Increasingly, companies are hiring developers from overseas as the worldwide hiring market is overheated. For developers, this means a broader market for employers and more attractive jobs.
This article contains tips on what to consider when negotiating an RFP with a foreign company.
Salary plug
The average salary for developers and software engineers varies around the world. For example, according to PayScale, developers in Switzerland make $ 95,000. In Germany, this figure is $ 60 thousand, in Norway - $ 64 thousand, in Denmark - $ 72 thousand. In the United States, a developer earns an average of $ 110 thousand per year, in Israel and Great Britain - $ 93 thousand and $ 89 thousand, respectively. You can read more about developer salaries in Europe here .
With such differences, it is important to know the level of salaries.both for your home country and for the country you plan to move to. To begin with, you should conduct an independent research and determine what salary range is acceptable for you personally. This will save you from accepting an offer with a much lower salary, especially if it is in foreign currency.
Tax issue when moving
How much money will be left on hand after taxes? How is taxes collected? Will the employer pay on your behalf or will you have to file returns and transfer money yourself?
Talk to a foreign employer or even ask a local tax expert for advice. Negotiate benefits, deductions and exceptions ashore.
"Buns" and bonuses
To attract the most talented employees, many companies offer all kinds of bonuses, benefits, compensation and corporate discounts. In addition to a high salary, you can negotiate:
- The so-called sign-on bonus
- Access to the latest software and hardware
- Payment for professional trainings and conferences
- Health insurance
- Paid home leave
- % of profit or% of company shares
- Flexible hours
- Opportunities to work from home N number of days per week / month
- Reimbursement of travel expenses from home to work and back
And this is not a complete list.
Relocation package
When discussing an offer, be sure to discuss a relocation package. Tell your employer what kind of moving assistance you need the most. This will help the company determine the optimal relocation package that will make your move more comfortable.
In addition to covering transportation costs (flight costs), a relocation package may include, for example:
- Payment of visa fees
- Work permit fee
- Free temporary housing or reimbursement of temporary housing costs
- Help in finding permanent housing
- Help with moving your spouse
- Making a security deposit / collateral when renting a home
- Payment for the services of a realtor
Discussion of intellectual property rights
Typically, employers own intellectual property (IP) rights, especially if the property was created in the course of employment and using company resources. However, do not make false assumptions and rely only on automatic or exclusive ownership. Developers can discuss IP rights in such contract clauses as “assignment of inventions” or “ownership of discoveries”.
For example, in most countries, developers own property created outside of business hours. For property created during labor hours, a one-time premium or shareholding can be negotiated.
Study local and international laws that protect your IP rights. Especially for properties that you can create after hours and using your own resources.
Exit strategy
What happens if, after nine months of work, the project closes or, for example, you do not meet the employer's expectations? Will the company cover the costs of returning home? Will it be possible to apply for similar positions in the host country, or will the work permit be revoked?
Even if you work through the entire term of your contract, you may one day want to return to your home country. Discuss with your new employer what steps they will take if you want to return home.
Cultural differences
Working abroad often involves the adoption of new cultures and new social norms. The workplace and corporate culture may differ from what you are used to. Even if you already have experience negotiating wages, consider the following questions:
- What are the rules for negotiating wages in the company and in the country itself?
- Who from the company will you talk to?
- Do you need a representative from your side?
- Do you need a translator or agent?
Make sure the contract is valid
When concluding an employment contract, specify:
- Can the contract be written in English or is it only enforceable if it is written in the local language?
- Can documents signed electronically be valid in the host country?
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Now more than ever, there is a high demand for experienced developers. If you are looking for a job abroad , make sure you fully understand the terms of the contract. Find out if the contract is enforceable. Check out the salary fork, tax issues, and intellectual property rights.
Don't forget to discuss bonuses and compensation, including a relocation package and professional training. As an added safety net, discuss your exit strategy when your contract ends.