Working Abroad

Traditionally, emigration was a lifelong commitment to settle in a land far away for a chance of a better life. These days, there are as many reasons as there are individuals. Whether love, money, opportunity, or career move, the actual step of packing up your belongings – or leaving them behind – and venturing into unknown lands, to survive in a different culture, requires a solid dose of courage and at least as much preparation. This very sensible concise guide addresses the issues that arise when moving abroad in an admirably clear manner. A version for EU nationals is also available.

August G. Minke, Esq. holds degrees of Masters in Law (LL.M.) from Universiteit Utrecht in the Netherlands and from Pace University in White Plains, USA, where he also obtained a Certificate in International Law. Of Dutch and Belgian descent he grew up both in the Netherlands and in Belgium, as well as in Indonesia. In addition to his consulting, Mr. Minke has lectured on cross-cultural aspects of conducting business and occasionally serves as a resource for expatriate cross-cultural trainings for companies such as Berlitz. He is the author of a Dutch book on working abroad titled “Werken in het Buitenland”, ISBN 978-87-7061-084-3. (http://bookboon.com/nl/studie/carriere/werken-in-het-buitenland).

Mr. Minke is an independent advisor to European companies establishing presence in the United States and also works with U.S. law firms involved in international litigation with European parties or aspects. He has worked as a corporate lawyer and business manager in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and briefly worked for the Dutch immigration services, before moving to the United States. Initially based in New York City currently operates from Newport Beach, California.

About the Author

1. Introduction

2. Before You Leave
2.1 Basic Understanding of Culture and Language
2.2 Income Tax
2.3 Other taxes
2.4 Social Security
2.5 Frontier Workers
2.6 Medical
2.6.1 Immunizations and Examinations
2.6.2 Medication
2.7 Other
2.7.1 Unregistering at the Registry Offices
2.7.2 Drivers’ License
2.7.3 Military Service

3. Required Documentation
3.1 Identification and Permits
3.1.1 Visa
3.1.2 Residence Permit
3.1.3 Work Permit
3.2 Additional Work Documentation
3.2.1 Diploma Recognition
3.2.2 Recognition of Professional Experience
3.3 Lost Documents and Proof of Existence
3.4 Dual Citizenship
3.5 Voting Abroad

4. Upon Arrival
4.1 Administrative
4.1.1 Registering with the Foreign Police
4.1.2 Registering with the Registry Offices
4.1.3 National Identification Numbers
4.1.4 Registration with Consulate or Embassy
4.1.5 Informing Family and Friends
4.2 Housing
4.2.1 Buying Property...
4.2.2 ... or Renting
4.2.3 Utilities
4.2.4 Domestic Help
4.3 Notes on Moving and Shipping
4.3.1 Shipping and Insurance
4.3.2 Electric and Electronic Devices
4.3.3 Bringing Your Car Along
4.4 Assistance Abroad

5. Culture Shock

6. Job Search
6.1 Type of Employer
6.1.1 International Organizations
6.1.2 Non-Governmental Organizations
6.1.3 Private Sector
6.1.4 International Commute
6.1.5 Employment in the Public Sector
6.1.6 Study and Work
6.2 Searching for Work Abroad
6.2.1 Searching Abroad from Home
6.2.2 Job Boards
6.2.3 Social Networks
6.2.4 Going There
6.2.5 Agencies and Recruiters
6.2.6 Employer Sponsored Permits
6.2.7 Continuing Education
6.3 Applying for Jobs Abroad
6.3.1 Cover Letters and CVs or Résumés
6.3.2 Applying On-Line
6.3.3 The Interview
6.3.4 Before You Accept

7. Financial
7.1 Banks and Payment Systems
7.1.1 Current and Domestic Bank
7.1.2 Currency Restrictions
7.1.3 Alternative Wire Systems
7.1.4 Paying with Cards and Electronic Wallets
7.1.5 Loans
7.1.6 Investments
7.2 Insurance
7.2.1 Health Insurance
7.2.2 Other Insurances
7.3 Retirement

8. Family
8.1 Spouses and Partners
8.1.1 Marriage Recognition and Domestic Partnership
8.1.2 Marriage Dissolution Abroad
8.2 Children
8.2.1 Children and school
8.2.2 Childbirth Abroad
8.2.3 Adoption and Custody
8.3 Wills or Testaments
8.4 Death Abroad
8.5 Pets

9. Return
9.1 Voluntary Return
9.2 Evacuation
9.3 Illegal Souvenirs