10 Reasons Why You Should Not Move to Europe

1. Tourists are more Valued Than Immigrants

Most European countries have a strong Tourism industry, and they most undoubtedly know how to welcome wealthy tourists.

Besides, most countries and regions in Europe are not very budget-friendly, even Eastern Europe has been getting more expensive lately.

While you will feel great on your trip to Europe because the hotel is pampering you or the waiter is giving you extra attention, the reality is incomparable after you have settled in Europe.

This is because the Tourism industry rarely employees natives. These are usually migrating workers from neighboring countries. People working in this industry will be on their best behavior because it's their job.

Locals don't owe immigrants anything and, depending on where you are, will let you know that they do not particularly like immigrants.

2. Complex Legal Immigration Requirements

You might have heard that you could possibly get a German passport because your great-great-grandmother was German.

The truth is, that citizen by descent is not guaranteed and it's a lengthy process. For example, in Germany, German ancestors have to be able to prove that their family members were denationalized by the National Socialists to receive the citizenship.

Besides, some countries do not allow double nationalities and others have strict laws.

Resident permits are slightly easier to obtain, but you will have to show a minimum regular income and most countries require that you have a letter of invitation from a company that is hiring you.

For example, in Austria in 2025, singles need to show a minimum net income of € 1.217,96 and couples € 1.921,46 per month. This is so that you will not be a financial burden to the authorities.

Work Permits in general can take months to get approved, which in turn will delay your employment.

3. Job Credentials are Not Always Recognized

Every country in Europe has a drastically different school system, and job credentials are not equally recognized across the borders.

That means, your special job qualification might not have any value in the country where you would like to settle.

You will face hurdles to upskill and to get your job qualifications accepted and because there is no set norm, you will have to talk to the local job center to help you in the complex process.

4. Job Markets are Highly Competitive

The job market is a colorful tapestry in Europe. It's as diverse as it can get!

But one truth is a fact, the market is super competitive and even high-skilled workers will struggle to find their dream job in their city. You will mostly have to move far to get to the perfect position.

Some particular labor, such as carpenters and electricians, require an apprenticeship. These jobs are often not an option at all for immigrants, even if you have the skills, due to the language barrier and the way these age-old systems are set.

Besides immigrant workers are usually underpaid and taken advantage of, foreigners because they don't know local customs and laws is super common all over Europe in all industries!

5. Most of Your Income is Taxed and you have to pay Social Contributions

Your payment comes as gross income and a net income. Your gross income includes taxes and social contributions that your employer submits on your behalf.

The taxes and social contributions are always separately counted, and you can't opt out of social contributions. It's compulsory.

If you earn 45.000 gross income, you will get about 25.000 to 30.000 net income. This, by the way, is an average-high yearly income in most countries.

6. Compulsory Language Requirements

Many countries have started to implement compulsory language requirements for all those looking to immigrate to a country.

English is hardly spoken in mainland Europe, with most people speaking only their native language or a dialect thereof.

This can complicate the communication and, to help foreigners integrate, most countries created a compulsory language learning program.

For example, for Austria, I had to learn A1 German level to get my first residency card. That means I had to pay for an expensive A1 level exam. In the subsequent years I had to do A2 and B1.

These language exams don't come cheap, they cost about €300, and you can easily fail. I did fail one exam and had to redo it, which was stressful, as the authorities were waiting for me to complete it to extend my residency.

7. The Locals Discriminate and they will Socially Exclude You

Europe has a long history of dealing with immigrants, and it doesn't matter where you come from, they will never treat you the same as them.

I mean, they literally make a difference between their countrymen. Within Europeans, it's the same situation. My wife's mother is French, and she moved to Austria and her father moved from Luxembourg to France, and it was the same story. Locals be locals.

You don't need to be brown or black for them to make a difference, and yes, not every region in Europe is the same.

Cities are more liberal, and it will be easier to melt in. Rural areas are simply very rural, and you will face more difficulties here.

That said, specific regions will pressurize you to learn local customs quickly and this can be rather confusing at times, especially because the cultural differences are not always plain visible. The government agenda is always to assimilate.

8. High Cost of Living

The costs of groceries have increased over the years and is one of the highest in the world, but that's not the most expensive that you will encounter in Europe.

You will notice that outfits and household items are much pricier in Europe. From clothes, to house deco items, to gardening stuff, everything costs more in Europe.

Some countries are even pricier than others. For example, cosmetics sometimes cost double in Austria compared to Germany (that's why we go shopping in Germany).

The result is, most Europeans are naturally frugal and always have been. People don't leave lights on overnight, they don't waste food, and they think twice before buying stuff that they might not need.

9. The Housing Market is Tough

Getting to rent a flat can be incredibly difficult in certain parts of Europe. Buying is often out of the reach for most people.

Local laws come with various hurdles, which can hamper your efforts in getting a dream home in Europe. Banks are more reluctant to loan you money because you are a foreigner.

Renting in some cities has become costly. Getting a flat for €3000 warm (with electricity, water, garbage fees) is difficult in cities such as Munich, Germany.

In certain regions in Europe, landlords can ask for your current income and background. They get to handpick tenants, and getting rejected is common.

Add to that special issues that can occur. For example, in German-speaking countries, you have to buy and install your kitchen into a rented flat. The previous tenants took their kitchen with them to their new home.

10. Various smaller Issues Combined Can Leave you Frustrated

Smaller unexpected bureaucracy issues and day to day situations can add up and might leave you in time frustrated.

While the situations again will defer from region to region, you will encounter certain similarities across the border.

Some banks will only open an account for you if you have a residency card. You will come across situations that are not common in your home country when trying to purchase a car from the car dealer.

Your license might not be valid, and you will have to redo it, or your license is only valid for automatic cars when most cars are still manual.

Then there are other things, such as all the common situations that travelers to Europe experience and that might not be in your scope, such as different plug and voltage systems to just name some.

In time, you will get the hang of your surrounding, but it can take a few years. Especially if you are used to warm, welcoming places where people are more friendly. Europeans, are generally speaking, more cold and mind their own business (the south is a bit different).

Keep these points in mind and if you are really game for the challenge, then make it an aim to inform yourself properly before making a move to Europe.

Because, living in Europe is not what these Hollywood movies and series have sold out to be!