When contemplating moving abroad, a person grounded in reality is likely to formulate two types of questions: (1) what are the legal and bureaucratic issues I need to be aware of, both with regard to continuing obligations in my home country and the requirements of the new, and (2) what is it like to live an everyday life in the new country of residence.
Yes. I recently wrote about the unique terribleness of expat Facebook groups. I want to spare people the pain!
You are exactly right...there are government websites and, when needed lawyers and accountants who can help people make sure they are on the right track.
As insane as it sounds, the Facebook groups have 10k, 20k or more members, so they are *popular*. But often unhelpful.
I've seen people get public Facebook floggings for asking anything from, "Where can I buy peanut butter?" to nuanced issues w/ finances. People deserve kind and clear answers-- grounded in reality.
Democrats Abroad is really helpful too, although it is an organization about helping people to vote, most of them have social activities that develop community.
Yes. It is partisan. Republicans do not have a comparable organization, but Republicans abroad are in agreement on the taxing situation.
In addition to regular meetings we have in our country regular dinners, I also am part of 3 books clubs via Dems Abroad, and an environmental group. I am a member of Indivisible Deutschland as well, which is non-partisan. Many of the Democrats Abroad consider themselves independents, but more of the Social Democratic type than the Libertarian.
Thank you, such a detailed, helpful article. Whilst I’m not American the process for British nationals is now a lot more complicated than it used to be. Staying up to date on legislative changes and reading all the (dry) documents is key!
Thanks Caroline. Unravelling the tax situation can be tricky, especially as countries sometimes find ways around the terms of tax treaties. There can be increases in social charges rather than income tax, or special "levies" such as Ireland imposed on pensions in 2009-2014--it reduced pay by up to 9 percent for public-sector workers and was in effect a tax on income. Similarly, if a tax-paying Irish resident leaves the country and becomes tax resident in another country, the state treats any "remittances" to their bank accounts in Ireland for the next three years as taxable income!
Thank you so much for this information. My dream is to move to France. I have no idea how I’m going to do it but I feel like this is at least a good start for accurate
information. I’m also learning French seven days a week.
It's good to have dreams, but good to be grounded in reality, too. Well done pursuing your French studies so diligently! It's clear that many who move to France do not grasp until arriving how handicapped they are without a working knowledge of French. There are a few French teachers sharing tips and learning materials on Substack--perhaps you've discovered some of them.
I signed up for the newsletter -- I wasn't aware of it. I feel I stay fairly well-informed with radio and print media, the latter of which often publishes a "What changes on (month) 1st" article, but one can always miss something.
Yes, I always read the "ce qui change" message too. The City of Nice has some useful local information services, but not a single comprehensive alert service; most recently they've implemented a "plateforme de démocratie participative de Nice," where one can lodge complaints or propose changes in city services. It seems to be coorindated with recent outreach efforts in the many neighbourhoods where very localised issues are discussed. The downside is that some meetings are announced two or three days in advance, and advance registration is required (perhaps because meeting venues are general quite small).
Yes, true! But I’ve lived here for 35 years and don’t actually feel like an expat anymore, although I do subscribe to The Local. I think that one source John mentioned will be very helpful.
Yes. I subscribe to The Local, but hardly ever read it because they don't actually send it to me. I have to seek it out. I also subscribe to IAMEXPAT, which gives me weekly updates on what is going on in Germany, but a lot of advice for people who want to move here, that I don't really need.
Thank you for this article. Sound advice in these times where anyone with a mic and a Youtube channel gives advice willy-nilly about the huge decision and life change to move abroad.
And yes!!! You still have to pay your taxes on your income to Uncle Sam - no matter where you live on this rock (unless of course, you meet the very, very fine print about the matter.)
We chose Ecuador and live in Cuenca. We love the Latin American culture but admit it’s not for everyone. But we are shocked at the number of people who hold stereotypical views regarding safety and infrastructure (people still call Ecuador and LA “third world”, which is just not true). Regarding the boxes checked for us, such as cost of living, healthy lifestyle (we also walk everywhere), healthcare, cultural offerings, and overall kindness and acceptance of diversity, Cuenca fits us well.
We moved abroad five years ago and have really made it work for us. We did not immigrate for political reasons, but not for a more affordable lifestyle and as a shelter for our retirement savings (we both retired at late 50s, so our designs was not as “robust” as it would have been if we had worked ten more years. We have no grandchildren, but two grown children (one married, one single). They lived away from us, and were both had very demanding careers throughout their lives with us, and that was the way I was raised. We have never been controlling and in their business, and they were completely supportive. We think after five years it has helped us and them become more independent, and now we focus on health, well-being, and travel, which we’re all lacking because of our work schedules. We know it’s very not for everyone, but we love our new home and everything attached to permanent residency in a new country, with a new culture and a new language. And no cars!
