Europe is one of the wealthiest, most influential, and most diverse places in the world.Europe is a collection of over 40 nations, only a few of which are in the European Union.You should do a lot of research before moving to a country that has its own rules and regulations.Financial and practical preparations need to be made in advance of your move.
Step 1: Save money for at least a year before moving.
Europe is a great place to live, but it comes at a cost.Use the cost of living in a few destinations as a benchmark for your savings target.You will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your stay, based on your visa.Don't think you'll be able to find a good-paying job quickly in Europe.You will have to rely on your savings for 3-6 months.
Step 2: Determine your best fit by research European nations.
When you say that you want to move to Europe, you probably already have a list of countries or cities in mind.Take the time to research the locations on your list, and then choose your number one choice.To get a feel for different locations in Europe, read travel and guide books.Which one is best for your situation and goals?Are you looking for a lower cost of living, more job opportunities, greater cultural diversity, or the chance to learn a new language?Contact the embassies of countries that interest you.Europe has 44 nations with distinctive cultures, languages and traditions.Some will suit you better than others.
Step 3: You have to apply for a visa at least 6 months before you leave.
Inquire about the visa options and processes at the nearest embassy.Depending on your current home country, citizenship, work status, and other factors, the alternatives and requirements will vary a lot.If you are a US citizen, you can stay in EU nations for up to 90 days without a visa.You need a visa that is suited to your situation if you want to stay longer.Depending on type and country, work and study visas can be valid for between 3 months and 1 year.It's difficult to get a work visa from European nations.You may have a better chance of getting a student visa if you look for opportunities in your country of interest.
Step 4: If possible, line up work while applying for a visa.
It can be hard to get a work visa from a European nation.It is very hard to get a work visa without a job lined up, but it is also very difficult to line up a new job.If you can arrange for a job with an employer that will sponsor your work visa, that is your best-case scenario.If you are a native English speaker, you might want to consider teaching English as a Foreign Language.Before you leave for Europe, you need to be certified in your home country.An employer may not offer a job to a non-citizen if they can't find a citizen that's right for it.You can't work in the country if you have a student visa.If you want to move to Europe permanently, a work visa may be your best option.
Step 5: You should learn the national language before you leave.
Since it's spoken throughout Europe, you're in good shape if you speak English.Learning the national language of your destination will make it much easier to land a job, make friends, and integrate into the local and national culture.Before moving, try to get a basic grasp of the language.Give yourself at least 3 months to practice.
Step 6: Banking and taxation matters can be dealt with by experts.
If your current bank in your home country can help you set up a bank account in another country, that's great.You will probably want to maintain accounts in both countries if you are moving permanently.There is a lot of paperwork that needs to be waded through to make sure you are paying taxes in both your home and destination countries.While the embassy staff may be able to help, you will probably want to work with a tax attorney or accountant who has experience with European relocations.Don't wait until the last minute to deal with important mattersBefore moving, start working on them at least 3 months.
Step 7: It's important to make sure you can drive in your country of choice.
Some European countries will at least temporarily accept driving licenses from other countries.Make sure your license is valid and up-to-date by checking the requirements for your destination country.Most EU nations will require you to take a driving test and get a license within a year.If you're going to Europe, you should practice driving a manual transmission before you go.In Europe, public transportation is great, so you may not need to drive at all.
Step 8: You can live on a short-term lease.
Before you move to Europe, start searching online for an apartment or other living space.If possible, look for a place that has a short-term lease of 6 months or less.It's a good idea to get a feel for the neighborhood before committing to living there long-term.In major cities living in Europe can be very expensive.You should get used to the idea of starting out in a small apartment.
Step 9: Before you make a move, downsize your life.
Europe usually has a premium for space.If you are coming from the US, the roads, cars, stores, living quarters, home appliances, and even meal portion sizes will seem very small.If you want to take your most essential items with you on your move, store them or sell them.In Europe, walk-in closets are very rare, and closets of any type can be hard to find.Selling non-essential items is a good way to raise money.
