It is reasonable to ask when there is a specific, documented financial cost created by the move.

Explain the repayment obligation clearly and ask whether the firm has flexibility through a sign-on payment or another one-time mechanism.

Do not present the request as an entitlement. Many consulting packages are standardized and the answer may be no.

If the firm offers something, understand any clawback conditions on the new payment as well. For more on evaluating one-time compensation alongside the broader package, see the consulting offer comparison guide.

I asked about an unvested bonus and they couldn't match it, but they were not offended.