An estimated 800,000 Americans live and work in the European Union (EU), enjoying the cultural and travel opportunities opened up by international jobs for Americans. If the number of American expats on the continent seems low, bear in mind that just 5.3% of the 447 million people living in the EU are non-EU citizens and that only one-third of Americans currently own a valid passport. 

For those who do take the leap and move abroad, working in Europe as an American citizen can be a rewarding experience. However, the economic, geographic and cultural differences between member states can be significant, so it's important to pick prudently. That starts with answering one of the age-old questions about the Old Continent. Where exactly is it?

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How to find Europe from America

The continent has an identity that Americans may find complex but not impenetrable. In short, Britain has left, Turkey wants to join, Azerbaijan won the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest, and it's possible to step directly from the EU into Brazil courtesy of the 450-mile French Guiana border. Here's what we know:

• The continent of Europe comprises 44 countries according to the United Nations. 

• The European Union counts 27 member states.

• The Schengen Area, named after the small Luxembourg town where the 1985 agreement was signed, allows free movement across 26 member countries. 

• 19 countries to date have switched their currency to the euro. 

• 24 official languages are spoken across the continent. 

The local differences may be stark, but the big picture is that there are plenty of jobs for Americans in Europe. 

The pros and cons of working in Europe

According to the United Nations Human Development Report, eight of the world's top ten best countries to live in are in Europe, based on factors ranging from life expectancy to gross national income per capita. Norway, Ireland and Switzerland make up the top three. 

Thanks to laws that are standardized across the European Union, Americans working in Europe will find good access to free or affordable healthcare, strong employment rights and protections against discrimination, as well as more paid vacation time (up to 30 days a year in Spain) and the chance to live in one of the cheapest countries in the world for expats.

The downside of working in the world's second-largest economy (after the United States) is that you might not find yourself in a city where English is widely spoken, but you could well find yourself in one of the world's most expensive cities. 

How to get a job in Europe as an American

There are great opportunities for both low-skilled work and high-paid positions with major global corporations, although competition for either can be fierce. As native English speakers, Americans will find vacancies in hospitality, English teaching, and tourism. Skilled job seekers should focus on the major financial centres in London, Frankfurt, Paris and Zurich, as well as the global tech hubs in Dublin, Amsterdam and Berlin.

Several EU countries, including Croatia, Malta and Estonia, now offer digital nomad visas for those who want to work from home in Europe or take their freelance career outside the United States. 

It's possible to start your job search in America or while in the EU, but you will need to change your visa if you do find work. 

• From the US, search for job vacancies in Europe on popular employment sites such as Go Abroad, Indeed, or Idealist. 

• For more experienced or executive-level vacancies, search on LinkedIn or CEO Worldwide. 

• See what government jobs are available with US overseas entities through Federal Jobs Overseas or IO CAREERS. 

• Students (18-30) in search of internships, volunteering or work/study opportunities might have luck with BUNAC. 

• Sign up with a recruitment agency in your chosen destination. They will take a commission on your salary if you're successful, but they will usually be able to offer advice on preparing your resume for the local market. Note that resumes (or CVs) are often shorter in the EU and may not allow you to feature a photo or list your age to comply with anti-discrimination law. 

Once you're in place, it's a good idea to check in with American Citizens Abroad to access support and resources for your specific region. 

Visas and taxes for Americans in Europe

American citizens have no automatic right to work in Europe. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days on a tourist visa but must apply for an EU work permit in your destination country to take up employment. 

Since 2022, American citizens also need to obtain the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) waiver before travelling to the EU. It's the European counterpart to the American ESTA, and allows the holder to travel (but not work) freely between Schengen countries. The visa entitles you to multiple entries and is valid for three years. Note that holding an ETIAS wavier alone does not guarantee entry at an EU border. You will also need to show:

• Return ticket to the US or onward destination. 

• Proof of travel health insurance.

• Sufficient funds to cover your stay.

For stays longer than 90 days, or to work, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Visa from an embassy or consulate of your host country. The United States does have bilateral visa-waiver agreements with several EU countries that allow marginally longer stays, but if you opt for this route you will be restricted to staying in and exiting via that country only. 

As an American citizen, you will arouse keen interest from the Internal Revenue Service on your worldwide income. However, thanks to bilateral agreements between the United States and the EU block or individual countries, you shouldn't be exposed to double taxation under the foreign earned income exclusion (FEIE). If you're employed in an EU country, your income will be taxed at source by default. Once your stay has exceeded 183 days, you will not be treated as resident in the US for tax purposes and simply have to file a tax return to that effect. Be warned! If your foreign earnings exceed the US$108,700 threshold, US tax will be levied on the excess sum, and any assets or investment/rental income in the US is still taxable. 

No matter which of the European countries you choose to settle in, you can save on your currency transfer with CurrencyFair. Send money to and from the United States and European Union at rates up to eight times lower than with traditional banks. 

Sending money overseas? Save money when you send money with CurrencyFair's low-margin FX rates.This information is correct as of June 2022 This information is not to be relied on in making a decision with regard to an investment. We strongly recommend that you obtain independent financial advice before making any form of investment or significant financial transaction. This article is purely for general information purposes. Photo by Jud Mackrill on Unsplash.