Hey guys, I currently am on the verge of finishing my masters in chemistry in Germany. I am originally from India and don’t want to go back. Although Germany is a seemingly great country to live, unfortunately, for me, it never suited me. I have never been so mentally depressed and unmotivated ever in my life (despite previously having a hard life). I think it’s the loneliness and how you’re just never accepted. I cannot think of living here long term. I have nothing against Germany so I would like to not have comments ‘defending’ my stance of living in Germany. I have made up my mind and I just cannot live such a life. I want to ask which country would be great for me. I have a background in chemistry so would be great to have a country that has opportunities for that. That’s the most important. Preferably an English speaking country. Safe for women. Good work life balance. Acceptance of expats(of course I’m not delusional but at least to an extent).
Netherlands is an option…Iit’s more open than Germany, 99% speaks English and in the big cities there are many expats and immigrants. You also have a significant tax advantage the first five years you live here. CoL in the big cities is high though, but not as insane as in many other places and in the medium sized cities its kind of ok. I live in a 100k ish city and there are several expat parents in my kids’ classes that seem to be doing well. There is racism but low key and not against Indians tbh. Hard to make friends as a grown up though, but less so than in Germany and easier for women than men. Join clubs related to your hobbies, prepare for some informal hazing/needling and you should be fine. Don’t expect to get much interest or admiration for trying to tell the natives about how much better stuff is in your home country. or Germany, Dutch people tend to show their “direct” side if you do.
Just a heads up on the tax breaks for expats in NL. If he currently lives less than 120 km from the border, he won’t apply for the 30% ruling.
They probably won’t exist in 12 months either after last week’s elections.
I might add that there’s a huge housing crisis in the Netherlands and finding a house is HARD!
After the last elections I wouldn’t call the racism “low key” tbh