Where to move during Covid/tips for covid emigration

Bodjhrjekekr

Wondering if anyone has advice - I want to move abroad, currently living at my family home in the middle of no where, working from home for the past year and very much stuck in a rut (I had been anxious to change jobs even before covid and then I just got complacent).
I am under no illusions that it will be that much better abroad but I just need a change. I want to move to a city (considered cities in Ireland but I want a change).

Has anyone any recommendations on a country/city to move to? Main points:
- Would like to move to a large city where a car is not needed.
- Hopefully somewhere where maybe restrictions are a little less severe?
- I'm female in my 20s moving alone, so somewhere safe is important, I will probably live in a house share too
- Also note I work in IT, and would like to have a job secured before I go, so would need to be an English speaking country/have plenty of English speaking jobs.
- I am aiming to emigrate this summer (think that's a safe bet that most countries will be in an OK position by then, I know it might go into lockdown again though)

I was thinking maybe England - I know at the moment their restrictions are as bad as ours, but on a whole last year they seemed to ease restrictions a lot more, and a lot sooner than us.

Has anyone any suggestions, or has anyone emigrated during the pandemic and have any tips?

I see sheep

The world is your oyster

Stockholm maybe? I know people who have been offered IT jobs there from Ireland.

UK would definitely be the easiest. Manchester/Newcastle good options imo.

Can you get a visa for Canada? I can't remember the age rules etc.

You could go teaching English in Asia if you want something really different.

Oymyakon

OP, I'm kind of in a similar mindset to you. I couldn't sleep last night because I was having a bit of an existential crisis

Always wanted to live abroad, tried USA but couldn't get work on my visa, now I'm kind of wasting my mid twenties in a finance job that I hate here in Dublin. I have a physics degree and have always liked the idea of living in continental Europe somewhere and picking up another language.

Bodjhrjekekr

I see sheep wrote: »

The world is your oyster

Stockholm maybe? I know people who have been offered IT jobs there from Ireland.

UK would definitely be the easiest. Manchester/Newcastle good options imo.

Can you get a visa for Canada? I can't remember the age rules etc.

You could go teaching English in Asia if you want something really different.

Thanks for the answer - I am not really good with cold weather (Ireland/UK is fine but not really into snow, and darker days!). Asia would be an amazing experience but I wouldn't feel confident to move their on my own, especially during the pandemic! I am thinking somewhere in europe is probably the best bet, if things don't work out it should be easier to come home too.

Bodjhrjekekr

Oymyakon wrote: »

OP, I'm kind of in a similar mindset to you. I couldn't sleep last night because I was having a bit of an existential crisis

Always wanted to live abroad, tried USA but couldn't get work on my visa, now I'm kind of wasting my mid twenties in a finance job that I hate here in Dublin. I have a physics degree and have always liked the idea of living in continental Europe somewhere and picking up another language.

Yeah very similar here, have been in this job a good few years now and really want a change from it, moving job then gives a good opportunity to move to a new place/2 birds one stone

Yes I had been thinking Australia but that's ruled out for the foreseeable, but maybe will do it in future.
I am thinking of staying in Europe, would be easier if things don't work out for some reason too, to get home during the pandemic.
I think being willing to pick up a language would really expand opportunities, can move to hotter countries too - I have studied a language in the past and found it hard to pick up so I'm ruling it out for me, for now, also slightly antisocial so I'd probably end up just doing the easier thing and chat with English speakers/expats!

Bodjhrjekekr

I see sheep wrote: »

UK would definitely be the easiest. Manchester/Newcastle good options imo.

I have seen these cities suggested before, I must research some more - I had London in my head, I know its very expensive, but would be a big change for me which is what I think I need!

jester77

Germany would tick most of those boxes. No need for a car, great public transport, cities are safe and large IT companies converse in English.

Bodjhrjekekr

jester77 wrote: »

Germany would tick most of those boxes. No need for a car, great public transport, cities are safe and large IT companies converse in English.

