3 Steps Before Your Employee Arrives to Lithuania
Preparation time for international assignment is often underestimated, resulting in delay of work permits, lack of documents and additional stress.
Once employee is ready for relocation to a new country, there are some specifics to consider. First, and most importantly, consider if employee is moving alone or with family, because documents have to be prepared for all family members. Secondly, there are special steps to follow and country specifics to know, such as immigration process, housing options and schooling.
Here are the main steps to consider before the assignment date:
STEP 1: OBTAIN REQUIRED LEGAL DOCUMENTS FOR RESIDENCY AND WORK PERMITS, VISA
It is very important to clear all administrative formalities like immigration documents, residency permits and work permits. Make sure your employee knows what documents he needs to have in Lithuania and how these documents have to be prepared. It is vital to prepare documents in advance, 2-3 months before move abroad to avoid multiple run in and out to collect all necessary and well prepared documents.
STEP 2: PRE-ASSIGNMENT VISIT
Before your employee moves to Lithuania and preferably one month in advance, it is very helpful to set up a pre-assignment visit. Assignee will probably want to scout the terrain beforehand. It is useful to get used to a new city. Besides, it will be possible to set realistic expectations of the rental options and prices, introduce to real estate market, schooling and other services. You may also decide to delegate organising of pre-assignment visit to experienced relocation professionals.
STEP 3: CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING
Preferably before arrival, cultural awareness training can give excellent hints, tips and insights, which might be helpful for next steps of assignment. Such include and not limited to cultural, political, business environment, social life, places of interest, country specifics.
Of course it is up to corporate relocation policy and management to make the right choice how to handle relocation process, however preparing in advance and approaching local relocation experts will make it much faster and smoother by minimising stress to both: employee and employer.
