how do I pick up and move overseas?

Question

I spent several summers studying abroad in prague...and I miss it. My Czech is crap, but total immersion helped me improve just a teeny bit. so. how does an american pick up and move to prague or anywhere in europe? what kind of stuff do I have to go through to do it? how do I get a job? etc etc...

Answer 1

The first reply is partly right. You have to have a job offer from a company in the country you wish to move to. The company submits it to the employment authority; you apply for it, pay the application fee for work and residence permit, and wait 1-6 months for an answer from the immigration authorities. You can NOT just show up somewhere and expect the right to work; you have to apply through the Czech Embassy or Consulate nearest you.

You will have to pay Czech income tax (withheld from your pay by your employer), and still submit a 1040 to US IRS each year (with form 2555 if I recall) requesting exemption from US tax during the time you were employed in CZ.

As a foreigner, you do not have automatic right to purchase property, but these laws change depending on national moods. Best to check with an estate agent in the town you wish to move to.

Answer 2

You have to contact the embassy of the country you wish to move to and find out what type of visa or documentation you need to live there. You will most likely need a work visa if you plan to live and work there. Different countries require different things. Usually, as an American, it should not be difficult to gain residency. Finding a job, buying a house, etc etc would be the same as if you moved to a different city. Just be aware that you may be responsible for taxes (to the U.S. and to the country you live in) and buying a house might be a bit more complicated.

Answer 3

I'd recommend taking a TESOL class, so you can teach English overseas.