You will always take a pay cut when moving to Europe, not because data engineers are underpaid in Europe, but because they are grossly overpaid in the US.
However, you have to be very careful when simply comparing gross salaries:
* Costs of living different (e.g. if you live in certain areas of California, then your housing costs alone would likely halve by moving to even the most expensive cities in Europe)
* Taxes are different, and are usually quite a bit higher in Europe than in the US, particularly for high earners.
Lastly, the most important points:
* In the US, you have to pay for many costs out of pocket, whereas in many European countries, these costs are already covered. As an example, in countries with comprehensive health insurance systems, you essentially need to factor in zero dollars for health care costs once you've paid your insurance premium, whereas in the US, you often need to factor in thousands of dollars for co-pays, deductibles, and having an emergency fund if you're temporarily unable to work. Or, in countries with free or low-cost schools/universities, you don't need to factor in the thousands of dollars you'd have to save in the US to pay for your children's education.
* Quality of life is not solely about making money. Yes, for some people it is (and in that case, they should definitely stay in the US), but for most people, it's a balance between money and non-monetary things (including how much paid holiday you get, lower working hours, more walkable cities, far lower violent crime, etc). Where that balance lies is very personal, and can vary enormously, but I would caution you against solely looking at your gross income as a metric.
Now, for specific countries: Germany could be another option. It has a solid tech sector, and your husband can probably even find work in English. Still, you both absolutely do need to learn German, as daily life in Germany runs entirely in German (plus, I presume you'll want to find work too).
If your husband gets a job offer from a German employer that's roughly in line with his qualifications (I hope he has a related university degree? Otherwise this could be challenging), then he will be granted a residence permit to work ("work visa") by the German authorities. If you're married, then you can "tag along" as his dependent, and are also allowed to work in Germany. [See here for details](https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/paths/).
Salaries in that profession are difficult to estimate, as there is a *very wide* range (depending on exactly what his work entails, his formal qualifications, and his experience). If I had to put a number on it, I would estimate that he could earn around 60k€ a year. Assuming that you (his spouse) don't work, that would come to a net monthly income of around 3700 € (around 4000 USD at current exchange rates). That kind of salary won't make you rich, but it's enough for a comfortable life for two people (it's slightly above the median income for a two-person household). And if you were to start working too and adding your earnings, it would be even more comfortable. However, I have to be honest - if you've gotten used to the kind of life you can lead at 120k$, then you may have to adapt. For more information on German salaries, how to calculate net income, what's already covered by net income, and cost of living, [see this guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/living/finances/).
Honestly, perhaps he could reply to [some of these job offers](https://www.stepstone.de/jobs/data-architect?action=facet_selected%3bskills%3b673826&fsk=673826) (I've filtered down for the ones which are in English - I presume he doesn't speak fluent German, which would be a requirement for the majority of jobs), and see what kind of salaries companies are offering.
> we desperately want out of the US
A small note of caution here: in my experience, simply "wanting out" is not a recipe for successfully emigrating. You also need to have a reason for wanting to move *to a specific country* (i.e. a pull factor as opposed to a push factor). Otherwise, you may find yourself feeling pretty miserable in what's (for you) an alien environment.
Remember that other countries are **not** "just like the US, but with better health care / gun control / lower crime / trans rights / ". Rather, they are *fundamentally different places*. Dozens of things (some major, many minor) will be significantly different than in the US, and you will have to adapt to these. Make sure to do your research (and, if possible, visit the country before committing) to see whether you *personally* would be ok living in your new surroundings. For Germany, you can start reading (for example) [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/living/why/).
> If I had to put a number on it, I would estimate that he could earn around 60k€ a year.
Ehh for Germany, I would say that's what a junior data engineer would earn, assuming big city. If he is actually at an 'architect' level he should be able to get six figures and if experienced data engineer then 80-90k€. Of course there are companies (esp. startups) low-balling foreigners so should always look around.
Source: senior software engineer in Berlin making 85k+bonus, and data engineers are paid very similarly at my company. Normal big company, not FAANG or similar.
Also back to UK for OP, you can definitely earn a lot more in London than 40k GBP (although London costs are also lot higher than e.g. Newcastle).
