8 Years in Germany, Trial Run in India – Why We Moved Back
Swapnil spent 8 years in Germany working in automotive industry near Munich. He did trial runs in India in 2023 and 2024, and moved to Bangalore in 2025 before his daughter started first grade. Learn about non-IT career opportunities and the importance of trial runs.
8 Years in Germany, Trial Run in India – Why We Moved Back
Swapnil spent 8 years in Germany working in the automotive industry near Munich. He did trial runs in India in 2023 and 2024, and moved to Bangalore in 2025 before his daughter started first grade. Learn about non-IT career opportunities and the importance of trial runs.
Key Highlights from Swapnil's Journey
- Worked in India first, traveled to Germany/France for projects 3-6 months/year
- Relocated to Germany (Augsburg, near Munich) after 3 years of travel
- Got married just before moving to Germany
- Did intensive German language course (120-180 days, 1 hour daily) - recommends B1 minimum
- Trial run 2023: 3 months in India (parental leave + work assignment)
- Trial run 2024: Another 3 months to reconfirm decision
- Timeline: Daughter had to start first grade in India (June 2025)
- Job search took 1+ year - found opportunity through networking in March 2025
The Trial Run Approach: "We stayed for 3 months in 2023, we stayed for 3 months in 2024. After the first 3 months in 2023, we already decided - it makes sense to move here. We gave it a lot of time, did the assessment, put everything on a pros and cons list."
📚 Background: From India to Germany
Swapnil was working in India with projects mainly in Germany and France. He traveled 3-6 months per year for long projects. After 3 years of this arrangement, both he and his company agreed it would be more efficient to relocate.
Why Germany Over France?
- Already familiar with the country and people
- Had colleagues and friends at workplace
- Project footprint was better suited for Germany
- Personal preference based on prior experience
He got married just 1-2 months before moving to Germany. From a professional standpoint, he knew what to expect, but personal life was a totally new experience.
🇩🇪 Life in Germany
German Language Importance
Language Reality
- Work: Can manage with English in MNCs with multicultural colleagues
- Private life: German essential - doctor visits, kindergarten, kids' appointments
- Integration: With language skills, you're more welcomed
- Recommendation: Minimum B1 level for stays over 6 months to 1 year
- Exception: Big cities like Berlin - can manage with English
Swapnil did intensive German courses (120-180 days, 1 hour daily) after realizing its importance 1-2 years into his stay.
🤔 The Decision to Return
In 2023, Swapnil came to India for 3 months - a combination of parental leave and work assignment. This became his trial run.
What Changed His Perspective
- India had changed: "Life looks totally different from what it was 8 years ago - mega dynamic"
- Social life: Priority for him and his wife
- Family: Wanted to be closer to aging parents
- Flexibility: Wanted "little chaos" and freedom from structured life
The Timeline Driver
Daughter's Schooling
"The timeline was linked to my daughter's schooling. She had finished kindergarten this year. It would be better that she starts first grade directly in India - not to bring any difficulties or inconvenience for her later in the curriculum."
Germany school year: August-September. India school year: June-July.
💼 Finding a Job from Germany
The job search took more than one year. Swapnil wanted to return to Bangalore (his hometown) but automotive jobs there are limited compared to Pune or Chennai.
Challenges
- Recruiters don't fully trust candidates abroad
- Automotive jobs in Bangalore are limited
- Wanted lead/tech center role, not backend work
- Salary expectations + job quality both mattered
What Worked
- Networking: old colleagues, engineering friends, LinkedIn
- Increased intensity in 2025 with clear timeline
- Had backup plan: internal transfer to Pune if Bangalore didn't work by end of 2025
The successful opportunity came through networking in March 2025. He moved in July 2025.
💰 German Pension Rules
Important Distinction
| Duration in Germany | Pension Rule |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 years | Can get contributions back after moving |
| More than 5 years | Cannot get back now - receive at retirement age (58-60+) |
Advice: Keep all contracts and agreement documents safe - you don't know what will happen in 30+ years.
🇮🇳 Life in India
Adjustments
- Daughter: Had couple weeks of inconvenience, missed kindergarten friends, but adapted fast
- Traffic: "Overhyped" - manageable with music/podcasts; choose housing near workplace/school
- Work-life balance: Concern before moving, but found it depends on company choice
💡 Advice for NRIs in Germany
Key Recommendations
- Do trial runs: Spend 2-3 months in India before deciding
- Make proper assessment: Pros and cons list with family
- Network aggressively: Reach out to old colleagues, friends, LinkedIn
- Have right expectations: India is different - adapt to it
- Deregister properly: Follow Germany's bureaucratic checklist carefully
- Inform your bank: Before deregistering, or account may get locked
- Don't leave dues: Clear everything to avoid penalties on your record
Planning Your Return from Germany?
Swapnil's story shows the value of trial runs and proper planning. Whether you're in automotive or any other industry, connecting with others who've made the move helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
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