If not to America, then: a guide to 13 countries for a potential immigrant

We decided to help you with the choice of the country of emigration, to compare the experience of life in different countries and to get the latest information about working in any country of the world (well, almost). In our guide there are answers all the questions that concern travelers: the pros and cons of different directions, features of obtaining a visa, salaries and prices, and ways to integrate into society.

Photo: Shutterstock

When you move to another country, you understand one important thing, notes Vc.ru. Or rather five:

• The saying “where he was born - it was useful there” is no longer relevant, you can live and work for a long time where you like
• The world is open and friendly enough, no matter what we say, propaganda about gay migrants and orgies in louacosters' toilets
• Having moved, you can really change your standard of living, your social circle and your salary.
• Moving is not the final point, you are always free to change the contract in Ireland for an offer in California and continue the journey
• Information and experience sharing is the key to everything.

The guide is divided by countries, at the beginning of each section you will find links to the telegram channels of people who managed to successfully move, find a job and make friends in a new country.

USA

@NewYork_GIRL, Channel Author @AGirlinNewYork

1. Why USA?

The USA is a country of possibilities and dreams, familiar to us from films and instagram. A country in which, as they say, dreams come true. The skyscrapers and nightlife of New York, the calm and sunny coast of Miami, the IT world of San Francisco and California surfers are only a small part. Moving to America, it is not necessary to determine exactly where you want to live: in an energetic metropolis, a quiet small town or with a surf on the beach? At any time, you can break down and move to another state - undeniable advantages for lovers of freedom and adventure.

And do not forget, the United States is a country of immigrants, the adaptation process takes place in a knurled manner and does not hit the nerves so much, but on the other hand, the size of immigration and the competition associated with it are quite capable of shaking the nerves.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

Getting a tourist visa in the US today is more difficult than before. The US Embassy is known for refusals and lack of explanation, but nothing is impossible - you can get a work visa or a work visa. The most popular and easiest option for a student visa is a language school, inexpensive and lots of offers, and having a student visa in your passport, you have the right to issue a credit card and documents necessary for life. To get a work visa, you need an offer and a package of documents from the employer. Large and not very large corporations are always looking for good employees and are willing to invest in relocation, so it’s worth looking for a job online.

Also, there is still a lottery for a green card (residence permit in the USA), which this year began on October 3. While the shop is not covered, try your luck!

3. Is it expensive to live?

The cost of living in America is different from state to state. In large cities that fall under the scope of immigrants: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago - live expensive. The average salary in New York is $ 70 000 per year before taxes, and the average cost of a studio in Manhattan is $ 3000 per month or $ 36000 per year. In San Francisco - more expensive, in Los Angeles - a bit cheaper.

The high cost of living is directly related to the number of visitors who are willing to pay no matter what, as well as the high income gap and the corresponding gap between the rich and the poor.

4. How to find a job?

Work in the States is sought, as elsewhere, through sites with vacancies or through friends. However, there is one significant difference: in America, everyone, trying to grab a piece of cake, understands the need to share and create connections. Networking is an important part of the workflow, which allows you to find a job by accidentally talking to a stranger or sending an email to a company that interests you.

Popular job sites: LinkedIn.com, glassdoor.com, indeed.com, craiglist.com, reddit.com

5. Where to look for friends?

Americans are a friendly and welcoming nation. People are open to communication and meet on the street, in a cafe, in the gym, even in the subway. You can start a conversation with the most simple comment: “Do you have such a cool T-shirt, where did you buy it?”. Having a basic knowledge of the language, making friends will not be difficult.

In addition, in America there lives a large Russian-speaking diaspora, in which you can find friends and people close in spirit.

Germany

Michael Livschitz, channel author @shakshuka_de

Alexandra, the author of the channel @trischme

Balmy channel author @isvidanka

1. Why Germany?

Germany is the observance of laws and order, cleanliness and goodwill around, a good ratio of wages and prices for accommodation, and even just the opportunity at any moment to gather and go to any country from the center of Europe. Germany is also one of the few countries that allows you to get higher education free of charge. Symbolic semi-annual contributions at the university are affordable for any student.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

A study visa is obtained without any special difficulties, you just have to enter the school, and allows you to stay in the country without any problems. In this case, the student is allowed up to three months a year to earn on an official basis. If you are interested in a work visa, then it is easy to get to those who fall into the framework designated by the Blue Card program. The visa itself is given for a couple of days at the embassy. If there is a great desire to move, but the profession does not fall under the conditions of the Blue Card, then you can try to get a regular work visa, but everything is more complicated there, you need permission from the labor exchange and a fairly high salary. But if such a desire exists, then it is definitely worth trying.