Thanks for your comment! We also went car-free when we moved from the U.S. to Ireland in 2009. There are times when having one would be convenient, but it's easy enough to hire a car when we want to get away. The places we've lived have had very good public transportation, and it's healthier doing errands on foot or by bicycle anyway.
I'm happy things have worked out so well for you. Mind if I ask which country you moved to?
Democrats Abroad has a committee that is working on getting Americans to not have to file taxes in the US if they file abroad. I for one, would be happy to just have both countries I live in be ones were ones with automatic tax filing. It simplifies life for people. My family resides in 2 countries right now, which make it complex too. That is for me the only real downside of being an expat is having to deal with taxes 2 times a year, and needing an accountant to file to make sure that we are in compliance. My friend and her husband do their own filing, and when my husband moves officially back, he will do the same and teach our daughter to do hers. She has a hobby business which she has had to pay taxes on in the US, and file on in Germany.
It is easiest to move abroad when one is a student or retired. I hear many people who are retired saying they cannot afford to move, but while there are initial costs and energy investments to a move, like finding housing, getting registered, and getting into system like health care in another country, in the long run money will most likely be saved. Cost of living ratings have switched and the US, which used to be in number 13, is now in place 17 in cost of living, so relatively its cost of living has dropped according to Numbeo,
Of the 16 countries with a higher cost of living than the US, which are now the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Iceland, Bahamas, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Guernsey, Israel, Isle of Man, Netherlands, Austria, Ireland and Papua New Guinea, most have universal health care. Not all universal health care programs are the same, and bear looking into. So, cost of living includes things that one does not have in the US.
In Germany people have a lot of insurances that they do not typically have in the US. For example, personal liability insurance is standard, and covers you up millions of Euros for any damage you inadvertently cause. Legal insurance is also common, and covers you for the government approved rate for any legal expenses you have, so if you win a lawsuit, the person will have to pay your attorney up until that set fee, and if your lawyer costs more you pay the difference. That is also true in general with your insurance that you would pay the difference if choosing a lawyer that charges more than the standard fee. When having major work done on your home you would typically take out building insurance, although the person will have their health insurance to cover all the fees. So, even though a contractor needs insurance, you get it as well. People also get work insurance so if anything goes wrong they can take time off, like for burnout. I know a lot of people who get even a year off for burn out. The doctor has to sign off on it, and usually treatment will include time off and a visit to a rehabilitation clinic which is like a spa, but has therapy built in. I have had friends have time off from the trauma of losing a family member as well. Sometimes burn out leads to retirement, but not always.
In any case, the hardest way to move is if you still need to work and do not have a job in the US that allows you to work from home. You will need to find a job. Finding a job is not easy in a country where you do not have a work permit. The first time I was an expat was when I went to teach in another country. When I returned to the US, I had a whole other level of appreciation for the immigrants to the US, including my own mother who had come to visit a pen-pal and ended up applying for graduate school and studying in the US as well. Teaching English is something many do, and I know an American who lives here in Germany and started her own English language school in her city. That is putting the American entrepreneurial spirit to work.
Public healthcare systems are indeed quite different from country to country. As an Irish citizen, my healthcare benefits were transferred with me when we moved to France. However the care I am entitled to in France is limited to care that the Irish Health Services Executive would cover in Ireland. So, the spa treatments you refer to would not be paid for me, either in Ireland or France. The same for emergency medical care outside the E.U. (which would be covered for French citizens living in France). So we maintain supplementary health insurance to provide coverage when travelling to the US (about 35€/month for the whole family).
Moving to Europe to work is not easy, depending on your profession. To me, though, it yields the greatest long-term benefit both with regard to access to social services and, longer term (if one works long enough) state pensions.
The German health care system does cover emergency care in the US, but I still am covered in the US since my husband is still working there. Also, when I travel I get travel insurance since covid began, so I tend to be triple covered.
I have friends trying to get jobs here, and I see that living here makes it easier to get jobs in Germany than applying from abroad.
Yes. I recently wrote about the unique terribleness of expat Facebook groups. I want to spare people the pain!
You are exactly right...there are government websites and, when needed lawyers and accountants who can help people make sure they are on the right track.
As insane as it sounds, the Facebook groups have 10k, 20k or more members, so they are *popular*. But often unhelpful.
I've seen people get public Facebook floggings for asking anything from, "Where can I buy peanut butter?" to nuanced issues w/ finances. People deserve kind and clear answers-- grounded in reality.