Step 10: There are EU-related regulations for visas, residency, and citizenship.
Obtaining legal residency status in a member state of the European Union will allow you free movement throughout the entire EU.You will generally be able to relocate to other member states with relative ease if you gain citizenship in a member state.Residency status and citizenship are regulated by each EU member state.The EU does not grant citizenship.You should expect the process of obtaining citizenship to take a long time, with money, and bureaucratic red tape.The United Kingdom is slated to leave the EU in the near future, but is still a member of the bloc.
Step 11: If you want to be part of Europe's economic engine, you should move to Germany.
Germany has several vibrant, modern cities, strong manufacturing and technology sectors, and more cultural diversity than you might think.You can get information about moving to Germany by contacting the closest German embassy.Germany isn't all modern hustle-and-bustle, but it may not provide the laid-back lifestyle you find in southern Europe.Germany has a number of visas and residency permits for people who want to stay for a long time.It is easier to get a visa if you have a job with a German employer.It is advisable to learn at least basic German before moving.
Step 12: France has a culture, cuisine, and beauty.
France is a great place to live because it is one of the most popular tourist destinations.France is a large country that extends from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea.You can begin your research by contacting the nearest French embassy.French people are very proud of their language, so if you work on it before moving, you will get some points with the locals.The most expensive part of France is Paris, which has the most work and study opportunities.There are more affordable opportunities in other European cultural centers.
Step 13: Italy is a great place to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Italy is a nation full of cultural, historical, and natural wonders, even though it is not as advanced as some of the European nations to its north.Italians seem to have a knack for enjoying life, and maybe that is what you are looking for.Italian student visas are fairly easy to get compared to other European countries.Northern Italy is more prosperous than southern Italy.
Step 14: The Netherlands has an open and English-friendly culture.
If you want to move somewhere other than the UK, the Netherlands is a good place to start.If you work on your Dutch language skills, you will find it easier to get a job, make friends, and navigate the country if you speak English.If you plan to stay for more than 3 months after getting a visa, you need to register at the local town hall.Before leaving for the Netherlands, you need to get the necessary information from the nearest Dutch embassy.If you live an active lifestyle, the Netherlands is a good place to live.The cost of living in the Netherlands is higher than in many southern and eastern European countries, so you will need to build up more savings before moving.The Netherlands is the name of the country.Dutch is the language of the people.Holland is a part of the Netherlands.
Step 15: For an English-speaking culture, move to England or the UK.
The United Kingdom, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are also known as the UK.The country's unclear status with the EU may make it more difficult to move to the UK.The UK voted to leave the EU in a popular referendum in 2016 but has not done so as of March 2019.If you choose the UK, you should assume that it will be leaving the EU.The UK has a wide range of work and student visas.Before you leave, work on your language skills.
Step 16: Switzerland has high living standards.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, among the stunning mountain views of the Alps, Switzerland is a stable, diverse, tolerant, economically advanced nation.It's one of the most expensive countries in the world to live in.German, French, Italian, and Romansh are the official languages of Switzerland.Where in Switzerland you intend to live will affect which language you learn.You can find job opportunities based on your skills and background in Switzerland.Switzerland is fairly welcoming to outsiders and offers a range of visa options, but it is difficult to obtain Swiss citizenship.
Step 17: Norway has easier EU access in a non-member state.
Norway is an associate member of the EU due to its close economic and political links.If you want to move to Norway from outside of Europe, you'll need a visa and a residency permit.It will be easy to travel throughout the EU if you become a legal resident of Norway.According to several studies, Norway has a high standard of living, but the climate isn't for everyone.During the winter, a lot of the country gets very cold and spends long stretches in darkness.
Step 18: Contact embassies for other non-EU states if you do online research.
Several eastern European countries, some nations in the Balkans, and a few smaller nations are not part of the EU.To find out more about moving to any of these countries, contact the nearest embassy or consulate.