Everything you need to know to move to Europe

Almost 90% of immigrants to America came from Europe, but today, the trend is reversed, with a growing number of Americans relocating to Europe for various economic, political, and lifestyle reasons. According to recent data from Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, 76,221 Americans received residence permits from EU/Schengen countries last year, with France, Spain, and Germany granting the highest numbers.

If you are one of the many Americans dreaming of a new life across the Atlantic, at Oz Moving & Storage, we have helped countless Americans turn their European dreams into reality.

This article will walk you through the essentials of moving to Europe from the USA and cover essential topics, including the top European destinations, visa requirements, and the differences you can expect, such as healthcare systems, real estate prices, and the cost of living.

Why Move to Europe?

For Americans, Europe offers a unique blend of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences. There are several compelling reasons for Americans to consider moving to Europe, but according to the feedback we get from our clients, the main reasons are:

● High Quality of Life: Most European countries boast excellent healthcare systems that are accessible to everyone, as well as a more relaxed work-life balance.

● Culture and History: Europe has a much longer recorded history than America. With ancient civilizations, medieval castles, and centuries-old traditions and cultural references.

● Diverse Landscapes and climates: Europe offers Mediterranean beaches, Alpine mountains, Nordic fjords, and dozens of different cultures, all within easy reach.

● Education: World-class universities in Europe offer programs delivered in English, which are typically much less expensive than US institutions.

● Travel Ease: Europe offers excellent public transportation and virtually open borders between many countries. You could have a beer in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands in the same evening.

Healthcare in Europe

One of the biggest advantages of living in Europe is universal access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. Most European countries have universal healthcare systems, whereas the US has a hybrid public and private insurance system.

The healthcare costs in European countries are significantly lower than in the USA, and Americans will also typically face much higher out-of-pocket expenses than Europeans. Europeans are protected from high medical bills, but specific treatments may have longer wait times.

Americans can access the public healthcare systems in Europe after obtaining residency and obtaining necessary health insurance cards. Private health insurance is also available in most European countries, which is usually less expensive than in the US.

Some European countries may require proof of health insurance as part of your visa application.

Cost of Living

Living expenses vary widely across Europe, but on average, Americans find that their money will stretch further in Europe, especially when paying for healthcare and education.

On a like-for-like basis, comparing major European cities to major American cities, for example, moving to Paris from NYC, Americans can enjoy a higher quality of life at a fraction of the cost.

Choosing a Country - Top European Destinations for Americans

While Europe offers a wealth of options for expats, some countries are particularly welcoming and attractive to Americans.

Portugal

Portugal has a lovely Mediterranean climate, boasting over 300 days of sunshine annually. English is widely spoken, and there are high-quality public and private healthcare systems.

The cost of living is lower compared to The USA and other European countries, and real estate is affordable outside of the main cities of Lisbon and Porto. Portugal offers a higher quality of life at significantly lower costs when compared to the United States, with housing, food, and healthcare being much less expensive.

This has led to the number of American expats in Portugal increasing by 247% from 2017 to 2022. In addition, the Portugal Golden Visa program offers a path to residency for investors, while specific Visa options cater to retirees and remote workers.

Spain

Spain has a varied climate from Mediterranean to Continental. English is less common than in Portugal but still widely spoken. The public health care system is excellent, and living costs are affordable. The public transport system is efficient, with affordable rail and bus systems. Real estate prices are reasonable, but significant variations depend on region.

Spain has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant culture that attracts many American expats. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid offer excitement and bustling lifestyles with plenty of nightlife, while coastal areas provide a more relaxed pace.

Germany

Germany has a temperate climate with distinct seasons: warm and sunny summers with cold and snowy winters. The health care system is world-class and accessible. The cost of living is moderate, ranging to expensive in the major cities. The public transport system is extensive, efficient, and affordable. Real estate prices are high in the major cities but more affordable in rural areas.

Germany has a particularly strong economy and excellent job opportunities. The job market is diverse but especially attractive in fields like technology and engineering, which appeal to American professionals. Cities like Berlin offer an attractive startup environment for business and relatively affordable living costs.

Ireland

Ireland has a mild climate with lots of rain, hence the lush green of much of the landscape and the “emerald isle” alias. Ireland is an English-speaking country with an excellent public healthcare system, but the cost of living is relatively high for Europe, particularly in Dublin. The public transportation system in cities is decent but very limited in rural areas. Real estate prices are high in Dublin but more reasonable outside the city.

Ireland is an English-speaking country, it offers an easy transition for American expats, and the strong sense of community appeals to Americans looking for an inclusive environment. With its friendly locals, beautiful landscapes, and shared language, Ireland provides an easy transition for Americans. The country also offers attractive visa options for entrepreneurs and skilled workers.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has a mild maritime climate with cooler summers and moderate winters. English is widely spoken, and the healthcare system is one of the best in Europe. The cost of living is higher than in Portugal and Spain, with real estate prices being particularly expensive in Amsterdam and other major cities.

The Netherlands has one of the highest levels of English proficiency in Europe. We recently had a client we helped move there, and they shared that this made their transition much smoother, as they could easily communicate with locals while settling in.

The Dutch emphasis on green issues and sustainability is also very attractive to environmentally conscious Americans.

Visa and Residency Options

Visa requirements can be the most challenging part of moving to Europe. There are many different visa options and requirements for each European country. But we have had customers applying for the following common visa types include:

● Work Visa: This will typically require written proof of a job offer from a European employer.

● Student Visa: Requires proof of enrolment in a recognized European educational institution.

● Retirement Visa: Available in countries like Portugal and Spain but will have a requirement to prove sufficient income.

● Digital Nomad Visa: Offered by countries like Estonia and Croatia to encourage remote workers.

● Entrepreneur Visa: This visa is for those starting a business in Europe. Requirements vary significantly between European countries, so ensure you research your chosen destination thoroughly.

Logistics of Moving to Europe and Some Practical Tips for Your Move

When planning a move, it’s always important to be selective about what you bring with you, but it's essential for long-distance overseas moves to Europe. It would be best if you were ruthless about getting rid of things you don't need due to international moving costs.

Before deciding what to bring, research customs regulations in your destination country to avoid any issues with prohibited items. Also, consider climate differences and pack appropriate clothing for all seasons. Begin planning for your international relocation and creating a moving checklist at least six months prior to your moving date.

The shipping options are air freight or sea freight. Air freight is much quicker and much more expensive. Sea freight is more cost-effective but can take 8 weeks or more to arrive. Most of our clients take a hybrid approach and ship essential and valuable items by air and the rest of their belongings by sea freight.

Finding accommodation will require some research well in advance of your planned moving date. We find that our clients prefer to look for short-term furnished rentals for the initial arrival, which gives them enough time to find permanent housing. Note that you will likely need to provide extensive documentation for house rental applications, and it may be worth joining expat groups online to get some tips on housing requirements in your area.

International moves require expertise to navigate customs processes and all the other logistical issues that can crop up. As international movers with many years of experience in overseas relocations, we have encountered all the typical problems associated with long-distance overseas moves and know how to overcome them with minimal fuss and delay.