frequently asked questions

For HRs:

Q: Why would we use relocation services for our expat employees?

A: The person transferred is, as a rule, a highly valued individual within the organization and it is important that their time and resources are used fully for the benefit of the organization. A Relocation Service is much more than just finding a suitable house. In fact, house hunting is the easiest part to off-load to professionals. Far more important is the help given to the family of the employee to make the transition as easy and as pleasant as possible. This involves introduction into the society, advice on social activities, instruction on shopping etc.; in other words, all those things that a mature adult is supposed to have learned, but which can become a major hurdle when the individual is abruptly transferred to an alien culture and language. In this situation it is valuable for the organization that the employee’s time is not spent on issues not directly linked to the job, such as finding a house to live in, sorting out red tape, and pacifying a frustrated spouse, for instance. And this is where the relocation services will give you your money’s worth.

Q: We’ve always done our own relocation services. Why would we want to outsource the services?

A: Relocation Service is a full-time job for several weeks per employee, as it involves things such as house viewing, school/daycare visits, visits to registration and other authorities etc. It follows that this function cannot be handled properly just on the side. Nor is the required knowledge necessarily there. On the other hand, it is not an efficient use of resources to have an in-house professional relocation expert, if there are only a few transferees per year, as is mostly the case. With a Relocation Service Company you will get efficient, knowledgeable quality service that will ultimately cut your company’s costs as well as give you happier and better adapted employees.

Q: Do we have to decide on a standard package for all our relocating employees in order to do business with you?

A: Of course not. We tailor a full service and unique package for each employee according to their needs and expectations. Each transferee has different needs and perceptions of their new assignment post, so they should be treated accordingly. That is why we have the ReloTracker, which is our relocation management programme, to assist us and you in receiving as accurate information from each transferee as possible in order to give them the help and service they need.

Q: What kind of additional costs do we have to expect which are not listed in your offer?

A: Our offer prices include all our costs. On top of that you will have government fees, like work permits and registration fees, as well as the compulsory home insurance policy and any real estate agency fees or deposit payments (which will be refunded at the end of the lease agreement providing that the flat is returned in the same condition it was leased in).

Q: What is the difference between a Relocation Consultant and a Rental Agent or Estate Agent?

A: The relocation consultant has an extensive background in working with non-nationals and newcomers to the locality, and is focused on meeting the overall needs of his/her client – housing, utilities, schools, settling in to community, lifestyle needs etc. – and not just those pertaining to the choice of living accommodation. While all professionals working in the area of real estate are in a position to provide valuable information to newcomers to Ireland, it is important to remember that the relocation consultant is the only one engaged by the client (or their employer) to understand and represent their interests first and foremost, where the primary responsibility of the rental agent or estate agent is to the landlord or owner who has engaged them to rent or sell their property.

For transferees:

Q: What kind of bureaucracy will I be facing when moving to Finland? Is getting the necessary permits difficult?

A: Of course there are forms to fill and several offices to visit to get your immigration issues taken care of but you don’t have to worry. We will guide you through the whole process and make sure that everything runs smoothly and that you visit the authorities in the right order.

Q: What kind of documents do we need to take with us when coming to Finland as a family with children?

A: You should all have your passport (or EU identity card) with you, as well as marriage and birth certificates appropriately authorized (Apostille stamp is a requirement of the local register office). It would also be good to take with you your children’s immunization records as well as their latest school reports.

Q: What about the schooling possibilities for children who don’t speak Finnish?

A: There are several alternatives, international as well as language specific schools to choose from. We will help and guide you through the different possibilities to find the most suitable one for your child and you.

Q: How can I get to understand the Finnish language and culture better?

A: We have a qualified in-house language teacher and cultural trainer who will be more than happy to help with these issues. Ask for an offer!