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Ask HN: Who has moved from the U.S. to Europe?

181 points feraligators | 3 comments | 25 Jan 22 15:44 UTC | HN request time: 0.629s | source

I've long considered leaving this country for a multitude of reasons.

I'd be curious to hear some first hand experiences of those who've made the move to Europe and what you think of the process and considerations one should make.

A few questions to start the conversation:

- Where do you live?

- What's the biggest sacrifice you had to make (i.e. pay, housing, friends, etc.)

- What have you gained?

Show context
adreamingsoul ◴[25 Jan 22 16:17 UTC] No.30073604[source]▶
Moved to Oslo, Norway in 2019.

By far the biggest sacrifices are family, friends and social network.

However, the opportunities for growth and learning far outweigh the cons.

Staying connected with people in different time zones can be challenging, but technology provides so many solutions.

For example I use FaceTime to talk with family. It doesn’t cost anyone anything (if they are connected to WIFI) and I don’t have to deal with the cost for international calls.

Building a new social network is hard. Meeting people (especially now) is hard. You will want to dedicate a large portion of time to put yourself in environments that can allow you to meet people, who will hopefully become friends.

The growth and learning opportunities are life changing and I think it is certainly worth trying to live and work abroad for a couple of years.

I can try to answer any questions or clarify if anyone has any more questions.

replies(1): >>30073783 #
germinalphrase ◴[25 Jan 22 16:28 UTC] No.30073783[source]▶
Are you seeking permanent citizenship there (or did you have it by birth)? If you’re an American citizen, are you able to access the Norwegian social benefits? Did you move there to work for a specific local employer, or did you find a position after moving?
replies(1): >>30074597 #
1. adreamingsoul ◴[25 Jan 22 17:19 UTC] No.30074597[source]▶
I’m a US citizen with a skilled workers visa.

With a skilled workers visa you are eligible to apply for permanent residency after 3 years, and for citizenship after 7 years. Norway does allow duel-citizenship.

If we stay, and continue to learn Norwegian, we could (in theory) have duel citizenship in 4 more years.

I moved to Norway to work for a specific Norwegian employer and already had them lined up before moving to Norway. If you are a software engineer or developer, the market here in Oslo is in demand for skilled professionals.

If you have a valid visa, you have access to all the social benefits here in Norway. It does take a couple of months before you are in the system.

With a skilled workers visa, I also have the flexibility to switch employers (as long as I continue to work as a software engineer/developer) without having to reapply. However, I’m not allowed to freelance or have a side business here in Norway.

replies(1): >>30074631 #
2. germinalphrase ◴[25 Jan 22 17:21 UTC] No.30074631[source]▶
Thank you!
replies(1): >>30074699 #
3. adreamingsoul ◴[25 Jan 22 17:25 UTC] No.30074699[source]▶
Good questions, thanks for asking.

For context, I am considering moving back to the US.