Thanks! I have read (mostly on Reddit threads lol) that you would really need to learn German to live there, in terms of everyday life, bureaucracy etc - also if theres any recession etc the English only speakers would be the first to get the axe too - I'm thinking Berlin might not be too bad in that way, as there's a lot of expats. It's worth some more research on my side

jester77

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

Thanks! I have read (mostly on Reddit threads lol) that you would really need to learn German to live there, in terms of everyday life, bureaucracy etc - also if theres any recession etc the English only speakers would be the first to get the axe too - I'm thinking Berlin might not be too bad in that way, as there's a lot of expats. It's worth some more research on my side

The language is not that difficult, a couple weeks of intensive classes and you would already have enough to get by with shopping and eating out. There is a lot of initial bureaucracy but any company with half decent HR will help you out there. Berlin, Hamburg and Munich would be the nicer cities, and they are quite different in what they offer. They all have decent ex-pat communities, Hamburg and Munich (not sure about Berlin) even have active GAA clubs that play in the European GAA league. So there is a good outlet there for meeting people, even if you don't play, and they are always open to helping each other out.

irelandrover

Netherlands would ticks a lot of the boxes, around Eindhoven especially if you have a IT/Engineering/Physics degree. English is the working language in a lot of companies and easy to get by day to day even without Dutch.

Good public transport, good work life balance.

Be right back

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

I have seen these cities suggested before, I must research some more - I had London in my head, I know its very expensive, but would be a big change for me which is what I think I need!

How about Edinburgh? Gorgeous place.

I regurgitate the news

Acapulco, Mexico looks fantastic.

People are pretty much living normal there and they can't really do the whole lockdown thing because welfare doesn't exist there.

Cartagena, Colombia also looks appealing for similar reasons

Bodjhrjekekr

Be right back wrote: »

How about Edinburgh? Gorgeous place.

Definitely considering there too, have visited a few times and it is lovely- have a friend there though, and they say restrictions are quite severe (have not been able to order a drink in a bar since March they said)

dobman88

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

Wondering if anyone has advice - I want to move abroad, currently living at my family home in the middle of no where, working from home for the past year and very much stuck in a rut (I had been anxious to change jobs even before covid and then I just got complacent).
I am under no illusions that it will be that much better abroad but I just need a change. I want to move to a city (considered cities in Ireland but I want a change).

Has anyone any recommendations on a country/city to move to? Main points:
- Would like to move to a large city where a car is not needed.
- Hopefully somewhere where maybe restrictions are a little less severe?
- I'm female in my 20s moving alone, so somewhere safe is important, I will probably live in a house share too
- Also note I work in IT, and would like to have a job secured before I go, so would need to be an English speaking country/have plenty of English speaking jobs.
- I am aiming to emigrate this summer (think that's a safe bet that most countries will be in an OK position by then, I know it might go into lockdown again though)

I was thinking maybe England - I know at the moment their restrictions are as bad as ours, but on a whole last year they seemed to ease restrictions a lot more, and a lot sooner than us.

Has anyone any suggestions, or has anyone emigrated during the pandemic and have any tips?

Malta ticks all your boxes. I know of several people who have moved from Ireland to Malta and their only regret is they didnt do it sooner. All work in IT and while the country has it's own language, English is widely spoken.

Oymyakon

irelandrover wrote: »

Netherlands would ticks a lot of the boxes, around Eindhoven especially if you have a IT/Engineering/Physics degree. English is the working language in a lot of companies and easy to get by day to day even without Dutch.

Good public transport, good work life balance.

Actually had a recruiter on to me from Eindhoven, I must look into it more seriously.

Hi OP, I actually replied to you on the other thread, maybe you should look at getting a job in an EU organisation.
Parliament, courts etc.
Brussels, The Hague, Strasbourg.
Great experience if you can find a way in, English speaking organisations and now the Brits have left there must be more opportunities.
People from all over Europe to work with but everyone speaks English

jester77

jester77 wrote: »

The language is not that difficult, a couple weeks of intensive classes and you would already have enough to get by with shopping and eating out. There is a lot of initial bureaucracy but any company with half decent HR will help you out there. Berlin, Hamburg and Munich would be the nicer cities, and they are quite different in what they offer. They all have decent ex-pat communities, Hamburg and Munich (not sure about Berlin) even have active GAA clubs that play in the European GAA league. So there is a good outlet there for meeting people, even if you don't play, and they are always open to helping each other out.

