To those who moved back to their original country after many years abroad, what are your experiences ?
Posted by arzt___fil@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 39 comments
Hello guys, I moved to Germany from Serbia almost a decade ago, mostly because of my wife who is a German of Serbian origin. Previously had a great life in Serbia since I come from a relatively rich family.
I am a doctor, and in the meantime I learned German to objective C2 level, finished my specialization here, got German citizenship, made serious money; I generally feel I completed my stay here, there's nothing more for me to achieve.
Lately I'm seriously toying with the idea of moving back. Wife supports it, she's very negative about Germany's future and I'd say too positive about Serbia's. I already made a preparations about our future jobs (will open a private clinic) so we'd probably have the similar financial income in a poorer country which is a life hack. I am still in touch with a few school and college friends who are also friends of my wife, so there should be no social isolation as well.
On the paper, going back should be great, and the deal between us is, if it doesn't work we can always go back to Germany or move elsewhere (Switzerland, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand are preferred countries in that case).
Do you think I am planning this well ? What else should I think about ? What are your experiences after moving back home ?
Background_Cod917@reddit
Moved back from Norway to Serbia after a decade. Living in Novi Sad now. It's a complex question, posalji dm :)
Acceptable_Usual1646@reddit
I did. Lived in Germany and went back to The Netherlands. That was 20 years ago and I am still partially ‘germanized’
styling44@reddit
You have nothing to lose if you move back to Serbia. If you're to open a private clinic there, from tax perspective Serbia is more interesting than Germany. Corporate tax in Germany is 30–33%, in Serbia 15%., dividend tax in Serbia is 15% while in Germany 25%+. I am a corporate lawyer, if you need advice before moving there!
One_Ad_6071@reddit
I am in a similar dilemma as op, I work in high tech, and when I first saw this tax optimization "hack", I didn't really believe it, also a friend who has his own company said it's not as I envision it. Is it really that simple, that your accountant can simply manage to pull out dividends that cheap from time to time?
Btw, I really plan to consult someone about this soon, is it better to talk with a corp lawyer like yourself, or an accountant? So far I only want to verify all the info that I got from googling/AI research.
gpexer@reddit
Yes, it’s that simple. Just to clarify: you pay 15% tax at the company level, and then when you transfer that money to your personal account, you pay another 15%. So from a business perspective, withdrawing dividends effectively costs around 28%.
styling44@reddit
You're absolutely right to consult a corporate lawyer before deciding to make a move. Relying solely on AI when making such crucial decisions can be risky, most AI use data with a specific cutoff date (outdated info), and often has trouble understanding the context of a prompt, leading to incorrect answers. In the high-tech sector, a well-thought international tax structure can significantly reduce your taxes. For instance, an effective strategy should include taking advantage of R&D tax credits and structuring IP ownership to optimize global tax exposure. Happy to help, DM when you're ready.
Accomplished_Bag_804@reddit
BS. There are other “taxes” you pay here if you want you r business to succeed.
miss18363@reddit
Tax wise sure. But these is another layer to consider. If you’re critical of the government, or openly suporting studnet protests things can get very complicated for your business. Targeted inspections, checks etc. I’ve seen people deal with a lot more friction just because of that. just something to go in with eyes open.
FlatwormOverall3004@reddit
I made a similar move back to Bulgaria from the Netherlands. Do I still miss the good work-life balance, great infrastructure etc? Yes I do. But the sense of belonging was never there. Family and friends, memories, nature, weather… move or not move you will regret it either way. So you might as well move to Serbia as it seems you will regret it less.
Dokter_frikandel@reddit
Completely off topic, but how did you experience residency in Germany and what are you specialized in?
arzt___fil@reddit (OP)
Psychiatry.
People were the best part, generally everyone was friendly, especially colleagues. Patients listen to doctor orders more (worked in Serbia at the beginning of my career).
Bureaucracy in Germany, especially in Bavaria ist terriblly slow and in last couple of years, it's much faster in Serbia although people criticise it there. Deutsche Bahn ist a disgrace. No more 5€ Döner 🙂 Since Corona things are generally going downhill here, and it seems most of people are lethargic about it. If I'd stay here I'd legit consider voting for AfD.
Dokter_frikandel@reddit
I get what you’re saying, I’m living in the Netherlands and even over here it’s not getting any better.
