A good relocation is just as stepping into the New Year with your right foot. In much the same way, a comprehensive and well-rounded relocation package can be a key differentiator when hiring talent from abroad. It helps your new employee feel welcome from day one, not just in their new
job, but in their new life as well.
So, if you want to help your new team members feel at home, read on.
3 Key Components of a Relocation Package
Relocating employees involves more than just booking flights and making sure their luggage arrives at the right destination. It often includes assisting with finding accommodation, handling visa applications, applying for a BSN (Citizen Service Number) and even opening a new bank account. Because of this, it's important to keep the following three key aspects in mind when planning a relocation:
Housing Assistance
Finding housing in the Netherlands, especially in cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, can be difficult, especially for expats unfamiliar with the local rental market. Therefore, offering comprehensive housing assistance is a crucial part of any relocation package. To ensure expectations are clear, it's important to have a well-defined strategy. Here are some questions to consider:
- Does the package cover temporary housing for the first few weeks so that your employee has time to find a long-term rental? If so, how many weeks?
- Do you help with housing searches and lease negotiations, possibly working with real estate agents?
- Is the candidate's salary in line with the cost of living in the new location, especially in terms of housing and basic expenses?
Make sure your approach is clearly defined in the relocation package. Effective communication is essential to align expectations, avoid misunderstandings and ensure a smooth relocation process. This is especially important given the large role contact flexibility and income play.
Immigration support
Visa and immigration support is perhaps the most important-and non-negotiable-part of any relocation package. Navigating bureaucratic processes can be overwhelming, especially for those moving to a new country with unfamiliar laws and requirements. If not handled properly, it can lead to delays, unnecessary stress for employees and even a delayed start date. To avoid these issues, pay attention to the following key points:
- Work visas and residence permits: For non-EU employees, obtaining the appropriate work visa and residence permit is a priority. Employers should cover the cost of these applications and provide support with paperwork and procedures. Extra attention is required to ensure that everything is submitted correctly and on time.
- 30% ruling: One of the main advantages of working in the Netherlands for international employees is the 30% ruling (now 27%), which offers significant tax benefits. Employees eligible for this arrangement pay less tax, leaving more of their salary available for living expenses. This can be a very attractive benefit, especially if your relocation package offers support in applying for this tax exemption. Please note that only employers can apply for the 30% ruling, by submitting the application to the Dutch tax authorities on the employee's behalf.
- Immigration for family members: If an employee is moving with their family, providing support with the immigration process is crucial to show your commitment to their well-being. This includes assistance in applying for dependent visas and ensuring that all family members can legally reside in the new country, such as the Netherlands. An important aspect here is the paperwork, such as legalizing and translating documents such as birth and marriage certificates. This process can be time-consuming and stressful for employees, requiring attention to detail. Providing clear, early guidance on document requirements-such as certified translations and legalization-helps employees accomplish this task and makes relocation smoother.
3. Language and cultural integration
While many people in the Netherlands speak excellent English, integrating into a new country involves more than just language. Offering support in adapting to Dutch culture and improving language skills can be an invaluable and thoughtful way to help your international employees feel welcomed. For example, providing a quick guide or video series on the essentials of Dutch daily life can help your employee settle in more easily and feel "at home." Additionally, teaching unwritten cultural codes is equally important—after all, you’ll want to ensure your expat is prepared for things like broodje kaas (cheese sandwiches) or directness, which is highly valued as a form of communication in the Netherlands.
What Now?
At YourExpats, we specialize in the most critical aspects of relocation. We understand that HR departments need to focus on their core responsibilities, which is why we take on the complexities of settling your new team member-from streamlining the visa application process to handling all legal requirements. Providing clear guidance and ensuring that your employee and their family have the necessary documentation to live and
work, is essential for a smooth and successful relocation, all at the best cost-benefit price.
Ready to discover how our platform can assist your team and international hires? Schedule a call!
