Tech IndustryApr 11, 2019
GooglemmVE21

Google: How good are the options of London or Zurich or other Visa friendly countries for Software Engineer?

Due to VISA issues I am planning to look out for other VISA friendly options outside the US. How is London and Zurich or may be other options. My concerns are: 1. Being able to get my wife and parents and have them work. 2. My career growth I have joined as L3 and my TC is 160k. How will my salary look like in different countries if I move out?

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Google IvTy55 Apr 11, 2019

For TC go/paycomparison and filter on location

Cavium JqFrjV1n Apr 11, 2019

Are you planning to do internal transfer from Google?

Google mmVE21 OP Apr 11, 2019

Internal

Apple CRNY Apr 11, 2019

from what I heard, life-wise and compensation-wise, Tokyo is the best option for Google. Zurich and London is not bad, but it’s not as good in the compensation and life balance~

Apple Icml2017 Apr 11, 2019

Is the TC in Tokyo for Google (or as such any big US company) similar to the compensation offered in Bay Area?

Apple CRNY Apr 12, 2019

no. but note that in JP, the norm is that commute is paid by company, and rental is paid with pretax money. If you are to live a frugal life, you will save less than bay area I believe. But after tax with a normal or decent life, Tokyo definitely wins. One other thing is that if you’re aiming for staff/principal, US is still easier. Not sure for other US company, I only know people in Google and Amazon in Tokyo. Amazon is way way worse than US.

King nooq Apr 11, 2019

Do not work for google but am American in London. Comp is anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 as much here in almost all companies unless you get a very special situation in stocks or something. Cost of living is high (rent or mortgage) compared to salary. Lifestyle also very different. Lots of crowded commuting for most people.

Google bmy2012 Apr 11, 2019

Sydney is friendly, if you find a role that you like

Google lolwаt Apr 12, 2019

If you/your wife have an EU passport, Zurich is easy and you can import your parents too. Otherwise good luck. If your wife isn't in tech, don't expect her to work here. You'll be supporting everyone on one income Income wise, Google Zurich pays comparable to Bay Area. Somewhat less in raw numbers, but that's offset by taxes and lower housing costs. Outside of Google comp tops out at 150-200k

Cavium JqFrjV1n Apr 12, 2019

Is work visa difficult for Zurich?

Google lolwаt Apr 12, 2019

If you're a non EU, yes If you're EU, it's a non issue: Switzerland have a treaty with EU guaranteeing freedom of movement for EU here, you only need a work contract to come here

Google mmVE21 OP Apr 12, 2019

So I don't have EU passport and my wife is not in tech. So does that mean Zurich shouldn't be one of my options? Will it be easy for me to get work permit? If yes, will it be difficult for my wife to get job there?

Google lolwаt Apr 13, 2019

There's 8.5k quota for non-EU. You can try your luck, but it's not a sure thing that you'll get in. Your wife will automatically get a right to work, but not speaking German and not being in a high demand field she most likely won't find a job here, at least not easily. It's a difficult job market here and outside tech the salaries aren't great, though better than elsewhere in Europe. Count on her staying a housewife and raising your kids for a while

TransferWise vpGV11 May 18, 2019

Most countries wouldn’t allow you to take your parents as dependents, only your wife. Never heard of any country work visa that would.

Google lolwаt May 18, 2019

There's a funny thing about bringing parents into Switzerland - if you or your spouse is EU, you can import your parents into Switzerland under EFTA for family reunification purposes, and doesn't matter if they're EU or not, they'll even get authorized to work. But not if you're swiss or naturalized! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