3. Is it expensive to live?

According to the high cost of living, Germany is divided into two poles - east and west. This concerns the housing issue in particular. Munich is the most expensive, and the conditional Leipzig or the suburbs of Brandenburg is cheap, but at the same time, wages and prices still increase evenly. As for food and prices for household goods, they are about the same. Conclusion - Germany in relation to the product price is one of the most profitable countries to live in Europe.

4. How to find a job?

Those who are looking for work should create a profile and look for offers in various Internet portals - xing.de, monster.de, linkedin.com, stepstone.de plus stackoverflow.com for programmers. It is necessary to immediately prepare for the fact that the Germans do not like to hurry and the process can take a very long time, but on the other hand, if they want to take you, then you will have to wait several months without any problems. If you have already moved and are looking for work on the spot, you can go to job fairs or just see what organizations you have in the city and write letters directly to them. It is also worth looking at the Arbeitsagentur website, there are a lot of vacancies of various kinds, and if possible, browse local newspapers, where there are a lot of job ads.

5. Where to look for friends?

You can make friends the old fashioned way: at language courses, through social networks, forums on interests and in the same Telegram, where there are already many chats divided by city and country. It is advisable to make friends among native speakers, this will be a wonderful help in learning German. Probably the first place where you will make such acquaintances is at work. In addition, there are a large number of meetups - both on technical topics and on general ones, about life, there are even meetups where people gather to practice their German. Plus, most likely, you will study the language at some school - you will also find friends there. They say that Germans do not like to make friends and are antisocial in this regard. Don’t believe those who say that, and in general it’s better to leave any stereotypes before you arrive - all people are different, and the Germans really encourage everyone who tries to speak German with them.

Hungary

Valerie Olivers, author of the channel @oliverslovesbudapest, oliverslovesbudapest.com

1. Why Hungary?

Hungary is located in the Carpathian basin in central Europe, thanks to which there is an ideal warm climate here, but there is a natural change of seasons, cheap enough, you can cheaply travel to neighboring countries. One of the important factors for me was a huge amount of thermal baths and wineries throughout the country - you can swim and taste wine all year round.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

The easiest and fastest option is to move to study or work with an existing contract. They do not ask anything unusual for a visa: a questionnaire, a work contract / invitation from the university, about 5000 € in the account, medical insurance (at least for the first time with the promise to issue a local one upon arrival).

3. Is it expensive to live?

Everyone has their own habits. I can say with confidence that living in Hungary is much cheaper than in conditional Germany or England.

Renting an apartment costs € 400 + a communal apartment around € 100 in the summer and € 150 in the winter. The meal goes 200 – 250 €, and this includes vegetables, fruits, cereals, meat and salmon (the most expensive one, unfortunately).

Travel by public transport 30 € for a month. Communication: unlimited internet on the phone + 50 minutes of calls cost in 17 €.

4. How to find a job?

Of course, the best way to make acquaintances, as elsewhere. You are a foreigner, it means that the employer needs to be bothered with getting a work visa, which not everyone wants to do. A lot depends on your profession and your experience, but large companies like General Electric, Samsung, Sony always willingly hire (even in call centers).

5. Where to look for friends?

In bars and clubs we get acquainted (and without any sexual connotations). Hungarians and expats are very friendly, we all go through the same difficulties with expats, which makes it easier for us to communicate. The International Meeting Point, an expat friends club, is held every two weeks. Tinder can also help you with this, as well as language courses (and any courses you like). Be sure to go to concerts and festivals - the most relaxed pastime has to find new friends.

Spain

Photo: Shutterstock

Anna Shalashova, author of the channel @vbarselone

Luna Alarcon, author of the channel @barcelunatrip

1. Why spain

Few places live so nicely - warm, light, beautiful, fun, tasty, relatively inexpensive and close to Russia. Victoria Beckham complained that Spain smells like garlic, but in fact the air is saturated with hedonism and joy. When the 300 days in a year are lit by the civilized sun, everything is somehow simpler and more pleasant.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa to Spain?

