эмиграция

International work in an international world. Part III: Why a Blue Card could be your ticket to a new life

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Since the moment I saw a lady in the German Embassy in Russia getting her working visa so easily, I also wanted to get one. At least, to feel the same respect she was treated with. Of course, she has been invited by one of the largest international companies, which are looking for smart people for specific projects all over the world. Just one year later, I became a Blue Card holder with the Germany as my first destination. But what does this Blue Card actually mean?

  • Working where you wish. There are countries with a high unemployment rate and with the low ones. Countries with a high employment rates like Germany are focused on attracting the best experts in technical, medical and innovative fields, which leads to a more open visa regime. In other countries like Italy, the unemployment rates are higher. If you are a foreigner from a non-EU country, the Blue Card if your pass to work in Europe and to change employers and countries in a very flexible way, as long as you meet the BC conditions.
  • Taking your family with you. The Blue Card holders are often highly skilled professionals who are be found by large companies and offered a contract in the EU. Even though it is usually a limited contract, one receives an opportunity to move to the new place with the family and to get (often, depending on the country) free integrational and language courses.
  • Helping yourself out. Here comes a small hint: the visa legislation related to Blue Cards differs a bit in European countries, but you should read yours even before you get to touch your very own Blue Card. Why? Because, for instance, in Germany, if your contract expired or was cancelled after 1 full year, you are eligible to an unemployment insurance AND a visa for the job search (3 months with the Blue Card + 3 months usually offered extra) for the whole period of your insurance (which is 6 months if you worked at least 1 year).
  • Getting the permanent residence permit faster. Yes, this is also possible for Blue Card holders with some knowledge of the local language. With time, you will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit (incl. your closest family – wife and children) and stay in the country as long as you wish. Just keep in mind that there is usually am difference between the citizenship and permanent residence permit in a form that you should stay primarily within the country – whenever you want to move within Europe again, have a look at the current legislation 😉

Аптечка переселенца: что взять с собой в Европу и Азию

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This article is dedicated to Russian medicines, which one can buy without a recepie only in Russia. As the application of such medicines requires good knowledge of the Russian language, there will be no translation of this article for your own safety.

Эта статья вдохновлена подругой, которая выходила замуж во Франции. Её жених отравился в свадебном путешествии, и поиск подходящих медикаментов превратился в ад. Русскоговорящие путешественники часто не учитывают, что сильнодействующие лекарства в большинстве стран ЕС можно купить только по рецепту. Причём сильнодействующий, в понятии европейцев, – любой медикамент, дающий больше, чем просто снятие симптомов.
Безусловно, самолечение – не альтернатива похода к врачу. Но есть ситуации, в которых к врачу попасть сложно. Например, если вы на кемпинге в Баварии. В крохотном домике вдали от цивилизации в Швейцарии. На рынке в Азии, где у вас резко прихватило живот.

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Work & study abroad: defining your real goals. Internship? Work? Volunteering?

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You got a new great idea: why don’t you go abroad to get some international experience and improve your English? US sounds great, but a friend of yours had an exchange semester in Thailand in 2015, and enjoying some sun while working sounds like a good idea to you. This idea of “doing something abroad” grows in your mind very fast, and one week later you catch yourself looking at immigration laws of different countries – why should you spend only 6 months abroad if you can LIVE abroad?

Take a dep breath and to think very carefully about your goal (see also my article on Motivation). What do you really want? This might give you some ideas:

  • You just want to explore new countries and to look how other people live
  • You want to exchange experience with colleagues from abroad / to improve your qualification
  • You are deeply unsatisfied with your life in your home country / you want to build a new life abroad

As you may imagine, each of these ways will require from you a different level of motivation, investment of your finance and time. It seems obvious that you need to make your mind before starting the preparations, but too many women just jump into it by hearing: “But if you like it there, you get a boyfriend, get married and stay in the country!” Hey, this is something worth considering – but let’s imagine you are a smart girl depending on yourself. So what do you really want?

In this article, I will focus on the first two points, as there are going to be many posts on the smart immigration topic later.

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