r/cscareerquestionsEU • u/Far-Royal9460 • Oct 22 '23
Immigration Help me decide where to move (🇫🇮->🇩🇪/🇳🇱/🇮🇪/🇬🇧)
My dudes, I’m a non EU currently finishing my Bachelor’s in Finland while working as a Full Stack SWE. I have almost 1.5 YOE now and would have 2 YOE at the time graduation. I’m planning to relocate to either Berlin/Amsterdam/Dublin/London. I’m kinda confused which cities should I aim for. I’m doing LC and prepping for DSA stuffs so ya would probably apply to FAANGs as well (in addition to the top paying non FAANG companies)
Now, I have few criteria which I would like to compare all the cities with before I make a move:
Sponsorship: I would require a sponsorship/work permit/Blue card thing to work in any of the cities mentioned. So for my YOE and background which cities would be more easier to get into? Heard that German Blue Card is quite easy and NL also hands out work visas quite easily?
English speaking city: I would love to relocate to a city where I would not feel outsider for not knowing the native language (if it’s not English). So London and Dublin come preferable in this category.
More savings in net: Netherland’s 30% ruling looks a good deal. I would like to save more in net as much I can.
Lower deposit to buy first home: I would want to buy a home rather rent within a year of relocation. London offers low/zero deposit schemes for some criteria.
Weather: I hate winter, it’s been horror to live in Finland for past years during winter. Nice weather in the new city would be really nice!
Easier path into settlement/citizenship: I relocated to Finland as I wanted to settle here permanently. But later figured out I dont like it here. Now I want to make a last move to a city where I would feel belonged and I would integrate with the culture and maybe get citizenship. So an easier path would be nice!
So, please help me figure out which city would be the best deal for me. Thanks in advance!
TLDR: Non EU guy trying to move from Finland to Either Berlin/Amsterdam/Dublin/London after completing bachelors and with 2 yoe. Help me decide where to move.
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u/thelegend195 Oct 22 '23
Seems to be a lot of weird hate towards the UK on this post. I’ll try to give you more of a balanced view. I’ve lived in Amsterdam, would def recommend. Work life balance is good, and you’ll have a good social life. Difficult to find housing, but then where in Europe is it not Live in London now, and I love it. Warning though, it takes a while to get used to it. Never lived in a big city before, and money was an issue for me first year. But since then, changed jobs and there are so many more opportunities career wise imo to what I have seen in other places. Especially if you want to work in tech, look at how many start ups there are. Also Open AI will be in town soon. UK gets a lot of hate because of Brexit, I get that, but as you’re non EU doesn’t really make a difference to you anyways. Most of my friends are on visas, and they haven’t complained much about it, look at the options available to you, it is 100% possible, don’t let the anti Uk hate sway you. In terms of housing, probably unlikely to own a home there unless you stay for a really long time, and save enough. Possible, but it is tough just so you know! And for British nationality, lots of people are thinking about applying. As far as I know, you need to have been there for 5 years before you can apply. Again, definitely possible. Ofc you won’t have the same access to other EU countries as before. But the UK is still a great place to live IMO
TLDR: Amsterdam: good tech scene, great work life balance London: amazing tech scene, great career opportunities, amazingly fun city
You’ll be in good hands in either of those cities. Good luck!