You can read around [1], but getting a visa in Germany right now takes multiple months, which is probably too much for most companies. [1]https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37566992

Thanks for asking. The reasons for residency are: a) the team has zero resources or experience with the visa application and sponsoring process b) we want someone that can start within a few weeks.

Reason for EU/EFTA: easier sorting out taxation and labor law compliance.

We also assume we will enough candidates meeting this requirement in the first round. Should that be proven to be wrong, we might later loosen the criteria.

I hope this clarifies.