With U.S. in slump, dual citizenship in EU countries attracts Americans

[palilover 1]

What about people without dual citizenship? How easy is it for Americans to live/work abroad? (not just EU but anywhere really)

Well, if you're willing to be an Au Pair/Nanny it's very easy. For anything else, very difficult. Unless you have money. Last time I checked you could 'purchase' residency in Ireland for around $14,000 or 7,000 British pounds. Otherwise, you really need to be in a field that's in demand and short in supply like nursing, medicine or IT. For a European company to hire a non-citizen they have to prove first that they couldn't find a local capable of doing the job. And how does a company do that?

I did a brief search online for immigrating to Ireland. Looky at what I found, they make it sound easy !!

http://www.*removed due to spam*.com/ireland/ireland_green_card.html

[Nothing1234 2]

What about people without dual citizenship? How easy is it for Americans to live/work abroad? (not just EU but anywhere really)

Well, if you're willing to be an Au Pair/Nanny it's very easy. For anything else, very difficult. Unless you have money. Last time I checked you could 'purchase' residency in Ireland for around $14,000 or 7,000 British pounds. Otherwise, you really need to be in a field that's in demand and short in supply like nursing, medicine or IT. For a European company to hire a non-citizen they have to prove first that they couldn't find a local capable of doing the job. And how does a company do that?

I did a brief search online for immigrating to Ireland. Looky at what I found, they make it sound easy !!

http://www.*removed due to spam*.com/ireland/ireland_green_card.html

They certainly do if an employer doesn't have to prove a local doesn't have the necessary skills. wow.

[Heracles 417]

Yeah good luck with that.

'cause things are so much better in Europe.

<a href="http://www.mercer.com/referencecontent.jhtml?idContent=1306635" target="_blank">Apparently they are...

European cities dominate annual worldwide quality of living rankings</a>

Don't be silly. We all know that Australian cities have won the most awards.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I still want to lived in London and I'm doing my family genealogy. On my Dad's side they all came from England. Too bad Britain is one of the most difficult to get into or back into.

[palilover 1]

I didnt think england had that law of ancestry but I could be wrong. I have some scottish blood but it is at least 3 generations back. It was my great great grandmother on my mom's side.

As for England, I always thought their laws were pretty lenient, well, at least by most european standards. but I could be wrong as I have not looked into moving to the UK in more than 5 years:) You know how things, especially immigraton-related, change!

Ireland def has potential if that site is right. I work in IT, although I am not holding a degree at the moment. But even so, Ireland is looking good because unlike most of the west, including Canada and UK, you dont have to prove that no local can be qualified for the hob. Looks like if you get the job offer and the salary is suitable per government stadards, come one come all. but you know, I just think there's GOT to be something more to it. I mean, come on, this is a freaking government law we're talking about:) How can it be THAT simple? And my husband...he does construction type work so as long as Dublin needs some building up, he's their man! (so long as he is not cheap labor, no way)

But even more, I like how if either one of us gets a green card there, we can move the other over as our spouse. I don't know if the other countries have that option or not. But Ireland from that site seemed open minded about people staying. It was very odd for me to see because I'm not used to that:))))

[SpiritAlight 1]

I declare:

The more people have dual and triple and yeah even quadruple citizenships, the better this world shall be.

[palilover 1]

I declare:

The more people have dual and triple and yeah even quadruple citizenships, the better this world shall be.

That can only happen when countries let people in easier in the legal process, when people open their minds and not be racist towards others from different backgrounds, and what else? It is a good idea that you have, but I dont see it happening anytime soon:(

[Krikit 1,165]

I didnt think england had that law of ancestry but I could be wrong. I have some scottish blood but it is at least 3 generations back. It was my great great grandmother on my mom's side.

The UK does have the law of ancestry. But only if your mother and/or father have citizenship. If their citizenship was by virtue of your grandparents, the second generation born overseas does not receive that status. Of course, there are exceptions.

Am I eligible for a UK passport?

[Der Bücherwurm 1]

Read the site again. http://www.*removed due to spam*.com/ireland/ireland_work_permit.html

To get a work permit the employer does need to perform a labor market needs test to prove they can't find a local.

Only the green card doesn't require that and the green card would be for higher positions. If you don't qualify for a $60k per yr position in the states then you aren't likely to get a Euro60k per yr position in Europe. Since you say you don't have a degree and your husband works construction then I don't see you getting the Irish greencard, not that it's impossible if you have really in demand IT skills.

Also, if a company can't find suitable employees in the local population then they are going to recruit from other European Union countries next since they won't have to deal with the hassle of work permits with another European. American and Canadian employees aren't so appealing to European companies because of the hassle in getting you a work permit so unless you are just bloody brilliant and they can't find a single European with 2 working braincells they aren't going to bother. To put it simply Europe doesn't really need Canucks or Americans when they have so many Europeans to choose from.

You need to already be working for a European company in the states and put in for a transfer if you really want to go to Europe more easily.

Also, another thing to consider about Ireland is that they passed a law whereby a person is not guaranteed Irish citizenship just because they were born in Ireland if neither of their parents were Irish.

This is the same law American republicans are trying to pass to keep Mexicans from crossing the border illegally to give birth so their kids can get an American birth certificate.

You and your spouse would have to become Irish citizens before any kids born to you in Ireland could also become citizens.

Ireland def has potential if that site is right. I work in IT, although I am not holding a degree at the moment. But even so, Ireland is looking good because unlike most of the west, including Canada and UK, you dont have to prove that no local can be qualified for the hob. Looks like if you get the job offer and the salary is suitable per government stadards, come one come all. but you know, I just think there's GOT to be something more to it. I mean, come on, this is a freaking government law we're talking about:) How can it be THAT simple? And my husband...he does construction type work so as long as Dublin needs some building up, he's their man! (so long as he is not cheap labor, no way)

But even more, I like how if either one of us gets a green card there, we can move the other over as our spouse. I don't know if the other countries have that option or not. But Ireland from that site seemed open minded about people staying. It was very odd for me to see because I'm not used to that:))))

Edited September 3, 2008 by Hoomsfuturewife