If you have no entitlement to work in Europe (i.e. you weren't born here), then the rest is academic but, in order, 6-12 months for the 13 written exams, flying training as required to pass CPL skill test and yes, you would have to pay for your own IR (min 15 hours conversion).
We have no shortage of unemployed pilots here thank you, so I cannot imagine that a European operator would support you through a work permit application when they can have a home grown pilot.
The grass is not always greener and whilst you may see higher salaries here, you probably haven't factored in higher costs of living.
Cheers
Whirls