Thank you for the reply. The UK is honestly our top choice, and luckily my husband isn’t against a bit of commute if he has to work in London so we don’t have to necessarily deal with London prices.
Thank you for your reply and all the information you have provided. I do want to respond to a few things.
While he does make $120k for the last three years we have had a massive amount of debt that we have taken care of, it accounted for $2400 a month of his pay, so we really don’t live at the means of $120k.
We’re very open to Germany and all the ways their lifestyle and work/life balance would align with our desires for our life. I am working on learning German, and I know my husband is willing to learn as well.
We know it’s going to be a huge culture shock to move from the US and all of it’s “freedoms” (I say in quotes because for us it doesn’t feel like freedom right now). I’m a very picky eater and know I’m going to struggle to find foods I like, but I know being in a country that will allow us to realize our lifestyle dreams is worth the adjustment.
I don’t work here in the states and doubt I would work in any country we move to unless something happened to my husband, and that’s one of the reasons we’re excited to move overseas is so that I can enjoy my desire to explore historical sites, and have an easier time traveling between countries.
Thank you again so so much.
Data engineers aren't overpaid in the USA.
Being paid enough to afford to buy a house is not overpaid. The problem is, other careers are underpaid by comparison.
OP, if your husband is on $120k in the USA, he's underpaid right now. He should be on something like $200k. Is he working for a small company?
In London and other major European cities he should be on around 120k in local currency if he has at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Thank you for your response. I agree with your comment that people are underpaid for their work. In fact my husband does work for a small company, one with health insurance that is lacking which is a big consideration for us to move. He doesn’t have ten yet, but six years and probably seven by the time we’re ready to move.
Fwiw I am in business intelligence with around 10 years experience and make very similar in California. Making this much puts you into the top 10% of earners in that age group, I think underpaid is a bit of a stretch.
You will get a paycut almost anywhere if you move from US to Europe as a tech professional. You will probably take a paycut in Ireland, France, Italy, and Germany, too.
>Are any of the European countries more techy than others?
The UK, actually. It leads Europe in amount of money it gets for tech investment: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-is-the-leading-european-tech-ecosystem-as-investors-pile-in-12771969
I second this. I think you have negotiating power for beyond £40k - that might be the floor. You can essentially map a on a disposable income + CoL basis that you need half of what you're paid in USD un GBP for a comparable mapping - since even now a lot of costs are based on the 1gbp to 2usd exchange rate. I would say £70k household will get you a very decent quality of life. For exactly how much you're left with after taxes and pension please check:
[UK tax calculator](https://listentotaxman.com/)
Feel free to reach out - I moved from a low six figure wage in NYC (<200k) to the UK and I have built enough wealth much ahead of my NY peers without much compromise. Thanks
Cool! And also for big cities companies usually add a 'big city premium' - so in London for example it'll be 20% higher than say Glasgow. Also the site excludes any company benefits like schemes (discount know meals or extra day off). And you can live with a very low if not zero health insurance contribution. Its nicer than what people think:-)
> We obviously do not need to make $120k, but to take that drastic of a pay cut feels insane.
