In the current digital era, remote work has become an increasingly common practice. This allows businesses to manage global hiring and access global talent pools and employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Working remotely has many advantages as well as some difficulties, time zone differences being a major one. To help employers increase team productivity and accomplish business goals, we’ll look at ways to solve time zone issues encountered at remote work arrangements in this article.

Respect and acknowledge time zone differences

Acknowledging that people might be in different time zones and have different availability and schedules is essential for a successful remote work arrangement. Planning around this encourages inclusivity and reduces interruptions to workflow.

Establish core working hours

Although respecting and acknowledging time zone differences is important, there are times when all team members need to be available for communication, planning, and teamwork. To ensure maximum participation, plan and identify overlapping hours that work for most team members and schedule important meetings during these times.

Encourage adaptability and flexibility

Encourage team members to adjust their schedules to account for time zone differences as needed. Encourage an environment of adaptability and flexibility within the remote team. Give people the tools they need to prioritize their work, use time management techniques, and be proactive in communicating with colleagues to facilitate seamless cross-border and cross-time zone collaboration.

Use “Asynchronous” communication tools

Collaborate without needing to engage in real-time communication by adopting “asynchronous” communication tools and practices. To facilitate communication and update team members at their convenience, irrespective of time zone differences, encourage the use of email, project management platforms, or messaging apps. As a result, there can be constant progress, and no team member is left behind because of scheduling conflicts. This helps with effectively managing remote teams globally.

Rotate meetings times

Rotate meeting times regularly to equally divide up the workload of early or late meetings among team members. You can guarantee that everyone on the team gets to participate in talks and decision-making without constantly sacrificing their work-life balance because of time zone differences by switching up the times of meetings.

Use time zone management tools

To make scheduling and coordination across time zones easier, make use of the time zone management tools and features found in communication platforms. Employ tools that show meeting times in the local time zone of each participant to reduce confusion and scheduling error risk.

Encourage open communication and transparency

For team members to work remotely, promote open communication and transparency by creating a safe space for the employees to share their preferences, availability, and any possible scheduling conflicts resulting from different time zones.

Provide clear guidelines and expectations

Clearly define communication standards, expectations, and availability across time zones. Ensure that everyone on the team is aware of these rules and follows them consistently to preserve productive teamwork and reduce misunderstandings.

Regularly evaluate and adapt

Assess your time zone management strategies regularly, and adjust them as necessary in response to team feedback and changing business requirements. Use the knowledge you’ve gained from experience and experimentation to consistently look for ways to enhance productivity, teamwork, and communication within the remote team.

Offer flexibility in working arrangements?

Provide workplace flexibility to team members so they can modify their schedules or work hours to account for time zone variations. To improve work-life balance and give remote workers more autonomy, consider introducing flexible work policies, like compressed workweeks or flexible start and end times.

Ultimately, overcoming time zone difficulties in remote work settings is necessary to plan, have good communication, and readiness to adjust to the varied demands of a global workforce.

Employers can effectively address time zone differences and promote a collaborative and inclusive remote work culture that empowers team members to excel despite geographical limitations by putting the strategies discussed above into practice. To maximize productivity and succeed in today’s connected world, embrace the opportunities that come with working remotely and make use of best practices and technology.

Finding a job abroad is an exciting step in your career, but it also comes with challenges. Understanding cultural differences, tailoring your resume and researching visa requirements are all key parts of the application process. Here we have five tips that will help you successfully apply for a job abroad, with insight from a CV expert.

1. Understand the cultural differences in the interview process

Each country has its own work culture. Cultural differences can influence, for example, hierarchy and cooperation. This starts with applying for a job. For example, in some cultures, it is customary to talk directly about your achievements, while others value modesty.

An expert of CVwizard indicates: “It is important to be aware of cultural nuances in the country where you are applying. Directness is not appreciated everywhere. By reading up on the culture of the country where you are applying, you will avoid awkward moments during the application process.”

Suppose you want to apply for a job in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, for example. Then it is important to understand the cultural differences between the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Netherlands has a culture of openness and directness. This is also reflected in the application process, where directness is appreciated.

In the UAE, respect for hierarchy plays an important role. Applicants should communicate formally and with respect, but directness is usually better avoided. Showing respect for local and cultural customs can significantly increase your chances of success.

This means that in addition to translating your CV, you should also localize it by emphasizing or omitting certain parts.

2. Locate your resume and cover letter

Tailoring your CV and cover letter to the standard of the country you are applying to is essential. This goes further than translating your CV. Always include relevant international experiences, language skills, and knowledge of local markets. In addition, localization also includes adapting your CV and motivation letter to cultural expectations as described in tip 1.

Also, consider choosing a format that is common locally. If applicable, you can implement local technical terminology. Localizing your resume strengthens your position as a job candidate because it shows that you are making an effort to adapt to local norms, values ​​and work culture. After locating your resume, you can share it with the recruiter or company in question.

Next, you should research your work visa options, starting with the visa requirements in the country where you are applying.

3. Research visa requirements and sponsorship

A work visa is often a requirement to work abroad. The rules for this vary greatly per country and can be complex. Therefore, start researching the visa requirements early.

In some cases, your new employer can help you apply for your work visa or even act as a sponsor. Consider this when applying and looking for companies known for supporting international employees.

It’s also helpful to understand the timelines for obtaining a visa so you have realistic expectations about when you can start working. Finally, consider any restrictions or requirements that apply to your specific situation, such as moving your family, your professional experience and educational qualifications.

4. Learn about the local job market and industry

A crucial step in applying for a job abroad is to thoroughly research the industry you are interested in within the country you want to go to.

It’s important to get a clear picture of current market trends, the key players and the demand for the skills you have to offer. This knowledge is invaluable for strengthening your application and conducting interviews with potential employers. It also gives you a realistic picture of your options and opportunities in the local labor market.