Shameless plug for my Facebook takedown https://undervineandfigtree.substack.com/p/the-expat-facebook-group-apocalypse
Democrats Abroad is really helpful too, although it is an organization about helping people to vote, most of them have social activities that develop community.
It’s a *partisan* organization. Nothing wrong with that.
I absolutely agree that what they’ve built is admirable.
If memory serves, they have informational webinars and social gatherings.
Yes. It is partisan. Republicans do not have a comparable organization, but Republicans abroad are in agreement on the taxing situation.
In addition to regular meetings we have in our country regular dinners, I also am part of 3 books clubs via Dems Abroad, and an environmental group. I am a member of Indivisible Deutschland as well, which is non-partisan. Many of the Democrats Abroad consider themselves independents, but more of the Social Democratic type than the Libertarian.
Absolutely! My comment was not a dig. :) It is impressive what Dems Abroad have built— community and connection with like-minded people.
Correct, 🐘s Overseas is not comparable, which is unfortunate.
I did not take it as a dig, but for others wanted to elaborate.
What a thorough and helpful article for those thinking of moving.
Thank you, such a detailed, helpful article. Whilst I’m not American the process for British nationals is now a lot more complicated than it used to be. Staying up to date on legislative changes and reading all the (dry) documents is key!
This is excellent, John. Starting off with the tax situation is essential advice for US Americans! This cannot be stressed enough.
(In my decades abroad I have learned more about US tax law than anyone could ever have predicted.)
Thanks Caroline. Unravelling the tax situation can be tricky, especially as countries sometimes find ways around the terms of tax treaties. There can be increases in social charges rather than income tax, or special "levies" such as Ireland imposed on pensions in 2009-2014--it reduced pay by up to 9 percent for public-sector workers and was in effect a tax on income. Similarly, if a tax-paying Irish resident leaves the country and becomes tax resident in another country, the state treats any "remittances" to their bank accounts in Ireland for the next three years as taxable income!
Thank you so much for this information. My dream is to move to France. I have no idea how I’m going to do it but I feel like this is at least a good start for accurate
information. I’m also learning French seven days a week.
It's good to have dreams, but good to be grounded in reality, too. Well done pursuing your French studies so diligently! It's clear that many who move to France do not grasp until arriving how handicapped they are without a working knowledge of French. There are a few French teachers sharing tips and learning materials on Substack--perhaps you've discovered some of them.
I signed up for the newsletter -- I wasn't aware of it. I feel I stay fairly well-informed with radio and print media, the latter of which often publishes a "What changes on (month) 1st" article, but one can always miss something.
Yes, I always read the "ce qui change" message too. The City of Nice has some useful local information services, but not a single comprehensive alert service; most recently they've implemented a "plateforme de démocratie participative de Nice," where one can lodge complaints or propose changes in city services. It seems to be coorindated with recent outreach efforts in the many neighbourhoods where very localised issues are discussed. The downside is that some meetings are announced two or three days in advance, and advance registration is required (perhaps because meeting venues are general quite small).
I’ve found overall that meetings are announced with little notice here. I’m not sure why that is…
It's the same in Ireland ... very often on the day before.
There are a lot of expat newsletters and they are helpful in a general sort of way of what is going on in the country that might affect you.
Yes, true! But I’ve lived here for 35 years and don’t actually feel like an expat anymore, although I do subscribe to The Local. I think that one source John mentioned will be very helpful.
Yes. I subscribe to The Local, but hardly ever read it because they don't actually send it to me. I have to seek it out. I also subscribe to IAMEXPAT, which gives me weekly updates on what is going on in Germany, but a lot of advice for people who want to move here, that I don't really need.
Thank you for this article. Sound advice in these times where anyone with a mic and a Youtube channel gives advice willy-nilly about the huge decision and life change to move abroad.
And yes!!! You still have to pay your taxes on your income to Uncle Sam - no matter where you live on this rock (unless of course, you meet the very, very fine print about the matter.)
This article was very useful thank you! I am currently navigating the waters in Colombia and sorting out how to prove I’m a bonafide resident here.
Thanks Daniel, I’m glad you found it helpful !
We chose Ecuador and live in Cuenca. We love the Latin American culture but admit it’s not for everyone. But we are shocked at the number of people who hold stereotypical views regarding safety and infrastructure (people still call Ecuador and LA “third world”, which is just not true). Regarding the boxes checked for us, such as cost of living, healthy lifestyle (we also walk everywhere), healthcare, cultural offerings, and overall kindness and acceptance of diversity, Cuenca fits us well.
Yes, it's true about the stereotyping. We see a lot of it here in France, and before in Ireland as well. So glad you're happy in Ecuador!
