Temporary move to Europe
August 18, 2010 10:57 AM Subscribe
Want to move to Europe. Understand many have done it before, but let me give more detail and then ask for advice.
We're both in our early 30's, single (no kids) and have high-paying jobs, but ready to leave the corporate world. Both are debt free and have a good nest egg with zero commitments here.
What we'd like to do is move to a mid-size town/city in Germany to start with and rent a furnished apartment for three months or so and just live. We would be very frugal, but like any single men, would like to meet European women and just have a good time dating around. Then, move to another country and repeat..and so on for about a year.
In thinking it through, I'm wondering if it's really feasible. I was hoping if we split expenses and live cheaply, we could do it for about $1k/month each...if we avoid the big, tourist filled cities. That way we could immerse ourselves in the local cultures and get to know people as well. My questions:
1) Is this absolutely ridiculous?
2) Is there any chance of picking up odds/ends kind of work here and there in Europe to fill the reserves up? While we have healthy bank accounts, we want to spend little as possible.
Any comments are much appreciated. Casting a wide net at this point to get any advice you are willing to give. Looked around the net, but love the meta-commenters the most...always useful answers.
Even if you're not working, the standard Schengen visa/visa exemption only allows you to stay in Europe for 90 days out of every six months. You might be able to game this a little bit by alternating stays in Schengen and non-Schengen countries (the UK isn't Schengen, but I think almost everything else in Europe is).
Do you have another visa in mind that you would be entering Europe on?
posted by mskyle at 11:16 AM on August 18, 2010
Do you have another visa in mind that you would be entering Europe on?
posted by mskyle at 11:16 AM on August 18, 2010
Immersion into local culture + Dating + Europe = More than $2k per month for 2 people, imo.
While the both of you might be able to share an apartment for $1k/month, you will only be leaving you each with $500/month for food, entertainment, and of course dating. Keep in mind the Euro is 1.3 dollars now, and Europe is not all that cheap to begin with.
While it may be do-able, I'd rather have a shorter vacation but more money per month to spend.
posted by eas98 at 11:17 AM on August 18, 2010
While the both of you might be able to share an apartment for $1k/month, you will only be leaving you each with $500/month for food, entertainment, and of course dating. Keep in mind the Euro is 1.3 dollars now, and Europe is not all that cheap to begin with.
While it may be do-able, I'd rather have a shorter vacation but more money per month to spend.
posted by eas98 at 11:17 AM on August 18, 2010
Sounds great to me. If you are even the slightest bit good with your hands, you will likely be able to find cash work. I speak from experience as, in France at least, reliable and thoughtful hand-workers are hard to find. You will not earn much but it's a great way to learn local customs.
posted by Dick Paris at 11:17 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by Dick Paris at 11:17 AM on August 18, 2010
Your first hurdle is immigration. You should post your citizenships here, but assuming you are American or Canadian, you are only entitled to visit the Schengen Area for 90 days in 6 months. If you want to stay longer, you are going to need visas for the countries that you want to live in. If you want to work, you will need a visa which allows that (and you aren't going to get one for odds and ends work).
One option to consider is to live for 90 days in the Schengen Area, live the rest of your 6 months in a non-Schengen state that doesn't require a visa (e.g. in Eastern Europe), then return to the Schengen area for another 90 days, and then back to another non-Schengen state.
posted by ssg at 11:18 AM on August 18, 2010
One option to consider is to live for 90 days in the Schengen Area, live the rest of your 6 months in a non-Schengen state that doesn't require a visa (e.g. in Eastern Europe), then return to the Schengen area for another 90 days, and then back to another non-Schengen state.
posted by ssg at 11:18 AM on August 18, 2010
Just a few random thoughts:
I don't think it's ridiculous, but be aware that if you don't have papers/steady jobs, renting your own apartment can be very difficult (obviously this depends where you go; it's impossible to summarise 'Europe' in this way!)
Another thing to keep in mind is that 'dating' is very different here to what it is in the US (assuming that's where you are) and in general - again, impossible to generalise but here I go - it's a bigger deal to ask someone out and tends to imply more of a seriousness of purpose than what I understand of the casual dating culture in the US (others' MMV, of course).
It's often way easier to get to know people in the big, tourist-filled cities, as there are lots of people wanting to meet others, go out and have a good time.