Even if the main language in the company is English, knowledge of the local language can increase your chances of success and ease your integration into the team and local culture. Consider language courses or practice with educational language applications to improve your language skills.

By informing yourself, you can better assess where your opportunities lie and how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate.

5. Use your international network

A reference always works to your advantage but can be extra valuable for a job application abroad. It shows that you are familiar with the local culture and that you have an affinity with the country of interest.

Therefore, use your international network to find your dream job abroad. You can use LinkedIn for this.

Check whether you have contacts at companies in the country where you want to work. If you don’t have one, you can get to know valuable contacts through international conferences, webinars and online forums.

Go for your dream job abroad

Finding a job abroad requires preparation, research and adaptability. By applying the above tips, you will increase your chances of finding a successful international career.

You can also choose to use specialized recruitment agencies. Many agencies focus on placing candidates in international roles. These agencies offer valuable insights and support in your search for a job abroad. They understand the local work culture and have closer contact with the local population.

Remember that every country is unique. What works in one country may not work in another. Therefore, stay flexible, be open to learning and be willing to adapt to a new culture and working environment.

Moving internationally can offer new opportunities for those in the tech industry. There is an abundance of roles around the world in line with technological advancements. You can also explore a different culture and benefit from an exciting experience.

In this guide, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about relocating to another country.

Agree on a Realistic Start Date

Once you have accepted a job, it’s crucial to agree on a start date that gives you enough time to prepare for your move. This is especially important for those moving long distances. Consider how much notice you are required to give to your current employer. You can then begin making preparations as soon as possible.

Research the Location

Once you’ve got your start date confirmed, you can start to research the area you are moving to. This is a hugely significant part of the job relocation process. You can get an idea of what public transport, restaurants and social life are like. You may be moving to a location that has a lot of museums or places with plenty of scenery on offer.

If the country’s primary language is not English, you should endeavour to learn the language. Learning the basics before you arrive will give you a headstart and allow you to carry out your new role efficiently.

Renew or Apply for Your Passport

Check the date on your passport to ensure that it is valid for your date of travel. Some countries require a minimum of 6 months before the expiry of passports. Most countries in the EU require at least 3 months. You must apply for a new passport if your passport does not fit the criteria. Bear in mind that passports take around 3 weeks on average to arrive.

Apply for a Visa

You’ll need to apply for the correct visa for your stay. The visas and permits you will need are dependent on where you are moving. It’s important to note that employers will likely arrange your visa application for you, especially if it is a sponsor-related visa.

Most countries split their working visas into 2 categories: Skilled Workers and Seasonal Workers. Tech roles fall under the Skilled Worker category as they require specialist training.

Within Europe

Those relocating to Europe will have to apply for a permanent stay visa which is different for each country.

For example, those moving to Spain will need to apply for a Long-Stay Visa (Visado Nacional) and those moving to Norway will need a Residence Permit.

Outside Europe

Those moving further afield may need to provide even more documentation compared to European countries. Popular countries for UK workers outside Europe include Australia and the USA. Your applications must be submitted and approved well in advance of your departure date.

The visa required for those moving to Australia is dependent on your new employer. They may submit an application for the Employer Nomination Scheme Visa which means that they will sponsor your work in the country. Those unable to be sponsored can apply for a Skilled Nomination Visa. This visa requires a points-based test to be passed as well as a thorough skills assessment.

Those moving to the USA must have a job offer in place before submitting their application. Temporary employees moving for an established period of time may apply for a Nonimmigrant Work Visa. However, in most cases, those moving to America for the foreseeable will need to apply for Employment Immigration. These visas require employer sponsorship and are dependent on your qualifications and experience.

Make Copies of Important Documents

As you make various arrangements for your move, you will find that your pile of paperwork will stack up. Always create a copy of your important documents to have on hand as a precaution. This includes copies of your visa application, shipping inventory, and insurance documents. This is essential when encountering time-sensitive details such as the shipment of goods.

Healthcare and Insurance

The UK is home to a national healthcare system. Not all countries have this in place, therefore you will need to take out some form of healthcare insurance. This will cover you in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Most countries require expats to have healthcare insurance as part of the application process. Those bringing their car or other motorised vehicle will also need to take out vehicle insurance. It is illegal to drive a car without a driving licence and insurance in place.

Find a New Property

Once you’ve carried out your research, you can begin to look for accommodation. A lot of tech companies operate in metropolitan cities. It’s important to note that properties in city centres are likely to be much higher than the national average. Make sure you factor in your salary and current savings to find a property that meets your needs and remains within your budget.

You can choose whether you want to pay more in rent and live closer to your work or live further afield for a cheaper price and take a daily commute.

Contact Your Bank

You must contact your current bank to let them know about your move and departure date. Once this is done, you should arrange to open a new account in your new destination. Having this in place before you start your new job means that you can provide your new employer with updated payment information.

Arrange the Shipment of Goods

You’ll need to arrange for your goods to be shipped to your new destination. The best way to do this is by hiring an international removal company that can offer expert advice. This includes providing suggestions on the best shipping option for your needs. They will also ensure that your belongings arrive on time.

Whether you are moving lots of goods or embarking on a smaller move, leaving it in the hands of a professional company can alleviate the stress. Using comparison sites can be a great way of finding the best company for you while also saving you money on your removal costs.

In Conclusion

Being as organised as possible for your move will ensure the experience is as stress-free and seamless as possible. Give yourself enough time to get your arrangements in place. Setting a realistic starting date means you can settle into your new home at your own pace. From having your visas in place to saying your goodbyes, this will guarantee the best start to your new chapter.

