenship.
Additional Requirements: May include language tests or cultural knowledge assessments.
Countries Offering Citizenship via Descent
Ireland: Recognizes citizenship up to grandparents.
Italy: No generational limit, but certain conditions apply (Jure Sanguinis).
Germany: Recognizes citizenship through parents under specific circumstances.
Poland: Citizenship can be claimed through parents or grandparents, subject to certain criteria.
Greece, Hungary, Lithuania: Offer pathways based on ancestry.
Final Tips on How to Move to Europe
Research Specific Requirements
Visa requirements can vary significantly between countries and may change over time. Always consult the official government immigration websites or seek professional legal advice.
Prepare Documentation
Start gathering necessary documents well in advance, especially for visas requiring proof of income, business plans, or ancestral ties.
Be Mindful of Processing Times
Visa applications can take several months to process, so plan accordingly.
Consider Language Requirements
Some visas may require proficiency in the local language, which could involve taking standardized tests.
Understand Residency Obligations
Be aware of any minimum stay requirements to maintain your visa status or qualify for permanent residency or citizenship in the future.