Elementary. No secrets, on the website of the consulate everything is painted and chewed. The consulate gives two hours to consult daily, you can come and ask any question any number of times. This is the most effective method of competent preparation for applying for any type of visa. It’s hard to mess up or so carelessly to collect documents so as not to get it, although many individuals succeed.

3. Is it expensive to live in Spain?

It is beautiful to live and luxurious walk expensive everywhere.

It is expensive to rent housing and go to a decent school in large popular cities. Compared to London and Zurich, transport, food and service are inexpensive. It is important to understand only one thing about Spanish high prices: in comparison with Russia and other cold countries, where it is dark and there are no oranges and olives, in Spain, with less money, you can live wonderfully. Beaches, mountain trails, parrots, cypress trees are free. A fur coat, shovel, skates and winter tires are optional. And there is snow too, real, clean and sparkling - on the slopes of the Pyrenees.

4. How to find a job in Spain?

If you are a programmer, translator, trainer, massage therapist, photographer, teacher, Mary Poppins, and others like them, then you will earn money with jamon. According to the contacts of the Russian diaspora, you throw a cry in the relevant community on Facebook and announce to all your acquaintances about your intentions to provide certain services or sell a product. Or - the classic method of publishing your resume and walk through the interviews. Sites Infojobs and Linkedin with you. Those who learn here on the MBA, even if not in the most prestigious university, have nothing to worry about. For you will come in the last trimester of study.

5. Where to look for friends in Spain?

Spaniards belong to Russian-speaking emigrants with sympathy and curiosity. Common interests: work, sports, music and art, plus a mutual desire to learn more about a different way of life - an excellent base for friendships. When meeting and meeting everyone kisses twice, so that the default distance is reduced to a minimum. Spontaneous communication happens every day: the Spaniards are liberated and they make contact easily, but for long-lasting friendship, you will need regular meetings and a good level of Spanish. If you are in Catalonia - it will take a little more time, the Catalans are looking for a long time and slowly admit to themselves.

Russian friends will be found in emigrant interest groups. Cool, then, changing the city or even the country, you will surely save these become close friends. After all, if you look with people in one direction, and your values ​​are similar, then friendship in the conditions of the fact that you are foreigners in your city of residence, develops especially intimate. Also, now there are many sites where you can find events for every taste. Airbnb.com (experience) or Meetup.com are services for which any user can (by paying a little money) organize a meeting of like-minded people. Most often, expats go there who do not know how to find friends.

Israel

Anastasia Galanternik and Maxim Olezin, the authors of the channel @mnmsdiary

Lena Fisina, author of the channel @lenarepatriation

1. Why is Israel?

It’s worth going to Israel if you value moral freedom, tolerance and loyalty to everything. If you like to be in a friendly and responsive society, but do not mind the noise, din and some non-obligation. And we must be prepared for the fact that it is a country of contrasts, when Orthodox Jews in full uniforms live side by side with the Arabs (also, oddly enough in full uniforms), but absolutely secular people do not feel right to be deprived of their rights.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa to Israel?

You can get a visa for permanent residence to Israel if you have Jewish roots. According to the Law on the Return of Jews to the third generation, as well as members of their families, can return to their homeland. To do this, you will need to pass a consular check in your country. You will need to come to the consulate of Israel and provide documents confirming that you or your relatives are Jews. You will also need documents confirming the connection between you. In the event of a favorable outcome, you will receive a visa for permanent residence and Israeli citizenship at the airport right on arrival in the country.

If you do not have Jewish roots, you can either accept Judaism or marry a citizen / citizen of Israel.

3. Is it expensive to live in Israel?

The high cost of the country is a relative concept. What is expensive for the tourist, for the local, seems to be quite adequate. But in the case of Israel, even many locals complain about prices, especially in the center of the country. Yes, this is an important point, prices vary greatly in different parts of the country. For example, in the north of the country, you can rent a three-room apartment for 1500 shekels. And in the central area exactly the same apartment will cost 4000 shekels. And this is not the limit, in Tel Aviv prices for the same apartment start from 6000, if we talk about decent areas. Prices in stores vary about the same, but there are basic products, prices for which are fixed by the state: bread, milk, butter, and so on. Specifically, living in the center of the country, we spend on average 13000 NIS per month: 4000 for an apartment, 3000 for food and household items, 1000 for food in cafes and restaurants (not often), 2700 for a garden for a child, 500 –1000 for travel and car rental (we rent for the weekend once a month), well, plus any purchases of clothes, trifles, drugs. As for income, they, of course, also differ: the minimum wage is 30 NIS per hour (something in the 5000 area per month), while at the high-tech people earn money on 20000 and 30000.