Depending on where you are, accommodation will be your biggest single expense. I think your budget is doable for the most part, but I definitely wouldn't count on picking up any work along the way, without contacts, knowledge of local languages, and work papers.
posted by rubbish bin night at 11:19 AM on August 18, 2010
I don't think it's ridiculous, but be aware that if you don't have papers/steady jobs, renting your own apartment can be very difficult (obviously this depends where you go; it's impossible to summarise 'Europe' in this way!)
Another thing to keep in mind is that 'dating' is very different here to what it is in the US (assuming that's where you are) and in general - again, impossible to generalise but here I go - it's a bigger deal to ask someone out and tends to imply more of a seriousness of purpose than what I understand of the casual dating culture in the US (others' MMV, of course).
It's often way easier to get to know people in the big, tourist-filled cities, as there are lots of people wanting to meet others, go out and have a good time.
Depending on where you are, accommodation will be your biggest single expense. I think your budget is doable for the most part, but I definitely wouldn't count on picking up any work along the way, without contacts, knowledge of local languages, and work papers.
posted by rubbish bin night at 11:19 AM on August 18, 2010
Response by poster: We would almost certainly have to alternate stays in Schengen/Non countries...likely Switzerland or we were thinking Japan (or other Asian countries).
Very good point though and thank you for bringing it up. It's very easy to forget that three months is the limit on a standard entry.
Although, we would love to find work there...very doubtful that would happen (legal work, that is). So hard to get a work visa overseas (we're American).
posted by Yunani at 11:20 AM on August 18, 2010
Very good point though and thank you for bringing it up. It's very easy to forget that three months is the limit on a standard entry.
Although, we would love to find work there...very doubtful that would happen (legal work, that is). So hard to get a work visa overseas (we're American).
posted by Yunani at 11:20 AM on August 18, 2010
Agree wholeheartedly with A189Nut, with the obvious additional caveat that living cheaply at $1,000 per person per month is wholly incompatible with the idea that you're going to get around and date European women. Where are you going to take these women, the Imbiss around the corner? At today's spot rate, $1,000 is about eur775. That's not a lot of money for room, board, sightseeing and dating per month.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:20 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:20 AM on August 18, 2010
I'm an American who lives in Paris and has traveled across Europe, and I'm interested in how much it costs to live in other places, so I always pay attention when I travel. I think that we'd need more information on your expectations/limits.
It really depends on how you want to live. Are you willing to share a studio apartment or do you want a 1 bedroom (or even 2 bedroom)? Do you want to live in the city, or are you willing to take a dumpy apartment in the suburbs? Do you want to eat well? Do you want to go out to bars/movies/cafés/etc? What countries are on your list? I think that it's possible on such a small budget depending on your limits, but any money you spend toward dating is going to be in addition to the $1k.
As for jobs, you're going to need a visa that allows work. In France at least, you can work part-time if you have a student visa, so you might want to consider taking language classes if you wanted to come here (In France, you'd have to apply for the visa from the US; I believe in Germany you can apply for the visa after you arrive as a tourist). In this case you'd probably want to spend at least 5-6 months in the country, as it would be far too much investment/effort to get a visa and just stay 3 months.
posted by helios at 11:24 AM on August 18, 2010
It really depends on how you want to live. Are you willing to share a studio apartment or do you want a 1 bedroom (or even 2 bedroom)? Do you want to live in the city, or are you willing to take a dumpy apartment in the suburbs? Do you want to eat well? Do you want to go out to bars/movies/cafés/etc? What countries are on your list? I think that it's possible on such a small budget depending on your limits, but any money you spend toward dating is going to be in addition to the $1k.
As for jobs, you're going to need a visa that allows work. In France at least, you can work part-time if you have a student visa, so you might want to consider taking language classes if you wanted to come here (In France, you'd have to apply for the visa from the US; I believe in Germany you can apply for the visa after you arrive as a tourist). In this case you'd probably want to spend at least 5-6 months in the country, as it would be far too much investment/effort to get a visa and just stay 3 months.
posted by helios at 11:24 AM on August 18, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks for the replies. Message loud and clear: Don't expect to work and double the monthly budget to $2k. Got it and thanks so far. Such good information.
I know I left a lot of info out in my original post, but that's because we're so wide open and free with what we will do...so the more suggestions, the better..and appreciated. Thanks again to everyone.
posted by Yunani at 11:24 AM on August 18, 2010
I know I left a lot of info out in my original post, but that's because we're so wide open and free with what we will do...so the more suggestions, the better..and appreciated. Thanks again to everyone.
posted by Yunani at 11:24 AM on August 18, 2010
My big question would be about re-entry -- how long will you be gone and what will you do when you come back? Not that you have to have an iron-clad plan, but it's a good idea to think about. Perhaps you can do work in your field (consulting, online work, etc.) for clients back home while Europe to earn money? Might be good to keep your resume up as well.