Slovenia is a beautiful European country bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Its south-central location gives Slovenia a mild climate, making it highly appealing to expats from around the world. Of course, Slovenia remains small with only 2.1 million residents, but its tech sector is a force to be reckoned with.

The country’s largest market is information systems outsourcing, followed by systems integration and hardware support. Slovenia is also in need of specialized tech talent as a few of its largest sub-sectors include security systems, eBanking, and IT solutions.

If you’re looking to move to Slovenia for a tech job, here’s what you need to know.

How to Move to Slovenia for Work in Tech

A visa is not necessarily required to immigrate to Slovenia, but it all depends on where you’re coming from. A Slovenia work visa may be needed to gain entry and establish residence.

Moving to Slovenia as an EU Citizen

If you’re a citizen of one of the European Union Member States or a citizen of one of the member states of the European Economic Area (EEA), you do not need a visa or residence permit to enter Slovenia. However, you will need a valid identity card or valid passport.

As of 2023, these rules apply to citizens of:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Republic of Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland (EEA)
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein (EEA)
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway (EEA)
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Sweden

If you are not a citizen of one of these countries, you’ll need to obtain a visa before moving to Slovenia.

Moving to Slovenia as a Non-EU Citizen

To visit or immigrate to Slovenia as a non-EU citizen, you’ll need to obtain a visa by submitting an application explaining the reason for your visit and by providing a few identifying documents. A long-stay work visa will allow you to stay in Slovenia for an extended period while you work.

After getting your visa, you’ll also need to apply for a temporary residence permit. You can do this before arriving in Slovenia at the same embassy where you apply for your visa or you can do it on arrival at the nearest administrative unit.

Temporary residence permits last for a year before you’ll need to ask for an extension. You’ll need to stay in Slovenia for five years before you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

Can I Get a Blue Card to Move to Slovenia?

The EU Blue Card program is available to non-EU/non-EEA nationals and aims to simplify the immigration process. In effect, a Blue Card is a residence permit. If you qualify for a Blue Card, it will put you on the fast track toward permanent residence and citizenship in Slovenia (or any of the participating EU countries).

Being a Blue Card holder also provides countless benefits outside of Slovenia. In many ways, it gives you the privileges of an EU citizen, including free movement throughout the EU (no additional visas required) along with full educational, economic, cultural, human, and health rights.

To qualify for a Blue Card, you must fulfill all of the following criteria:

• Have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment that will last at least 12 months; and
• Meet the minimum salary threshold in Slovenia; and
• Present documents proving that the relevant higher professional qualifications have been met; and
• Present a valid travel document, an application for a visa or a visa and a valid residence permit or a national long-term visa; and
• Present proof of sickness insurance; and
• Prove you do not pose a threat to public policy in the view of the Member State.

In Slovenia, a Blue Card is valid for two years and can be extended to a maximum of three years. The application process involves a thorough review of you and your skills, so set aside 4-6 months and prepare to pay an application fee of €140.

While entering Slovenia without a Blue Card means you’re 5 years away from permanent residence, a Blue Card could allow you to become a permanent resident in as little as 21 months if you achieve B1 level knowledge of the Slovenian language (or 33 months otherwise).

Cost of Living in Slovenia

Excluding rent, a single person’s estimated cost of living in Slovenia is €791. A one-bedroom apartment ranges from €484 to €605 per month on average. A three-bedroom apartment is about twice as much.

The capital of Ljubljana has the most amenities and it’s naturally the country’s economic and cultural hub, meaning many job opportunities can be found there — but it also has a higher cost of living.

In Ljubljana, the average cost of living is €803 for a single person without rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center starts at €700 a month. With some good searching, you may be able to find a two-bedroom apartment for around €1,000 a month, but it won’t be downtown. Utilities range from €250 in the summer to €350 in the winter for a couple or small family.

Average Salary in Slovenia for Tech Jobs

When searching for jobs in Slovenia, you may be surprised by the average salary, which will look quite low compared to some other EU countries.

For a software engineer, the average salary is just €34,774 annually, which works out to around €2,897 monthly. As with any country, salaries vary across the market and it is possible to find a good offer if you spend time looking.

Alternatively, you can work remotely for a non-local company and try to get a residence permit by opening a company of your own.

Taxes in Slovenia

There are a few different types of taxes in Slovenia and you’ll need to sort them out before you arrive to ensure you’re budgeting based on your actual take-home pay:

• Personal Income Tax: You will need to pay taxes on all the money you earn in Slovenia. This is a progressive tax with brackets of 16%, 27%, 34%, 39%, and 50%, depending on your income. If you enter your salary and resident status into this calculator, it’ll estimate your personal income tax obligation.
• Social Security Contributions: Both employers and employees must contribute to the Social Security fund. 16.1% will be paid by your employer and 22.1% will be paid by you as an employee.
• Capital Gains Tax: If you sell a home or other asset, or inherit certain property in Slovenia, you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax, which ranges from 0% to 25% depending on the situation.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): All EU countries now charge VAT at a standard rate of 22%. There is also a reduced rate of 9.5% and a few goods and services are excluded entirely. In most cases, the prices you see when shopping in Slovenia will be “VAT inclusive,” meaning this tax has already been factored into the display price.
• Property Tax: There is no property tax in Slovenia.
• Payroll Tax: The payroll tax was abolished in 2009.

Renting an Apartment in Slovenia

All sorts of accommodations are available in Slovenia, ranging from shared accommodations and spare rooms to apartments and houses.

In your search, know that many people do not want to report the income they receive from renting out a property. This may mean they try to lease to you without an official contract — and you should be wary of these situations. You may also experience challenges due to language barriers, especially in more rural areas.

Most apartments that aren’t being leased “under the table” are handled by real estate agencies, which means they likely have an English-speaking representative. However, these agencies often require at least one month’s rent upon signing and may ask for other deposits as well.

