What is relocation assistance?

Relocating for a new job can be thrilling, but it’s also a process filled with logistical hurdles — ‌from packing up your life to settling into a new city or even a new country. 

Enter relocation assistance: a lifeline for employees embarking on a move for work. But what exactly is relocation assistance, and how can you make the most of it?

In this guide, we’ll explore how relocation assistance works, and provide actionable tips for negotiating the best package. Whether you’re a job seeker weighing an offer or an employer designing relocation solutions, this guide has you covered.

What is relocation assistance?

Relocation assistance is a benefit offered by employers to help employees cover the costs and logistics of moving for work-related reasons. This support can be offered to new hires, employees transferring to a different office or location, or employees taking on a role that requires them to relocate.

Relocation assistance benefits employees by easing the financial and logistical burden of a move while helping employers attract and retain top talent. With more companies hiring remote and international workers, relocation support is becoming increasingly important in global hiring strategies.

Relocation assistance is designed to make moving for work smoother and less stressful while reducing financial burdens. This can range from covering moving expenses to offering a lump-sum bonus or even handling the logistics of an international relocation.

Relocation assistance commonly includes coverage for moving expenses, travel costs, temporary housing, help with finding a new home, and sometimes a lump sum or reimbursement. Additional support may include spousal job placement, school search for children, and tax assistance.

How does relocation assistance work?

Relocation assistance can vary widely based on the employer, the role, and the employee's needs. Typically, the process works as follows:

Offer and negotiation. The employer specifies what relocation benefits are included, such as coverage for moving costs, temporary housing, or a lump-sum payment. Candidates can negotiate additional support if needed.

Employee accepts. The employee agrees to the relocation package, which may include signing an agreement outlining terms (e.g., repayment if they leave the job within a certain time).

Relocation implementation. The employer arranges and pays for moving services, travel, and housing. Employers may offer additional help, such as finding housing, enrolling children in schools, or offering spousal job placement assistance. Employees work with HR or relocation consultants to coordinate logistics, such as booking movers or securing housing.

Final reimbursement. If the package involves reimbursements, employees submit receipts for approved expenses. Note that employees may need to document expenses if the assistance is reimbursement-based.

For international relocations, additional steps include securing work permits, navigating local regulations, and cultural adjustment support.

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What’s included in a relocation package?

Relocation packages vary depending on the employer’s policies and budget. However, most packages include these key elements:

• Travel expenses: Flights or mileage reimbursement for the employee and their family.

• Temporary housing: Short-term accommodation to ease the transition to a new area.

• Moving services: Professional movers, packing, and shipping of belongings.

• Housing assistance: Help finding and securing a new home, possibly including lease termination support for the old residence.

• Cost-of-living adjustment: Financial support to account for higher living expenses in the new location.

• Visa and immigration support: For international relocations, assistance with legal documentation.

A reasonable relocation package balances the employee’s needs with the employer’s budget, ensuring a smooth transition.

How to ask for and negotiate relocation assistance

Relocation assistance isn’t always automatically offered, so understanding how to request and negotiate a package is important so that you secure the best outcome.

Tips for Asking for Relocation Assistance:

 Research and prepare

• Understand what you need: Research estimated travel and moving costs, temporary housing, and other expenses.

• Research industry standards: Look into typical relocation packages in your field or roe and understand what’s typical for your industry at your level.

• Know what the company offers: Check if the employer has a relocation policy and understand what’s included.

Ask the question early 

Bring up the relocation point while discussing your offer, during the negotiation stage, before accepting the position. Explain that relocation assistance will help ensure a smooth transition and enable you to focus on the role. If they don’t seem open to it, emphasize how relocation assistance will allow you to contribute more effectively from the start. Be specific about your quest using language like, "Will the company provide relocation assistance to support my move?"