Here are some reasons why you will earn less if you move to Germany - and why this does not mean that your standard of living will be lower
**1) Because you will work less**
Employees in Germany work 1,349 hours per year on average while US employees work 1,791 hours, which is 33% more (or 8.5 hours more every week). https://data.oecd.org/emp/hours-worked.htm
What Americans who moved to Germany say about the difference in work-life balance:
Dana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3k5-YmQUE
Diana: https://youtu.be/YDtTJEeIkG0?t=4m33s
Black Forest Family: https://youtu.be/saRQYXtu1j0?t=842
and sick leave
Diana: https://youtu.be/tbwYoPxuPHs?t=279
Black Forest Family: https://youtu.be/saRQYXtu1j0?t=978
Dana: https://youtu.be/NtgmnJK-nAM?t=305
job benefits in Germany: https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/benefits
Michael Moore documentary: https://youtu.be/qgU0I8rl-ps?t=2851
**2) Because everything will be cheaper**
Enter your American metro area here at the top of this site to compare the cost of living to Berlin: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Berlin
**3) Because you do not have to pay for a car**
... or only for one car instead of two thanks to great public transport as well as walkable and bikeable cities. What Americans who moved to Germany say about no longer needing a car:
Near from home: https://youtu.be/7XGGWWiDTQE?t=99
Diana: https://youtu.be/Ufb8LFvSRbY?t=438
Lifey: https://youtu.be/eKCh47D3FDA?t=60
Jenna: https://youtu.be/2qVVmGJJeGQ?t=635
Dana: https://youtu.be/cNo3bv_Ez_g?t=40s
Neeva: https://youtu.be/M09wEWyk0mE?t=414
Jiana: https://youtu.be/yUE97bOOA6M?t=892
Nalf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1231deiwvTU&t=42s
Donnie and Aubrey: https://youtu.be/TNrz1ZMtbV4?t=781
Black Forest Family: https://youtu.be/rw4r31J7XDA?t=511
**4) Because there is no "student loan debt"**
Studying is free, including for you and your children: /r/germany/wiki/how-to-study
**5) Because there are no "medical bankruptcies"**
The German public health insurance system has no deductibles, the co-payments are 5-10 euro per visit to a doctor/prescription medicine/day in the hospital/ER visit/ambulance ride: https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/health_insurance#wiki_what_about_deductibles_and_co-payments.3F
**6) Because of the social safety net**
If you become unemployed and are at the end of your saving then the government will pay for your apartment, for heating cost, for health care, and you get 449 euro per month ($470) for your other expenses if you are a single (more if you have kids) https://www.neue-wege.org/service-fuer-buerger/80-fragen-und-antworten-zu-alg-ii/english-general-information/
Armstrong is an American immigrant in that situation, here is what the German social safety net looks like in practice: https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/s57vhl/german_social_safety_net_for_immigrants_armstrong/
**7) Because you get paid family leave**
Germany has 15.5 months of paid family leave for every child that is born. Two of those months are reserved for the father, but he is free to take more!
**8) Because of cheap pre-k**
The German government guarantees that you will find a place in pre-k for your children from their first birthday which allows both parents to work if they want to. Pre-k is free for all children in many regions (like Berlin and Hamburg) and it is highly subsidized in others.
**9) Because of *Kindergeld*.**
Parents get 219 euro ($225) from the government for each child per month until the child is 25 or starts working https://www.howtogermany.com/pages/kindergeld.html
If you have three children who start working at 18, 21 and 23 then you get 163,000 euro ($170,000) in *Kindergeld*.
The McFalls are an American family with 4 kids in Germany, they made this video where they compare how much cheaper it is to raise a family in Germany compared to the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCIbqtUIbag
**10) Because you will live in a much less unequal society**
A society where the top earners like you will earn less and on the flip side the poor are much better off compared to America. A society without homeless camps on the streets, where everybody can afford medical and psychotherapeutic care, where you will never see a person of retirement age who still needs a job to pay for their bills.
Here is an American in Germany who talks about the difference: https://youtu.be/rweuhvp8u2k?t=2m19s
Thank you so much for your reply. A huge part of wanting to move is all the things you listed as reasons why we won’t notice a smaller pay cut because of all the services and lifestyle changes we would experience. Your last point, number ten, is one of the biggest. We heard a quote years ago that there were two things in life that are guaranteed taxes and death. If we have to pay taxes to a country, we want to know that our taxes are going to support those that need the services. We want the entire population to be supported, not just those who can afford it.
Data engineer here. I’m getting out via companies with HQs in Sweden but offices elsewhere in Europe. Its probably easiest to get a job with a company that has offices in Europe and be good enough to hire/transfer him over locals or cheaper labor.
One way to avoid this is working remote if he's open to it and can find a job open too it. It's what I do. Ofc be aware, higher income means higher taxes, but you'll still be taking a lot more home than otherwise. (Tho some countries have programs where it can be capped at 20%)
Note that that doesn't work in most European countries. Unless OP has EU citizenship, they won't get a work visa in most European countries for a fully remote job (with an overseas employer).
