Services to aid in becoming an expat?
November 13, 2024 6:51 AM Subscribe
I know this topic is going to be coming up more and more, but I haven't found much information on my own. Are there reputable companies that help US citizens in all aspects of becoming expats in Europe?
From the initial research we've done, the road to becoming an expat is long and difficult. There are so many things to consider, from the types of Visas necessary to the logistics of the actual move, and all the bureaucracy in the middle. Certainly, there must be companies whose specialty is guiding Americans through it all. I'm guessing we will see a lot of scammy ones pop up, too.
Please let us know if anyone here has found and used such a (reputable) service!
From the initial research we've done, the road to becoming an expat is long and difficult. There are so many things to consider, from the types of Visas necessary to the logistics of the actual move, and all the bureaucracy in the middle. Certainly, there must be companies whose specialty is guiding Americans through it all. I'm guessing we will see a lot of scammy ones pop up, too.
Please let us know if anyone here has found and used such a (reputable) service!
It sounds like you want to be an immigrant, not an expat. Expats are people who live briefly in other countries, usually for work reasons, but do not integrate with the local culture. I live in Spain, and there is a lot of bad feelings toward people who use the term "expat" when they are actually immigrants. "Immigrant" is used to attack people of color who move here, while rich white people call themselves expats, move to enclaves, don't learn the languages, don't integrate, and act rude and entitled. If you want to move somewhere permanently, you're going to be an immigrant.
You can DIY immigration in most countries if you qualify for a visa (that's the tricky part). I've done it and the actual paperwork was tedious, but wasn't too hard. If you are looking for immigration attorneys, generally they are country specific. If you explain a bit about your circumstances, people may be able to direct you toward countries where you may qualify for visas. Things like education, field of work, languages spoken, general financial situation, if LGBTQIA+ rights are a concern, etc.. I've done a lot of research and can point you in the right direction (feel free to DM if you'd like).
From personal experience, if you are moving from the US to Europe, plan on bringing way less than you think. Most furniture is not worth shipping. Appliances and electronics like vacuums, kitchen appliances, sewing machines, and desktop computers are better to purchase in your new home, as they are usually not compliant with the electrical systems here.
posted by Mournful Bagel Song at 10:23 AM on November 13 [9 favorites]
You can DIY immigration in most countries if you qualify for a visa (that's the tricky part). I've done it and the actual paperwork was tedious, but wasn't too hard. If you are looking for immigration attorneys, generally they are country specific. If you explain a bit about your circumstances, people may be able to direct you toward countries where you may qualify for visas. Things like education, field of work, languages spoken, general financial situation, if LGBTQIA+ rights are a concern, etc.. I've done a lot of research and can point you in the right direction (feel free to DM if you'd like).
From personal experience, if you are moving from the US to Europe, plan on bringing way less than you think. Most furniture is not worth shipping. Appliances and electronics like vacuums, kitchen appliances, sewing machines, and desktop computers are better to purchase in your new home, as they are usually not compliant with the electrical systems here.
posted by Mournful Bagel Song at 10:23 AM on November 13 [9 favorites]
One path to do this is by finding an employer in that country, and then they do a lot of the legwork for you. If you are not wealthy but you do have an in-demand employment skillset, this might be an option worth looking into.
posted by bluedaisy at 11:52 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]
posted by bluedaisy at 11:52 AM on November 13 [2 favorites]
If you are retired with a reliable income source, the search term is "golden visa." If you are working in tech, search for "tech nomad visa." If you have a large sum that can be invested in real estate abroad, search for "golden passport." If you want to work abroad, apply for jobs with global corporations with offices overseas. If you want to move there first and then find a job... yes, that is very difficult. Check your family tree though – you might qualify for "ancestry citizenship."
posted by dum spiro spero at 1:41 PM on November 13 [4 favorites]
posted by dum spiro spero at 1:41 PM on November 13 [4 favorites]
/r/IWantOut is a useful, if noisy, catch-all. The sidebar can be a helpful starting point.
From personal experience, I suggest starting with your employer(s). If they have existing resources like this, they're in the most prime position to help you make it happen. If they do not have those resources, they don't want to. Employer sponsorship is, without exception, the least painful and expensive way to open the door to the various work visas that constitute most expat trajectories. Poke around your intranet, handbook, HR portal, or whatever else is available: do you see info on international sponsorship or a relevant Who-To-Call-For-What entry?
I'm on a "skilled worker visa," which can be helpful in your search. Most countries have a list of job titles that are in short supply, and hence which positions employers can defensibly hire into from abroad.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 4:13 AM on November 14 [1 favorite]
From personal experience, I suggest starting with your employer(s). If they have existing resources like this, they're in the most prime position to help you make it happen. If they do not have those resources, they don't want to. Employer sponsorship is, without exception, the least painful and expensive way to open the door to the various work visas that constitute most expat trajectories. Poke around your intranet, handbook, HR portal, or whatever else is available: do you see info on international sponsorship or a relevant Who-To-Call-For-What entry?
I'm on a "skilled worker visa," which can be helpful in your search. Most countries have a list of job titles that are in short supply, and hence which positions employers can defensibly hire into from abroad.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 4:13 AM on November 14 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I want to thank you all for the great replies! This is very helpful. We've already narrowed our search to just a couple of countries with visas that fit our needs. I hope this topic helps others, too.
posted by Don_K at 5:49 AM on November 15
posted by Don_K at 5:49 AM on November 15
I have two friends who emigrated to Mexico. They recommend International Living magazine as one resource
posted by TimHare at 11:19 PM on November 15
posted by TimHare at 11:19 PM on November 15
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For a more affordable start, peruse Nomad Gate and the Nomad List.
posted by aramaic at 7:47 AM on November 13 [7 favorites]