A shooting on every corner? After seven years there, you see it more calmly.
Moving to the USA as an entrepreneur
Everything you ever wanted to know about moving to the USA: our detailed guide for entrepreneurs who want to make the US their home.
Any Western European who chooses to move to the USA today must be a true believer, or so it seems: a shooting on every corner, stark gaps between rich and poor, and a population two thirds of which are loudmouthed rednecks.
At least that is the picture European media like to paint of everyday life in America. Who would want to leave cultured Western Europe, an island of social justice (or so we like to believe), for such a backward, even dangerous country?
As someone who lived in the USA for seven years between 2008 and 2017, I can assure you: it really isn't that bad. That's not to say America's big problems should be played down.
The point is that an entrepreneur who moves to the USA with a good income can lead a very comfortable life in America.
But be clear about what lies ahead before you make concrete plans. Living in the USA means a big adjustment. The people, the culture and daily life are very different from what we're used to in Europe.
1Your move in detail
On this page we look in detail at everyday life in the USA and what it really means to live in America. Of course we also cover the US tax system (right at the end). But life, and a move abroad, has so many dimensions beyond tax planning. So this page is mainly about everything else.
2Before you decide to move
2.1Why move to America as an entrepreneur? Who is this page for?
2.2Where in the USA is life best?
2.3The ten best small towns in the USA
2.4Visas: the tricky part
In writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
3The big questions
3.1Safety & crime: can I feel safe in the USA?
3.2How Mount Bonnell Advisors helps with your move to the USA
3.3Crazy Americans: 15 things about Americans that drive me nuts
4Family & leisure
4.1Schools & education: the best universities in the world, but...
4.2Vacation & leisure: camping, Thanksgiving and no right to paid vacation
4.3Getting around: your pickup truck is waiting
5Money & planning ahead
5.1Cost of living: Europe & the USA compared
5.2Health insurance & healthcare: expensive, but good
5.3Financial planning: credit score & credit history
Your own access to the American financial system, even without an SSN.
6Taxes
6.1US tax planning for entrepreneurs
6.2Tax consequences in your home country
One hour with the firm: your case, your questions, a clear answer.
- This guide is for entrepreneurs who want to make the USA their home.
- The picture in European media is misleading: with a good income, you can lead a very comfortable life in America.
- Still, moving to the USA is a big adjustment: the people, the culture and daily life are very different from Europe.
- The focus is everyday life, from where to live and safety to schools, leisure, health insurance and your credit score. Taxes come at the end.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this guide to moving to the USA for?
For entrepreneurs who want to make the USA their home. Exactly who we mean is explained on the page Why move to America as an entrepreneur?
Is life in the USA as dangerous as the media make it look?
After seven years in the USA, our answer is: it really isn't that bad. The country's big problems shouldn't be played down, but an entrepreneur with a good income can live very comfortably there. More under Safety and crime.
What should I be prepared for before moving to the USA?
A big adjustment. The people, the culture and daily life are very different from what we're used to in Europe. So it pays to know what to expect before you make concrete plans.
Is moving to the USA mainly about taxes?
No. Tax comes at the very end of this guide, with US tax planning and the consequences in your home country. Moving abroad has many other dimensions, and those are what this guide is mainly about.
What does the guide cover?
The decision before you move (why, where, which visa), big questions like safety, family and leisure (schools, vacation, getting around), money and planning ahead (cost of living, health insurance, credit score) and, finally, taxes.
How we help you
- Moving to the USAVisa, bank account, taxes and where to live: your move with Mount Bonnell Advisors.
- Visa RoadmapIn writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
- US Bank Account OpeningYour own access to the American financial system, even without an SSN.
- Your US Tax ReturnForm 1040 or 1040-NR, handled in English.
- ConsultationOne hour with the firm: your case, your questions, a clear answer.
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