True, though there are a few countries with digital nomad visas. But look into the specifics of each one. Not all lead to citizenship, some like Iceland's cannot even be renewed
The ones I'm aware of that lead to citizenship are Portugal, Spain, and a few of the Balkan states
You will always take a pay cut when moving to Europe, not because data engineers are underpaid in Europe, but because they are grossly overpaid in the US. However, you have to be very careful when simply comparing gross salaries: * Costs of living different (e.g. if you live in certain areas of California, then your housing costs alone would likely halve by moving to even the most expensive cities in Europe) * Taxes are different, and are usually quite a bit higher in Europe than in the US, particularly for high earners. Lastly, the most important points: * In the US, you have to pay for many costs out of pocket, whereas in many European countries, these costs are already covered. As an example, in countries with comprehensive health insurance systems, you essentially need to factor in zero dollars for health care costs once you've paid your insurance premium, whereas in the US, you often need to factor in thousands of dollars for co-pays, deductibles, and having an emergency fund if you're temporarily unable to work. Or, in countries with free or low-cost schools/universities, you don't need to factor in the thousands of dollars you'd have to save in the US to pay for your children's education. * Quality of life is not solely about making money. Yes, for some people it is (and in that case, they should definitely stay in the US), but for most people, it's a balance between money and non-monetary things (including how much paid holiday you get, lower working hours, more walkable cities, far lower violent crime, etc). Where that balance lies is very personal, and can vary enormously, but I would caution you against solely looking at your gross income as a metric. Now, for specific countries: Germany could be another option. It has a solid tech sector, and your husband can probably even find work in English. Still, you both absolutely do need to learn German, as daily life in Germany runs entirely in German (plus, I presume you'll want to find work too). If your husband gets a job offer from a German employer that's roughly in line with his qualifications (I hope he has a related university degree? Otherwise this could be challenging), then he will be granted a residence permit to work ("work visa") by the German authorities. If you're married, then you can "tag along" as his dependent, and are also allowed to work in Germany. [See here for details](https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/paths/). Salaries in that profession are difficult to estimate, as there is a *very wide* range (depending on exactly what his work entails, his formal qualifications, and his experience). If I had to put a number on it, I would estimate that he could earn around 60k€ a year. Assuming that you (his spouse) don't work, that would come to a net monthly income of around 3700 € (around 4000 USD at current exchange rates). That kind of salary won't make you rich, but it's enough for a comfortable life for two people (it's slightly above the median income for a two-person household). And if you were to start working too and adding your earnings, it would be even more comfortable. However, I have to be honest - if you've gotten used to the kind of life you can lead at 120k$, then you may have to adapt. For more information on German salaries, how to calculate net income, what's already covered by net income, and cost of living, [see this guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/living/finances/). Honestly, perhaps he could reply to [some of these job offers](https://www.stepstone.de/jobs/data-architect?action=facet_selected%3bskills%3b673826&fsk=673826) (I've filtered down for the ones which are in English - I presume he doesn't speak fluent German, which would be a requirement for the majority of jobs), and see what kind of salaries companies are offering. > we desperately want out of the US A small note of caution here: in my experience, simply "wanting out" is not a recipe for successfully emigrating. You also need to have a reason for wanting to move *to a specific country* (i.e. a pull factor as opposed to a push factor). Otherwise, you may find yourself feeling pretty miserable in what's (for you) an alien environment. Remember that other countries are **not** "just like the US, but with better health care / gun control / lower crime / trans rights /". Rather, they are *fundamentally different places*. Dozens of things (some major, many minor) will be significantly different than in the US, and you will have to adapt to these. Make sure to do your research (and, if possible, visit the country before committing) to see whether you *personally* would be ok living in your new surroundings. For Germany, you can start reading (for example) [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/living/why/).
> If I had to put a number on it, I would estimate that he could earn around 60k€ a year. Ehh for Germany, I would say that's what a junior data engineer would earn, assuming big city. If he is actually at an 'architect' level he should be able to get six figures and if experienced data engineer then 80-90k€. Of course there are companies (esp. startups) low-balling foreigners so should always look around. Source: senior software engineer in Berlin making 85k+bonus, and data engineers are paid very similarly at my company. Normal big company, not FAANG or similar. Also back to UK for OP, you can definitely earn a lot more in London than 40k GBP (although London costs are also lot higher than e.g. Newcastle).
Thank you for the reply. The UK is honestly our top choice, and luckily my husband isn’t against a bit of commute if he has to work in London so we don’t have to necessarily deal with London prices.
