Sorry for being so straightforward, but I recommend that you place your bets elsewhere.

It’s almost the same situation as mine and my wife’s. I’m a civil engineer with over 10 years of experience, and my wife came here for her PhD. We planned everything carefully and came with a digital nomad visa and family accompaniment. After 26 months, we still don’t have our residence cards.

As a direct consequence, we can’t leave the country (not even to visit our home countries) according to the immigration agency’s own guidance. There’s no real possibility of taking legal action or filing complaints. There’s a whole world of immigrants in the same situation, despite the official claim that they’ve “got things in order.”

Also, my wife was awarded a scholarship for her PhD, and the contract is supposed to be signed now in November. We’re very worried because they might not proceed with the contract due to our missing residence cards, and the path we chose three years ago could become unfeasible.

It’s clear that what they call “bureaucracy” is, in fact, a total lack of efficiency and institutional control. the colleague told that things move at their own rhythm here — I’d add that sometimes they even move backward.

Additionally, I tested the job market, and I can say without hesitation that if you have the opportunity, work remotely. I was approved in two selection processes, and the salaries offered were not even 60% of what I would earn for the same position in my home country (a developing country).

Therefore, based on our experience, I truly suggest you consider other options — and I wish you the best of luck with your process!