As far as where to look for housing, Nepremicnine.net is the largest and most popular real estate site in Slovenia. You can also find a partially translated version in English.

Healthcare in Slovenia

Slovenia has a social health insurance system offering universal coverage to all residents and a broad range of benefits. It costs around 30 euros a month for an adult and children’s healthcare is fully covered. There are co-pays for healthcare services, so some Slovenians choose to take out private health insurance to cover these co-payments.

Until you become a resident of Slovenia, you’ll likely need to purchase a private expert health insurance plan. This is a type of international medical insurance policy that will cover both emergencies and routine care while you’re in Slovenia or elsewhere.

When it comes to the quality of care, Slovenia’s healthcare system is considered good and may even offer state-of-the-art equipment and services, especially in Ljubljana.

Language

Locals speak Slovenian, which is a Slavic language that can be challenging for non-Slavic speakers to learn. However, Slovenian is rarely spoken outside of the country and most locals have learned to speak English. German and Italian are also widely spoken.

Coffee Culture

Slovenia is renowned for its thriving coffee culture, notably the increasing abundance of specialty coffee shops and roasters.

International Tech Companies in Slovenia

Some of the largest international tech companies in Slovenia include:

• Infomediji is a virtual reality streaming company with a team of more than 100 skilled engineers and developers. They are rapidly growing and need specialists across the fields of data analytics, machine learning, UX/UI, and more.
• Outfit7 is a game development company with 20 hits and counting, entertaining billions of people around the world.
• SportRadar is a sports technology company that offers immersive experiences for sports enthusiasts and bettors. They’re partnered with DraftKings, FanDuel, the NBA, and countless other major organizations.
• Hisense Europe has a more than 70-year-long reputation providing home appliances to Slovenia and other nations. They have a growing R&D center and recently invested 45 million euros into a new factory that will produce side-by-side refrigerators.
• Outbrain makes over 344 billion recommendations each month to people around the world. Its algorithms are embedded into countless social media networks, determining what shows up in user feeds. The company is a powerhouse that continues to innovate.
• Comtrade Group is home to a number of innovative IT businesses across the area of smartphones, consumer electronics, software, development, gaming, and more. They have won multiple awards for their sustainability efforts and they have global partners like Microsoft helping them continue to grow.
• Endava has over 12,000 employees around the world working to provide solutions to companies in the payments, financial services, telecommunications, media, technology, consumer products, retail, mobility, and healthcare sectors. They’re one of the largest tech companies in Slovenia and have a growing world-class engineering team.

While Slovenia has relatively low salaries compared to places like Germany, it has many benefits, including a high quality of living, great work-life balance, free medical insurance, a good education system, a convenient location, and many opportunities for remote work.

If you want to start searching for job opportunities abroad, let Relocate.me help you find the perfect position.

Poland was previously known for its significant emigration, with many seeking employment in countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States.

However, in recent years, Warsaw has transformed into a thriving economic center, attracting multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia. The well-educated workforce, as well as the lower cost of living and labor expenses, contribute to this attraction.

We recently spoke with Ruslan Halilov, co-founder of Bluedot, an AI-powered Chrome extension for Google Meet. He found and relocated their CTO to Poland with the assistance of Relocate.me, and he’s here to share his experience.

What prompted you to locate your tech hub in Warsaw? 

I used to live in Warsaw and it’s an excellent city for engineering talent. You have a high standard of living, extremely safe surroundings, and a wide range of activities. Warsaw is already a top destination for multinational companies, and its popularity will only grow in the coming years. 

Who exactly were you looking for? 

As a remote-first company with co-founders based in London and Berlin, we faced a unique challenge when finding the right CTO with a strong engineering background and leadership experience. It was crucial for us to hire a CTO as soon as possible because we had recently raised funding and our investors wanted to see a strong technical team in place. Being a remote-first company allowed Bluedot to tap into a global talent pool. 

How helpful was Relocate.me?

We’ve heard about Relocate.me from many other founders who found and relocated engineering through them.

The job posting feature on Relocate.me proved to be an invaluable resource in Bluedot’s search for a CTO. They ensured that our job opening was seen by a large number of candidates by promoting it on their website, relevant job boards, and social media platforms. Furthermore, their expertise in crafting compelling job postings helped us effectively communicate our company culture, mission, and values, attracting highly qualified candidates from different parts of the world.

How did you find your CTO?

Among the pool of applicants, one candidate stood out: a talented CTO from Kyiv who expressed a strong interest in relocating to Poland. With his technical expertise and leadership experience, he was the perfect fit for Bluedot. Following interviews, it became clear that he possessed the distinct skill set needed to succeed in the role. He previously worked at Wix.com, where he scaled an engineering team. 

Recruiting a CTO was only half the battle; ensuring a smooth relocation process was also critical. Fortunately, Relocate.me provided comprehensive support every step of the way. They offered guidance on visa applications, housing recommendations, and assistance with essential services such as banking, allowing for a seamless transition for our Ukrainian hire.

What would you recommend to other founders looking to hire a CTO?

Make recruitment your number one priority. It should be treated as seriously as sales or fundraising. You will also require strong partners, such as Relocate.me, who will assist and guide you along the way.

As the world continues to adjust to the unique conditions that the pandemic put into place, many professionals were left with no choice but to work in the comforts of their home. As forced participants in the world’s largest remote working experiment, their current condition provided them with the perfect opportunity to seriously think about the advantages and disadvantages of working from home. While some are still hesitant about working entirely remotely, many are convinced that the benefits definitely outweigh the drawbacks and are therefore hopeful that this working arrangement will persist even after the pandemic.

