Remigration feared as an EU citizen in Germany
Hi everyone,
This is the first time I have logged on to WSO in more than half a decade but I want to share you some concerns I may have about Germany's current woes and check a few plan B's.
I'm from Greece, born and raised. In 2020, then 25, I decided to leave Greece because I saw no future for me - highest youth unemployment rate in the EU, highest depression rate in the EU, horrendous salaries for COL, no prospects for establishing a family etc. So I took a student loan and a German gov't scholarship and emigrated to Germany for my masters. It was a strenuous time, because I was stressed whether I would be able to find a job after my master and I was facing a lot of problems personally (no need to delve deeper, but let's just say I was not in the best state of mind). Fast forward to 2023 - it is in that year that I have managed to find my own apartment, saving money, and now my only problem is the lack of a girlfriend and of a car - everything else in life, I have, and I need to see how I can attract women in a culture different to mine (I, for some reason, seem to attract Greek, Balkan, Eastern European, and French women without many problems, but in Germany things are not easy at all - but I will find a way). I have made it to a BB in anti-financial crime. I make more than €70,000 p.a. (in Greece most people my generation will be happy to work for 700€ or 1,000€ per month net). With the new citizenship law (I have the C2 in German and I have volunteered and studied in Germany) I will apply for naturalization as a German as soon as the law enters into effect. Even though I failed to become an officer in the Greek Army (because I sucked at physics) and/or become an operator in the Greek Special Forces (hiring freeze for a lot of years and when they finally started hiring, they lowered the age limit from 28 to 25 and I was slightly over the limit, so I was not permitted to apply, so that dream died ungloriously), I did manage to break into finance in Frankfurt. For that, I am proud.
However, Germany is not well. Besides the economy going to ****, the AfD are on the rise and are talking about remigration of immigrant populations, the existence or not of German nationals among them notwithstanding. I am paying into the highest tax bracket in Germany and receive no government benefits whatsoever. Nevertheless, I am concerned that the AfD would later go after EU citizens and I am saying this: I ain't going back to Greece. I am happy in Germany and I am more than happy to integrate into German society. But, if the Germans unilaterally decide to dispense with my services, I need to have a plan B in this case this happens.
My thought would be to move to France, a sister nation of Greece (special relationship, Rafale jets, frigates, francophone education at Greek schools etc, etc), or Cyprus (they are to us Greeks what Switzerland is to Germans; very low taxes, same language but different dialect). But I want to see what other options exist out there.
Send traffic.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's clear that you've made significant strides in your career and personal life since moving to Germany, and it's understandable that the political climate might be causing you some concern. Here are a few considerations for your Plan B:
France: Given the cultural ties and the special relationship between Greece and France, this could be a viable option. Your fluency in French, if you have it, would be a significant advantage. Additionally, France has a large economy with opportunities in finance, although you should be aware of the differences in work culture and tax system compared to Germany.
Cyprus: As you mentioned, Cyprus shares a language and cultural similarities with Greece, and it offers a favorable tax environment. The financial sector in Cyprus is growing, especially in areas like forex trading, investment funds, and banking services.
Other EU Countries: Consider looking into other EU countries with strong financial sectors like Luxembourg, Ireland, or the Netherlands. These countries have multinational environments and may offer opportunities in anti-financial crime roles.
Non-EU Options: If you're open to moving outside the EU, you might explore opportunities in financial hubs like Switzerland or the UK. Post-Brexit UK might have different immigration rules, but London remains a significant global financial center.
Networking: Leverage your current position and network within the BB to explore internal transfers or opportunities in other locations. This could be a smoother transition than starting anew in a different country.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the political situation and the policies of parties like the AfD. Being informed will help you anticipate and prepare for any potential changes that could affect your status.
Legal Advice: It may be beneficial to seek legal counsel regarding your rights as an EU citizen in Germany and the implications of naturalization.
Financial Planning: Ensure you have a financial safety net in place. This could include savings or investments that are easily accessible in case you need to relocate quickly.
Remember, while it's important to have a Plan B, it's also crucial to focus on the present and continue to excel in your current role. Your skills and experience are valuable, and they will serve you well wherever you decide to go. Keep building your professional reputation and network, as these will be your greatest assets in any move you make.
Sources: Germany Sucks, 6 Things to Consider Before Accepting an International Work Assignment, London banking future after brexit, Could the banks halve their London work force due to Brexit?, The Great Wage Rage | The Daily Peel | 10/8/21
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