Like fook you would be able to function in German after a couple of weeks. It is a pox of a language.
Fortunately English is widely spoken except by Civil Servants who take pleasure in telling you business must be conducted through German.

irelandrover

Oymyakon wrote: »

Actually had a recruiter on to me from Eindhoven, I must look into it more seriously.

in my opinion its a good place to live and work.

If you are experienced you also have the benefit of the 30% ruling.

https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/living/take-care-of-official-matters/highly-skilled-migrants/thirty-percent-ruling#:~:text=The%2030%25%20reimbursement%20ruling%20(also,subject%20to%20Dutch%20payroll%20tax.

Mr.S

Mr.S wrote: »

Netherlands would be a good shout within Europe. Amsterdam is full of IT related roles, but also the likes of The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Most major companies would have English as the working language.

Added bonus of most Dutch people having a very strong level of English.

UK would be the easier, but I wouldn't consider it that much different than Ireland.



Unless you are on short term specific contract work, there are strict language restrictions to work for an EU organisation. Fluency in one language, and a B2 level at a second EU language. English is only one of the working languages.

I do know quite a few working over there, with just English, now maybe they exaggerated a little on their applications

Jizique

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

Thanks! I have read (mostly on Reddit threads lol) that you would really need to learn German to live there, in terms of everyday life, bureaucracy etc - also if theres any recession etc the English only speakers would be the first to get the axe too - I'm thinking Berlin might not be too bad in that way, as there's a lot of expats. It's worth some more research on my side

Berlin or Munich - you don’t need German really, esp in Berlin.
Hamburg is also fun, plenty of work in Frankfurt but less fun that the others; never really got Cologne but loads of people really rate it and after that, you are getting a bit parochial.
Oh, Heidelberg. Don’t forget Heidelberg.

jester77

Deleted User wrote: »

Like fook you would be able to function in German after a couple of weeks. It is a pox of a language.
Fortunately English is widely spoken except by Civil Servants who take pleasure in telling you business must be conducted through German.

Never said that. You would have enough to understand what you are buying in the supermarket, or what is on the menu you are ordering from.

jester77

jester77 wrote: »

Never said that. You would have enough to understand what you are buying in the supermarket, or what is on the menu you are ordering from.

You learn practically no vocabulary in German language classes. You spend your time in clases A1 through B2 learning grammar mostly.

Das Reich

I regurgitate the news wrote: »

Acapulco, Mexico looks fantastic.

People are pretty much living normal there and they can't really do the whole lockdown thing because welfare doesn't exist there.

Cartagena, Colombia also looks appealing for similar reasons

OP totally avoid this advice. As a Brazilian man I would avoid those countries like plague as crime is even worse than in my country. Only place in Latin America that is reasonable safe rich and developed is Chile.

Mr.S

Mr.S wrote: »

If it's an official EU agency, you have to go through tests - not just put it on your application that you have it

Keep in mind, Irish is an EU language too!

Ah maybe they had the cupla focal so

Still a great opportunity if the OP could get in.....

simongurnick

If you are thinking Holland, check out Haarlem. Not far on the train from Amsterdam but a bit slower pace of life than the big city. City center is pedestrian and everyone cycles around. No idea what the covid situation is. Good luck!

Bodjhrjekekr

Das Reich wrote: »

OP totally avoid this advice. As a Brazilian man I would avoid those countries like plague as crime is even worse than in my country. Only place in Latin America that is reasonable safe rich and developed is Chile.

Thanks yes I would not feel comfortable moving alone anyway to South America, even due to the language needs alone! and complete different culture too, but also aware of the dangers

Bodjhrjekekr

bubblypop wrote: »

Hi OP, I actually replied to you on the other thread, maybe you should look at getting a job in an EU organisation.
Parliament, courts etc.
Brussels, The Hague, Strasbourg.
Great experience if you can find a way in, English speaking organisations and now the Brits have left there must be more opportunities.
People from all over Europe to work with but everyone speaks English

Thank you sorry the replies got a bit lost in the arguments in that thread lol

Howard Beale

Belarus?


No lockdown very few deaths and a growing economy where everything is hella cheaper than Ireland.

Nice Houses for €50,00 in Minsk.

mithAine

If you are fine with the house-sharing then London will be fine as wouldn’t be much expensive, weather is also good relatively, the English language will be plus, opportunities are more than other options, transport system underground tube is another plus, career options good too, you can really give it a good try at this stage of life and near to your location to visit your home country town or if in case you want to go back, so ticking many points you are looking for so could be a good start rest you can switch to any other location depends how you feel and see the scope.

