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Relocation Packages in Tech

Moving to a foreign country is always a cost-intensive process, so pay close attention to what your future employer will and will not offer in terms of relocation support. There is no standard for job relocation assistance, which means the benefits that are included in a relocation package vary from company to company.

Basic relocation packages

Let’s start with the basic options that exist, which are more popular for small tech companies and newly launched startups. This package typically includes 2 types of support for your move:

  1. Flight ticket(s)
    The company pays for a one-way ticket for the employee. Some companies also take on the ticket cost for the employee’s family.
  2. Visa sponsorship/paperwork
    Moving to a new country often requires quite a lot of paperwork, especially as it relates to working outside of your home country. The company can provide visa sponsorship, help with filling out the required paperwork, etc.

Advanced relocation packages

Larger companies are often able to afford a more comprehensive set of relocation perks. In some cases, these perks are reserved for higher-level IT professionals. This option often comprises:

  1. Visa sponsorship/paperwork
  2. Flight ticket(s)
  3. Housing support, which can include:
    • Useful information on how to find apartments.
    • Covering the cost of real estate agent fees.
    • Reimbursement for the cost of short term rental until permanent housing is found.
    • Payment of a rental deposit, which may later be deducted from your salary.
  4. On-site assistance
    Some companies offer on-site assistance to ensure employees make a smooth transition into their new environment. This can include:
    • Language courses, when the employee relocates to a country where another language is spoken.
    • Adaptation advice on things such as insurance needs, opening a bank account, etc.
    • A free plane ticket to the employee’s home country after completing one year of employment.
  5. Other monetary compensation or financial aid
    The actual amount of this perk differs according to the company’s budget, and the needs of the employee. These needs usually need to be discussed beforehand. Such support is usually enough to cover the cost of moving expenses, such as furniture costs and the like. Some companies also provide a signing bonus.

Note: If a potential employer doesn’t openly advertise relocation assistance as a benefit in their job listings, you should not hesitate to ask for it!

You can read more about relocation packages here.

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