Hello,
I am currently based in a US office and trying to understand how relocation / mobility packages work at MBB. What does the package usually include besides immigration expenses?
For example: flights, temporary housing, cost-of-living adjustments, family support, etc.?
I know this varies by firm and case, but any practical examples or first hand experiences would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!
Great question — this comes up a lot with MBB.
If you’re currently based in the U.S. and receive an offer to join an MBB office abroad, the mobility package is usually fairly standardized and focused on one-time relocation support rather than ongoing cost-of-living adjustments. While details vary by firm and destination, it typically includes:
Family support tends to be very country- and office-dependent. For example, in some Middle East offices it’s common to see:
Other regions may offer more limited or no additional family benefits beyond immigration support.
One important distinction: this is not usually a classic “expat package” with ongoing cost-of-living adjustments or housing subsidies. At MBB, you’re generally paid the local salary for the destination office, and once you’ve relocated, ongoing living costs are your responsibility. That’s why moves to certain regions (e.g., the Middle East with no income tax) can still be very attractive financially despite the lack of formal COLA.
Overall, think of it as: strong upfront relocation support + local comp thereafter, rather than long-term expat-style benefits.
Hope that helps — and happy to share more if you’re looking at a specific region.
Hi,
A friend of mine received one-way flight economy ticket and 1 month of hotel stay.
Best to reach out to the office that you are transferring to - especially if its a different system as they might have different policies even within the same firm.
I'd think the first question is WHY your firm need you to do relo / mobility
Then it's YOU are the right fit for that spot
Lastly is what is enough to convince you to relo - maybe you already want to, and they need not offer much; maybe that office is so short on staff and will offer a bonanza package
Hi there,
Mobility packages at MBB vary by firm, level, and destination, but they usually include more than just immigration support. Most international relocations cover visa and legal costs, flights for you (and often dependents), temporary housing on arrival, and moving or shipping expenses. There is often a relocation allowance to cover setup costs like deposits, transportation, and utilities.
Depending on the office and region, packages may also include cost of living or location adjustments, housing search support, and in some cases rent subsidies. For moves with families, support can extend to spousal job assistance, school or childcare guidance, and settling in services. Additional benefits such as per diems, language training, or return flights can apply in certain regions.
The exact package depends heavily on seniority, business need, and destination, so details are usually confirmed once a transfer or offer is formalized.
Best,
Evelina
They differ from office to office, so it's virtually impossible to answer you.
In Germany, for instance, you could choose to buy a car, rent a car, buy a bike, etc. You had lots and lots of options. I know other offices in Europe offered nothing.
Once you have the offer, they'll let you know. And since it's not a negotiable clause but a take it or leave, then it doesn't matter much at this point.
Best,
Cristain
Hi there,
Depending on the case, they typically cover your flight, initial 2 weeks - 1 month accommodation while you seek more permanent accommodation, and moving (with a max. weight or piece).
Hey there
It really depends on the office and your situation. Usually it covers flights, temporary housing, and sometimes family support or cost-of-living adjustments, but specifics vary. Best is to check directly with colleagues or the recruiter in the office you’re moving to.
Best, Alessa
This is a great question. Mobility packages are notoriously complex and often feel like a black box, primarily because they are customized based on the firm's strategic needs, not just a standard policy menu.
For internal US transfers at the Consultant/Associate level, the package aims to make the move cost-neutral to you, meaning you shouldn't be out of pocket for the actual physical relocation. You can reliably expect the following: full coverage of professional movers, reimbursement for flights to scout the new city, temporary housing (typically 30–60 days in a firm-approved extended stay), and a small lump-sum stipend to cover immediate incidentals (like setting up utilities or new furniture). This is standard across the board.
The elements you mentioned—Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and complex family support—are generally rare for voluntary US domestic moves. COLA is usually reserved for mandatory international transfers where there are significant tax implications or currency fluctuations. If you are moving from a low-cost city to a high-cost city (e.g., Dallas to San Francisco), the firm assumes your new local salary band and bonus structure already compensate for the difference. The one exception is if the firm requires you to move for a specific senior leadership role or urgent internal need; in those cases, the firm's negotiating leverage means you get far more generous terms.
Your best next step is to initiate a confidential conversation with the firm’s Mobility or HR specialist dedicated to your current practice area. Ask for the "Standard Domestic Relocation Policy for Voluntary Transfer" and specifically query what elements are fixed and what elements (like the temporary housing duration or the lump sum) are flexible.
All the best!
