Canada WORKINGRBROAD
VISAS
If you are a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), you are entitled to work in any other EEA country without a work permit as a salaried employee or a self-employed individual. If you are from a country outside of the EEA, securing a visa to work in Europe can be a little more complicated. Europe is made up of 27 EU & 3 EEA Countries that include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The 3 EEA Countries are Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and finally Switzerland. Unfortunately for non-EU/EEA citizens each member country manages their immigration policy directly and this means that you first need to identify the country that most appeals to you and then carry out the relevant research. For English speakers, Working in the UK tends to be the most popular destination. The UK Border Agency (Home Office) is responsible for processing visas into the United Kingdom.
JOBS
The European Job Market is very fragmented with each country having it’s own local network for finding jobs. Obviously language barriers exist for all Europeans & Non-Europeans but none more so than for english speaking job seekers in continential Europe. EURES is the European Jobs Network & Portal covering all EU/EEA countries and Switzerland and can facilitate your job search. Other than using the EURES website, we suggest you search for jobs by country, ‘Jobs in the UK’ etc.
MOVING
Moving house or apartment is difficult at the best of times without the added complication of being in another country. Renting before buying is always recommended as you will obviousy need to find your feet before making such a substantial financial commitment. Where you end up living will ultimately depend on the proximity to your place of work and obviously what you can afford.
Shipping
If you’ve decided to bring your household goods with you, you’ll need to arrange for international shipping. Household goods are transported around the world by various means, depending on the quantity of goods for shipment, urgency of delivery, topography en route and cost considerations. Depending on the quantity and your deadlines, the most cost effective means is by Sea however is does take significantly longer than Air Freight. There are advantages for both and you will need to decide which best suits you based on cost, how much stuff you have, when you would like your household items to arrive etc. Air Freight can be a cost effective way of transporting goods. It has the advantage of speed of delivery, which may be a good option if you have already arranged permanent accommodation. It may be the best option if you are moving to a land locked country or inland areas. Sea Freight usually involves either a full container, if you have a lot of items or Groupage if you don’t have enough to fill a full container.
Using a full container usually involves the shipping company coming to your home and loading the container there and then as long as there is sufficient access. There is also the option of your container being customs checked in front of you, giving the assurance that what is in your container after it leaves your sight is only what you will receive at the other end.
However, if you don’t have a lot of items to ship but still a considerable amount then you may choose a Groupage Option where the container is shared with other company clients that are shipping to the same destination.
MONEY
The euro is the legal tender in Europe and the symbol is €. Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom are not currently participating in the single currency.
Foreign
Exchange Between finding a job and securing your visa, transfering your money into Euros is probably the last thing on your mind.
If you have large sums of money that you need to transfer to Euros, from the sale of a house for instance, you will need to get the best exchange rate. Getting this right could be the difference between buying a new car or settling for a secondhand one, such are the savings that could be made. Buying Foreign Exchange (FX) is one of the least considered aspects of moving overseas and is often left till the last minute. You can exchange your money for Euros in one of two ways – by using a high street bank or through a specialist foreign exchange broker. Specialist brokers trade in foreign currency everyday and are able to advise you on trends and buy/sell patterns. Companies who offer this service include Currency Fair & Halo Financial.
LINKS
Working in Austria, Working in Belgium, Working in Bulgaria, Working in Cyprus, Working in Czech Republic, Working in Denmark, Working in Estonia, Working in Finland, Working in France, Working in Germany, Working in Greece, Working in Hungary, Working in Ireland, Working in Malta, Working in the Netherlands, Working in Poland, Working in Sweden, Working in the United Kingdom, Working in Norway, Working in Iceland, Working in Switzerland.