Also, structure is very important when moving to a new place. After the first bit of sight-seeing, you will still have days to fill with... something... in Europe, just as you would at home. Perhaps come on a student visa and take classes? Or be more deliberate about your approach to work in Europe (as in perhaps an unpaid internship in a field you find interesting?) Or language classes?
It would be good to know what field you're in.
posted by alternateuniverse at 11:25 AM on August 18, 2010
Also, structure is very important when moving to a new place. After the first bit of sight-seeing, you will still have days to fill with... something... in Europe, just as you would at home. Perhaps come on a student visa and take classes? Or be more deliberate about your approach to work in Europe (as in perhaps an unpaid internship in a field you find interesting?) Or language classes?
It would be good to know what field you're in.
posted by alternateuniverse at 11:25 AM on August 18, 2010
What we'd like to do is move to a mid-size town/city in Germany to start with and rent a furnished apartment
Furnished apartments are almost unheard of in Germany - in fact, your base rent (Kaltmiete) even excludes heat, so if you want to have some amenities in your place you'll have to spend more. Washers and dryers are almost never included - you'll have to bring your own and hook them up. In most places, the same goes for the big kitchen appliances.
You will be unable to work during this time, and you can't stay for longer than 90 days unless you apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis. I would not recommend overstaying your visa / working illegally, but apparently a lot of people do it.
The East is much cheaper than the rest of the country, so if you're frugal you can live comfortably in cities like Dresden and Leipzig for much less than you could elsewhere. Munich is the most expensive (and highly overrated, in my opinion, but Americans seem to love it). If you don't speak German, you should really start learning - even though English is widely spoken you'll miss out on a lot if you can't converse in the native language.
posted by Despondent_Monkey at 11:29 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Furnished apartments are almost unheard of in Germany - in fact, your base rent (Kaltmiete) even excludes heat, so if you want to have some amenities in your place you'll have to spend more. Washers and dryers are almost never included - you'll have to bring your own and hook them up. In most places, the same goes for the big kitchen appliances.
You will be unable to work during this time, and you can't stay for longer than 90 days unless you apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis. I would not recommend overstaying your visa / working illegally, but apparently a lot of people do it.
The East is much cheaper than the rest of the country, so if you're frugal you can live comfortably in cities like Dresden and Leipzig for much less than you could elsewhere. Munich is the most expensive (and highly overrated, in my opinion, but Americans seem to love it). If you don't speak German, you should really start learning - even though English is widely spoken you'll miss out on a lot if you can't converse in the native language.
posted by Despondent_Monkey at 11:29 AM on August 18, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: helios & alternateuniverse, my friend is a computer programmer so his skills can be applied anywhere. I'm a project manager (certified) /management consultant...and have done a lot of work with/for government...not much chance for me to do remote work back in the U.S. in this economy..but I will certainly look at that option.
I like the idea of attending school in Europe..especially if it gives option for student visa. Does my age (early 30s) disqualify me for student visa though?
We were thinking of doing the English Second Language certification and teaching somewhere in Asia eventually.
When we go to Europe, we're not so much interested in being tourists as we are just blending in with the local population and trying to experience the culture in the fullest way.
Would be willing to work full-time if a work permit were possible..but even though we're skilled labor with healthy bank accounts, I don't see it happening. Maybe for my friend since he's a whiz bang computer geek.
posted by Yunani at 11:30 AM on August 18, 2010
I like the idea of attending school in Europe..especially if it gives option for student visa. Does my age (early 30s) disqualify me for student visa though?
We were thinking of doing the English Second Language certification and teaching somewhere in Asia eventually.
When we go to Europe, we're not so much interested in being tourists as we are just blending in with the local population and trying to experience the culture in the fullest way.
