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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. #relocation #Lithuania #employee #preassignmentvisit #HR

A relocation for an employee can be both - great professional opportunity and life adventure, especially when it is international assignment to Lithuania. However, ensuring a smooth process requires a great relocation management support. These five tips will help your expat to have sufficient support during the move and will assist them to settle in their new home. 1. First step is to arrange a pre-assignment visit Pre-assignment visit is an important step to ensure that employee gets all relevant information on relocation matters and level of relocation stress is reduced to the minimum. We strongly recommend to arrange one meeting in person, otherwise it is possible to deliver it on phone or video call. Arranging travel to employee’s future home may be helpful for easier adaption. Your expat will have questions about immigration documents, cost of living, travel arrangements, household goods shipping and other relocation details. Pre-assignment visit may save time and money while travel home may be avoided due to good preparation for the assignment. 2. Help your employee providing all necessary support Employees who experienced bad relocation management describes it like managing two jobs at the same time. If his assignment process is not smooth and expat needs to think constantly about his relocation matters as well as his new assignment that is a major reason dissapointment. It is counted that employees spend between 100–200 hours of productive work time organising a relocation and it is up to one month of wasted time. Sometimes if it is not possible to have experienced dedicated help inside the company, you can consider to look for one outside. 3. Support in renting a home in Lithuania Every case of relocation is unique because it depends on expat’s marital situation and needs. You should always take into consideration what is best to you: look for a home yourself, to pay the agency or delegate this task to experienced relocation managers who will explore expat’s needs, arrange meetings with landlords and will be able to review the contract to avoid conflict situations on leaving the home and returning deposit. In practice, landlords in Lithuania ask for first and last month rent, and to let them know at least 30 days before you plan of moving out, so they can return you the deposit. 4. Support employee’s family members on relocation matters Research shows that one of the major reasons of international assignment failure is family members being unable to settle in their new country environment. Partners who are unable to find a job and build their own social life become isolated and unhappy. Moreover, if there are children involved - responsibility is even higher. We recommend to prepare to support family on relocation providing spouse with a job consultations, social life activities recommendations, as well as children with the right school. 5. Provide language and culture training Language training and cultural awareness is critical in ensuring your employees' transition to Lithuania as smooth as possible. The development of language and communication skills may be very helpful in expat’s every day life in Lithuania. In addition, it may positively impact employees’ relocation experience. Most of the expats indicate that being fluent in Lithuanian language is the most valuable skill their employers could provide. Relocation process shall be handled with care and respect, to bring the most value to company and employee. If you need to consult with relocation professionals contact us: Ph.: +37070040040 e-mail: info@relokon.lt #Lithuania #HumanResources #RelocationServices