Relocation allowances

[Cath.C]

If people don't mind the question, does anyone know, or have personal experience with, what a typical relocation allowance from a larger Australian company is for people with sponsored Visas?  I know we'll find out soon enough what we are being offered, but I'm browsing shipping expenses at the moment, and impatient.

Thanks

[Marisawright]

It just comes down to seniority (more senior staff will get more) and what you can negotiate.  Once upon a time, companies would pay for your air fares and shipping, plus a few weeks in a hotel or executive rental when you arrive.  That's getting less and less common.

These days, you may even find there's nothing on offer.  This is why we warn people against a 482 visa, because it's such a huge cost to move a family to Australia and back again at the end of the contract.  If you have a family, make sure you get a 186, OR make sure you negotiate a good deal for the move there AND back.

Edited December 21, 2021 by Marisawright

[Quoll]

Consider education expenses if you have kids.  Some states charge for the privilege of being a temporary resident in their schools. NSW for example is around $6k pa per child.  ACT can (and it is convoluted) be up to $12k pa depending on age of child. Will education also be included in your package - and also watch out for the superannuation, is it included in your package or added on, that can make a big difference too.

If you are only coming temporarily, you may not want to bring all that much anyway and can get away with a lot less than if you were coming permanently - things like Move Cubes were great for us with only a moderate amount to bring.

[Cath.C]

It's an 858 Visa, so length just depends on how much we like it there, or rather, how much my wife likes her job, since that is rather her priority.  I like the northern Atlantic weather myself, so I think western Australia will be a challenge.   Export allowance will be beyond negotiation probably.  

[ali]

I know that some employees don't offer anything and some will cover flights.  You may find that there is a clause to pay back any relocation if you leave prior to the visa ending

[Eera]

We used to offer a flat rate $10k for senior professional staff; and that was expense reimbursement, not handing over the cash .  It's been a few years since we took on anyone international so I don't know what the current go is - we allow $2k for interstate relocation though. 

 

Edited December 22, 2021 by Eera

[Ausvisitor]

The company I used to work for offered this for most employees:

• Economy one-way flight for all family (booked by the company within 2 days of your preferred travel date to limit costs)
• 2 weeks in a cheap serviced apartment while you found your own accomodation
• $10k in relocation expenses - claimed back - so either excess baggage, shipping receipt or knew furntiure bought in AUS - but as soemone else said it was claimed back not cash handed over

For more senior hires, think department heads and above it was more generous

• Business class flights on day/flight you wanted
• One return Economy flight in the first year for family to visit home country (in fact it could be anywhere so a cheap holiday in year one)
• 2 months in serviced accomodation
• $25k in relocation expenses (rules as above)
• $15k "hello" bonus paid with first salary

All these (except the airfare) where repayable if you left within the first 9 months, and in the case of the relocation expenses these were repayable for 18 months. Unless it was the company telling you to leave. 

[Cath.C]

Ok, thanks, so 10k Australian doesn't buy a whole lotta pounds or euros, but it's something.  I doubt it will be 25K, but hopefully enough for a cargo container and a couple of flights. 

18 months repayable seems really short, I'm used to 3 or 5  years commitment or relocation expenses must be paid back.  

[Cath.C]

Oh my gosh, my initial estimate for relocation, including flights, is now up to 32K $AUS. Bringing 2 mammalian pets sure adds to the cost.
Now to see if they consider that a reasonable budget.

[Marisawright]

Yes animals generally cost more than humans

[Tychen]

When we moved a couple of years ago (mid level position in large City firm), it was one way economy flight for the family, two weeks' serviced apartment accommodation on arrival, packing + freight + storage + unpacking (can't remember the exact volume of freight, but it was more than enough to move clothes and immediate living needs by air and the rest of a family home by sea), plus $5,000 allowance for other expenses. We used the cash to 'top-up' the flight to business class and extend the accommodation a little.

They offered a different package for people with no kids, with less freight but more allowance. Maybe half the freight volume but $10,000 in allowance?