Learning The Difference Between Basic & Advanced Relocation Packages

Relocating to a foreign country is always a cost-intensive process, so, before you start looking for IT jobs abroad and start packing your boxes, it’s beneficial to pay close attention to what your future employer will and won’t offer regarding relocation support.

For international candidates, there is no standard for job relocation assistance, meaning the offers you receive might vary greatly from employer to employer. Some companies hiring employees from overseas can only cover basic expenses, while others can offer potential employees much more advanced relocation services. This is generally dependent on the size and age of the company in question.

Relocate.me is a job board aimed at verifying different relocation packages within the tech industry, which it then categorizes based on whether they are Basic Relocation Packages or Advanced Relocation Packages. 

Basic Relocation Packages

Young startups are not always able to afford a comprehensive set of relocation perks in conjunction with their tech jobs. As a consequence, when you secure a job with a less established company, you are more likely to receive a Basic Relocation Package. Such packages generally cover two types of support during your move:

Visa/Paperwork

• Work Visa sponsorship
• Help in filling out documents
• Support for the tax benefits application process (e.g. 30% ruling)
• Assistance in getting a residence permit

Flight Tickets

• Payment of a one-way air ticket for an employee

OR

• One-way flight coverage for the employee’s whole family

Advanced Relocation Packages

Advanced Relocation Assistance accounts for 80% of the employers listed on Relocate.me, and includes a greater set of perks, including (but not limited to):

On-Site Assistance

• Adaptation tips (how to open a bank account, which bank to choose, insurance, etc.)
• Language courses
• A free plane ticket home (once during the first year of employment)

Housing Support

• Providing temporary lodgings (i.e. reimbursing costs for a short-term stay at a hotel, Airbnb, etc.)
• Free assistance with searching for a home (providing contact with trusted local real-estate agents, a list of well-known property websites, tips for finding an apartment, etc.)
• Payment of a rental deposit (which may be deducted from the potential employee’s salary)
• Coverage of real-estate agent fees

Monetary Compensation/Financial Aid

• A sign-up bonus
• Coverage of moving expenses (e.g. furniture, home appliances, etc.)

These factors, naturally, can vary based on your individual situation. Don’t be afraid to speak up and tell a potential employer about your unique circumstances. By informing your future employer about your specific moving needs, you can help them identify which relocation issues are most important to you and help yourself adapt to your new tech position accordingly.