Negotiating Your Relocation Package: Get the Best Deal for Your Move to Germany

 

 

Moving to Germany? Let’s Make It Stress-Free!

 

Thinking about relocating to Germany for work? It’s a big step, but don’t let the logistics overwhelm you. Moving abroad isn’t just about booking a flight—it involves visas, insurance, housing, and setting up your life in a new country. The good news? Many employers offer relocation packages, and we’re here to help you get the best deal possible!

 

What is a Relocation Package?

 

A relocation package is financial and logistical support from your employer to cover moving costs. Some companies offer a lump sum, while others provide full-service assistance, ensuring you transition smoothly into life in Germany.

At a minimum, a good relocation package should include: 

✅ Visa & work permit support (essential to even start your new job legally!)
✅ Health insurance guidance (mandatory in Germany)
✅ Temporary housing or a rental assistance service
✅ Help registering your address (Anmeldung – prerequisite for setting up everything else!)

A great package also includes: 

🚀 Language courses (to help you integrate faster)
🚀 Assistance finding a permanent home
🚀 Family support (school enrollment, partner job assistance)
🚀 Tax and social security setup guidance

 

 

Why Employers Provide Relocation Packages

 

Germany is a talent hotspot, and companies need international professionals like you! But moving can be complex, so employers often help ease the transition. The smoother your move, the quicker you can focus on what matters—your new job.

Employers also benefit from providing a comprehensive relocation package. When international hires receive support with bureaucratic processes like visa applications, insurance, and address registration, they can concentrate fully on their job. In a country like Germany, where paperwork can be overwhelming, having expert assistance ensures a faster, stress-free transition—leading to higher employee satisfaction and productivity from day one.

 

 

How to Prepare for Negotiation

 

Step 1: Research Standard Packages

 

Check what’s common in your industry. Tech, finance, and engineering firms often have generous relocation benefits because they hire internationally.

 

Step 2: List Your Needs

Moving to Germany? Here’s a list of expenses you will likely face: 

📦 Shipping your belongings:
This depends on how much you want to bring or buy in Germany after your arrival. Prices vary depending on your location and preferneces.

✈️ Flights:
Depending on where you travel from and how far in advance you can book your tickets, prices for the travel costs will also vary.

🏡 Rent:
When you find permanent housing, expect to pay the first month’s rent plus a security deposit (typically 3 month’s rent) and utility costs (water, internet, etc.). Then of course the housing prices will widely vary based on where in Germany you are planning on living and how much space you need for family members, pets, etc.

🛂 Legal fees:
Fees for your visa application, registration, residence permit application and similar things can range between 500 and 2000 Euros, depending on your country of origin and the requirements in your field.

💡 Health insurance:
Check for possible requirements for your visa application and journey, once you start your job you can expect between €150 – €400 for health care per month (depending on private or public)

 

 

Step 3: Get Your Numbers Ready

It is essential for employees to understand these expenses clearly and know who will cover or contribute to them, as this helps reduce the financial strain of an international relocation.

Total up your expected costs so you can clearly communicate what support you need. The total will depend on your country of origin as well as the part of Germany you’re moving to.

 

 

How to Ask for More

 

Timing is everything. Bring up relocation early in the hiring process—ideally before signing your contract.

It shows that you:

• you know your worth
• take responsibility and intiative
• are aware of and willing to accept challenges
• thinking through the technicalities and looking for practical solutions
• taking the opportunity seriously
• are capable of clear and open communication

 

Here’s a simple way to phrase it:
👉 “I’m really excited about this opportunity! To ensure a smooth transition, I’d love to discuss relocation support. Based on my research, moving to Germany will require a lot of bureaucratic and organisational steps. Would the company be open to supporting the process?”

If they hesitate, suggest alternatives like a lump-sum payment or covering specific services (like visa fees or housing assistance).

You can remind them that it’s also very important to get all the paperwork right within the planned timeline. Otherwise there can be significant delays because of bureaucratic complications or legal consequences. These can cause more costs, stress and troubles than working with professional help from the start. 

 

 

After the Negotiation: Next Steps

 

Once you’ve agreed on a package, get it in writing. This avoids any confusion later on. A simple email summarizing the details should do the trick.

And if the package isn’t enough? Don’t panic. You can explore additional funding options or even negotiate a salary adjustment to compensate.

 

 

Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back!

 

At HereLocation, we handle every step of your move, from visa and work permit to apartment hunting. We take care of the paperwork, so you can focus on what really matters—starting your new job with confidence.

Our services include:
📌 visa & work permit processing
📌 Health insurance setup
📌 Temporary & permanent housing assistance
📌 Bureaucratic support & settling in (address registration, tax ID, banking setup)
📌 Family & partner support
📌 Cultural integration & language courses

📩 Contact us today and let’s make your move to Germany stress-free! You can find more information about our Germany-wide service here.