Might be moving to Europe
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- iCanHasQBN
I currently live in the USA, but have been itching to move to Amsterdam for a long time now (also considering Florence).
So a couple of months ago I learned that I'd be receiving $250K (tax free) at the end of this year. This was such good news to hear, as I could finally seriously start thinking about moving. Question is, even with this financial boost, is it going to be just as difficult (as far as paperwork, waiting, overall process) to move there as if I didn't have the money?
I plan on moving even if I don't have a job secured. Will they still let me in this way? I've done a little bit of research and it seems the NL is pretty strict as to who they allow in. I'm reading a lot of contradicting opinions and don't know what to believe. One of them being that you must be able to speak Dutch in order to be considered for a real job - otherwise they will give it to a Dutch citizen. Am I required to have a job lined up before I can even come over?
If I show them that I have the funds to support myself for some time, will that make them more willing to letting me in? BUT... if I DO let them know about this money, will they tax the hell out of it - even though I received it in the USA? Is it protected if I keep it in a US bank? I might have to live off of it for a certain amount of months until I can find a good design job.
Sorry I'm really ignorant about all this. Basically, I want your opinion... If you had $250K to back you up, would you feel super-comfortable about picking up and leaving for another country? For some reason I'm still having doubts about this actually happening.
- oey0
Go to Amsterdam. I really recommend. 3 years and half there. Not because of the weed. You got some high life quality. Housing is difficult. But jobs it depends what you do or want to do. Weather is sick, but when the sun shines...damn! If you like to bike even better. You don't need a job before you go. And you can be there 4 months before registering. besides, you are close to London, Paris, Copenhagen and Berlin so to say. It's easier if you're white, like in so many places...
- "It's easier if you're white, like in so many places.." wow, just wow.robotron3k
- Wowing the truth?ArmandoEstrada
- iCanHasQBN0
Thanks. Good to hear that I don't need a job right away. I could use those 4 months to find a job. I'll have to learn Dutch quickly though, and should even start while I'm still in the US. It will help tremendously of course.
The weather I don't think I'll mind. I've lived in the desert my entire life and am sick of being repeatedly baked day after day.
Why do you say housing is difficult? Is there that much demand? The apartments overlooking the canals, are those out of reach and only accessible to the rich and connected?
And yes I do like to bike. I ride competitively. Which actually might make Amsterdam NOT the ideal choice, as it is flat and more suited for utilitarian cycling (I like to train on mountains, which is why I'm still considering parts of Italy). I could also ride year-round in Italy. Hmmmm... first-world dilemmas eh.
- Don't worry about speaking dutch. I live in Amsterdam and I'm dutch, but my gf has been living here for 5 years now and still doesn't speak it, and she still lands good jobs.Jordy
- still doesn't speak dutch, but still lands really good jobs in the fashion design industry.Jordy
- Amsterdam is so international you don't need to speak Dutch to get around but it's much appreciated when you do.Jordy
- oey0
well housing can be a problem depending in how much you want to pay obviously. there's a lot's of scams. unless you use an agency.
houses in the canals are expensive yes, but it's possible.
you have free dutch courses as well.
no mountains...
- neue75_bold0
if you're under 31 you can do a holiday working visa, otherwise you'll need to have a job/sponsor, doesn't matter if you have the funds.. that also rules out the whole "good job" that you seek, unless you want to work for a larger, more international agency and due to country still most–likely feeling the effects of gfc, good luck even getting a gig there, as there's loads of competition...
Would be good to see some of your work before being able assess whether a dutch design studio would even consider you... The Dutch and anglo approach is very different and while speaking the language might help you, if you have a typical "north american" portfolio, you don't stand much chance...
hope that doesn't sound too harsh, but it took me about 1.5 years to find a studio that was a good fit and then there were visa issues that came with being over 31 and needing to be paid x amount of dollars to be able to stay on with them, eventually moved to a small international agency that dealt with the visa stuff but the work was pretty mediocre and could've been done anywhere.. It's a tough city in terms of the bureaucracy, but well worth it if you find a good studio, there's a lot to be learned about design and communication..
- Continuity0
The alternative, ICH, is to leverage the US-Dutch Friendship Treaty to set yourself up as a freelance business. The deal with this you have to have x-amount of money in the bank (I believe 4.5k Euro, but don't quote me on this), have a good business plan, then you have to register your business with the local chamber of commerce (Dutch: Kamer van Koophandel (KvK)). From there, you have to deal with the immigration service to get a residence permit based on this arrangement.
Here's some more info: http://www.expatlaw.nl/dutch_ame…
- cannonball19780
where did you get the 250k?
- Boz0
Ha.. I picked up and moved to US from Europe with $2k so I'm pretty sure you'll be fine with $250k.
- akrok0
don't blow it all on hookers and booze.
- more like hookers and weed...duckofrubber
- The beer is amazing there... hookers, booze and weed.IRNlun6
- Then what is he supposed to spend his money on?OSFA
- autoflavour0
move to Berlin and buy a nice flat.. and still have money left over.
- and besides, most of the weed in amsterdam comes from berlin/germany anywayautoflavour
- I heard cost of living is pretty cheap in Berlindesmo
- lvl_130
holy shit that's a lot of cash! with that amount of backing you should be able to go wherever you want and just pull in freelance as need be (or more like a reality/safety check for your mind, since you probably don't really NEED to be pulling in money, but it's always good to stay sharp/on top of your game).
i can't really offer any advice, other than congrats and have fun...but never let it go to your head. live frugal, but live free. now is your opportunity.
- yeah i plan on working even though i'll have this money. 250k isn't the kind of money that lasts forever.iCanHasQBN
- georgesIII0
Come to italy so we can mugg you upon arrival,
- desmo0
Dang! You straight up won the lotto!!
I hope the move to Amsterdam works out for you! I made the move to London on the 2 year working holiday visa with a lot less then what you had and came out with a really amazing experience.
Good luck!
- ukit0
Well hey just split it two ways and I will tag along and give you advice
- SrSamaurai0
Berlin is nice if you don't mind the winters but if you can spend time on the dutch beaches
- ribit0
But have you been there? I'd always say go there first on a holiday and check things out, then make plans.
- yes i've been there. i have some family that lives there.iCanHasQBN
- ethandmarquis0
OK here we go again. This is what you do.... Google this "Dutch American Friendship Treaty" . You can use that 250k capital to start a business – design practice, etc.... Life here is MUCH better than in America and the people are like that movie "Pleasantville." As for Dutch, be proactive I've seen some dumbass Americans and British live here for like 10 years ans not speak a work. Pretty stupid, huh?
- ethandmarquis0
Oh, BTW you single? I need a sugar daddy. only 1.500 Baht an hour :)
- Continuity0
ICH, if you want a bit of head start on finding some freelance gigs - if you decide to open your own thing in A'dam - let me, I have a couple of names of headhunters I can give you.
- *let me know, ratherContinuity
- awesome. much appreciated.iCanHasQBN
- Sent you an email on the topic, broContinuity
- Stugoo0
Quick note on the language, my Mrs is Portuguese and I have many Portuguese friends. I consistently notice a massive improvement with their English in only the 1st 3 months of living in London.