Global Mobility
Global mobility refers to the movement of employees across international borders for work assignments, including transfers, secondments, and expatriate postings.
global
Category
advanced
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Global mobility refers to the movement of employees across international borders for work assignments, including transfers, secondments, and expatriate postings.
Detailed explanation
Global mobility encompasses all aspects of moving employees internationally for work. This includes short-term assignments, long-term expatriate postings, permanent transfers, and business travel that triggers tax or immigration obligations.
Managing global mobility involves immigration compliance, tax planning, relocation support, international compensation, and ongoing support for assignees and their families. It requires coordination across HR, legal, tax, and payroll functions.
Effective global mobility programs balance business needs with employee experience, ensuring compliance while supporting successful international assignments.
Practical guidance
How it works
When an international assignment is needed, HR coordinates immigration, tax advice, relocation support, and compensation adjustments. Ongoing support includes tax compliance, housing, education for dependents, and repatriation planning.
Best practices
Develop clear assignment policies
Use experienced mobility partners
Plan for repatriation from the start
Provide comprehensive family support
Frequently asked questions
What is included in global mobility?
Global mobility covers immigration/visas, tax planning, relocation logistics, international compensation, cultural support, ongoing assignment management, and repatriation.
How long are typical international assignments?
Short-term: 3-12 months. Long-term: 1-5 years. Permanent: indefinite transfer. Each has different tax and immigration implications.
Related glossary terms
Right to Work
Right to work checks are mandatory UK employer checks to verify an employee is legally permitted to work in the UK before employment starts.
Remote Work
Remote work is a working arrangement where employees perform their duties from locations outside the traditional office, typically from home.