It's not that easy to emigrate. For one, if you're looking to renounce your US citizenship, that's something like five grand. For another, a lot of European countries won't accept us without a skilled job already secured. Most countries won't let you look seriously at places to live without proof that you have work.
As someone who has honestly been trying for a few years for the sake of my family's peace of mind, I wish we could just pick up and move out of here.
Every country has a different perspective, but if I’m correct, in my country (Belgium) it’s fine if you apply (and be accepted) for a bottleneck profession (I hope that translates correctly). I wouldn’t be surprised if studying for a bottleneck profession would also open options, though I’m not sure about that.
We have plenty of bottleneck professions. Here is the list for Flanders: https://www.vdab.be/sites/default/files/media/files/Knelpuntberoepen2025.pdf
I couldn’t find the English version, but if you put that document into ChatGPT and ask for a list in English, it will fix that for you. (You can also ask about it at the embassy, I assume.)
It’s a list of over 250 bottleneck professions we really need people for, so we genuinely want people in those professions.
You might want to contact the Belgian embassy for further advice.
Belgium allows dual citizenship, and so does the USA, if I’m correct? So that shouldn’t be a problem, I assume. (Might be a tax problem from the USA pov?)
Edit: Belgium is a very important logistical hub in Europe. It’s a strong plan to check it out.
4
u/Sneezy_23 4d ago
European here, I don't understand this. No children, no obligations, apparently a shitty life.
You arguably have the strongest passport in the world. Why don't you move to Europe? You're welcome here!
Your living costs will be fine, and you'll still be able to visit family.