UBS Relocation Package

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hi Folks ,

As part of my relocation package , UBS has arranged a relocation agency to help me find a temporary accommodation for 1 month , but are offering no support for finding a permanent accommodation . i.e. things like :

list of suitable properties visit to selected properties lease negotiations hand-over report registering with utility services (such as electricity, water, telephone, internet)

is this generally not included in the UBS relocation package ?

Thanks ,

2
Maybe you should ask UBS what is usually included in the UBS package, however.... we moved with similar large institution and they offered to arrange temp accom and a cash sum to cover other costs in lieu of specific services.

I don't know why, probably easier for them to hand over cash, and good for us to choose what services we used/paid for out of the cash sum. We managed to negotiate the rental market ourselves using internet sources (incl this forum) but if you want to use an agent I've seen reccomendations for ones to use/avoid on here too.

3
Be aware with using relocation agents. When I first came to Switzerland, my previous employer arranged one for me as well. However, I quickly came to the conclusion that I could do their work myself, as all they had to offer were apartments listed on Homegate, newspapers, etc. Nevertheless they were paid a few thousands for not even a month work. A good relocation agent has access to apartments that are not (instantly) available to the public.

Furthermore, you might have to pay the costs back when leaving UBS within an x amount of time, so use them wisely.

4
They probably dont value you that much (dont blame them after the banking crisis), so get over it and try to make most of what you are getting.

Life in Switzerland isint that bad, apart from neighbour issues and SVP posters but the trains do run on time. When the life here starts getting unbearable, you will always have this forum to vent out with like minded individuals.

On the positive note, you will get to attend the EF drinks events!

5
While my relocation agent couldn't find any properties that I couldn't find myself, they were invaluable in setting up appointments, taking us around for viewings, preparing our application (and buttering up the landlord a little bit to accept our offer as the 'best' candidates), getting utilities etc set up, and performing the handover with us when we took the keys.

If you don't speak the local language, having a relocation agent working on your behalf can open a lot of doors, metaphorically speaking. Landlords also take people with representation more seriously than individuals -- perhaps reflecting the fact that relocation services are typically offered to more senior recruits.

6
Sure, there are good ones out there that offer good value for money, hence I only told TS to be aware, and didn't mention the name of the agent I had to use.

7
with the job situation the way it is here, I'm surprised they are giving any relocation packages at all.

8
No idea what the average relocation offering is at the moment but I would expect help in finding permanent accomodation - given that it's almost a full time job to find something. You should push them very hard on this.

Also, push them on the length of stay in your temp accommodation. It's possible to find something in 1 month but it's not that easy.

9
UBS does not offer everyone the same package. I just don't know why you need an agency for temp housing as most of the companies offering temporary accommodation have staff who speak English, even websites in English! It's one of the few things I rarely help with so I can save clients' money for the things they cannot do themselves because they don't speak German. The things you have listed are the important ones, in my opinion.

10
Yes, it can be hit and miss. In my case it was definitely worth it - my appartment was listed on Homegate, but had no pictures or description... and yet it's great! Had it not been for the relocation agent, I wouldn't have even bothered to reply.

Most of my colleagues, though, ended up getting apartments they could have found on Homegate themselves. Of course, many didn't speak German at all, but the landlord (or current tenant who was showing the house) only spoke German...

It's also a matter of time. If you have plenty, you can do it yourself. If you're starting work right after you arrive, a relocation agent can be a blessing.

Yes, this is usually the case (also the same for sign-up bonus, etc).

11
Wow! UBS are still offering relocation packages? Impressive!

You could always ask Mrs. Doolittle to help you find something permanent.

The commute from Baden to Zurich is 15 minutes on the fast train or 25 on the "slow" which stops at every station. Many people do this because of the very high rents in Zurich, and as a lifestyle choice.

The commute within the city by tram to the office, is often as long, if not longer(!) Depending on where you live, relative to where you work.

There is no real need for a car, even living this far out of the "big smoke".

Lots of choices.

12
I think there may be some confusion as to what a "relocation agent" does. They don't have secret stashes of housing waiting for all those expats to come and fill them. They look for apartments for you in the same places that you do. They sometimes (the longer they have worked in the city, high turn over job) find out about apartments that just come on the market by the fact that the busier ones talk to the agencies on a daily basis.

The relocation agent helps you to deal with contact, making appointments, fill out the papers, dealing with the agency, telling you what your obligations are & what their obligation are, helps you gather the correct paperwork before hand, interpreting, in some cases translations, etc, etc. They aren't magic and can't make your profile better than it is. They can't make you acceptable to a land lord when you are not.

This assistance can be invaluable especially if you don't have time to do it yourself and/or if you don't speak the languages. I would suggest you reject any agent that doesn't speak the local language. Yes. I've seen it!

There is nothing wrong with helping them help you by sending ad of places that you like. I mean, the relocation agent can't guess what you like. S/he needs your input.

But I will concede that it can be utterly useless if you find yourself with an someone who is not good at their job. This is the case in every profession. Having had a bad experience myself with our move down here to BA, I'd suggest if you can't work with the agent. Ask for someone else. I really wish I had done that.

Anyway, I'd ask for at least 3 months temp housing (ie. they pay for the temp housing not just help you find temp housing).

13
Are you coming in as an officer or non-officer?

14
This is such an unhelpful, unnecessary comment.

Very true, it can take a long time to find somewhere and process the paperwork even with an agent helping. Plus your relocation package is a negotiation as much as salary and T&C's are. Of course whoever is pushing for this move more (you or your employer) has less power in the negotiation but in my experience the banks usually start with a lower offer and top it up with cash or services when you push them... good luck.