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(Relocation) Will MBB allow you to live and commute internationally to your “home” office temporarily?

I’m considering a move to a European hub country as part of my MBB applications, currently living in UK (non-consulting background). Keen to know how much flexibility firms offer in terms of your country of residence being different from your “home office”. For example, if I were to remain living in the UK, and stayed in the home office country during the week. Is this ever supported either temporarily while you get your bearings of where to live, or do some people even do this permanently? 

 

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Florian
Coach
on Nov 27, 2024
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Personally, I have not heard of anyone who was doing this. 

I knew a few people who lived in a different city than their home office, but in the same country.

I guess it depends on factors like tax treatment of your income and tax treatment of business travel for the company. From what I remember, one issue is that some countries would not see this as business travel (since your travel starts and ends in a different country than where you are employed), hence not a deductible business expense.

I am sure there are many local differences as well -> It's best to discuss these admin things directly with recruiters.

All the best,

Florian

Alessa
Coach
on Nov 27, 2024
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey!

MBB firms generally expect consultants to live within a reasonable commuting distance of their "home" office, especially in Europe, where collaboration and face-to-face interactions are highly valued. However, there is some flexibility. Temporary commuting from another country is often supported during a transition period, particularly if you are relocating for the role and need time to settle. Permanent international commuting is less common but may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis, especially for unique personal circumstances or senior roles. I had colleagues at McKinsey and BCG who commuted internationally temporarily while relocating, so it is worth discussing with HR during the application process to understand specific policies.

BR, Alessa :)

Dennis
Coach
on Nov 27, 2024
Roland Berger|Project Manager and Recruiter|7+ years of consulting experience in USA and Europe

Hi there,

this might be a temporary setup at best in order to get settled in. Living in the UK but working in other European countries will have tax and working permit implications since the UK is no longer part of the EU. There will also be additional travel expenses getting you to and from your workplace that need to be sorted out.

I had a co-worker once who had a setup like this. A resulting factor was that this person regularly had to leave the UK on Sunday afternoons for travel since the Monday morning flight wouldn't get them to the project location in time. So overall, it was not a very rewarding experience.

You should assume that you need to live at least in the same country as the office that is formally your "home office".

Best

Ashwin
Coach
on Nov 28, 2024
Bain Senior Manager , Deloitte Director| Free 45 mins Strategy Session | 200+ MBB Offers | INSEAD

I’ve observed a few MBB principals and partners granted this flexibility after many years with the firm. For example, one Bain partner i know is based in MBB Saudi Arabia offices, working in KSA during the week and commuting to his home country in Europe, despite being affiliated with Bain ME offices.

However, such arrangements are rare and typically not extended to entry-level consultants.

Thanks Ashwin

Alberto
Coach
on Nov 30, 2024
Ex-McKinsey Partner | Most experienced coach (15 years exp, +2.000 real interviews) | 95% success rate

This is a unique case, and it’s best to discuss it directly with your recruiting contact. You can openly address topics like this—they shouldn’t affect your application process.

However, due to tax considerations, there’s a chance you may receive a “no.”

Best,

Alberto

Thabang
Coach
on Jan 28, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant | McKinsey Top Coach & Interviewer | Special Offer: Buy 1 Session Get 1 Free (Limited time!)

Hey there,

Even within the same firms, this discretion can vary by region and different times.  Whilst it generally is not ideal nor recommended to live in a different country, I've seen it approved for consultants ranging from Business Analyst to Sr. Partners based on the individual case-by-case reasons. 

Have a chat with recruiting about this to understand that consulting firms position and discretion on this - but be ready to offer ideas of how to make it feasible and why it is necessary / important for you to do it. 

All the best

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