I am a 28M single 4 YOE backend software engineer from China. (Master's from National University of Singapore, professional English). I have 4 YOE mainly in Java/Go/Python (open to switching tech stacks).
I currently have the Dutch Search Year visa and plan to move there soon. However, the 5-year continuous employment rule for Dutch PR, along with the uncertainties of getting a KM visa sponsorship and a tough job market for foreigners, makes things a bit too uncertain for me, so I'm exploring other options.
I’m mainly looking for country recommendations based on:
- A stable and predictable path to PR
- Reasonable WLB
- English working environment (open to learning a local language)
- Reasonable cost of living, not chasing for big money
I realize no place checks every box. Given my age, my top priority is simply stability in both my daily life and the immigration process. Additionally, as a gay man, family planning and childcare are not factors I need to consider.
I am currently considering Japan (though jobs mostly require Japanese), Germany, and Australia (which was my initial top choice via the 482->186 visa route, but I have only gotten a few interviews so far). Based on this, are there any other countries or specific cities you would recommend looking into?
Thanks!