How to Negotiate a Developer Salary While Searching for a Job Abroad

Research Salary Trends

The average salary for developers and software engineers varies across the world. For instance, according to Payscale, developers in Switzerland earn $95K. In Germany, the figure is $60K; Norway $64K; and Denmark $72K. In the U.S, the average developer may earn $110K, while Israel and the UK pay $93K and $89K respectively.

With such wide differences, it's important to know the trends for both your home country and host country. Use your research to gauge what you consider to be an acceptable salary range. Without proper research, you may find yourself agreeing to a much lower figure, especially if quoted in a foreign currency.

Factor in Expat Taxes

How does the host country collect taxes? Will the employer pay on your behalf or will you have to file, report, and remit yourself? Will you need some training on cross-border taxation?

Talk to your foreign employer and even engage a local tax expert about how you'll pay your taxes. Negotiate on benefits, deductions, and exclusions.

Negotiate Perks and Benefits

To attract the best talent, many companies offer skilled developers attractive perks and benefits. Apart from a high salary, you can negotiate for:

• Access to the latest software and hardware.
• Professional skills training.
• Financial coaching.
• Medical and life insurance.
• Paid vacations back home.
• Profit sharing.
• Flexibility on work schedules.

Relocation Packages

When negotiating an employment contract to work overseas, discuss your relocation package. This may include allowances to cover transport and some added bonuses. Common relocation perks include:

• Visa application fees.
• Work permit fees.
• An accommodation package.
• Spousal support.
• School fees for kids.
• Estate agent fees.

Discuss Intellectual Property Rights

Employers generally own intellectual property (IP) rights, particularly if the property was created in the course of employment and with company resources. However, don't rely on assumptions of automatic or exclusive ownership. Developers may still question and negotiate IP rights in provisions called “assignment of inventions” or “ownership of discoveries.”

For example, in most countries the developer owns property created other than in the course of employment. Developers can still negotiate a clause requiring enough consideration. This may be a one-time bonus or a grant of restricted stock options for property created in the course of employment.

Make use of any local and international laws that protect your IP rights. Especially for property you may create in your own time and using your own resources.

Discuss an Exit Strategy

What happens if in nine months the overseas developer job isn't working out? Will the company cover your return home costs? Can you apply for similar positions in your host country, or will they revoke your work permit?

Even if you work through the full term of your contract, you may dream of one day settling back in your home country. Discuss with your new employer what provisions they could make if you want to return home.

Observe Cross-Cultural Nuances

Working abroad might involve adopting new cultures and learning different social norms. The workplace may be different from what you're used to at home, and corporate culture could vary greatly. You may need to tune in to some cultural sensitivity to start discussions around money, even if you have negotiations skills training. Consider:

• What are the company protocol and country norms on salary negotiation?
• Who should you talk to?
• Will you need representation?
• Will you need a translator or agent?
• Do you need a union rep present for the salary negotiation meeting?

Ensure Agreement is Enforceable

International employment contracts can be a foggy minefield to navigate through. When negotiating your employment contract, some questions to ask include:

• Can the contract be in English or is it only enforceable when written in the local language?
• Are electronically signed documents enforceable in the host country?
• If the contract is in a language foreign to you, can you have a side-by-side translation?
• What are the employer's obligations? For example, UAE laws require employers to provide health insurance and housing to all foreign workers.
• How enforceable are the laws relating to sick days? What about vacation days and probationary periods?
• What are the termination requirements when the employer fires a developer? Is there compensation for lack of prior notice?

Final Word

There is a high demand for skilled developers globally. If you're searching for a developer job abroad, ensure you run through the whole employment agreement. Find out whether the contract is enforceable. Get familiar with salary trends, tax issues, and IP rights.

Don't forget to discuss perks and benefits, including a relocation package and training. As an extra safety net, negotiate for an exit strategy for when your contract ends.