
Our guide on the best Tips for Living as an Expat in Europe for your nxt trip.
Living as an expat in Europe can be an exciting adventure filled with new cultural experiences, travel opportunities, and personal growth. However, moving to and living in a new country comes with its own set of challenges.
Living as an expat in Europe offers an incredible opportunity to explore new cultures, broaden your horizons, and enjoy the rich history and beauty of the continent.
Here’s a comprehensive guide with tips for making your expat life in Europe easier, from navigating bureaucracy to blending into local cultures.
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
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Tips for Living as an Expat in Europe
1. Understand Visa and Residency Requirements
Before moving to Europe, it’s essential to research the visa and residency requirements for the country you’re moving to, as they vary widely. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can move freely between member states, but non-EU citizens (such as Americans, Canadians, and Australians) will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
Key Tips:
Schengen Visa: For stays under 90 days, many non-EU citizens can enter Schengen countries visa-free. For longer stays, you will need a residency visa.
Long-Term Residency Permits: Research work visas, student visas, or self-employment visas for longer stays.
Digital Nomad Visas: Some countries (like Portugal and Estonia) offer digital nomad visas for remote workers.
Paperwork: Prepare necessary documents such as proof of income, insurance, and criminal background checks.
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2. Find the Right Place to Live
Europe offers a wide variety of living environments, from bustling cities to quaint villages. Your choice of where to live will depend on your lifestyle preferences, budget, and career options. Popular expat destinations include cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
Key Tips:
City vs. Countryside: If you enjoy vibrant city life with plenty of social opportunities and conveniences, opt for large cities like Paris, Rome, or Berlin. For a more peaceful lifestyle, explore smaller towns and villages in countries like Portugal, France, or Italy.
Cost of Living: Research the cost of living in various European cities. Southern European countries like Portugal and Spain tend to be more affordable than Northern Europe or cities like Zurich and London.
Expat Communities: Look for places with established expat communities, which can ease the transition and help you build a support network. Barcelona, Berlin, and Lisbon have large expat communities.
3. Learn the Local Language (or at Least the Basics)
While many Europeans speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, learning the local language will significantly enhance your experience and integration into the culture. It shows respect for the locals and makes everyday life easier.
Key Tips:
Take Language Classes: Before moving, take language lessons in your destination’s language. Even basic proficiency can make a big difference.
Apps and Online Resources: Use apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone to start learning key phrases.
Language Exchanges: Once in Europe, participate in language exchanges or community language classes to improve your skills.
4. Familiarize Yourself with European Healthcare Systems
Healthcare in Europe varies from country to country, with most European nations having universal healthcare systems. In many countries, expats are required to have health insurance, either public or private.
Key Tips:
Health Insurance: Ensure you have appropriate health coverage in your new country. Some countries require expats to register for the national health service, while others may require private insurance.
Access to Healthcare: Check whether healthcare is free or subsidized for expats. In countries like France and Germany, healthcare is excellent and accessible for residents, but you may need to pay into the system.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are an EU citizen, you can use an EHIC card to access healthcare in other EU countries.
5. Manage Your Finances
Understanding the banking and tax system in Europe is essential for expats. Many countries have complex tax systems, and you may be subject to double taxation if your home country taxes you on worldwide income.
Key Tips:
Open a Local Bank Account: Opening a local bank account will make it easier to manage everyday expenses, receive payments, and avoid high foreign exchange fees.
International Banking: Some banks offer expat banking services that allow you to manage multiple currencies or maintain accounts in multiple countries.
Taxes: Research tax obligations in both your home country and your new country. Consider hiring an expat tax advisor to avoid double taxation and ensure compliance with tax laws in both countries.
Currency Exchange: If you’re earning in one currency and spending in another, watch out for currency exchange rates.
Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut offer better exchange rates than traditional banks.
6. Adjust to Local Working Cultures
Each country in Europe has its own distinct work culture. While some countries, like Germany and Sweden, are known for their efficiency and structure, others, like Spain and Italy, have more relaxed approaches to work-life balance.
Key Tips:
Understand Local Business Etiquette: In Germany and Switzerland, punctuality and professionalism are paramount. In Mediterranean countries, business may be more personal, with relationships taking priority over rigid schedules.
Work-Life Balance: Many European countries value a healthy work-life balance. France and Italy, for example, emphasize taking long lunches and vacations.
Freelancing and Remote Work: If you’re working remotely or freelancing, consider registering your business under freelancer-friendly schemes in countries like Estonia or Portugal.
7. Navigate Public Transportation
Europe is known for its efficient public transportation systems, including buses, trains, trams, and metros. In most cities, it’s easy to get around without a car, especially with the extensive rail and bus networks that connect cities and countries.
Key Tips:
Public Transit Passes: Many cities offer discounted monthly or yearly transit passes for residents. Research the best option for long-term stays.
Train Travel: Take advantage of Europe’s well-connected train network for regional and international travel. High-speed trains like the Eurostar and Thalys make travel between cities like Paris, London, and Brussels fast and easy.
Driving in Europe: If you plan to drive, check whether your driver’s license is valid or if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Many countries require expats to exchange their license for a local one after a certain period.
8. Understand Cultural Differences
Europe is a diverse continent with a wide range of cultural norms and traditions. What might be considered normal in one country could be unusual in another, so it’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette.
Key Tips:
Dining Etiquette: In countries like France and Italy, dining is a leisurely affair, and it’s polite to wait until everyone is served before eating. Tipping is less common than in the U.S., but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated.
Personal Space: In some countries, like Italy and Spain, people are more physically expressive, with frequent touches and closer personal space, while in Germany or Switzerland, people might prefer more space.
Pace of Life: Countries like Spain and Italy embrace a slower pace of life, with long siestas in the afternoon, while Northern European countries like Denmark or Germany tend to be more structured and punctual.
9. Get Involved in the Expat and Local Communities
Connecting with both locals and fellow expats can help you settle into your new life abroad. Building a social network is key to making the most of your experience as an expat in Europe.
Key Tips:
Expat Networks: Join expat groups on platforms like Facebook, Meetup, or Internations to meet other foreigners who have already adjusted to life in your new country.
Local Communities: Attend local events, festivals, and markets to meet locals and learn more about the culture. Volunteering is also a great way to get involved in the community and meet new people.
Cultural Integration Programs: Some countries offer integration programs to help expats learn the language and understand local customs, especially in countries like Germany and Sweden.
10. Be Prepared for Homesickness
Homesickness is a common experience for many expats, especially during the initial transition period. Missing family, friends, and familiar surroundings can make the adjustment to a new country difficult.
Key Tips:
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with loved ones back home through regular video calls or visits.
Bring Comfort Items: Bring items from home, such as photos or favorite snacks, to make your new place feel more familiar.
Stay Active: Keep busy by exploring your new city, joining social clubs, or taking up a new hobby to help combat feelings of isolation.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.