4. How to find a job in Israel?

Most professions require knowledge of Hebrew. And the country does much to ensure that newcomers not only master the language, but also be able to apply it in their field. There are programs for doctors, for working specialties, for creative professions. Some programs even provide preferential accommodation, and some provide post-employment. But if your specialty is not in the high-tech field (Hebrew is not really needed there, English is enough), then you will most likely have to start more or less from scratch. In general, the job search does not differ in originality: you send a resume, you go on interviews, you make an impression, you start work.

5. Where to look for friends in Israel?

In 2018, the problem of finding a new social circle should not arise, there would be a desire. Each city in Israel has its own Russian-speaking group on Facebook (as well as English-speaking, French-speaking, and what you need there), so you can always find a company there. Plus, you can make good friends with new people in the ulpan (language school), where most of the visitors come to study.

Portugal

Elena Gribova, author of the channel @portugalya_tur

1. Why Portugal?

Because here it is warm and sunny, because here is the ocean, and orange trees are growing on the streets. Because here there are bright colors and at any time of the year something blooms. Because people here are hospitable and welcoming, the food is wholesome, varied and tasty, and seagulls rush over their heads.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

Tourist - no. You just need to call the embassy, ​​find out where to come and what documents to collect. To study or work to apply for a visa is a little more difficult, but also completely solvable.

3. Is it expensive to live in Portugal?

It depends on what you compare it to. For the price of a Parisian cup of coffee in Portugal you can have lunch. The minimum salary is 600 euro. Approximately for so many you can rent 2 – 3-room apartment in a good area of ​​Lisbon. If you eat in restaurants and dress in branded boutiques - it will be expensive. If you smoke a lot and drink collection whiskey - too.

4. How to find a job?

For this there are “labor exchanges”. Anyone who is looking for work can register there, receive vacancies and send out your resume. There are special firms that are looking for employers and employees. There are websites, ads in newspapers - there are lots of options.

5. Where to look for friends?

Basically, of course, at work or school. Young people meet in discos. A great many emigrants are clustered around churches - in Portugal there are both Russian and Ukrainian churches, synagogues and even mosques. And, of course, social networks - everywhere there are emigrant pages and groups where people communicate, share problems, share useful information and knowledge. In general, the Portuguese are very sociable, talking in transport or in a cafe with a stranger can be easily. Whether or later friendship will grow out of such an acquaintance — that’s as lucky.

Luxembourg

Katerina, the author of the channel @moienLux

1. Why Luxembourg?

The country is developing rapidly, has the first GDP per capita in the world, and at the same time it is quiet, calm and relatively few people. Ideal for families with small children.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

Student is possible, but the university is taken only after twelve years of school or the first year of another university. To obtain a work visa / temporary residence permit, you need a work contract. The whole family can easily move under a single contract. Documents required are standard.

3. Is it expensive to live?

Yes, it's expensive. Minimum studio apartment for one from € 1000 + € 150 utilities + electricity and internet. Therefore, many rent a room. For shopping often go to Germany / France. Compulsory medical insurance, state, covers 80% costs.

4. How to find a job?

For this, it is desirable to be a financier / economist / IT person. And also know at least English, and a good French / German. If you want to go to state service / to school, then you will need citizenship and possession of the three state languages ​​(Fr., German., Deluxe.).

5. Where to look for friends?

In the country, 50% expats, and in the capital 70%. In fact, there is no one to adapt to — everyone is the same. A bunch of all groups / clubs for any interests =)

Vietnam

Sasha, the author of the channel @vietmum

1. Why Vietnam?

Why not? Especially if you dreamed of living in warmth by the sea. More and more tractors are moving towards Asia, and Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations. An actively developing country, where they still love Russians, is not such a frequent phenomenon. Most Russian expats live in Nha Trang, which combines a sufficient civilization (shops, hospitals, good roads), and amazing nature around. Do you like the smell of the sea in the morning?