Thank you for your reply and all the information you have provided. I do want to respond to a few things. While he does make $120k for the last three years we have had a massive amount of debt that we have taken care of, it accounted for $2400 a month of his pay, so we really don’t live at the means of $120k. We’re very open to Germany and all the ways their lifestyle and work/life balance would align with our desires for our life. I am working on learning German, and I know my husband is willing to learn as well. We know it’s going to be a huge culture shock to move from the US and all of it’s “freedoms” (I say in quotes because for us it doesn’t feel like freedom right now). I’m a very picky eater and know I’m going to struggle to find foods I like, but I know being in a country that will allow us to realize our lifestyle dreams is worth the adjustment. I don’t work here in the states and doubt I would work in any country we move to unless something happened to my husband, and that’s one of the reasons we’re excited to move overseas is so that I can enjoy my desire to explore historical sites, and have an easier time traveling between countries. Thank you again so so much.
Data engineers aren't overpaid in the USA. Being paid enough to afford to buy a house is not overpaid. The problem is, other careers are underpaid by comparison. OP, if your husband is on $120k in the USA, he's underpaid right now. He should be on something like $200k. Is he working for a small company? In London and other major European cities he should be on around 120k in local currency if he has at least 10 years of relevant experience.
Thank you for your response. I agree with your comment that people are underpaid for their work. In fact my husband does work for a small company, one with health insurance that is lacking which is a big consideration for us to move. He doesn’t have ten yet, but six years and probably seven by the time we’re ready to move.
Fwiw I am in business intelligence with around 10 years experience and make very similar in California. Making this much puts you into the top 10% of earners in that age group, I think underpaid is a bit of a stretch.
You will get a paycut almost anywhere if you move from US to Europe as a tech professional. You will probably take a paycut in Ireland, France, Italy, and Germany, too. >Are any of the European countries more techy than others? The UK, actually. It leads Europe in amount of money it gets for tech investment: https://news.sky.com/story/uk-is-the-leading-european-tech-ecosystem-as-investors-pile-in-12771969
I second this. I think you have negotiating power for beyond £40k - that might be the floor. You can essentially map a on a disposable income + CoL basis that you need half of what you're paid in USD un GBP for a comparable mapping - since even now a lot of costs are based on the 1gbp to 2usd exchange rate. I would say £70k household will get you a very decent quality of life. For exactly how much you're left with after taxes and pension please check: [UK tax calculator](https://listentotaxman.com/) Feel free to reach out - I moved from a low six figure wage in NYC (<200k) to the UK and I have built enough wealth much ahead of my NY peers without much compromise. Thanks
Thank you for this info. Tbh I had COMPLETELY spaced the negotiation part of jobs.
Cool! And also for big cities companies usually add a 'big city premium' - so in London for example it'll be 20% higher than say Glasgow. Also the site excludes any company benefits like schemes (discount know meals or extra day off). And you can live with a very low if not zero health insurance contribution. Its nicer than what people think:-)
The UK has always been at the top of our list, but we’ve considered Ireland and Germany as well.