Would be willing to work full-time if a work permit were possible..but even though we're skilled labor with healthy bank accounts, I don't see it happening. Maybe for my friend since he's a whiz bang computer geek.
posted by Yunani at 11:30 AM on August 18, 2010
Do you plan on buying/renting/leasing a car. This a significant factor on the expense side. While much of Europe has excellent public transportation it is not nearly as available in small/midsized towns. How much freedom do you want to take day trips and "explore" We live in Europe 4-5 months a year, off season, in a furnished house (modest but great view). Depending on the transportation issue $2000 is going to cut it close if you want a modest middle class life. We seldom eat dinner out, lunch more often, limited day trips and neither of us enjoy shopping. It costs us about $3000 per month including car, utilities, exchange rate. Very roughly, we spend per month in euros: 700 on rent, 400-700 on auto leasing/petrol, 100-200 utilities, 450 food/wine/beverages/household, 200-300 eating out. We do not scrimp on day to day but we are not at all extravagant. It is more expensive in Europe--pub lunch 10 euro, dinner out 35-40 euro plus wine, groceries are more expensive, etc. We have always lived in the small towns or rural areas and find a car an absolute necessity. Obviously not necessary in Metropolitan areas but rent and other expenses go up. I personally think the minimum for two adults to live comfortable is $36,000. More in Scandinavia etc. Can not speak to work--I never wanted to--I would not count on it with the poor economy and EU labor rules.
posted by rmhsinc at 11:32 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by rmhsinc at 11:32 AM on August 18, 2010
I raise the language issue once more: in Germany the rate of English speakers is only moderate-high in large cities. If you intend to settle in some smaller city you must absolutely speak/understand basic German before you go.
posted by knz at 11:40 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by knz at 11:40 AM on August 18, 2010
Response by poster: Thanks knz. My friend is nearly fluent in German...I;m still learning.
posted by Yunani at 11:41 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by Yunani at 11:41 AM on August 18, 2010
Yunani -- it is definitely possible to do project management work remotely if you set up clients before you go. I have an acquaintance who does that (an American expat living in Europe with clients in Canada and the US). He works US hours, Skype calls to check on projects, uses workflow software remotely, etc. The US government would probably not allow it, but smaller businesses/nonprofits might.
I think the UK allows certain individuals to get visas to look for work for two years if they have enough points (high previous income, younger age (not sure how 30 plays out), educational background, family status, etc.). Google for UK points-based visa to verify. A friend did this but it was a few years ago so might have changed.
In many countries, people go to school later (or longer) in Europe than the US. Google "mature students" and you'll find a lot. The conveyor belt from secondary to college to corporation to grad school is less common. Your age won't be a problem (as long as you choose programs you can reasonably get into, or language programs). Education is much cheaper here. Germany is especially inexpensive. I saw a few programs for under 1000 Euro per term, last time I looked.
I would recommend against a car. Most towns/cities are walkable, and trains can take you between cities. Also, having a car is an enormous PITA that you will be happy to no longer deal with, I expect.
posted by alternateuniverse at 11:45 AM on August 18, 2010
I think the UK allows certain individuals to get visas to look for work for two years if they have enough points (high previous income, younger age (not sure how 30 plays out), educational background, family status, etc.). Google for UK points-based visa to verify. A friend did this but it was a few years ago so might have changed.
In many countries, people go to school later (or longer) in Europe than the US. Google "mature students" and you'll find a lot. The conveyor belt from secondary to college to corporation to grad school is less common. Your age won't be a problem (as long as you choose programs you can reasonably get into, or language programs). Education is much cheaper here. Germany is especially inexpensive. I saw a few programs for under 1000 Euro per term, last time I looked.
I would recommend against a car. Most towns/cities are walkable, and trains can take you between cities. Also, having a car is an enormous PITA that you will be happy to no longer deal with, I expect.
posted by alternateuniverse at 11:45 AM on August 18, 2010
I should amend that about a car -- I should say that places with a well-defined city center and good train connections don't require a car. Even smaller towns, as long as they are on a rail line and you live in town. (That's where I've stayed, so far.) Rural areas might be different, per rmhsinc.
posted by alternateuniverse at 11:58 AM on August 18, 2010
posted by alternateuniverse at 11:58 AM on August 18, 2010
Switzerland is a Schengen country. Most of Eastern Europe is Schengen, or is planning to be Schengen by next year. Japan, of course, is not.
posted by mskyle at 12:04 PM on August 18, 2010
posted by mskyle at 12:04 PM on August 18, 2010
In France, your age won't disqualify you for a student visa, and you can renew it indefinitely (at least for 2 years as long as you're advancing and still attending school). There are, however, lots of "under 26" benefits/discounts that you won't qualify for (such as half-price train tickets) and this is the case for many other European countries as well.