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

Not. There are still our 90, if you could not get, for example, a long-term work visa through an employer, there are always kind people who are ready to help, but not free of charge. You can open and share with Vietnamese IP to get a resident card on 2 of the year. Here there is a minus: all procedures for registration and registration, as well as the card itself are very paid.

Complicated with citizenship, as long as it does not in itself give anything that the map would not give. Many, even being married to a Vietnamese citizen, continue to simply ride the vizarans (exit and enter the country to renew their visa), leave for a day, for example, by bus to Laos and return.

3. Is it expensive to live?

Not too much. Apartments from 250 $ -300 $ / month, many kinds of tasty and healthy street food from 0.5 $, fruits and vegetables are cheaper, prices in stores are about the Russian level, prices in the markets are different, depending on where and how to ask.

The cost of buying a home is approximately at the level of the average Russian regional center, but is steadily increasing.

4. How to find a job?

In addition to the obvious options such as "site of the company of interest -> job section" and communities on this topic in social networks and chat rooms of expats, both Russian and international, there are several sites where you can search: vietnamworks.com, jobstreet.vn, careerlink.vn ,

International resources with vacancies in Vietnam: careerjet.vn, learn4good.com, monster.com.vn and others, Google will always prompt.

5. Where to look for friends?

Not in tourist quarters. There is nothing to look for Russians, they are everywhere, and the Vietnamese will be happy to invite a foreign guest to a home holiday, sometimes they sit down in a cafe and ask about their family, life, the Universe and in general.

In general, there would be a desire!

Ireland

emerald_isle by channel @emerald_isle

Anastasia Myasnikova, author of the channel @awesomeIreland

1. Why Ireland?

Ireland is a country with more predictable economic and political development, good food and weather. In the news bulletin you can often find the headlines “Terrible Murder in County Kerry” and a smaller font “the man killed the neighbor rooster because he didn’t let him sleep”, or “The tragic incident in the Wicklow Mountains: a sheep was hit by a sheep”. In Ireland, everything is very calm and peaceful.

In Ireland, incredibly delicious food. The freshest fish, tender lamb, the choice of oysters and mussels, and Irish strawberries are indistinguishable in taste and smell from Moscow region. Unfortunately, this one has a big disadvantage - after that you will no longer be as happy as you are in Continental Europe or the States.

You are welcome here. And not like in the USA, where a smile is part of the service, but really glad to see you. Ireland is considered one of the most favorable countries for immigration precisely because you will not feel like a stranger here.

Ireland can safely be called the European Silicon Valley because of the number of European head offices of leading IT companies and local start-ups. Also here is highly developed pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the drugs are good, and specialists from Russia are always welcome.

The possibility of fairly easy to obtain citizenship after 5 years of residence in the country.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

Travel is not much more complicated than in the Schengen countries - only the 60 euro fee, otherwise the list of documents is similar (references from work, from the bank, passport, photos, etc.). Long-term - absolutely the same list of documents and even the size of the duty - the same 60 euro. But for a long-term visa, a preliminary justification is needed - the work permit (there are several different types. The topic for a separate article - you can read the details here by citizens information), studying at the university, volunteering, family reunion, etc.

3. Is it expensive to live?

It depends on what you compare it to. Real estate is expensive, but not as expensive as, for example, on the coasts of the USA: studios in a good area of ​​Dublin from 1000 euros, odnushki from 1500 euros, one-bedroom apartments from 2000 euros and there is no upper ceiling. After Eastern Europe, prices and housing conditions are shocked, but oysters with 80 cents and amazing milk-like “childhood” are successfully brought out of shock. If renting a property is over, it’s already easier. The main problem is not even to find for a certain price, but to find it in principle, since with such prices there is also a competition for 30 – 50 + people for one living space, therefore recommendations from the employer and previous landlords will not interfere either. Finding housing helps daft.ie and visits with legs to the offices of realtors. It is also quite expensive medicine - it is paid, so agree with your employer about good health insurance in advance. Otherwise, as an average for Europe or slightly more expensive than the average, cheaper than Switzerland / Denmark / Norway.

