Relocation package
 

Hey guys

I realise that this has probably been done to death but I literally don't know where to start. I've just been offered a job in San Francisco which means moving myself, husband and 2 small children over there from Manchester.

I was just wondering firstly, what is a good relocation package? Is there such a thing and what do I need to be including in my negotiations. The house we live in at the moment is rented and my husband doesn't have a job to go to.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Re: Relocation package
 

Some of it will depend on what kind of organization and your level of seniority, also is it a company transfer or a new employer?

Re: Relocation package
 

It's for a large global company. It's a completely new firm but the same industry. Thank you!

Re: Relocation package
 

Re: Relocation package
 

That seems to stress the repatriation side, worth thinking about but more common to ask for flights out, shipping of household goods, maybe initial accommodation.

This thread has a few points and there should be some others if you use the search feature:

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...cation+package

Re: Relocation package
 

Since it is a new company then (assuming that you are not a US citizen) you will most likely be looking at getting an H1B visa which mean that your husband (assuming that he is not a US citizen) would get an H4 visa which will not allow him to work in the US. There isn't really anything that you can do about that (unless he can qualify for an employment based visa in his own right) but it is something that you need to be aware of when contemplating whether or not to accept the offer and make the move.

Re: Relocation package
 

I'd look for them to pay for accountants to do your taxes and give financial and pensions advice for a few years.

They should cover all costs of moving, give you a per diae and pay for 6 months accommodation.

Maybe school for your kids.

Make sure you understand the health insurance issues and what the company plan will cover and how much it will cost you.

Re: Relocation package
 

This is what we get;
Housing allowance
Some utilities
Relocation company
Serviced apartment for first few months
All shipping costs
Some air freight
Schooling if additional costs to uk
Car hire for first month
Tax professional
Food was paid while in serviced apartment
Cost of living allowance
Start up allowance to buy some stuff
Obviously health/dental cover for all family members
Flight allowance per year
Realtor
Pre-move trip (including flights, hotel stay, meals etc)

Think that's about it.

Re: Relocation package
 

It's all in there though, as a starting point.

Definitely want to ask for as much as possible and be happy to get the main points. All of which would depend on your seniority etc, etc.

Definitely get greencard in writing, tax for first/last year.

Shipping and/or replacement costs for electrics, loss of money on resale perhaps on large ticket items like the car if it's new.

Start up costs to cover utility deposits, white goods, temp stuff before container arrives such as either furniture rental or a furbished apartment.

The repatriation stuff is important though because it makes you much more expensive to shit can as opposed to the person sitting next to you. A real bonus would include them paying out any loss of rental deposit or if you buy within x period of time moving to the US that they cover the 6% realtor selling fee.

Re: Relocation package
 

Sure, if they're mad keen to have you. But otherwise you're going to price yourself out of the job offer.

Re: Relocation package
 

The OP has been offered and it's a new thing, so why not go for it.

If they say no, that's that, but they're not going to pull a offer if they've already got you down as the one they want.

It's must different if you were the one approaching them for a job.

One thing that is also worth asking for is UK holiday allowance, especially if it's a transfer. No point moving to a new country if you don't get any time to enjoy exploring the place.

Re: Relocation package
 

You're on an expat deal though I presume with your salary still being paid in the UK?

I was permanently relocated and got the following:
Cash lump sum for setup costs
CPA (tax professional) for 3 years
Flight allowance for 3 years
Accomodation for 6 months (actually they paid for 9 but my contract said 6)
Hire car for 6 months (renegotiated after arriving to have a company car for 3 years)
Medical paid
UK holiday allowance
Shipping costs paid

Re: Relocation package
 

It sounds like it's a new place - it would be useful to know if there's anything on the table at this point.

Re: Relocation package
 

Opps, sorry. Didn't see the bit about it being a new company!

Re: Relocation package
 

There was a lump sum payment of 1.5 times gross monthly salary for incidental costs, as well as a payment for loss on sale of cars for 2 cars @ $3,000 per car.

I am still paid in the UK, so retain UK holidays etc.