Where would you live in Europe if you could choose?

[Tortuga]

Alright fellas, I have a decision to make. I have just accepted a job which is a 5 week on/off rotation. I get to choose where I reside (this is also important for taxation). I'm currently in Melbourne, Australia; however I have always wanted to see Europe so I am going to base myself there. The hard decision is where I have a UK and AUS passport. I plan on travelling in the 5 weeks off. I'm 21; I have had a look at Spain and like what I see. I know the UK and Ireland have some tax laws that limits the amount taxed on income earnt overseas? I have 7 months to make the decision. Obviously my income will limit some options (eg. Monaco). I have been to Europe once and it was for 2 days (interview for the job I accepted) and that was to Norway (beautiful place by the way). Where would you live and why?

 

[vitaminp]

Hi Rizzamabob!

Firstly, very jealous! :mrgreen: I would suggest a trip to a Financial Planner or Accountant/Lawyer specialising in foreign income. There is a heap of complex legislation/double tax agreements/citizenship issues and what not that will impact on your unique situation. That may in turn impact on where you end up living.

My choice from heart is Florence, Italy. Food, wine, history and and excellent nightlife

From my head, London for the following reasons:
1. Accommodation - Easy to get a shared place where you have limited ties for relatively low cost. If want to travel you can pick up, be gone for weeks and not have huge fixed home costs.
2. Good ex-pat network.
3. Travel connections.
4. Nightlife!!

But, those reasons are reflection of my situation. Again, very jealous!

 

[Budley]

Alright fellas, I have a decision to make. I have just accepted a job which is a 5 week on/off rotation. I get to choose where I reside (this is also important for taxation). I'm currently in Melbourne, Australia; however I have always wanted to see Europe so I am going to base myself there. The hard decision is where I have a UK and AUS passport. I plan on travelling in the 5 weeks off. I'm 21; I have had a look at Spain and like what I see. I know the UK and Ireland have some tax laws that limits the amount taxed on income earnt overseas? I have 7 months to make the decision. Obviously my income will limit some options (eg. Monaco). I have been to Europe once and it was for 2 days (interview for the job I accepted) and that was to Norway (beautiful place by the way). Where would you live and why?

OK, so you're in the oil industry. Have a look at the Isle of Man. Low taxes, and close to Oslo (relatively speaking).

 

[Febs]

Congratulations, sounds like an amazing opportunity.

I have no idea of the tax, citizenship, living etc.. implications, but Czech Republic struck me (quite surprisingly) as a place I could easily live for a little while. I wasn't even in Prague either (Brno), but it was a surprisingly fun place.

Spent a week in Madrid and really, really disliked it. I know everyone says Spain is an amazing place for someone in their early 20's...and maybe I'd have a different attitude if I went to Barcelona, but meh...I'm not in a hurry to go back.

If you're a single man, Sweden could have its benefits. Close to work too.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[QF WP]

Have to agree with vitaminp on all fronts!!!

Getting suitably qualified advice is imperative (because doing it yourself only to find out you have stuffed up and have to pay a lot of tax is no option)...unless you want to pay a lot of tax.

Whilst Florence is also one of my favourites, as an Irish passport holder I'd love nothing better to (sometimes) coming home to peace and quiet in the Emerald Isle. But vitaminp's points should help you to make the best decision. No use going to live in a tax haven that has terrible transport connections.

 

[smithym]

Ibiza Ibiz Ibiza

 

[Travel Guru]

Palmanova, Italy or Paris...both for different reasons

TG

 

[Tortuga]

OK, so you're in the oil industry. Have a look at the Isle of Man. Low taxes, and close to Oslo (relatively speaking).

Your right about the oil industry I am basically roaming offshore world wide so it doesn't necessarily have to be based near Norway (that is just where the company is based).

 

[Ledger]

Considered Switzerland?

