When a senior software program engineer from India with 8 years of expertise and a ₹45+ LPA wage shared his dilemma about transferring to Germany after a layoff, it ignited a candid debate on-line about the true worth of abroad alternatives.
In a Reddit publish titled “India or Germany? FinTech Startup supply in Berlin,” the engineer revealed that he acquired a job supply from a Berlin-based fintech startup providing €80,000 yearly. Nevertheless, he questioned whether or not relocating made sense, given the wage and startup nature of the agency.
The responses poured in with private insights, trade-offs, and unfiltered realities of working overseas, particularly in Germany.
Taxes, take-home, and trade-offs
“On €80,000, you’ll pay 42–45% tax,” one consumer identified, noting that internet revenue relies on components like marital standing and kids. “Your in-hand can be very much less, however the authorities in return takes care of numerous issues not like India. Safety, breathable air… I imply there may be simply no comparability between Berlin and right here,” they added.
One other consumer echoed this sentiment, cautioning that “€80K in Germany doesn’t go so far as you’d assume, particularly in cities like Berlin. In the event you’re making ₹40 LPA or extra in India, the monetary upside of transferring won’t be that compelling.”
For a lot of, way of life appeared to be the true differentiator. “In case your motivation to depart India isn’t purely about cash—perhaps it’s way of life, work tradition, or simply wanting a change—then go for it.”
The language barrier and profession plateau
Others flagged cultural {and professional} limitations. “In the event you have no idea German, it’s an enormous disadvantage,” one consumer warned, including that Germany’s tech sector “is slow-paced and never as progressive as India’s.”
One other concern: “Near 50% taxes and a yearly increment of 1–2%… Tech alternatives are a lot lesser too.”
The decision? Is determined by your purpose
For a lot of in India’s booming tech ecosystem, high-paying home roles now compete carefully with mid-tier international packages. As one consumer summarised: “Berlin solely actually begins to make stable monetary sense at round €100K.”
However for these chasing greater than cash, like stability, publicity, or a shift in way of life, the transfer may nonetheless make sense.
