Relocating international employees often comes with tax questions attached. Not just about visas and housing, but about the broader implications of cross-border moves.
Mishandling tax rules can trigger penalties, unexpected costs, or even double taxation. But with the right planning, you can take advantage of benefits like local exemptions.
That’s where a global mobility partner makes a difference. From organizing move logistics to tracking relocation-related costs, the right provider helps employers manage relocations smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with local requirements.
Here’s how working with a relocation expert can help you make smarter, safer decisions when moving talent across borders.
1. Track relocation costs with clarity
Cross-border relocations often involve a range of costs: temporary accommodation, visa and permit fees, official translations, and more. But without proper tracking, it’s easy to lose visibility over what’s being spent and where.
A mobility provider brings order to the process. With centralized tools for documenting and tracking expenses, you get:
- A clear picture of the total cost of each move
- Standardized processes for approvals and reimbursements
- Improved cost forecasting for future relocations
Jobbatical’s platform allows you to monitor relocation-related expenses across countries and employees, giving you the control and consistency you need to scale globally with confidence.
2. Get the most out of tax-free relocation benefits
Across Europe, many relocation-related costs can be reimbursed tax-free, but only if handled properly.
- In the UK, the first £8,000 of eligible relocation expenses (e.g. travel, household moves, short-term accommodation) can be tax-exempt if the move is job-related. A global mobility provider helps track and document these expenses so they’re fully covered, without triggering extra tax or fines. Furthermore, for genuine assignments to the UK for 24 months or less, full tax relief is often available for a range of related costs, including housing, groceries, and more.
- In Finland, employers can now cover a wider range of cross-border relocation costs tax-free as of 2025, including permit fees and moving expenses. But tax authorities require clear evidence. A provider helps build that documentation so benefits don’t backfire.
- In general across the EU, relocation reimbursements must meet strict criteria to qualify for tax-free treatment. If something is misclassified, it may be taxed as salary instead. Providers help you stay on the right side of local rules and avoid unnecessary employer or employee tax charges.
3. Improve the employee experience
Moving to another country is exciting, but also overwhelming. When things are unclear or disorganized, that stress often spills over into the workplace, affecting performance and retention.
A relocation provider helps employees:
- Have a clear roadmap of what to expect
- Understand which costs are covered
- Avoid mistakes that could result in penalties later on
When employees feel supported and confident in their move, they’re more likely to settle in and stay.
Jobbatical as a trusted Global Mobility partner
Relocating international talent involves more than just booking a flight and securing a visa. Tax considerations — both for your company and your new hire — are an important part of the process.
Having the right support makes all the difference, not just for staying compliant, but for giving your new hires a smoother landing.
At Jobbatical, we help you simplify the relocation process, stay organized across borders, and give your international hires a smoother landing.
Talk to us to learn how we can support your team.