Corporate Relocation to Amsterdam

[Incogneto]

Has anyone here ever gone through a corporate relocation? I need some advice....

I am currently in negotiations to place me in Amsterdam for a 2 year period - leaving the west coast of Canada behind. This is basically a promotion, and moving to Europe is something I have always wanted to do. So my GF and I are off in a few month to give this a whirl.

I guess I feel a little nervous right now as I have never done this, and I want to make sure my company isn't short-changing me.
Should they be paying for my GF's flights?
How many times should I ask that they fly me home per year? Should my GF be included in this?
Should my wage be tied to living expense in Amsterdam?
Should they pay for the storage of my stuff while I am in NL?

What is right to ask for? what is wrong to ask for?

T.I.A

[TurnedTheCorner]

Are hookers and blow 'living expenses' in Amsterdam?

If your work isn't a rotational assignment, but a permanent placement, I'm afraid I have nno experience or anecdotes to share with you. Sorry. Good luck!

[-TC-]

Should they be paying for my GF's flights? - common - law, yes
How many times should I ask that they fly me home per year? Should my GF be included in this? once, yes
Should my wage be tied to living expense in Amsterdam? definitely
Should they pay for the storage of my stuff while I am in NL? hmmmm, I say try but I wouldn't count on it

What is right to ask for? what is wrong to ask for?

[JD]

I think things like this depend on the place you're going a little bit, too.

My company has been trying to get some of us Canadians to relocate to Abu Dhabi for about a year now, thus far unsuccessfully. So I've been looking into this a little bit too.

It seems that most expats here in the UAE get some sort of housing allowance, which is enough to pay for a decent-sized flat in the city that can fit your family. But on that side of it, in a Muslim country, what defines your "family" is different. For instance, you would need to make your girlfriend your wife to be able to bring her. I digress... Obviously, housing in the UAE is quite expensive so companies are almost forced to offer something to that end to make the offers attractive. I would guess that Amsterdam isn't cheap either.

Flights home... they seem to be offering 3 times a year. To me, that was too little and a big part of the reason I have been declining. But that's probably a good place to start when asking.

Paying for the settling of assets at home (storage of things, mortgage payments, etc)... my company has offered no such thing. In their minds, you have relocated and therefore they have no obligation to what you leave behind, especially when they essentially pay your living costs in your host country. This may depend on whether your contract is explicit in that this is a temporary arrangement.

Gf's flights... if they're sponsoring your gf's visa, she is part of your package, so yes, I'd be requesting they pay for those in that case. Again, not sure what the rules are in the Netherlands re: visas. In the UAE, the company would have to sponsor a "family visa" which would cover you, your wife, your kids.

To that end, most companies in the UAE would also offer a schooling allowance to pay for your kids' schooling. However, that's mostly due to the fact that private schooling is the only option here.

Anyway, like I say, there may be nothing in common here, but just for comparison sake....

[Street Pharmacist]

I'm Dutch! Holland is fun and everyone under the age of 70 speaks english

[Red Slinger]

Having just gone through a move to Australia from Calgary I went through a similar process. However, I'm married with 3 kids AND it's wasn't a relocation but rather a new company I went to work for. So, with that in mind:

Should they be paying for my GF's flights?
If you live together now and are in a stable, long-term relationship then yes.

How many times should I ask that they fly me home per year? Should my GF be included in this?
You should ask for 1 flight a year for both of you.

Should my wage be tied to living expense in Amsterdam?
This one's a little trickier. Your wage should factor in the cost of living in Amsterdam versus your current location. However, don't expect it to fluctuate with the Dutch currency or anything like that. You will likely be able to renegotiate your wage annually based on cost of living increases in addition to regular pay raises.

Should they pay for the storage of my stuff while I am in NL?
Probably not. You may have to sell some stuff. Are they willing to move any of your stuff with you? Have they discussed your allowances for air freight and sea freight? Any electronics you have now will essentially be useless in NL. And some of them may even be obsolete when/if you move back in 2 years.

What is right to ask for? what is wrong to ask for?
You should be asking for them to provide some sort of relocation assistance/advisor to help you out, especially when it comes to housing and other major expenses. Ultimately, it won't hurt to ask for anything as long as you're not a jerk about it. Some things they may agree to and others they won't.

You may also want to inquire if your company has living away from home allowances and if you'll be eligible for it.

I strongly suggest that you soak up as much information as possible before making the move. Ex-pat forums are great sources of information where you can ask very specific questions from people that are just like you.

Good luck.

[Incogneto]

Thanks for the answers guys! this is VERY helpful. Basically, I am going to have to find somewhere cheap to store our stuff, and ask for as much help and flights as possible.

[JD]

Originally Posted by fotze

Geez JD, shocking no one has taken your company up on that offer.

I know my old company, it was quite lucrative to go to sketchier places. I think you got generous living allowances, pay for everything to move you, automatic 25% bump in salary, income tax leveling, 3ish first class flights for all in the family, and of you flew coach you got a big chunk of the difference.

Haha.. well let's just say my company hasn't gotten desperate enough to make those kinds of concessions. The biggest obstacle for them is that we all work 5 week on, 5 week off rotations. That's a sweet gig. They're offering no additional benefit to moving here (ie, bump in salary), so unless you've fallen in love with the country (or someone in it), there's no real benefit to making that move.

That said, most of us have developed a love-hate relationship with Abu Dhabi. Some things are different than Canada and better, some things are different but worse. Surprisingly, many things are pretty much the same. So in a way, it's nice to come here and get away from Canada. And then it's nice to go home and get away from Abu Dhabi.

[Young-Sneezy]

i dont really have anything significant to add to this thread other than the following:

1. Amsterdam (aside from partying) is an unreal place, with what I found to be very friendly people
2. promotion and travel/living experience is something you will likely never have an opportunity to do again, so enjoy it.
3. be stoked.