In fact, 54% of surveyed workers say that they would prefer to continue working remotely full time. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since a multitude of studies out there have already proven that flexible work arrangements can effectively lessen work-related anxiety and stress, improve employee satisfaction and happiness, enhance productivity, and even increase annual income. If you are one of those people who don’t want to go back to suffocating and hectic offices ever again, then looking for remote work opportunities as a software engineer in the Netherlands could be a valid career change. If you are not convinced, then here are some more reasons that will surely change your mind:

In-demand software engineers

As the world continues to move into the digital space at breakneck speed, tech jobs will continue to grow more and more in demand in the coming years. In fact, an article by ZDNet cited that even during these trying times, tech jobs will steadily make up about 35% of all vacancies in major European cities. With the ongoing global health crisis pushing businesses to speed up their adoption of various technologies, developers and software engineers will undoubtedly top the list of the most sought-after tech professionals. Although numerous countries will be needing software engineers, job vacancies with relocation to the Netherlands are worth considering since the country has been reported as the nation with the second-highest need for such professionals.

Abundant tourist destinations

According to Vox’s feature about the pros and cons of working from home, one of the greatest perks of working remotely is having a flexible schedule that lets you enjoy your hobbies and your well-deserved breaks. However, regardless of whether you will be working remotely or not, it is still important to check out the places you can see and go to in the country you are relocating to. After all, working in another country will mean living there for long periods of time, so it’s best to pick a country that will make your day-offs and vacation leave fun and exciting. While it may seem like a trivial consideration for working abroad, digital nomad James Gonzales emphasizes the importance of taking time off. He cites how stepping away from work for a few days will not only increase your productivity, focus, and mental clarity but also provide you with a chance to refocus on your goals and look at things from a fresh perspective. Taking the time to look around and go on short trips, will be extremely helpful in maintaining the physical and mental wellbeing of engineers who have to apply dizzying concepts of mathematical analysis and principles of computer science to the development of various software. And the good news is that not only does the Netherlands have many places to visit, you also have Europe on your doorstep.

High wages

Although the US continues to be one of the countries that embrace migrant workers and promises higher wages, a recent study cited by CNBC found that young professionals who moved abroad to search for better job opportunities were able to see their salary increase by more than 35% after relocating. If you are a software engineer planning to work in a country such as the Netherlands, which is in great need of tech professionals, there is a good chance your annual income will be higher than your average income in the US. To get a better estimation of how much you could make internationally, it would be best to use a net pay calculator that considers the current exchange rate, as well as your current tax class.

Whether you’ve finally decided on living and working in the Netherlands or any other country, there are two other things you have to do aside from checking out the demand for your profession, the pay, and the places you can visit. To ensure a seamless relocation to the country of choice, make sure to dedicate a copious amount of time looking through local and international tech job boards and niche websites. It would also be a good idea to look through different relocation tips and consider various factors such as the people you want to relocate with and your educational attainment.

A contribution by Mila Walton

The relocation process is often stressful and fraught with uncertainty. If you’re considering relocation as an option, here are a few things you should pay attention to beforehand so you can settle into your new country with minimal stress.

Where To Start?

Most countries are quite different from one another (even those located within the EU). They have diverse requirements, attitudes, etc., so you should start by picking both the country and the city where you want to live.

Test the waters, study other expats’ feedback. Your best bet may be saving up some money, researching the country you enjoy, then going there to see what is around and what the people are like.

The more you know about the country and city you want to move to, the less stressful your relocation will be. Once you have your target city narrowed down, you can start searching for a tech job in your soon-to-be home.

Cost Of Living In Your New Locale

When moving to another state or out of your home country, figure out the cost of living in your new locale first — it can vary dramatically from location to location. There are tons of websites available (e.g. Numbeo or Teleport) that you can use to get an idea of your estimated expenses.

If you’ve already received a specific job offer, assure that the salary you’re offered will be sufficient. Remember, each country is unique, so bear in mind the varied costs of living.

For example, while living in San Francisco, one can currently expect to make $100–120K. In Portugal, on the other hand, a more realistic salary might be €20–24K (depending on the specific job). The good news is that you can live comfortably with €2000 per month in Portugal, as food and housing are very cheap. An engineer that might bring in $150k in Chicago or Seattle would net about €50–55K in Berlin. In Spain, developer salaries are not so high either, but compared to what? Developers will rarely make more than €1500–2000 per month, but that salary is considered substantial in Spain and you will be able to live comfortably — all your personal needs will be met. If you want to relocate from the UK to Switzerland, yes your salary will rise significantly, but it won’t make you better off, because you will be spending more. Thankfully, though, most European countries don’t have a huge income wage gap for software engineers.

Depending on where you go, it’s quite possible that a lower gross salary could end up being quite reasonable because expenses are lower, apartments are cheaper, you might not need a car, etc. Remember to take other factors into consideration as well, such as quality of life, benefits, tax advantages, advancement opportunities, etc.

Make Sure You Know Exactly What Your Relocation Package Entails

Another thing you should pay close attention to is what your future employer will and won’t offer in terms of relocation support. The offers you receive might differ to some degree. Some companies hiring international talent can only cover basic expenses such as visa/paperwork and flight tickets, while others can offer their potential employees much more advanced relocation assistance. This is generally dependent on the size and age of the company in question. Learn more here.

Is English Enough To Live And Work Abroad?

Language is also something to be taken into account, as it varies greatly from country to country (both the languages spoken and how common multilingualism is). In most cases, there’s no need to worry about the local language. You will be able to get a great tech job in many countries by being fluent in English only. However, there are exceptions, and how easily you can get a job and carry on daily life will be affected as a result.

Let’s say, for example, you’re thinking about joining a new project either in Berlin or Copenhagen.

