Relocate.Me: Jobs & Moving Abroad
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Onsite and remote international jobs, visa news, helpful resources, expert insights, and more.

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What are the steps to finding and accepting a tech job abroad?

1. Hunt for jobs that offer relocation in the right places.

2. Increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and potential employers online.

3. Estimate your take-home pay in a target location before you accept/negotiate/compare job offers.

4. Know what ‘relo’ perks you can expect and/or negotiate with your potential employer.

5. Narrow down your target destination(s) and learn what it takes to relocate before going through the interview process.

Find all the necessary information and tools here: https://bit.ly/2E5RZUD

#jobsearchtips #relocation
Thanks 🙏 for the patience, everyone!

As promised, here’s a post about changes to Germany’s skilled immigration rules 👇

Similar to many other European countries, Germany is grappling with a shortage of skilled workers in IT and other pivotal sectors. To address this issue, the German parliament passed a new law in the summer of 2023, amending the Skilled Immigration Act to facilitate the entry of qualified workers from outside the EU.

The first wave of changes became effective in November 2023, incorporating the following among other things:

✅ Reduced salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card.

Starting the 1st of January 2024, the salary threshold for shortage occupations is €41,042 per year. For regular occupations, it is €45,300 per annum.

✅ Streamlined access for IT specialists without a degree.

IT specialists lacking a university degree now qualify for an EU Blue Card if they can demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of comparable professional experience within the last 7 years.

✅ A broader range of shortage or bottleneck occupations.

✅ Changing employers made easier.

Previously, EU Blue Card holders who wanted to switch employers or positions within the first 2 years of employment had to apply for an amendment of their labor market access. After 2 years, they could work for any employer and in any position.

With the updated regulations, EU Blue Card holders must notify the immigration authorities about a change of employer and/or position only if it occurs within the first 12 months of employment. After 12 months of working under an EU Blue Card (rather than 24 as previously), EU Blue Card holders can change employers and/or positions without notifying immigration authorities.

More changes are scheduled to take effect in March and June 2024, including:

✅ The opportunity for Blue Card holders with German A1 language proficiency to obtain a permanent residence permit after 27 months (rather than 33 as currently).

✅ Introduction of the new “Opportunity Card” (or “Chancenkarte”).

#relocation #germany2024
How to decide whether to relocate for a job?

Here are some tips from our team:

1. Consider Lifestyle Compatibility:

- Assess how the new location aligns with your lifestyle, including considerations for your partner/family.

- Evaluate whether the cultural and social aspects of the new place resonate with your identity and personal satisfaction.

2. Evaluate Employer Support:

Research the level of support offered by your future employer, such as relocation assistance and career growth opportunities.

Though money shouldn't control your decision, it's a good idea to move for a company that shows their appreciation for your move through help (both physically and financially).

3. Reflect on Personal Development:

- Think beyond work hours and consider how the move will impact your overall quality of life, including commute, proximity to loved ones, and climate.

- Analyze the financial implications of the move, ensuring that the salary offered justifies the cost of living in the new area.

- Assess the potential for career progression and networking opportunities in the new city, considering both short-term and long-term career goals.

4. Make a Well-Informed Decision:

Take a holistic approach when deciding whether to move for a job, considering factors like career progression, financial impact, family and social life, and overall quality of life.


PS: We have a post on our blog that elaborates on each of the above tips in greater detail. Here's the link for those interested: https://relocate.me/blog/job-relocation/how-to-decide-whether-to-relocate-for-a-job.

#Relocation #Advice
What makes Germany 🇩🇪 a good place to live and work as a software engineer?

Here's a quick rundown of the key reasons:

1. Healthy work-life balance

According to the OECD, Germany is ranked among the top 10 countries for work-life balance. To put that in perspective, most full-time employees work under 40 hours per week. You’ll also enjoy 10+ paid holidays and at least four weeks of paid time off. And if you land a job with a thrifty tech company, you might even get upwards of five weeks’ holiday – it’s increasingly common.

2. Social security

Germany has a great social security system which covers a multitude of needs. Of course, you take a significant pay cut to enjoy these benefits, but most people find it worthwhile. As an expat on a work visa, you’ll have access to free medical care, unemployment benefits (after 12 months of paying tax), and dental care. You’ll also be paying for your pension, so if you plan to retire in Germany, that’ll be something you can access at the end of your career.

3. Fair salaries

Germany ranks in the top 10 for developer salaries. Entry-level salaries aren’t anything to get excited about, you’re usually looking at around €30,000-€40,000. If it’s a unicorn company or something like IBM or SAP, the salary can be €40k+. Senior engineers might be looking at a minimum of around €60,000. If you’re good, though, maybe you take equity in a company or a top position in a unicorn, you can make €100,000-€200,000 in a year. This is considered an exceptional salary for Europe.

The higher paying tech roles are typically in Berlin or Munich. Average salaries are higher in Munich, but Berlin has a bigger expat community, has more job opportunities, and offers a lower cost of living. If you are coming from the US, UK or even Australia, you’ll appreciate the lower cost of living.

4. Travel opportunities

Situated at the heart of Europe, Germany serves as an ideal springboard for exploring the continent. With its central location, travelling within Europe is not only easy but also affordable. For instance, a one-way flight ticket from Berlin to London can cost as little as €30.

5. Tech scene/career opportunities

Germany has one of the largest and most vibrant startup ecosystems in the world. There are more than 60,000 startups across the country! In Berlin, for example, you’ve got over 20 tech unicorns (HelloFresh, Personio, N26, Choco, Contentful, to name a few) that offer great pay and opportunities to work with some of the most skilled workers in the scene.

Germany is also home to the offices of numerous tech giants, including FAANG (MAANG).


To explore job opportunities that offer relocation to Germany 👇

https://relocate.me/search?country=germany

#relocation #germany
Who’s planning a move to Germany 🇩🇪 or already going through the process?

We suggest you check out a service called Caselink.

It’s built by a diverse team of migrants and native Germans with experience spanning 10,000+ relocation cases.

They offer support with visa and immigration processes (including the EU Blue Card and Job Seeker Visa), as well as settling in — from local registration (Anmeldung) to housing search and health insurance.

Their AI-powered platform handles document verification, form pre-filling, and error checks in seconds instead of days — which translates directly into faster turnaround times and more affordable rates.

Given Germany’s well-known bureaucracy and challenging housing market, using a service like this can be a real lifesaver.

Learn more about Caselink here 👉 https://www.caselink.solutions

#ServiceRecommendation #Relocation #Germany