10 Top Tips for Relocating

Looking to relocate overseas? Here’s our list of 10 things to do before you make your move!

1. Make sure you and your family are happy to relocate to the country of your choice.

Do your research, find out as much as you can by looking at ex-pat websites, and speak to friends or colleagues who may currently or previously have lived there. Get the facts! The good and the bad.

2. Visit the country you are planning on relocating to!

This is a big move and we strongly recommend a visit, even if you have to fund the trip yourself.

3. Tax laws and treaties.

Check the implications of any surrounding tax laws/treaties between your home country and the country you are relocating to. Some countries have double taxation policies in place. You could be worse off financially if you don’t do your homework before hand!

4. Do you have children?

Will they need schooling? Make sure you are happy with the level of education and availability of school places in the country you are relocating to. Our consultants can point you in the right direction and in most cases, provide ‘real time’ updates of the schooling situation in the country of your choice. Also, think about additional cost – uniforms, school books and school transportation if any. These hidden costs are not always covered, even if your overseas employer is providing a school fee contribution.

5. Be very clear on exactly what your overseas employer will offer as part of your relocation package.

What level of assistance will they provide and how much will you have to do on your own? Do they provide permanent/temporary housing? Will they offer full/part contribution to school fees? Will they provide medical cover for you and your family? These are all valid questions to have and you will want to know exactly what you need to do and what they will do for you to ensure everything is covered.

6. Does the salary package offered allow you to maintain the lifestyle you are expecting?

Cost of living is the single most important factor when moving abroad.

7. What are the local employment laws and do they apply to you as a local or international hire?

Employment laws can be very different from what you may be used to in your home country. Things like contract length, probation periods and contract termination and extensions can be quite vague, especially if relocating to a developing country where employment laws are not as structured and clear as you are currently used to.

8. Consider upfront costs.

Although most employers will provide initial relocation assistance which can cover some of the financial elements. You have to assess how much money or savings you will need for any associated costs for housing, shipping of personal belongs and day-to-day costs until you get your first salary in your new role. A lot of candidates fall short in this area due to bad planning and a lack of research into this.

9. Go first, bring family second.

We believe that especially for a family move you need to lay the foundations before your family join you. Give yourself at least 3-6 months to get settled into your new role and surroundings before family join you. If you become a ‘local’ before they relocate you can help them settle quicker. The first 3-6 months can be very stressful, do not rush the move and pile more pressure on yourself, especially if this is a long-term move.

10. Shutting up shop.

All too often when candidates relocate all attention is focused on the country they are moving to. What about the commitments, assets, and family you are leaving behind? If you have a house, what will you do with it? Do you have financial commitments at home that will continue even when you move aboard? Have you thought about how this will impact you overseas salary? Make sure all is in order back home. You do not need the added stress of sorting out issues at home whilst you are settling into your new life overseas.

How can Cavendish help?       

Our consultants will be happy to assist you with the planning and preparation of your new life abroad, from advice on paperwork to the best places to visit in your new home. For more information, or to speak to one of our consultants, call us on 020 3008 5212.