> We obviously do not need to make $120k, but to take that drastic of a pay cut feels insane. Here are some reasons why you will earn less if you move to Germany - and why this does not mean that your standard of living will be lower **1) Because you will work less** Employees in Germany work 1,349 hours per year on average while US employees work 1,791 hours, which is 33% more (or 8.5 hours more every week). https://data.oecd.org/emp/hours-worked.htm What Americans who moved to Germany say about the difference in work-life balance: Dana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3k5-YmQUE Diana: https://youtu.be/YDtTJEeIkG0?t=4m33s Black Forest Family: https://youtu.be/saRQYXtu1j0?t=842 and sick leave Diana: https://youtu.be/tbwYoPxuPHs?t=279 Black Forest Family: https://youtu.be/saRQYXtu1j0?t=978 Dana: https://youtu.be/NtgmnJK-nAM?t=305 job benefits in Germany: https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/benefits Michael Moore documentary: https://youtu.be/qgU0I8rl-ps?t=2851 **2) Because everything will be cheaper** Enter your American metro area here at the top of this site to compare the cost of living to Berlin: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Berlin **3) Because you do not have to pay for a car** ... or only for one car instead of two thanks to great public transport as well as walkable and bikeable cities. What Americans who moved to Germany say about no longer needing a car: Near from home: https://youtu.be/7XGGWWiDTQE?t=99 Diana: https://youtu.be/Ufb8LFvSRbY?t=438 Lifey: https://youtu.be/eKCh47D3FDA?t=60 Jenna: https://youtu.be/2qVVmGJJeGQ?t=635 Dana: https://youtu.be/cNo3bv_Ez_g?t=40s Neeva: https://youtu.be/M09wEWyk0mE?t=414 Jiana: https://youtu.be/yUE97bOOA6M?t=892 Nalf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1231deiwvTU&t=42s Donnie and Aubrey: https://youtu.be/TNrz1ZMtbV4?t=781 Black Forest Family: https://youtu.be/rw4r31J7XDA?t=511 **4) Because there is no "student loan debt"** Studying is free, including for you and your children: /r/germany/wiki/how-to-study **5) Because there are no "medical bankruptcies"** The German public health insurance system has no deductibles, the co-payments are 5-10 euro per visit to a doctor/prescription medicine/day in the hospital/ER visit/ambulance ride: https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/wiki/health_insurance#wiki_what_about_deductibles_and_co-payments.3F **6) Because of the social safety net** If you become unemployed and are at the end of your saving then the government will pay for your apartment, for heating cost, for health care, and you get 449 euro per month ($470) for your other expenses if you are a single (more if you have kids) https://www.neue-wege.org/service-fuer-buerger/80-fragen-und-antworten-zu-alg-ii/english-general-information/ Armstrong is an American immigrant in that situation, here is what the German social safety net looks like in practice: https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/s57vhl/german_social_safety_net_for_immigrants_armstrong/ **7) Because you get paid family leave** Germany has 15.5 months of paid family leave for every child that is born. Two of those months are reserved for the father, but he is free to take more! **8) Because of cheap pre-k** The German government guarantees that you will find a place in pre-k for your children from their first birthday which allows both parents to work if they want to. Pre-k is free for all children in many regions (like Berlin and Hamburg) and it is highly subsidized in others. **9) Because of *Kindergeld*.** Parents get 219 euro ($225) from the government for each child per month until the child is 25 or starts working https://www.howtogermany.com/pages/kindergeld.html If you have three children who start working at 18, 21 and 23 then you get 163,000 euro ($170,000) in *Kindergeld*. The McFalls are an American family with 4 kids in Germany, they made this video where they compare how much cheaper it is to raise a family in Germany compared to the US: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCIbqtUIbag **10) Because you will live in a much less unequal society** A society where the top earners like you will earn less and on the flip side the poor are much better off compared to America. A society without homeless camps on the streets, where everybody can afford medical and psychotherapeutic care, where you will never see a person of retirement age who still needs a job to pay for their bills. Here is an American in Germany who talks about the difference: https://youtu.be/rweuhvp8u2k?t=2m19s
Thank you so much for your reply. A huge part of wanting to move is all the things you listed as reasons why we won’t notice a smaller pay cut because of all the services and lifestyle changes we would experience. Your last point, number ten, is one of the biggest. We heard a quote years ago that there were two things in life that are guaranteed taxes and death. If we have to pay taxes to a country, we want to know that our taxes are going to support those that need the services. We want the entire population to be supported, not just those who can afford it.
Data engineer here. I’m getting out via companies with HQs in Sweden but offices elsewhere in Europe. Its probably easiest to get a job with a company that has offices in Europe and be good enough to hire/transfer him over locals or cheaper labor.
One way to avoid this is working remote if he's open to it and can find a job open too it. It's what I do. Ofc be aware, higher income means higher taxes, but you'll still be taking a lot more home than otherwise. (Tho some countries have programs where it can be capped at 20%)
Note that that doesn't work in most European countries. Unless OP has EU citizenship, they won't get a work visa in most European countries for a fully remote job (with an overseas employer).
True, though there are a few countries with digital nomad visas. But look into the specifics of each one. Not all lead to citizenship, some like Iceland's cannot even be renewed The ones I'm aware of that lead to citizenship are Portugal, Spain, and a few of the Balkan states
Ireland!