Fran has a bone

Das Reich wrote: »

OP totally avoid this advice. As a Brazilian man I would avoid those countries like plague as crime is even worse than in my country. Only place in Latin America that is reasonable safe rich and developed is Chile.

Is Argentina dangerous too?

Fran has a bone

I'm in a similar-ish position OP. Leaning towards Spain or England but not London or the bigger cities.

Bodjhrjekekr

Mr.S wrote: »

Unless you are on short term specific contract work, there are strict language restrictions to work for an EU organisation. Fluency in one language, and a B2 level at a second EU language. English is only one of the working languages.

Yeah I actually do have a minor in my degree in an EU language but unfortunately am in no way fluent - prob closer to A2 maybe B1

If I put in a lot of time over the next few months I might be able to get to B2, but don't really have time with work commitments/don't really think I'm motivated to learn it that quick to be honest!

Bodjhrjekekr

mithAine wrote: »

If you are fine with the house-sharing then London will be fine as wouldn’t be much expensive, weather is also good relatively, the English language will be plus, opportunities are more than other options, transport system underground tube is another plus, career options good too, you can really give it a good try at this stage of life and near to your location to visit your home country town or if in case you want to go back, so ticking many points you are looking for so could be a good start rest you can switch to any other location depends how you feel and see the scope.

Yes I would prefer living in a house share as I know no one there, and would like to live with people in similar situations - moving abroad for a few years experience etc Yeah I am not seeing it as a permanent life move, maybe just a year or 2 then assess where I want to go - back to Ireland or move on again, and hopefully the world may be a bit normal again and I could travel. That's my plan at least

I see sheep

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

Yes I would prefer living in a house share as I know no one there, and would like to live with people in similar situations - moving abroad for a few years experience etc Yeah I am not seeing it as a permanent life move, maybe just a year or 2 then assess where I want to go - back to Ireland or move on again, and hopefully the world may be a bit normal again and I could travel. That's my plan at least

Any chance you could keep your job and work remotely?

I might be in a position to do this soon.

Bodjhrjekekr

I see sheep wrote: »

Any chance you could keep your job and work remotely?

I might be in a position to do this soon.

It is possible probably to ask, it is a large multi-national, would probably need to move to a location near where they have an office. I actually have grown to really dislike my current role unfortunately, so want to change jobs anyway (they aren't really hiring for other roles at the moment either unfortunately)

Bodjhrjekekr

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

Yeah I actually do have a minor in my degree in an EU language but unfortunately am in no way fluent - prob closer to A2 maybe B1

If I put in a lot of time over the next few months I might be able to get to B2, but don't really have time with work commitments/don't really think I'm motivated to learn it that quick to be honest!

You're fluent in English
You have proficiency in a second language

If you're going to live in another country, I wouldn't go to England, its too much like Ireland
Imo, obvs

Jim2007

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

- I am aiming to emigrate this summer (think that's a safe bet that most countries will be in an OK position by then, I know it might go into lockdown again though)

Probably unrealistic. It will be well into 2022 before we're in a position to start treating the virus just like the flu.

Given that you do speak a second language (remember A2 is the EU target level for citizens.), I suggest mainland Europe, now that the Brits require a visa, there are plenty of opportunities for the Irish.

If nothing else you'll have a better work-live balance than anywhere in the British Isles.

Bodjhrjekekr

Jim2007 wrote: »

Probably unrealistic. It will be well into 2022 before we're in a position to start treating the virus just like the flu.

Given that you do speak a second language (remember A2 is the EU target level for citizens.), I suggest mainland Europe, now that the Brits require a visa, there are plenty of opportunities for the Irish.

If nothing else you'll have a better work-live balance than anywhere in the British Isles.

I'm not treating it like a flu at all, I don't plan on coming home to my family unless its safe to do so - I would be moving out anyway to a city, in Ireland if I don't move abroad, so I am not really seeing the difference or issue - I will follow whatever restrictions that are in that country (they just happen to be a lot less strict in nearly all countries!). If it is 2022 before things are slightly 'normal' again, I should be settled into my new country to enjoy.

