Steps towards living in Europe?

Question

What are the steps I would need to take in order to be able to live and work in Europe for an extended amount of time? (more than 6 months). I understand that each country has different regulations, but I would just like to know the basics on how to get started with my move!

Answer 1

Europe is working on an Europe wide card, like the Green card in the USA, called Blue card for now. It may take a year before it is active but keep an eye out.

All countries have websites where you can get information about long term stay and work permits.
For the Netherlands see these sites:
http://www.ind.nl/EN/
http://www.minbuza.nl/en/welcome/comingtoNL,visas_x_consular_services/Visa-application-form.html

But first start with a virtual jobhunt, see what is available in the kind of work you do now, or are trained for.
Also look for companies in your own country that might hire for European positions, (the armed forces have a big suport staff of their own country wherever they go, as do some big firms.)

Do an on-line house hunt, see what rents you can find for housing in your chosen country, and do also look for houses in the smaller towns a bit farther from the best known towns.
For instance, the rents for available apartments in Amsterdam are about twice as high as they are in some of the smaller towns.

And safe as much money as you can, everything will cost a lot, and it will be a time before you really earn money.

On top of that, do not forget that you are going to live in a different country, with different habits and traditions.
Freedoms may be too much (think about the people getting drunk to work each day because the alcohol is easy to get, and the drinking age is lower,) and there is no family and friend network to fall back on, financial and social.
And on the other hand, some things will be more restricted than they are at home.
(See only the difference in weapon laws between England and the USA, with all guns and most knifes being outlawed in England.)

Answer 2

well i grew up in europe and have been in the states for the past 9 years. i plan also on moving back by end of next year. my goal is to move back to bavaria. funny thing is...when i was little or younger i didn't appriciate the little things about europe. i always wanted to live in the states. people grow older and realize what type of life they want to have...and mine was the life in europe. just remember...it is 2 whole different worlds. which you prefer is up to you....but europe is hard to complain about. so much beauty and so much to see and actually have the ability to do so. life is too short.
to find out what you will need. select the country of your choice and go online to their embassay site..they have all the info listed there. not an eay process..but they also make it sound harder then it sounds..trust me. my family has been through it. establish networks now...and keep in touch with me. i'm going through the same process..email me. ciao