[FlamesAddiction]

I think it also depends on whether they were very active in trying to get you to take the position, or whether you were the one actively pursuing it. If it was a position that desperately needed to be filled and you were the best person for it, then I think they owe you a little more than they would if they had other options but you really pushed for it.

It sounds like a great opportunity though. Even if you have to sacrifice a little bit, I'm sure the experience will come with it's own reward. I once had to chance to work in Denmark and I turned it down because of money and I regret it.

[LChoy]

Congrats on the upcoming move

I spent a year working in the Netherlands (Cultural exchange) and had the time of my life there.
Although I can't answer any questions related to employment issues, but I can give a few tips on living and working in the Netherlands.

You're lucky to be moving to Amsterdam first of all. It's a modern city with a touristy side, and a "regular city" side that most tourist don't see. I was based in a super small town in the Northern part of the country and close to the German border.

The Dutch are nice people, but they keep to themselves mostly. They also tend to be quite blunt. English is commonly understood there, especially in Amsterdam. The train and transit system makes it very easy to travel around the city, and to other parts of the country.
I suggest taking a Dutch language course while you are there. I found it easy to pick up (esp if you have a little bit of French skills).
Culinarily, the Dutch aren't really known for their cuisine. Cheese is really good there though, as well as trying some of their late night fast food out of a vending window. I still eat my fries with mayo to this day from my time in the Netherlands
Do see the number of museums around the city including the Anne Frank Memorial. Take advantage to do some travelling on the weekend to other countries. This is cheaper if you can get to Germany before flying out as the German airlines are much cheaper to travel abroad.
Lastly, Canadians are held in high regard in that country. Although the sentiment is waning, the Dutch never forgot that Canada libertated their country in WW2.

There are many things I can probably advise, but it'll fill up the thread. Just msg me or pm me if you have questions about Amsterdam/the Netherlands

[Incogneto]

Originally Posted by Lchoy

Congrats on the upcoming move

I spent a year working in the Netherlands (Cultural exchange) and had the time of my life there.
Although I can't answer any questions related to employment issues, but I can give a few tips on living and working in the Netherlands.

You're lucky to be moving to Amsterdam first of all. It's a modern city with a touristy side, and a "regular city" side that most tourist don't see. I was based in a super small town in the Northern part of the country and close to the German border.

The Dutch are nice people, but they keep to themselves mostly. They also tend to be quite blunt. English is commonly understood there, especially in Amsterdam. The train and transit system makes it very easy to travel around the city, and to other parts of the country.
I suggest taking a Dutch language course while you are there. I found it easy to pick up (esp if you have a little bit of French skills).
Culinarily, the Dutch aren't really known for their cuisine. Cheese is really good there though, as well as trying some of their late night fast food out of a vending window. I still eat my fries with mayo to this day from my time in the Netherlands
Do see the number of museums around the city including the Anne Frank Memorial. Take advantage to do some travelling on the weekend to other countries. This is cheaper if you can get to Germany before flying out as the German airlines are much cheaper to travel abroad.
Lastly, Canadians are held in high regard in that country. Although the sentiment is waning, the Dutch never forgot that Canada libertated their country in WW2.

There are many things I can probably advise, but it'll fill up the thread. Just msg me or pm me if you have questions about Amsterdam/the Netherlands

I wish I could give you multiple 'thanks' for this comment. Since this started gettng 'real' in the last week or so, I have been getting more and more nervous about this. I have always wanted to live in Europe for an extended time, and have never been to Amsterdam. I know I only hear good things about it, so this is awesome!

I will be PM'ing you in the future, if that is cool.

Thanks man!

[trumpethead]

I assume you will be asking for NHL Centre Ice as part of your package?

[troutman]

Bringing a GF to Amsterdam is like bringing ___________ to _________.

[Incogneto]

Originally Posted by trumpethead

I assume you will be asking for NHL Centre Ice as part of your package?

its optional. NFL Sunday Ticket is MANDATORY!

[longsuffering]

I've worked and lived overseas, so have some experience with this.

I've answered your questions as best I could.

Originally Posted by InCoGnEtO

Has anyone here ever gone through a corporate relocation? I need some advice....

I am currently in negotiations to place me in Amsterdam for a 2 year period - leaving the west coast of Canada behind. This is basically a promotion, and moving to Europe is something I have always wanted to do. So my GF and I are off in a few month to give this a whirl.

I guess I feel a little nervous right now as I have never done this, and I want to make sure my company isn't short-changing me.
Should they be paying for my GF's flights? YES
How many times should I ask that they fly me home per year? I've often seen companies pay 1 annual trip home and 2 or more short term R&Rs in Europe.
Should my GF be included in this?YES
Should my wage be tied to living expense in Amsterdam? YES
Should they pay for the storage of my stuff while I am in NL? YES

What is right to ask for? what is wrong to ask for?

T.I.A

Health insurance would be the other big one.

Amsterdam is an incredible city - even without it's obvious attractions. I'm envious. It's been a dream of my wife and I to live/work there.

G/L!

[Locke]

Originally Posted by troutman

Bringing a GF to Amsterdam is like bringing ___________ to _________.

Cocaine to Mexico.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Locke

Cocaine to Mexico.

Sand to a beach.

[photon]

I'm jealous, always wanted to do something like this!

Hopefully they'll do something for you for the cost of living differential (if there is one, I assume you've done your research on what the costs are there). The few times I've either been offered a move (to the US bleh) or known people who have been offered a move, the company didn't do ANYTHING for cost of living differential, and the move would have left the people making far less in the end due to higher costs of living.

And then the companies are surprised when no one takes them up on it lol.

[Bill Bumface]

Knives to Edmonton