You can get many jobs in both Denmark and Germany speaking only English, but in Denmark you can also do almost everything else in English (all government agencies speak English, most forms are bilingual, banks and doctors’ offices all do English, etc.). In Germany, on the other hand, the civil service and even doctors generally expect you to interact with them in German. Not that you shouldn’t also learn some Danish in Denmark, but how critical it is to quickly become proficient in the national language(s) varies a lot between countries.

So, with that in mind, it’s a good idea to check the EF English Proficiency Index before choosing your next work destination abroad.

Either way, if you want to fully integrate into your new country, you’ll need to learn the language (though, many haven’t and manage to do just fine).

Bonus tip: Do learn some of the native language of your target country before you apply. Having that on your resume and being able to handle small talk during the interview demonstrates that you are serious about staying in your new country.

Visa

While each country is a little different when it comes to visas, generally speaking, being sponsored by a company is all you need to acquire one. So, your first step should be to find an employer that is willing to sponsor your application for a work permit.

What If You Don’t Have Formal IT/CS Education?

Of course things like a university degree and work experience in your field will make your job hunt easier. In some situations, it will be very hard, nearly impossible, to secure a job with relocation without a combination of prerequisite education and on-the-job experience. However, there are also a number of overseas companies which don’t consider the lack of a formal degree as an obstacle to hiring, and they would sponsor a work visa. For example, in the Netherlands, it isn’t essential for a “highly skilled migrant” visa to have a formal education in IT. This is also the case in places like Denmark, Ireland, etc.

The hardest part about landing a tech job abroad is finding one that won’t low ball you because you might lack formal schooling.

Note: If you are passionate about technology and programming, don’t stop at university. It will be tough to compete with other candidates if you rest on your laurels. Do your own side projects, get a GitHub account to display your skills, work internships, attend meetups, and network to gain an advantage.

And last, but not least, ensure your significant others are on board with your decision to move before you start the relocation process. You should try making use of services like Relocate.me to help organize all the information you’ll need to know about relocating, then make a convincing case to your family and friends that your decision is the right one.

Are you planning on living in Estonia? You should definitely consider Tallinn, one of Europe’s hottest startup hubs, as a relocation destination. In this interview, Vita A. shared her experience of living and working in Tallinn as a software developer. You’ll learn from her there are plenty of developer jobs in Tallinn. Read on.

Short bio

Current position: Full Stack Developer @ Perforce Software
Time in the industry: 3 years
Favorite tech stack: Java, ReactJS
Passions outside of work: Yoga and swimming

What made you decide to relocate to Estonia? How long have you been here?

I’ve been living in Estonia for seven years. At first, I came to Tallinn as an Erasmus student, then I came back to study for a Master’s degree. I fell in love with Tallinn very quickly and decided to stay here.

This small city has so much to offer in terms of career opportunities, especially if you’re an IT specialist.

Are Estonians proficient in English?

Estonia ranks high for English proficiency, which is, without a doubt, a distinct asset for international talent. It’s also the leader in the number of tech unicorns per capita.

How did you search for a tech job in Estonia? Any tips for those seeking similar work?

CV Keskus and CV-Online (CV.ee) are the two largest job portals in Estonia. Companies also hire through universities and employee referral programs. Personally, I was referred by my friend for my current job. It is a common practice here.

How to Improve Your (Tech) LinkedIn Profile Before Relocation →

What was the visa process like?

 had a study permit at first, and it had its benefits. For example, after the permit expired, I could still work full-time and stay and work for half a year more in Estonia. I decided not to extend my study permit and apply for a temporary residence permit for work, just because it was valid for five years instead of one. 

My employer prepared an invitation letter for the Police and Border Guard Board, and that was all I needed. Once you meet the salary criteria (your salary has to be not less than the average salary in Estonia, with some exceptions), it is easy to get a work permit. What’s more, for most skilled professions in high-demand sectors, such as the IT sector, the quota system is no longer a problem.

Read Expat Advice: Moving To And Living In Estonia →

What are three things that impressed you the most about Tallinn/Estonia?

To me, it feels that IT is the number one priority in this country. Everything possible is made digital. There is minimum bureaucracy here because you can do pretty much everything online. I also like the Baltic Sea and Tallinn’s beautiful old town :).

What has been the most helpful thing in adapting to your new home abroad?

Estonian classes helped me to read labels in supermarkets and understand basic conversations. Also, going out and meeting with friends helps me not to feel homesick.

What have been some of the most challenging moments so far?

I am still getting used to the Nordic weather. Sometimes, it feels that winter will never end. Because of the lack of sunshine during the winter months, everyone has to take vitamin D supplements. But, Estonian summer days are long and very pleasant.

According to Numbeo, the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of Tallinn is €660 + €280 for utilities (electricity, water, etc.). Is that true?

Not precisely, €900 is the average price for a good one-bedroom flat in Tallinn, according to Airbnb. However, you can find cheaper and still nice options. The cost of utilities usually depends on the building you live in, but it is approximately €50 in summer and €100 in winter.

In general, is it hard to find an apartment for rent in Tallinn? Could you name a few websites to search on?

Flats for rent are published on KV.ee and City24.ee. There are also several Facebook rental groups. In my opinion, it is neither easy nor hard to find an apartment in Tallinn. If you have any budget limitations or a cat, or maybe in case of searching for a place with no broker fee, then it might take some time to find a suitable apartment. Otherwise, there are various offers on the market.

Share a few words about public transport in Estonia. Is it essential to have a car?

Public transport in Tallinn is accessible and free for citizens, so I don’t feel the necessity to have a car. Generally, everything is so close here, that you might just walk :). At the same time, Estonia is rich in natural attractions, and the best way to get to some National Park or a lake is by car. I’d like to be able to drive outside of Tallinn, but it is definitely not essential to use a car every day.

In your opinion, what makes Estonia an attractive place for software developers?

