A relocation package can be worth thousands of euros, and almost everything is negotiable before you sign. After you accept, it is much harder.
What people usually ask for
- Travel: your flight (and your family's) and sometimes a prior visit to look for a home.
- Temporary accommodation: the first weeks or months while you look for a home.
- Moving: shipping your belongings, or a fixed amount for it.
- Relocation bonus: a one-off amount for first costs (deposit, furniture).
- Administrative and tax help: registrations, a bank account and your first tax return in the new country.
- Visa (outside Europe): fees, lawyer and visas for your family.
- Language course.
What to check before you accept
- Repayment clause: many companies ask for the package back if you leave within 12 or 24 months. Read the conditions and whether the amount decreases over time.
- Tax: the bonus and some benefits can be taxed. Ask whether amounts are gross or net.
- Probation: what happens to the package and the visa if the contract ends during probation.
- Salary: compare take-home pay and living costs in the simulator, not only the gross figure.
- Everything in writing: the package should be in the offer or the contract.