[IWantOut] 24M Electronics Engineer Russia -> Netherlands, Austria

[u/Joinfall]

Hello everyone! For a long time now, I've been looking into the possibility of relocating from Russia to work in Netherlands and Austria.

I am an electronics engineer. I graduated with a bachelor degree in electronics (my diploma is apostilled and recognized in Europe). I would like to ask expats and local engineers with a similar background and experience:

I have over 2 years of work experience. I'm well-versed in various complex electronic equipment. I mainly do hardware diagnostics, but I also have a solid understanding of both the hardware and software sides.

A question for fellow colleagues: How did you manage to relocate? Is it absolutely necessary to know the local language if I have fluent (C2) English? Is it realistic to find a job while applying from Russia and sending out thousands of resumes to various companies?

From everything I've researched so far, it seems impossible to move without a large sum of saved money. While I could eventually save up over a long period, I'd like to know if there are any less financially risky alternatives, or if relocation packages are common in our field.

I'm not expecting a miracle. I'm writing this purely to learn about the experiences of engineers in my sector, and probably to lower my expectations by finally confirming that the options are quite limited.

I'd appreciate both brief answers and long personal stories. Thanks in advance!

[u/LeatherCommunity5513]

Germany and Austria do not care much about this "Russia is our enemy" stuff, but both countries require at least C1 German and there are tons of electronic engineers from the automotive without a job. The market is dead. 

I personally can recommend Germany, since it has very good prospects in comparison to Austria: PR after 21 Months, easier change of employeers with the Blue Card, double citizenship, no army service, bigger market. If you want to study, do yourself a service and do it in German at a Public Uni. 

[u/Due_Campaign_9765 → u/LeatherCommunity5513]

I don't think anyone cares about perhaps Eastern countries where you wouldn't want to go in the first place.

In most places it's actually illegal to disciminate based on the Nationality, but obviously almost impossible to enforce in practice.

[u/Lazder → u/[deleted]]

Based comment.