Tax laws are favourable towards the wealthy, the country is politically and economically stable and situated in a great position. Main languages are French, German and Italian so they're are options to consider when picking up a language, the country side is breath-taking and the cities are sophisticated. Crime rate is low as the people are quite conservative.

One of a very select bunch of countries i'd ever consider moving to in Europe.

 

[QF WP]

Adding to my earlier post (after a little thinking), being in or near a major airport (hub) would also be important to me (if I were in Rizzamabob's shoes), as well as a country where English is a major language (unless you have a second language).

That then makes me (have to) consider UK (London) [as much as I wouldn't want to live there]; as well as Switzerland (Zurich). Sweden (Stockholm) would probably be my third choice.

 

[Tortuga]

You are all right about getting professional advice about tax laws; it will form one part of my decision. I am getting paid in Euros which will also affect my decision. I am looking for a place that isn't going to blow the budget; has a night life with things to do and see; and has good accessibility. I have a few family friends in London which would make the transition easier; although I would prefer basing myself in a less hectic location since the time I get off would be spent relaxing and travelling.

Sweden is a good idea; I have had a look at their tax rates and noticed they are quite high; although this means things like health care are of a good standard which is important. The country would be beautiful (if its anything like Norway); and the women would be nice. Switzerland has a good tax system and is located in a great position (pretty central in regards to Europe); from what I have heard its got great scenery and the people are nice. I hadn't really thought about Italy before. My parents are there for a wedding at the moment and said places like Naples have a high level of poverty; but other regions are beautiful.
Its a hard decision, thank you for all the input; the more the merrier.

 

[Dave Noble]

Even with a UK passport I am not sure that you can live in Switzerland due to residence permit requirements. How are your language skills? I would want to be moving to a country where I do understand the native language

Dave

 

[Bundy Bear]

1. London: English speaking and good connections to everywhere.
2. Dublin: English speaking and part of EU and good connections to everywhere on Ryanair.

Sounds like an interesting job in a different part of the world.

Where does everyone else live with the job that you are going to do. Maybe everyone lives in a certain place and you will need to look at that.

I would like to go and work/live in London for a while; be good for the experience but also a great jump off point to go and visit the rest of Europe.

 

[JohnK]

If it was me I would choose to live in Greece.

Don't know much about the tax laws but it has a laid back attitude, great food and no shortage of nightlife. The cost of living is also not as high as most countries in Europe.

 

[Tortuga]

1. London: English speaking and good connections to everywhere.
2. Dublin: English speaking and part of EU and good connections to everywhere on Ryanair.

Sounds like an interesting job in a different part of the world.

Where does everyone else live with the job that you are going to do. Maybe everyone lives in a certain place and you will need to look at that.

I would like to go and work/live in London for a while; be good for the experience but also a great jump off point to go and visit the rest of Europe.

It is really mixed. One guy lives in Brisbane and gets flown back to there after each trip. One guy lives in London, its pretty much where ever you want. I have some family friends in London which would make the transition easier.

 

[Evan]

Not that i have ever thought about it much (except for myself in Germany, but different salary and situation) but what about some places like Budapest or other more eastern european locations.
Some of these places will have decent transport and could be totally different cultural expereince. Just not sure about the taxes etc.

E

 

[Keith009]

Hmmm...in Europe I guess it'd be anywhere in the UK. I'd live somewhere that's not too different linguistically and culturally. YMMV.

Or else anywhere with a good expat network I suppose.

 

[RB]

I believe there may have been some recent changes to restrictions imposed by EU members to rights of "outsiders" ability to live for extended periods by just "moving in & out".

Also JohnK I think that Greece is now seen as being as or more expensive as Italy for example

 

[Ledger]

Unfortunately all of Europe is expensive these days. As Petrol prises soar, so does the cost of living.

UK would be a logical place as you don't have the language barrier. If that isn't an issue, Andorra and Luxembourg are both very nice places to live.

 

[Harpoon]

London.

I don't see how many other places will be as good given you're 21. The ex-pat scene there is phenomenally good.