[ggambetta]

There's plenty of people in Europe that work in Google's European offices. When I left in 2014, Zürich was something like 1500 people, with London and IIRC Paris having similar sizes, and many other smaller ones. That's hardly "so few positions", let alone "almost impossible to get one".

Also, time zone differences (and to a lesser extent communications) were inconvenient, although there were very viable ways to work around them.

[Klockan]

I know, I work there. Most I know don't even bother applying since it is hard to get an interview, they don't see getting into Google as an alternative. All Google would need to Gobble up all talent in Europe is basically to start pestering every developer like they do in Silicon valley, they already pay twice of what 99% of developers are earning so taking everything would be easy for them.

[taway_1212]

Does Google pay more than decents contracts in European big cities (i.e. 120k+ €)?

[jacquesm]

Depending on your skill level: yes.