Glueball has it about right. Most of us expats were hired through a recruiting agency. And, although many of us hold JAR licenses, in all of the flying I have preformed in the last 20 years in Europe, the employer was only interested in time on type. And, of course, that one held a license which did not come out of a box of wheaties. As for obtaining the right to live/work in the EEC, this is granted automatically, if you are working for an airline/company that bases you here. I would bet that if you applied to "whatever" governmental agency for this permit, you would reach retirement age before it ever happened. My best advice if you want to fly and live in Europe is to secure a job first, and the rest will easily fall into place. However, be advised that the competition for flying positions in Europe is much more competative than in the States. Good Luck!