One thing I want to note: "blending in with the local population" and really experiencing local culture might be harder than you think in 3 months. 3 months after I arrived in Paris, all my friends were expats from other countries; we all spoke English to each other and only had a superficial understanding of the culture. It took about 2 1/2 years before I started to feel like a local. Have you considered choosing a single place to live long-term (say, 2-3 years) and taking vacations from that spot to see the rest of Europe? I think that to really blend in, you'll need to be completely fluent in the language, and either have a long-term girlfriend or a group of close friends who are local to the area. I'm not saying it's impossible; it might be easier for you since there are two of you and you can share your connections.
Regarding a car; I don't think you'll need one unless you choose a small city (less than around 200,000 people). You can also rent a car when needed, which is quite cheap in Germany.
posted by helios at 12:10 PM on August 18, 2010
One thing I want to note: "blending in with the local population" and really experiencing local culture might be harder than you think in 3 months. 3 months after I arrived in Paris, all my friends were expats from other countries; we all spoke English to each other and only had a superficial understanding of the culture. It took about 2 1/2 years before I started to feel like a local. Have you considered choosing a single place to live long-term (say, 2-3 years) and taking vacations from that spot to see the rest of Europe? I think that to really blend in, you'll need to be completely fluent in the language, and either have a long-term girlfriend or a group of close friends who are local to the area. I'm not saying it's impossible; it might be easier for you since there are two of you and you can share your connections.
Regarding a car; I don't think you'll need one unless you choose a small city (less than around 200,000 people). You can also rent a car when needed, which is quite cheap in Germany.
posted by helios at 12:10 PM on August 18, 2010
in Germany
1k per Person should not be a problem. Should even work in Munich with a not to high life-style.
I would suggest you start in Berlin. Very cheap rent, cheap living expenses.
Have you thought your visa situation through? With enough money in your account you may be able to get a visa for a year.
posted by yoyo_nyc at 12:16 PM on August 18, 2010
1k per Person should not be a problem. Should even work in Munich with a not to high life-style.
I would suggest you start in Berlin. Very cheap rent, cheap living expenses.
Have you thought your visa situation through? With enough money in your account you may be able to get a visa for a year.
posted by yoyo_nyc at 12:16 PM on August 18, 2010
Response by poster: helios, thanks for that information.
I would love to choose a single place (any of the euro countries appeal), but I think I will always hit the same wall - legally staying there.
posted by Yunani at 12:29 PM on August 18, 2010
I would love to choose a single place (any of the euro countries appeal), but I think I will always hit the same wall - legally staying there.
posted by Yunani at 12:29 PM on August 18, 2010
To be happy and integrated in society enough to date and meet people and be social and have some semblance of a normal life, you will need to work or study, and learn German, if this is going to happen and be a good thing.
Both of those things can happen in Germany. But Germany has a very, very large percentage of chronically unemployed people. Labor costs are very high.
Honestly, though, these are questions for a German consulate. You have too many specific things you're looking for. There may be a visa that allows multiple entries to non-working residents beyond the normal tourist visa.
Finally, as an American working in the EU teaching English: do *not* be an American working in the EU teaching English unless you have a company sponsoring you. I am a *very expensive* employee to maintain, and, literally, the only American they can afford. I really, really cannot afford to make the same mistakes that one of my European colleagues makes at work; I'm far too easily replaceable by a free Irish or British citizen. It is far easier to teach in a place like Indonesia, Vietnam, or China, especially with little experience.
Good luck!
posted by mdonley at 12:41 PM on August 18, 2010
Both of those things can happen in Germany. But Germany has a very, very large percentage of chronically unemployed people. Labor costs are very high.
Honestly, though, these are questions for a German consulate. You have too many specific things you're looking for. There may be a visa that allows multiple entries to non-working residents beyond the normal tourist visa.
Finally, as an American working in the EU teaching English: do *not* be an American working in the EU teaching English unless you have a company sponsoring you. I am a *very expensive* employee to maintain, and, literally, the only American they can afford. I really, really cannot afford to make the same mistakes that one of my European colleagues makes at work; I'm far too easily replaceable by a free Irish or British citizen. It is far easier to teach in a place like Indonesia, Vietnam, or China, especially with little experience.
Good luck!
posted by mdonley at 12:41 PM on August 18, 2010
Response by poster: mdonley, thanks very much.
After having read through all the replies, I'm still trying to figure it all out...
I've boiled it down to wanting to stay in one location for a longer period (maybe a year or longer), but realize I cannot unless I get hold of a work permit or enroll in classes. Would rather work. I don't speak fluent german so it seems the odds are stacked against me.
