Cross-border Relocation

International Relocations That Support Business Growth

The ability to relocate employees across international borders quickly, compliantly, and efficiently is essential for organizations competing in a global marketplace.

Whether supporting inbound or outbound relocations to or from the United States, international transfers, or long-term workforce mobility initiatives, organizations need experienced relocation management to help reduce administrative burden, improve employee experiences, and maintain compliance throughout the relocation process.

InterLink helps organizations coordinate the many components of a cross-border relocation, including destination services, household goods transportation, temporary living, expense management, supplier coordination, and employee support. Through personalized service, experienced mobility professionals, and GlobalLink® technology, we help organizations deliver a more consistent relocation experience while maintaining visibility and control throughout the process.

What Is a Cross-Border Relocation?

A cross-border relocation occurs when an employee permanently transfers employment from one country to another and relocates themselves and their family to the destination country.

These relocations are often used to support leadership transfers, international recruitment, talent deployment, and strategic business growth. Because employees are relocating across international borders, organizations must coordinate immigration requirements, destination services, housing support, relocation logistics, and employee assistance to ensure a successful transition.

Common Benefits of Cross-border Relocation

InterLink works with organizations to design and manage cross-border relocation programs that support employees and families before departure, during relocation, and after arrival in the destination country. Benefits vary by policy but may include the following services.

Benefits for the Origin Country:

• Pre-decision Travel
• Home Sale Assistance
• House Hunting Trip(s)
• Miscellaneous Expense Allowance
• Household Goods Shipment(s)
• Vehicle Shipment(s)
• Immigration Services
• Tax Consulting and Preparation

• Home Finding Assistance
• Final Move Travel
• Settling-In Assistance
• School Consulting
• Local Registrations and Licenses
• Cost of Living Allowance
• Language Training
• Intercultural Training
• Spouse/Partner Assistance
• Tax Consulting and Preparation

Common Definitions

• Home Country: Also known as the home location, it refers to the country from which the employee is permanently departing (Origin).
• Host Country: Also known as the host location, it refers to the country to which the employee is permanently relocating (Destination).
• Permanent International Relocation: Refers to the permanent move across a border from the home country to the host country. In this process, the employee’s home employment contract ends, and they start a new permanent employment contract in the host country.
• Dependents: In the context of various policies, dependents are family members who live with the employee in their primary residence prior to the relocation. This includes the employee’s spouse, children, stepchildren (if the employee has legal and financial responsibility for them), as well as long-term partners (regardless of their gender). The age limit for dependent children is typically 21, assuming they are physically and mentally capable. However, this age limit does not apply if the dependent is physically or mentally disabled.