Lots of people do it, why not you?
There are lots of things to consider, most are benefits but there are some challenges that can make it difficult to make the move. Since you have gotten this far, you are already considering the benefits - there are lots and that topic will be covered in future. Let’s talk about two of the biggest challenges:
1. Length of stay. How long do you want to be in Europe? If it is less than 90 days, no problem legally because it is considered a long tourist stay in most European countries. If you are considering 90 days then also consider that in many desired areas of Europe, over-tourism is a problem and they have imposed many limits and restrictions. For example: In Amsterdam, the number of Airbnbs are limited, they can only be leased for 30 days at a time, and can be quite expensive. This means you have to move at least twice during your stay. Also consider that you are making a major move,to a new area, with a lot of distractions that will likely impact your work. If you are busy now working remotely, you’ll be 3x busier because you’ll be exploring new things, absorbing tons of new experiences, maybe some culture shock, and you’ll still want to see the sights and do stuff during your down time. Those 90 days will be pretty exhausting and will be nothing like actually living here.
If it is more than 90 days, or maybe even considering making it permanent, then you need a work visa that allows you to be a legal resident and stay as long as the visa is valid. How do you get a work visa? In a nutshell, you need to have a European company sponsor you for a work visa. Traditionally, this means finding a new job with a European company.
2. Can you, your employer, and team manage with you being 6+ hours ahead?
This can be the biggest challenge depending on your employer, team, and type of work that you do. Most people who work remotely here with American companies adopt a 11-7 or 10-6 schedule. Best thing to do is to make sure expectations are clear and realistic. If you have a routine meeting on Fridays at 2pm EST which is 8pm your time, you can bet you might not make all or many of those meetings, even though your employer might require it. It’s just not realistic.
Luckily, RPWalter Consulting B.V. can help. We work with you and your current employer, hire you from your current employer, sponsor a Dutch work visa for you, and then outsource you back as a consultant. It’s the best of both worlds because you do not need to leave your current job, you get to live in the Netherlands, and your employer doesn’t lose you and find someone to replace you. The only rub is that it is only for the Netherlands. But the Netherlands is a great place, most people speak English, it is central to Europe as a transportation hub, modern with great internet and infrastructure, and an ideal place to start exploring the rest of Europe.
Furthermore, we are an intermediary between you and your employer and can help create a solid realistic working relationship, provide help with best practices around remote working for both you and your employer, and insure there is minimal disruption. We are the people your employer can call when they need advice on working with you remotely and who you can call when you have a challenge with your employer.