Relocating With JetBrains: What to Expect

Why JetBrains supports international relocation

At JetBrains, we believe that top talent knows no borders. Exceptional people can come from anywhere, and we are committed to building the best possible team by looking beyond geography.

That’s why we invest in international employee relocation support and help colleagues move across borders to join our global teams.

Last year, over 90 colleagues (plus their families and pets) relocated with the help of JetBrains. Most of whom rated their experience as smooth or very smooth, a testament to the care, adaptability, and commitment of our global team.

Relocating to a new country is both exciting and overwhelming, a moment filled with possibility, questions, and more than a few forms to fill out. We understand that moving your life across borders takes courage, trust, and support. We’re committed to making the experience as smooth as possible for every colleague who chooses to build their next chapter with us.

This guide explains how relocation with JetBrains works, what support we provide, and what international hires can expect during the process.

*Disclaimer: Every relocation journey is unique. The exact process varies depending on the person’s nationality, family situation, and both the departure and destination countries. What follows is a general overview of the JetBrains relocation process, not a strict template.

What relocation support does JetBrains provide?

Starting a new role is already a big step. Doing it while navigating a new country can feel like an even bigger one. That’s why we approach your relocation as a shared journey, not just another task.

Our relocation specialists and HR teams work closely with every newcomer to help remove friction wherever possible. They coordinate the logistics, explain the process, and stay connected long after the move is complete. Our onboarding team steps in next, offering office tours, welcome events, and an onboarding buddy system that helps new colleagues start building community from day one.

As one relocation specialist explained:

“We want people to focus on their new role, not bureaucracy. If we can make someone’s first weeks calmer and easier, that’s already a success.”

The JetBrains relocation process step by step

1. After the offer: getting oriented

Once a candidate accepts an offer, a relocation specialist reaches out to introduce the process, share guides and timelines, and schedule an initial call. We also provide access to the relocation onboarding landing page, which helps newcomers navigate the first steps.

Depending on the destination country and nationality, we typically start with the immigration process:

• Work permit applications
• Visa applications
• Residence permit support
• Document collection and verification
• Translations and apostilles
  

These early phases can take the most time, and patience is often part of the journey.

2. Preparing for the move

As the relocation date approaches, we help coordinate practical logistics based on the relocation package offered in each location.

• Household goods shipment (usually happens one month before relocation)
• Booking temporary accommodation for your first month in your new location
• Booking flight tickets and airport transfers

3. Arrival: bureaucracy, basics, and settling in

The first days after arrival are often about practicalities:

• Registering at the municipality
• Visiting authorities to finalize residence permits
• Opening a bank account
• Signing up for insurance or obtaining local tax IDs
  

This part can be intimidating, especially in a new language, but our specialists guide colleagues through what to expect and how to prepare.

4. Finding a home and starting your new life

Once the essentials are in place, newcomers begin looking for permanent housing, receiving their shipped belongings, and setting up utilities.

For families, this phase can also include searching for daycares or schools.

And through it all, whether the question is:

“How do I exchange my driver’s license?” or
“What does this letter from the municipality mean?”

our team stays available to assist you. 

Who guides you through the process?

Depending on the destination, relocation is coordinated by:

• Local relocation specialists 
• Local HR Team
• External relocation agencies (in countries without a dedicated specialist)
  

In every case, someone remains your main point of contact, making sure you never feel alone in the process.

How long does relocation take?

It varies widely. For most people, the entire journey takes 2–4 months, depending on immigration requirements and the time required to collect documents.

Support you can count on

• A warm welcome from the relocation specialist
• Onboarding events and office tours
• A buddy system for informal support
• Local communities and colleague networks
• Language classes in some locations
• A dedicated Slack channel for all your questions as you settle into a new country
  

Unexpected positives that newcomers often mention

• Feeling more independent than expected
• Discovering how international and helpful local JetBrains teams are
• Realizing how quickly a new place can start to feel like home

Advice for future relocators

If you’re preparing to move for the first time, these insights can help:

1. Set the right expectations
Learn about net salary, cost of living, and the housing market early. Understanding the practical realities makes everything easier.

2. Talk to others who’ve done it
Colleagues who already live in your future country can share honest, everyday insights.

3. Ask questions, lots of them
Relocation specialists are here to help you understand processes, requirements, and local norms.

4. Give yourself emotional space
Relocation is exciting, but also exhausting. It’s normal to need time to adjust.

Why our Relocation team does this work

When you ask our Relocation team what they love most about their roles, the answer is always personal.

“Being able to make an impact in someone’s life and well-being, that’s the most rewarding part. Relocation can be overwhelming at the start. Knowing you helped make it a little easier means everything.”

Final thoughts

Relocating isn’t only about packing boxes. It’s about beginning something new, in a different culture, with new opportunities, rhythms, and communities.

At JetBrains, we’re proud to support employees through every stage of that transition. Our goal is to make relocation with JetBrains feel as manageable, transparent, and human as possible.

Interested in relocating with JetBrains? Explore our open roles, global office locations, and international relocation opportunities to learn more about joining our teams around the world.