We moved abroad five years ago and have really made it work for us. We did not immigrate for political reasons, but not for a more affordable lifestyle and as a shelter for our retirement savings (we both retired at late 50s, so our designs was not as “robust” as it would have been if we had worked ten more years. We have no grandchildren, but two grown children (one married, one single). They lived away from us, and were both had very demanding careers throughout their lives with us, and that was the way I was raised. We have never been controlling and in their business, and they were completely supportive. We think after five years it has helped us and them become more independent, and now we focus on health, well-being, and travel, which we’re all lacking because of our work schedules. We know it’s very not for everyone, but we love our new home and everything attached to permanent residency in a new country, with a new culture and a new language. And no cars!
Hi Marshall,
Thanks for your comment! We also went car-free when we moved from the U.S. to Ireland in 2009. There are times when having one would be convenient, but it's easy enough to hire a car when we want to get away. The places we've lived have had very good public transportation, and it's healthier doing errands on foot or by bicycle anyway.
I'm happy things have worked out so well for you. Mind if I ask which country you moved to?
John
Democrats Abroad has a committee that is working on getting Americans to not have to file taxes in the US if they file abroad. I for one, would be happy to just have both countries I live in be ones were ones with automatic tax filing. It simplifies life for people. My family resides in 2 countries right now, which make it complex too. That is for me the only real downside of being an expat is having to deal with taxes 2 times a year, and needing an accountant to file to make sure that we are in compliance. My friend and her husband do their own filing, and when my husband moves officially back, he will do the same and teach our daughter to do hers. She has a hobby business which she has had to pay taxes on in the US, and file on in Germany.
It is easiest to move abroad when one is a student or retired. I hear many people who are retired saying they cannot afford to move, but while there are initial costs and energy investments to a move, like finding housing, getting registered, and getting into system like health care in another country, in the long run money will most likely be saved. Cost of living ratings have switched and the US, which used to be in number 13, is now in place 17 in cost of living, so relatively its cost of living has dropped according to Numbeo,
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp
Of the 16 countries with a higher cost of living than the US, which are now the Cayman Islands, Switzerland, Iceland, Bahamas, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Guernsey, Israel, Isle of Man, Netherlands, Austria, Ireland and Papua New Guinea, most have universal health care. Not all universal health care programs are the same, and bear looking into. So, cost of living includes things that one does not have in the US.
In Germany people have a lot of insurances that they do not typically have in the US. For example, personal liability insurance is standard, and covers you up millions of Euros for any damage you inadvertently cause. Legal insurance is also common, and covers you for the government approved rate for any legal expenses you have, so if you win a lawsuit, the person will have to pay your attorney up until that set fee, and if your lawyer costs more you pay the difference. That is also true in general with your insurance that you would pay the difference if choosing a lawyer that charges more than the standard fee. When having major work done on your home you would typically take out building insurance, although the person will have their health insurance to cover all the fees. So, even though a contractor needs insurance, you get it as well. People also get work insurance so if anything goes wrong they can take time off, like for burnout. I know a lot of people who get even a year off for burn out. The doctor has to sign off on it, and usually treatment will include time off and a visit to a rehabilitation clinic which is like a spa, but has therapy built in. I have had friends have time off from the trauma of losing a family member as well. Sometimes burn out leads to retirement, but not always.
In any case, the hardest way to move is if you still need to work and do not have a job in the US that allows you to work from home. You will need to find a job. Finding a job is not easy in a country where you do not have a work permit. The first time I was an expat was when I went to teach in another country. When I returned to the US, I had a whole other level of appreciation for the immigrants to the US, including my own mother who had come to visit a pen-pal and ended up applying for graduate school and studying in the US as well. Teaching English is something many do, and I know an American who lives here in Germany and started her own English language school in her city. That is putting the American entrepreneurial spirit to work.
Public healthcare systems are indeed quite different from country to country. As an Irish citizen, my healthcare benefits were transferred with me when we moved to France. However the care I am entitled to in France is limited to care that the Irish Health Services Executive would cover in Ireland. So, the spa treatments you refer to would not be paid for me, either in Ireland or France. The same for emergency medical care outside the E.U. (which would be covered for French citizens living in France). So we maintain supplementary health insurance to provide coverage when travelling to the US (about 35€/month for the whole family).
Moving to Europe to work is not easy, depending on your profession. To me, though, it yields the greatest long-term benefit both with regard to access to social services and, longer term (if one works long enough) state pensions.
The German health care system does cover emergency care in the US, but I still am covered in the US since my husband is still working there. Also, when I travel I get travel insurance since covid began, so I tend to be triple covered.
I have friends trying to get jobs here, and I see that living here makes it easier to get jobs in Germany than applying from abroad.