Friend and I are still looking over options. Thanks again to everyone. Still looking for any open feedback. Once I refine and narrow down my plans a bit, I'll post back looking for more specific feedback.
I would definitely love to hear from expats that have done it or from europeans that can offer firsthand advice on their city/town. Thanks again.
posted by Yunani at 1:54 PM on August 18, 2010
After having read through all the replies, I'm still trying to figure it all out...
I've boiled it down to wanting to stay in one location for a longer period (maybe a year or longer), but realize I cannot unless I get hold of a work permit or enroll in classes. Would rather work. I don't speak fluent german so it seems the odds are stacked against me.
Friend and I are still looking over options. Thanks again to everyone. Still looking for any open feedback. Once I refine and narrow down my plans a bit, I'll post back looking for more specific feedback.
I would definitely love to hear from expats that have done it or from europeans that can offer firsthand advice on their city/town. Thanks again.
posted by Yunani at 1:54 PM on August 18, 2010
"We were thinking of doing the English Second Language certification and teaching somewhere in Asia eventually."
This can be helpful but isn't necessary at all. Teaching English in Asia generally requires a four-year college degree and no criminal record. If you want to teach at the university level, TESOL certificates can help but you really want an MA (in almost any subject, not just English).
posted by bardic at 2:04 PM on August 18, 2010
This can be helpful but isn't necessary at all. Teaching English in Asia generally requires a four-year college degree and no criminal record. If you want to teach at the university level, TESOL certificates can help but you really want an MA (in almost any subject, not just English).
posted by bardic at 2:04 PM on August 18, 2010
I lived in Europe (France, Switzerland, Luxembourg) for $173 USD month (plus rent) for two years (2003-2005). It's not easy, but it is doable:
Public Transit (bus passes) only.
Buy all your food at the discount grocery store (no eating out, ever).
No travel.
No shopping.
posted by blue_beetle at 3:29 PM on August 18, 2010
Public Transit (bus passes) only.
Buy all your food at the discount grocery store (no eating out, ever).
No travel.
No shopping.
posted by blue_beetle at 3:29 PM on August 18, 2010
Please think very carefully about trying to 'game' Schengen visa restrictions by hopping in and out of the Zone. If they notice a pattern you will face some very hard questions from immigration authorities, very probably be turned back at the border/deported and also face the risk of a ten year travel ban to any Schengen countries.
As noted above, you have three basic options for working/living in Europe:
- Marry a European: sounds like this one is out, and it's a long, expensive and invasive process anyway in most European countries (just done it in the UK for my American spouse).
- Get a working visa: normally company sponsored, although some countries have highly skilled migrant programmes or equivalent, which are points-based. A work visa for one country in Schengen generally won't let you work in all Schengen countries - the right to work freely across the EU is only afforded to EU citizens.
- Be a student: very common, relatively low barrier to entry, you're allowed to work usually (although some countries restrict your hours) and you get to learn something. Plus tuition costs in most European countries are a fraction of US education costs, even with overseas student rates.
This is not to say that it's not possible to get under the table work and play the Schengen visa waiver hopping game (or simply overstay), but there's always that ten year travel ban and deportation risk.
Trust me, you don't want to screw around with European immigration authorities. Despite what the tabloid press would have the locals believe, they can be pretty harsh.
posted by Happy Dave at 4:21 AM on August 19, 2010
As noted above, you have three basic options for working/living in Europe:
- Marry a European: sounds like this one is out, and it's a long, expensive and invasive process anyway in most European countries (just done it in the UK for my American spouse).
- Get a working visa: normally company sponsored, although some countries have highly skilled migrant programmes or equivalent, which are points-based. A work visa for one country in Schengen generally won't let you work in all Schengen countries - the right to work freely across the EU is only afforded to EU citizens.
- Be a student: very common, relatively low barrier to entry, you're allowed to work usually (although some countries restrict your hours) and you get to learn something. Plus tuition costs in most European countries are a fraction of US education costs, even with overseas student rates.
This is not to say that it's not possible to get under the table work and play the Schengen visa waiver hopping game (or simply overstay), but there's always that ten year travel ban and deportation risk.
Trust me, you don't want to screw around with European immigration authorities. Despite what the tabloid press would have the locals believe, they can be pretty harsh.
posted by Happy Dave at 4:21 AM on August 19, 2010
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posted by A189Nut at 11:09 AM on August 18, 2010