Estonia for software engineers, is like Milan for fashion designers. It offers lots of career opportunities for tech professionals, there are many IT conferences, hackathons, and meetups happening, in other words, a lot of fun. I would say living in Tallinn is a very smart choice for techies.

What is the average software developer salary in Estonia?

Depending on experience and location, a software developer in Estonia earns approximately €2–4k monthly. The average salary in Estonia is around €1,300-1,400 net per month.

Get an idea of what your net salary in Estonia with our net pay calculator →

How has relocation affected you (your life, your career)? Is it worth moving to Estonia?

The quality of my life and my career have improved significantly here. I have zero regrets about my decision to move to Estonia. It is a well-developed, modern, and safe European country. I really enjoy Tallinn life.

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone relocating here, what would it be?

Be prepared for long dark winters. The weather here is a painful topic :D.

Convinced about starting a new life in Tallinn? Start by looking for a job!

The best way to relocate to Estonia and live the Tallinn life is to get to the Baltic–Nordic country with a job. Relocate.me is the best place to finding developer jobs in Tallin that will make living in Estonia possible. It’s a niche job board for techies who want to relocate. Every company that lists a job on Relocate.me is open to hiring international talent—and will help candidates relocate. Moving to Tallinn is considerably easier if you have a job helping you settle over there.

Curious to see who is currently hiring in Tallinn and what software engineering positions are available? Have a look at Relocate.me’s job board for developer jobs in Tallinn. You can also visit our Estonia page.

A Senior Full Stack Software Engineer based out London, Nick Jacobs came onboard Yoco in the spring of 2015. Let’s deep dive into his life and see what happened once Nick moved to South Africa.

We were in 2013, and I was almost wrapping up 25 years in financial services with a stint at Barclays in London. But, what’s next? What was going to be my next move? Since quite a few days, I had been planning about “starting something in Africa.” So, without further ado, I put into action my networking skills to come up with something fruitful.

Are you wondering why Africa? Well, the first time I met Rapelang Rabana at a Barclays Africa event in London, my fondness for Africa, especially South Africa grew. She talked about Rekindle, her new venture which is an e-learning based start-up. Once the talk was over, I approached her, and we connected via email and a casual coffee meet up while she was in London. Rapeland was all praises for Cape Town – she talked about the trending start-up scene, the pleasant weather, the amazing people, and how I would fall in love with the city. She strongly advised me to move there.

I took her advice seriously and visited the Mother City in August 2014 for the first time. The moment I reached the city, I was attracted to the people and the city. I soon got back to London, determined to permanently move to Cape Town.

I was introduced to Yoco

During that period, Rapeland introduced me to one of the founders of Yoco, Lungisa Matshoba. She has co-founded Yeigo with Lungisa. Rapelang firmly believed that with my experience in fintech, Lungi (as he is known to most of the people) and I would form a strong team. Our first conversation over the phone in October 2014 was great. But, Yoco had just launched their card machine and app’s pilot, and we mutually agreed that we would speak again at the beginning of 2015.

As discussed, Lungi got in touch with me in January 2015. We concluded that I would work as a remote consultant during until I got my visa, and this opportunity would serve as a trial to assess the “fit” between Yoco and I. During this period, I was introduced to Andrew Snowden, who was going to become my manager and Yoco’s VP of Engineering. We began working on a project that would bring important components of Yoco’s automated onboarding process for new merchants. I was stunned to learn Yoco’s vision and the product.

The visa application process

To be honest, the visa process was challenging. One of the most intriguing aspects of relocating to South Africa was that I could sponsor my critical skills visa on my own.

The Critical Skills Work Visa is a work permit issued to applicants who possess exceptional qualifications and skills that are rarely found in South Africa.

I initiated the process in September 2014, and it took almost 6 months to put together all the paperwork.

Background verifications by the police from each country I’d stayed in as an adult, getting my American university degree certified by SAQA, and joining the IITPSA, a professional society in South Africa. There were numerous emails, phone calls, trips to the post office and courier services as I worked with the various agencies in South Africa to get my paperwork approved.

Finally, in March 2015, I was elated to learn that my visa was approved. Nothing could stop me from moving to Cape Town!

*In its drive to attract top talent from around the world, Yoco actively assists its foreign employees in obtaining their critical skills visa.

All set for the big move

I moved to Cape Town by the end of March 2015. I was immediately surrounded by the support and friendliness of my colleagues at Yoco. You won’t believe, the Talent Manager fetched me from the airport in the middle of the night and drove me to my hotel. Worn out but enthusiastic, I was all set to begin a new chapter of my life.

Each day came with a new set of challenges. I was attracted to the massive potential of Yoco’s vision and the energy of my teammates. In the beginning, I found the work speed to be slow compared to my work life at Barclays, but with the advent of time, I got the hang of how to adjust my priorities and focus on my work so that I could come up with the best possible solution for Yoco’s clients.

Three years down the lane…

Last and the most important thing, I have absolutely no regrets about moving to Cape Town and joining Yoco. Trust me; it is a fabulous place to stay, full for warmth, friendly people, and a chance to connect with new people each day. Not to forget – my colleagues, their energy, and friendly attitude. It’s been a fantastic journey ever since the day I joined Yoco. Here, I can see the results of my hard work every day, both for my team and Yoco’s customers. Yoco provides me with a platform where I can learn, experiment, freely commit mistakes.

While moving to Cape Town comes with a few challenges, I think that if you talk to anyone who’s relocated, you’ll come across similar tales. Even after 3 years, I’m glad to call Cape Town my home, and I am sure you will too!

To dive deeper into the life at Yoco, watch its employee video:

Consider relocating to Estonia? In this interview, Anna, a passionate tech recruiter and our good friend, shares her experience about living and working in Tallinn, “Estonia’s forward-thinking capital city and innovation hotspot”. Hopefully, her story will be a great source of inspiration to you.