You can also highlight any unique challenges and discuss support for pressing concerns, such as:

• Moving expense reimbursement

• Temporary housing

• Travel costs

• Help with selling or finding a home

If the employer hesitates, you could focus on value and frame your request as an investment in a successful start at the company. Alternatively, you could suggest flexible options such as a relocation stipend, partial reimbursement, or access to relocation service providers. If a lump-sum payment is easier for the employer, ask for an amount that reflects your needs.

Get it in writing 

Once agreed, ensure the relocation assistance details are included in your employment offer letter or contract. ​​Getting relocation assistance in writing is important because it ensures clarity, accountability, and protection for both you and your employer. 

​​By being prepared and approaching the discussion professionally, you can secure a relocation package that meets your needs while aligning with the employer's goals.

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What are some common relocation assistance options for employers?

Employers offer various relocation solutions depending on their size, budget, and the role being filled. Here are some common options.

Financial support

• Lump sum payment: A one-time payment to cover moving expenses, used at the employee's discretion.

• Expense reimbursement: Repayment for documented moving-related expenses (e.g., movers, travel costs).

• Relocation bonuses: Additional compensation to offset moving costs.

Moving and logistics services

• Hiring professional moving companies for packing, transport, and unpacking.

• Offering temporary storage solutions for employee belongings if their new home isn't ready.

• Vehicle transportation, such as shipping personal vehicles to the new location.

Travel and temporary housing

• Travel expenses: Covering airfare, mileage, or other travel costs for the move.

• Temporary housing: Providing short-term accommodations until permanent housing is secured.

• House-hunting trips: Paying for trips to the new location to search for housing.

Housing assistance

• Home sale support: Help with selling the current home, including covering realtor fees or a buyout program.

• Lease-breaking fees: Covering penalties for breaking an apartment lease.

• Home-buying assistance: Offering down payment support or covering closing costs.

Family and personal support

• Helping employee’s spouses find employment in the new location.

• Guidance for enrolling children in schools.

• Pet relocation services 

Tax assistance

• Covering tax liabilities for relocation benefits that may be taxable.

• Offering guidance on filing taxes after a move.

Relocation service providers

• Partnering with relocation companies that handle logistics, housing, and settling-in services.

Cultural or language training 

• For international moves, employers may provide training to help employees adapt to the new culture or language.

Employers often customize relocation packages based on the job role, distance of the move, and individual employee needs.

Innovative solutions like Remote’s global relocation services are also gaining traction, offering comprehensive support for international moves.

FAQs about relocation assistance

Q: How much relocation assistance should I ask for? A: The amount depends on the distance of your move, the cost of living in the new location, and your personal needs. Make an estimate of total moving costs and discuss this with your employer before you sign the contract on a job offer.

Q: What’s the difference between a relocation bonus and a stipend? A: A relocation bonus is a one-time payment, often included in the first paycheck, while a stipend is an ongoing allowance for relocation-related expenses.

Q: What does a relocation contract involve? A: Some employers require employees to sign a relocation contract, outlining the terms of the assistance. This may include repayment clauses if the employee leaves the company within a specific timeframe.

Make relocation simple with Remote

Relocation assistance can make it easier for employees to relocate for work. It eases the transition, reduces stress, and ensures that the employee gets a smooth start in a new role. 

By understanding what’s included in your company’s relocation support, learning how to negotiate relocation assistance, and maximizing the benefits available, you can ensure your move is as smooth and rewarding as possible.

​​Remote's relocation services offers comprehensive, personalized support to ensure a seamless transition for employees moving abroad for work. Our services cover all aspects of relocation, including furniture, transportation and setup, pet relocation, housing search, bank account setup, partner support, school search for children, and departure logistics, all tailored to meet individual needs.

Ready to dive deeper? Download Remote’s Relocation Guide to to learn more about international relocation options with Remote. Have questions about the relocation process? Contact our friendly team who will be happy to take you through your options.

Get your Remote Relocation Guide

Learn how Remote can help you navigate international employment and enable a compliant and hassle-free move with our expert immigration and relocation services.

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