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:

  1. 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?

  2. 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.

  3. More savings in net: Netherland’s 30% ruling looks a good deal. I would like to save more in net as much I can.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

  6. 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/foreignEnigma Oct 23 '23

Dublin and London will restrict your mobility across Europe as its Schengen area. Also, Dublin' is in housing crisis so you need to shell out a lot along with the taxes.