I’m asking because a lot of Dutch doctors move to Germany to specialize, because getting into residency over here is hell. I might even consider it once I’m done with what I’m doing now, if im still considering specializing into a surgical field, but I’ll be a bit older then. We’ll see what life brings I guess. I hope you find your place in Serbia and wish you all the best of luck man!
Numerous_Car650@reddit
There it is.
Daidrion@reddit
You say this as if the things he mentioned aren't true.
Status-Ad8870@reddit
Germany is a sinking ship. Whole EU for that matter. Germany specifically is cutting their healthcare budget to boost their military. Such a German thing to do.
Daidrion@reddit
You're twisting things. There's a separate 500bn budget dedicated to military, which makes sense given that's there is a literal war next door and the US currently sabotaging NATO.
Status-Ad8870@reddit
Go google all these headlines & sources, If you are educated you should've known, but you read pro EU GARBAGE
"Germany will spend less money on healthcare and more on defense
Merz's government will allocate 133.3 billion euros to defense while cutting the public health system"
Status-Ad8870@reddit
come back with sources, not your tears.
Status-Ad8870@reddit
Incorrect.
"Germany’s coalition government has agreed a sweeping package of welfare cuts worth €38.3 billion by 2030, stripping back the country’s health system and pension guarantees to free up funds for military spending."
chachkys@reddit
Someone who is highly educated thinks Serbia has a better future than Germany? I’m scared. Or you want to move back because you feel Serbia is better in terms of having a more right leaning government and less human rights?
Happy_Emergency_9562@reddit
sounds like you've thought this through more than most, just be ready for the emotional shift too, not just the financial one. Returning "home" after years can feel surprisingly unfamiliar.
Earthcitizen1001@reddit
If you are bored in Germany, just move to Serbia and try it. It will be an adventure, regardless of the length of your stay there.
Do you have kids?
Where in Serbia are you planning to move?
arzt___fil@reddit (OP)
Wife is currently pregnant.
Niš or Belgrade, both possess an airports and in both I can open a clinic, Niš is cheaper but Belgrade offers more opportunities. In both I own real estates.
There is another way I didn't mention in original post; I can work 50-50 part-time in Serbia and Germany, a colleague of mine does that but in Croatia.
Earthcitizen1001@reddit
Sounds like there is no way for you to lose. Just go for it.
mousenix@reddit
I lived in both countries for some time, and yes, Germany is better on paper but Serbia is in heart ❤️
Flotilla_guerrilla@reddit
American—I left the Middle East to return to the US after 25 years abroad and 2 years later I went back. I’m still too young to retire and my quality of life is just better outside the USA. I will eventually have to repatriate but my life is here for now.
Maria_3464@reddit
I think it is important to remember that each place has its pros and cons. There is no ideal place. Make a list of five important things for a good life for you, and cross out two that you are willing to sacrifice. If Serbia has them, you are good to go.
Also, remember, that life can change. Maybe for the current stage in your life Serbia is a good choice, but it does not have to be a permanent choice.
MoodLR3@reddit
I’ve lived in the UK for 5 years had a bit enough just after the brexit referendum. Moved back home to Hungary in 2017 because I had a girlfriend who had her own flat thought let’s try this again.
It was the worst mistake ever, nothing has changed it just got even worse😄
Moneywise I’ve been better than before, but the generally the whole countries mood, political bullshit, aggression and stress in the society was unbareable.
So everything I hated in the firstplace was there in an amplified form.
The only good thing I really gained is my current partner and wife, we just left Hungary and moved to Spain to start everything from zero.
I will never move back again! Moving back to your home is relatively easy, moving away again can be very hard especially when you have lower income at home.
It really depends on what you looking for or what you need, I won’t say it is the same for you, but I learned this on the hard way.
MoodLR3@reddit
Just to add a bit more:
If you speak such a good german and also specialized with savings, I would just move to Switzerland and level up my life there instead of taking a stepback to a place where politics are pretty fucked up.
Had a girlfriend in Switzerland spent some time there and the country is amazing and beautiful. It also has it flaws but which country hasn’t.
Still one of the best places in Europe imo.
One_Ad_6071@reddit
I also am thinking about it, although my wife is not as thrilled about the idea as yours. If you both agree, why not, just don't rush it, have a nice plan set up, to make sure it goes as smooth as possible. There's a lot can go wrong, so it's good that you're also prepared to move somewhere else if it doesn't work out.