4. Where to find a job?

Finding a job is easiest in IT, pharmaceuticals and engineering. Experts in these areas are in demand, but because of the long paperwork, it is best to file and talk online from Russia and move with an already signed contract. If you have friends in the company where you want to go - the best way is to ask for a recommendation or post your resume through internal channels. Many large companies even have a special referral program to search for good specialists.

General advice - make a good resume, post on LinkedIn and add to the contacts of recruiters. If in the IT field, I recommend linkedin / stackoverflow / hackerrank - create accounts there and promote it properly. More will not be superfluous github / bitbucket.

5. Where to look for friends?

Work colleagues are always happy to make a company and go to the club / on bikes / to the mountains. There are also a lot of interest clubs - rowing, bicycles, dancing, photography, etc. - you will be met with friendliness and smiles everywhere, but they will not impose communication, therefore you want to make friends - you make friends, you want to stay away - also without problems. The Irish are very open - go to any nearby pub, meet, talk and find exactly with whom. In Dublin, a whole district of pubs is in the center - it is huge. Language barrier as a hand will remove (if any).

China

Lida, the author of the channel @radiolida

1. Why China?

In the big Chinese cities, contrary to the existing stereotypes, it is very clean, modern and safe. Yes, the mentality and some aspects of the behavior of the local population are different, but then they don’t go to a foreign monastery with its charter. And the fact that some Chinese people spit and strip their bellies is nonsense compared to all the advantages of living in China: a convenient and inexpensive taxi, online payments through WeChat and Alipay, high-speed railways, cheap food, conditions for people with disabilities , developed domestic tourism, unique nature, interesting cultural life and many opportunities for business development and job search.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

Depends on the visa, the tourist stay of up to 30 days is given without problems. The process of obtaining a visa is greatly simplified if you have a Chinese consulate in the city, otherwise you will have to contact intermediaries and overpay. For a student visa, the school sends a package of documents, you take a photo, take the documents to the consulate, pay a fee (about 3500 thousand rubles), in a week the visa is ready. What about a work visa: most often Russians work in China illegally on a student or business visa. In this case, your agent will be taken care of by an agent who suits you to work, but if you want to work legally on a work visa, then you need to look for the appropriate employer.

3. Is it expensive to live?

You can also live in a student dormitory for 20000 rubles per year. You can rent a house in the center for the same money, but in a month. In the minimum configuration, it will be a separate room in the castle in a two-room apartment with a shared kitchen and bathroom. Internet is expensive, from 2000 rubles per month for good speed. Food costs depend on what you eat. It is very cheap to cook, to eat in Chinese cafes too (the average price tag of 150 rubles per dish, in student canteens even lower), but European cuisine will already be affordable. The biggest pain is a limited choice of milk (cottage cheese cannot be bought in stores), 400 rubles cheese for 250 g and very expensive wine (the price tag starts from 65 yuan for a bottle, and this wine is of poor quality).

4. How to find a job?

Being a foreigner in China is in demand, you can work as an English teacher and receive rubles from 90000 per month (your level is not important, the main thing is non-Asian appearance), you can be a model or a lighter in a nightclub. Such jobs can usually be found in WeChat job search groups. And you can go further and become an agent who arranges people to work with the same teacher, many people do just that. If you want something serious and with Chinese, then you need to look at the sites of companies of interest to you. Magazine, for example, publishes cool job openings for sinologists.

5. Where to look for friends?

Students have no problem finding friends, but if there is a need, you can search for events in the city on CouchSurfing, find interest groups in WeChat and make new acquaintances there. Or you can use Tinder to find a company and language practice.

Austria

Yarik, the author of the channel @austriakanal

1. Why Austria?

Stability, safety, high standard of living, nature.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa to Austria?

Difficult and every year it becomes more difficult. Starting from the usual tourist visa and ending with a residence permit. High requirements, scrupulous study of your documents and finally an impenetrable bureaucracy that does not always work on the basis of logic and even rules. The most accessible option for immigration to Austria is to study at a local university or work if you have a highly qualified staff and there is a shortage here.

3. Is it expensive to live in Austria?

Expensive. High rental prices due to overheated market, high taxes and prices in stores are higher than in the nearest neighbors. It seems that only Switzerland is more expensive.

4. How to find a job in Austria?

It is ideal to have a profession that is in short supply here: a doctor, IT specialist and other professions from a special list that is updated every year. Low-skilled jobs are occupied by local or EU personnel. To work you will need a German minimum level В2.