Yeah I am going to keep all options open, I cannot leave until summer anyway due to a work commitment, so won't be job hunting until April or May, I can assess what the covid situation is like then.

Grueller Baby

I've seen a bunch of people recently relocate to Marbella. Their restrictions are nowhere near as severe as ours, it's a short flight and the weather is great.

Bodjhrjekekr

Grueller Baby wrote: »

I've seen a bunch of people recently relocate to Marbella. Their restrictions are nowhere near as severe as ours, it's a short flight and the weather is great.

Yes the idea of moving to Spain would be great, theres not many jobs with well paid salary there though, but maybe in the future its something I would do!

zweton

dobman88 wrote: »

Malta ticks all your boxes. I know of several people who have moved from Ireland to Malta and their only regret is they didnt do it sooner. All work in IT and while the country has it's own language, English is widely spoken.

Salary isn't great there though. And its geting more expensive by the day.

Feenix

Bodjhrjekekr wrote: »

Yes the idea of moving to Spain would be great, theres not many jobs with well paid salary there though, but maybe in the future its something I would do!

And as if you'd move to Marbella if you were going to go there lol.

I've been considering Germany/Netherlands myself too recently. I havent done a whole lot about it other than online research and speak to a few people who are from there. They seem to offer the most when you round everything up, along with Austria I think.

zweton

https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/sick-of-the-boffice-atlantic-island-opens-digital-nomads-village-for-remote-workers-40023523.html

dobman88

zweton wrote: »

Salary isn't great there though. And its geting more expensive by the day.

No it's not tbf, and accommodation is relatively expensive. It's what stopped me from moving there a few years ago even though I had a job secured. You could offset that with the quality of life and almost guaranteed year round good weather, which the OP seems to be after. Room for progression and pay jumps in IT, seasonal part time work if needed and still enjoy all the island has to offer.

Das Reich

Fran has a bone wrote: »

Is Argentina dangerous too?

Not as much but its not the kind of country OP is looking for and the fact there is much more Argentinians in Brazil that the other way explains a lot about their economy.

fits

If I were moving now I’d be looking at an EU job in Brussels or else Germany/Austria/Netherlands. Lots of English jobs out there.

Helsinki is another place to consider. It’s a beautiful safe city. Really lovely in summer time. Public transport is excellent. It can be hard to get jobs with Finnish companies without Finnish but there are lots of multinationals there too. Everyone speaks English. Finland has managed the pandemic better than almost any country in Europe and healthcare is very good. Restrictions are much looser than here at present.

Jim2007

Feenix wrote: »

I've been considering Germany/Netherlands myself too recently. I havent done a whole lot about it other than online research and speak to a few people who are from there. They seem to offer the most when you round everything up, along with Austria I think.

Switzerland has everything Germany and Austria have and then an awful lot more!

Of course I’ve been in Switzerland for over 30 years so I might not be objective

Jim2007

fits wrote: »

Helsinki is another place to consider.

For your sanity definitely not!

I spent a winter working there and there just is not enough daylight hours. There is about five decent hours of daylight if you are lucky and you’ll spend most of them in the office, not good for the health, very depressing.

Bodjhrjekekr

Jim2007 wrote: »

For your sanity definitely not!

I spent a winter working there and there just is not enough daylight hours. There is about five decent hours of daylight if you are lucky and you’ll spend most of them in the office, not good for the health, very depressing.

Yeah I think I will definitely rule out Nordic countries due to this reason! Even in Ireland it was tough working from home during the winter months, never went outdoors during daylight! it's fine now though, so it wasn't too bad for just a few months.

fits

Jim2007 wrote: »

For your sanity definitely not!

I spent a winter working there and there just is not enough daylight hours. There is about five decent hours of daylight if you are lucky and you’ll spend most of them in the office, not good for the health, very depressing.

I was further north for a few years. November and December were tough going but when the snow came, it was lovely. And the summers are beautiful.

Jim2007

Jim2007 wrote: »

For your sanity definitely not!

I spent a winter working there and there just is not enough daylight hours. There is about five decent hours of daylight if you are lucky and you’ll spend most of them in the office, not good for the health, very depressing.

Yea the winters can be very long and dark.
It really is a beautiful country though..... Summers are fab