Also I really hope you're following domestic politics, as it is still far from a good situation... and for me personally it had quite a big part in me moving out of the country. Having a very high income might dampen it a bit though.
Good luck!
Fragrant_Equal_2577@reddit
The memories of your home country reflect a reality, which doesn’t exist or actually never existed. Time golden the memories. You have changed and they have moved on and not necessarily to a better direction. It is one thing to visit during holidays and another to relocate.
This is based on my experience from growing up abroad, living 20 years in my home country and now living abroad for the last 10+ years. The last 4 years in Germany. Potentially relocating soon to a new EU country due to my professional career. BTW, Germany is a great place to live and with a great future. The future is what people make it to be;).
We regret the things we wanted to but didn’t do. If you start feeling restless, you should try out new places and countries. Nothing prevents you… just the discomfort for resettling into a new culture and country.
Just check that you (and, most importantly, your wife) are allowed to exercise your profession in your home country and in other countries you‘d like to move/experience.
And, make sure that you (or at least your spouse) have a job before moving to a new country. Moving to a new country as a job seeker is tough and an uphill battle.
One_Ad_6071@reddit
When I started looking up the possibility of moving home, this is one of my biggest fears is exactly going home to something else, even though I already work from home 2 months a year pretty much. Apparently it's called reverse culture shock, and is a known issue for returning people. Just wanted to share this if op wants to dig more into this aspect.
Accomplished_Bag_804@reddit
If youre for Vučić youll be fine. If you’re not you wont be fine. Neutrals are pro Vučić.
But somehow I think you already know this.
Drunkensailor1985@reddit
How anyone can think serbia has a better future than germany baffles me
pongauer@reddit
Exactly this.
Moving there on that premise is bound to be a disappointment.
Serbia, for starters, is not a country where it is appreciated when you start being "critical of the countries future" lol.
sammyco-in@reddit
Same here
NordicJesus@reddit
Russian bots
miss18363@reddit
I see a lot of people who were born in the UK, Germany, NL but have Serbian roots are trying to move back. And honestly, the ones I know who already did it are enjoying it so far. But I think there is a big catch.
Most of them are doing it on EU salaries, remote work, or solid savings. That changes the experience a lot. I guess on the surface it feels like a life upgrade bevause you have more space, cheaper lifestyle, probably easier social life. But there are things you don’t notice right away, or you don’t feel yet because money cushions it, but they hit later. Especially if kids become part of the picture.
Air pollution is a big one. And not just Belgrade, it’s everywhere. Winters can get really bad. I couldnt even open the windows during winter. Most sold devise is air purifier. Many kids are sick every other week with respiratory issues. Then basic stuff like infrastructure, you often can’t even walk around because cars are everywhere. Traffic is insane, getting across Belgrade can easily take 1.5h in rush hour. Public transport is just… terrible.
Then the bigger layer. Government, corruption, overall system. If you followed anything recently, protests, elections, it’s not exactly reassuring. A lot of educated people are leaving or planning to. That changes the whole environment long term. Its very important to be aware of this before moving, and if you want I am happy to share some Instagram profiles that share what's happening daily.
Socially, people are warm, but now also very tense. There’s this underlying frustration. Also if you’re loud, rude and pushy, things will probablygo your way. If you’re normal and expect systems to function, good luck. Admin is also crazy, in many cases you still need to physically go to the post to pay some things to bring them paper from the post instead paying online.
Healthcare… I know you’re a doctor so your experience will be very different, but from the patient side it can get rough without connections. I had a pretty bad situation in my family and it really shifts your perspective. Also one of the things why I decided to move (I left Serbia 2 years ago and could not have made a better decision, even though I myself had great life, really good salary and comfort, but you can nit just live in a bubble).
And schools… if kids are even a remote plan, I’d look into that properly. Not just academics, but overall environment. A lot of my friends with small kids are deciding to leave and now exploring options.
Not saying don’t do it. Just saying the “on paper” version and real life version can be quite different depending on which layer you’re looking at.
Have in mind nowhere is perfect. But there are layers for sure.
AccountForDoingWORK@reddit
I have 2 original countries, returned to the U.K. several years ago and it was necessary (other country was the US lol) but not what I would have chosen for myself if it was just me. I no longer have an accent from here so occasionally get anti American comments which always feels rich because the type of people that make them are never impressive specimens themselves.