5. Where to look for friends in Austria?

Finding friends among the local population will not be easy. If you are a student, it will be easier. But, most likely, your friends will be other foreigners.

Singapore

Vasilisa, author of the channel @lion_fish

1. Why Singapore?

Safe, beautiful, warm all year round. Good grants for training and many opportunities to go then to another country, with experience in Singapore. Over the years 50 from the swamp Singapore has become a metropolis and continues to grow!

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

If there is an offer to work or a grant for training, it is very simple. The host organization itself makes a visa. In the case of tourism, an e-visa is worth 30 Singapore dollars, and it can be done through intermediary companies. Transit rules allow you to stay in Singapore until 96 hours without a visa, you can enter the city-state in any way, but you should only travel by air to a third country.

3. Is it expensive to live?

Singapore is an expensive city. The most expensive is housing, since there are few places on the island. Renting a room will cost 700 – 800 sgd (500 – 600 usd), a whole apartment from 2000 sgd (1500 usd). Food, in general, inexpensive. You can eat at food courts or cook yourself, this will take 300 – 400 sgd per month if you do not drink alcohol. Alcohol in Singapore is very expensive! But you can travel around Asia on cheap planes and travel to nearby cheap Malaysia. For a normal life, you need 2000 – 3000 sgd per month if you are alone. With a family two or three times more.

4. How to find a job?

Best of all, if the work finds you yourself! For example, through dating or your company has a department in Singapore. Because finding a job in Singapore is difficult. A lot of rules for the adoption of foreigners to work. Well, if you have a LinkedIn profile, get in touch with Singapore's “bounty hunters” recruiters. In the end, you can even hire an agent who will find work for you for you.

5. Where to look for friends?

At work! You can still go to meetup.com - it is very developed in Singapore. There are gatherings of expats, all who have just arrived in Singapore come there and get to know each other.

Finland

@wifeinfi, author of the channel @russianwifeinfinland

1. Why Finland?

An ideal country for introverts and lovers of unhurried quiet life: even in Helsinki, you can find a green park or a forest with blueberries and mushrooms within walking distance of the house. But at the same time, civilization is so developed that even books from the library can be delivered to your home. Among the advantages of Suomi: the purest water from the tap (cleaner bottled!); good system of social support for immigrants (excellent free language courses!); incredible beauty of nature; a huge Russian-speaking diaspora in which you can find a job or carry out self-employment; high level of service.

2. Is it difficult to get a visa?

A residence permit on the basis of marriage is quite simple to obtain - in terms of the collection of documents. It is important to fill out the questionnaire correctly, which will prove that your marriage is not fake. Husband and wife, as a rule, are summoned to a separate interview in order to verify this very fictitiousness // the reality of marriage, and the questions can be very tough. The second point is the waiting period for a residence permit. The consulate warns that, on average, it will take from 6 to 8 months to resolve the issue. But anything can happen before.

3. Is it expensive to live?

Finland is considered one of the most expensive countries in the EU, but wages here are an order of magnitude higher than, for example, in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Taxes devour a huge part of the income, but the tax system allows you to save even on deductions (for example, if you work at home and not in the office, this is a reason to reduce the taxable base). Product prices are very difficult to compare with the Russian. For example, a kilo of high-quality beef will cost at least 25 – 30 euros, and a liter of milk can be bought for 0,9 euros.

4. How to find a job?

To begin with, learn Finnish and speak English tolerably; in the IT field, for example, it is enough. Find a job will make the Finnish labor exchange (if you declare yourself as unemployed) or help the Internet. Main sites: LinkedIn, oikotie.fi, monster.fi, te-palvelut.fi, doska.fi. The Russian-speaking diaspora is very large, and many are looking for specialists from various spheres in their midst - Russian-speaking doctors, hairdressers, seamstresses, confectioners, etc. If you can do something with your hands (cut, sew, bake cakes) - this is a great advantage.

5. Where to look for friends?

In social networks there are about ten large Russian-speaking groups devoted to life in Finland. Directly and hammer into the search engine: "Russian in Finland", etc. There is an old Russian-speaking forum russian.fi. Communicating with compatriots is often very, very specific, but you will always find a hint, and gathering parties together. Stay in isolation - it is necessary to specifically try.

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