What made you decide to relocate to Estonia? How long have you been here? 

Estonia is known for being extremely inviting to incoming expats and, importantly, it has a strong IT community. Living costs in Estonia are considered to be lower than in most other European countries, the visa process is not that complicated…

There are also many other exciting things (e.g., ease of travel within Europe, lots of talented people around that raise the bar high) that inspired me to choose Estonia and Tallinn in particular for my first experience of living abroad. I moved here in summer 2017.

What company do you work for? What is your position? 

I’m a recruiter I help Taxify’s Engineering team grow in Tallinn and our Operations function in tens of countries in Europe, Africa, and South America.

Outside of work, what are your passions? 

My work is my passion Traveling is also something I love to do in my spare time. Since I moved to Estonia, it has become my hobby. Tallinn and nearby cities such as Helsinki and Riga have excellent flight connections with Europe and many other countries around the world. It’s super easy and cheap to hop on a plane and spend a long weekend in Oslo or Paris, for instance. 

What was the visa process like? What type of visa did you apply for?  

Estonia is one of the easiest countries to move to. It was one of the reasons I decided to relocate here. 

Firstly, Taxify registered my short-term employment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. After that, I applied for a D-visa. The overall process took around 2-3 weeks and involved minimal paperwork.

When I arrived, my company arranged my visit to the Police and Border Guard Board where I applied for my residence permit, an ID card which would give me all the same rights and access to e-government services as any other Estonian citizen. 6 weeks later, my ID card was finally issued. There is also an opportunity to apply for residence permits for you and your family in the embassy. This will speed up the process.

How long did it take for you to actually move after accepting the job offer?

Despite the pretty fast visa process, it took me about 2 months to move, mostly because of my notice period.

Share a few words about the company and your new team

Taxify is a team of smart and fearless people. We’re building the future of transport – a platform that connects you with cars, motorcycles, scooter sharing, and anything else you need to move around in your city.

When I joined Taxify, in June 2017, the size of the company was around 180 employees globally; now, this number is more than 650! It’s exciting and challenging at the same time to be part of such a company, and I love it! 

Taxify has offices in more than 25 countries and employs people from 59 different nationalities – pretty diverse As for our Tallinn office, there are 200 people from over 27 counties, and we’re still actively hiring talent from abroad, mainly for our Engineering team. Relocating from Mexico to Tallinn? No problem, we got it covered. Our company offers generous relocation packages for software engineers and their families.

What are the best things about living and working in Estonia?

Estonia is a perfect place for those who’d like to gain experience working at a startup. There are plenty of amazing startups at different stages here. If you’re thinking of building your own product in the future, local companies will give you such a great learning opportunity.

Tallinn is a city for everyone. Whether you’re a family person looking for a safe and welcoming place to raise your children (free schooling and medicine) or you’re a free spirit in search of new impressions (creative hubs, outdoor activities), you will definitely find something to do here!

What has been the most helpful thing in adapting to your new home abroad? 

A lot of help for expats comes from the government (workinestonia.com) and companies themselves. In my case, the company and the team were the most helpful. Whatever situation or questions I encounter, I know that I’ll always get assistance from my fellow teammates who have already become my good friends.

Is English enough to comfortably live in Estonia and Tallinn in particular?

Absolutely! During my stay, there were only a couple of cases when English wasn’t enough. All young Estonians speak English well.

According to Numbeo, the average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Tallinn is €500. Is that true?

Yes, the numbers available on Numbeo are pretty precise. However, Tallinn is not a big city, so the areas that can be called “city centre” are quite numerous. You can find a one-bedroom apartment in 20-30 minutes walk from the Old Town for €350-450. The cost of utilities depends heavily on the type of your house, kind of heating (central, electric, or a fireplace), and tenant community. For a one-bedroom flat, I’d say the overall costs could vary from €60 in summer to €150 in winter.

In general, is it hard to find an apartment for rent in Tallinn? Could you name a few websites to search on? 

In my experience, it’s not difficult to find a nice flat in Tallinn. It might take you around 2 weeks. The best websites to search on are City24.ee and KV.ee. Both are easy to navigate and have an English version.

If you had to define public transport in Tallinn in 2 or 3 words, what would they be? 

There’s only one word to describe it: FREE! As soon as you get residency and register your place of residence, you can connect your public transport card to your ID card and use free public transport that includes buses, trams, and regional trains.

In your opinion, what makes Estonia an attractive place for software developers? 

The IT industry is one of the leading industries driving the Estonian economy. The government supports the development of tech companies and startups. Those, in return, create a really cool community of like-minded people (conferences, meetups, university collaborations, etc.) and attract massive investments. 

Estonia produces more startups per capita than any other country in Europe. This means that software developers over here will always have an interesting and challenging product (project) to work on – Skype, TransferWise, Taxify, Pipedrive, and a number of other exciting new startups and emerging companies.

What is the average software developer salary in Estonia? 

I would say it varies from 40k to 70k euro gross per year (2500-4500 euro per month after taxes) depending on the level of seniority, the type of the position, your tech stack, etc.

Such a salary perfectly aligns with the average numbers in most of the Western European countries, but mild taxation (a 20% flat rate) and a lower cost of living make Estonia quite an attractive place to live nonetheless.

How has relocation affected you (your life, your career)? Is it worth moving to Estonia? 

Moving to Estonia and especially joining Taxify has had a huge impact on my career. I’ve learned a lot and continue to do so. It has allowed me to dive deeper into international recruitment and even became a speaker at the largest international conference – Sourcing Summit Europe (a big thing in the recruitment world).

If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone relocating here, what would it be?

It’s not that cold over here, but be prepared for long nights in winter and long days in summer.

Read also: Landing A Tech Job Abroad: 7 Simple Tips