How to relocate for a job safely in COVID-19 times

Do your research

The most important thing you need to know when relocating during COVID-19 times is how to get to your new destination safely. This includes finding out whether the country or region is accepting new arrivals, if there are any quarantine requirements that will affect you and which safety measures you will need to abide by. Not being familiar with local rules not only risks you and your family’s safety – it could result in a fine.

During COVID-19 times, it is important to know which safety measures are being implemented in your destination. Your Europe, Eurodesk and the European Commission’s Travel during the coronavirus pandemic provide valuable advice on travel and national contact tracing applications. Re-open EU is another useful online tool providing up-to-date information on the different conditions and restrictions in place across Europe. The interactive website informs you of any current entry restrictions along with the latest local guidance on travel, safety measures and potential health risks.

Talk to your employer about available support

If you need guidance with any legal or administrative aspects of your move, you can also contact your local EURES Adviser, who will be happy to provide you with personalised support. Asking your employer important questions before your relocation will help you to know what support you can expect as you get settled in. During COVID-19 times, you may not be able to visit your workplace or face difficulties travelling to work. Ask your employer what would happen in these circumstances. Find out whether you would be provided with the right equipment at home if you are unable to make it into the office due to the pandemic, what the company’s working from home and flexible working policies are and what measures it has put in place in response to the pandemic.

Look for companies with safe practices

Businesses around the world have changed the way they operate due to the pandemic. While some have shut completely, others have altered their working hours and introduced new rules and regulations. If you are using a moving company to support with your relocation, you will need to check that it is using safe procedures, such as contactless moving and personal protective equipment.

Stay up-to-date right until your move

An ongoing characteristic of COVID-19 times is a lot of change. This can make it difficult to know what to expect during travel. The best way to avoid unwanted surprises during your relocation is to actively stay informed. We recommend checking travel websites such as Re-open EU regularly as they are constantly being updated with the latest guidance from each country. Another way to stay updated is to follow your destination’s national news closely by switching on notifications from news applications on your smartphone. This will enable you to view the latest headlines, including changes to local guidance, as soon as they are announced and to plan your move accordingly.

For more advice on planning your travel in these uncertain times, see our Five things to consider when travelling during COVID-19 times.

Related links:

Re-open EU

Your Europe

Eurodesk

Travel during the coronavirus pandemic

Five things to consider when travelling during COVID-19 times

Read more:

European Job Days

Drop’pin@EURES

Find EURES Advisers

Living and working conditions in EURES countries

EURES Jobs Database

EURES services for employers

EURES Events Calendar