Expatriate

What is an expatriate 

An expatriate, commonly shortened to expat, is an individual who lives and works in a country other than their country of citizenship, either temporarily or permanently. Expatriates are typically assigned by their employer to a foreign location, often under an international assignment or global mobility program.

Difference between expatriate and immigrant

Expatriates relocate primarily for work-related reasons and may return to their home country after a fixed period. Immigrants, by contrast, typically move to another country with the intent of long-term or permanent residence. 

Why do companies hire or relocate expatriates?

Businesses deploy expats to:

• Launch or expand operations in a new market
• Transfer internal knowledge or leadership
• Support strategic international growth
• Build cross-border team cohesion
  
  

Legal and HR considerations for expatriates

Managing expatriates involves navigating:

• Immigration and work visa requirements
• Payroll and tax obligations (in both host and home countries)
• Social security and benefits coordination
• Compliance with local labor laws
• Cost-of-living adjustments and relocation support
  
  

How Remote can help 

Remote offers employee relocation services to help companies support talent across borders with confidence. Through relocation assistance, Remote helps you hire expatriates compliantly with: 

• Visa application support and sponsorship
• Local immigration and tax guidance
• Pre-employment checks and remote work compliance
• Automated progress tracking and expert-led support
  
  

Support your employee’s relocation with Remote today.