I’m curious to hear opinions on how bureaucracy/inefficiency impacts day to day life. We often hear how Western Europe is horrendous with being able to get things done efficiently- but I’m curious to hear for Europe as a whole, are there any exceptions? Would like to hear about the “less popular” expat locations in Europe.
For activities such as getting internet set up in a new flat; or having the heat break and needing the repair company to come look at it- which countries in Europe would be the most efficient?
Not Germany, that’s for sure. My vote is for the Netherlands? As an Aussie, it was quite easy. Back account is effortless, only visit to the city hall, the rest is online basically.
I second this! Germany has a huge immigration process, especially if you come from a non-EU or EEA country. There are a lot of steps, you need torun to thousand different offices, where there will be (at least some) people that don’t speak (good) english. As a german who lived abroad and came back, it was difficult, and I am fluent in german. There’s a stupid ‘Amt’ (governmental institution) for everything, and they often work independently from each other. Also, very little of legal and immigration processes are online, most of the time you need to go there in person, bring a lot of other documents, and with an appointment.
I found immigrating into the netherlands much easier. However, I am a EU-citizen, so that might not be the same for everyone. Getting a burgernummer (citizen number) and a digID (digital identification) were like magic keys that unlocked nearly everything else! Getting a bank account, a phone contract, being able to rent a flat, signing up for parking, everything! Also, imo, all immigration workers spoke at least a little bit of english, if not perfect english. Lots of proceses are online, and theres no need to go to places in person, unless you really want to/need super specific advice.
In short: The dutch system was much easier to learn in a few months, as opposed to the german system, which I’ve been growing up in, and still am confused by.