Understanding the Relocation Package: A Mini Guide for HR Teams

Relocating employees internationally is a major step—for the person moving and for the company. A well-built relocation package makes that process less overwhelming, helping the employee focus on their new role while staying confident that their move is being handled responsibly.

This guide answers some of the most common questions about relocation packages and how HR teams can use global mobility services to make international transfers smoother and more compliant.

What is a relocation package?

A relocation package is a group of benefits offered by a company to an employee moving to a new location for work. These benefits are designed to reduce the financial and practical stress of an international move. They can also help HR teams stay compliant with immigration rules, tax registrations, and more.

Relocation support is often used to:

• Move employees to new offices in different countries
• Build international teams
• Support project-based moves or long-term assignments

Some employers refer to these benefits as employee relocation services, international relocation packages, or relocation assistance.

What does a relocation package include?

The parts of a relocation package vary, but most international packages cover:

• Immigration: visa and work permit handling, including renewals
• Social security and tax registrations
• Banking setup and healthcare access
• Support with address registration
• Temporary housing or housing search services
• Travel expenses for the move or house-hunting trips
• Relocation bonus or lump sum (depending on the company’s policy)
• Spousal and dependent support (education or job search help)
• Integration support such as language or cultural sessions

Companies may handle these services in-house or work with a global mobility provider to manage the process.

What is a reasonable relocation package in global mobility?

What counts as a “reasonable” relocation package depends on several factors—including where the employee is moving, how long they’ll stay, and their seniority or family situation. While there’s no universal definition, there are some clear principles that can help HR teams make fair and strategic decisions.

At its core, a reasonable relocation package offers enough support to help the employee settle into their new location without unnecessary stress or financial strain. This includes practical elements like permit handling, temporary accommodation, and cost reimbursements, but also access to longer-term services such as healthcare registration, banking, or family support.

A relocation package should be:

• Clear: It outlines which expenses are covered and which are not
• Aligned with employee needs: Family size, career level, and location matter
• Supportive beyond the move: It doesn’t stop at arrival, it helps employees settle in
• Compliant: Especially for international moves, permits, taxes, and social security must be handled correctly

Global mobility providers like Jobbatical can help assess local regulations and benefits so your package meets both business and legal standards.

What do employees expect from relocation packages in 2025?

Employee expectations are changing. One-size-fits-all approaches are giving way to flexible, personalized relocation options. According to recent research, professionals in 2025 expect:

• Flexibility: The ability to choose between services or opt for a lump sum
• Ongoing support: Help with integration, such as language training or cultural integration, after the move
• Family inclusion: Assistance for spouses, children, and in some cases, elderly dependents
• Digital tools: Real-time tracking of documentation, tasks, and costs through a single platform
• Well-being support: Mental health services and resources to manage the emotional aspects of relocation
  

More companies are adopting core-flex programs that combine a base set of relocation benefits with optional services based on employee needs. This allows employers to offer support that feels more tailored and meaningful without increasing relocation expenses unnecessarily.

How do global mobility providers support corporate relocation?

Relocating internationally involves much more than helping someone pack a suitcase. Employers need to consider immigration law, taxes, registration requirements, and family needs, often in an unfamiliar legal system.

A global mobility provider helps by coordinating the full scope of international relocation services in one place. This typically includes:

• Coordinating visa and work permit applications and renewals in line with local legal requirements
• Handling tax residency and social security registrations
• Organizing address registration or proof-of-residency documentation
• Guiding employees through setting up local bank accounts and healthcare access
• Tracking important timelines and document expirations
• Offering advisory support on compliance risks and obligations

For HR teams, this reduces the time and risk involved in international transfers. For employees, it means knowing they can count on timely documentation and local support before and after arrival.

By centralizing this process through a global mobility provider, companies can simplify operations, reduce internal workload, and offer a better relocation experience to their employees.

Make international employee moves simpler

A thoughtful relocation package reflects how much a company values its talent and how seriously it takes compliance and integration.

By understanding what employees expect, and by partnering with a global mobility provider to handle the essentials—from immigration to local registration—HR teams can offer international relocations that are not only compliant, but also more human.

Want to learn more about how to support your relocating employees? Talk to our experts.