International Corporate Relocation Services

SDC International Shipping specializes in comprehensive international corporate relocation services designed to make the transition seamless for both businesses and their employees. Whether you’re relocating a single employee, their family, or your entire business, our dedicated team has the expertise to manage every step of the process.

With offices across the United States, we offer flexible solutions for companies needing reliable business relocation services. From assisting with employee moves to handling full-scale international office relocations, SDC is your trusted partner for stress-free international moves.

Relocating employees to foreign offices requires careful planning and support. Our corporate relocation programs ensure that your staff can focus on their work while we handle the logistics, making their move as smooth as possible.

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Corporate Relocation Expenses (Updated for 2024)

Traditionally, companies used the lump sum method to cover the costs of relocating employees overseas. This approach allowed employees to receive a stipend, offering flexibility in managing their move—whether selling their possessions locally to buy new ones abroad or using the funds to pay for international relocation services.

However, since the 2018 US tax changes, relocation costs are no longer tax-deductible for employees, though businesses can still claim them as a recognized business expense. As of 2024, it is often more advantageous for companies to directly pay international moving expenses to service providers rather than reimbursing employees. This strategy helps avoid the significant tax burden that can arise from lump sum payments, especially for amounts ranging between $10,000 and $20,000.

For companies with only occasional relocations, allowing employees to choose their preferred relocation services can still make sense, provided that the company directly pays the provider. However, if employee relocations are frequent, setting up a corporate relocation account with SDC International Shipping can streamline the process and optimize costs.

In 2024, many businesses are also focusing on sustainability when managing employee relocations. This includes opting for eco-friendly moving solutions, reducing waste, and minimizing their carbon footprint during international moves. Companies are increasingly adopting greener shipping methods to align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

To learn more about how to save on corporate relocations and explore sustainable moving options, contact us today.

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Corporate Working Overseas

Relocating employees who are either citizens of the destination country or have the right to work there simplifies the entire process. These individuals often face fewer challenges in obtaining visas, setting up residence, and opening bank accounts, making the transition smoother.

However, for companies needing to relocate specialized talent, getting the right employee in the right place can be complex. In some cases, businesses hire employees from their target country, bring them to the U.S. for a few years, and then send them back to bolster operations in their home country. This method is effective for established companies with long-term international expansion plans but may not suit new businesses seeking rapid growth.

For employees and their families, moving abroad involves significant preparation. Learning the local language is essential, even for short-term relocations, as it helps with cultural integration and enhances your employee’s experience abroad. Whether the move is temporary or permanent, language skills ensure that employees can immerse themselves in the culture, leading to a happier and more productive work experience.

Additionally, it’s critical to arrange healthcare for the employee’s family right away. Some countries provide mandatory coverage for legal residents, but in most cases, companies must secure supplementary health insurance to ensure complete coverage.

Setting up a Foreign Presence

If you’re exploring corporate relocation services, it’s likely because you’re ready to establish a foreign presence to grow your global network. Having completed your market research and assessed the potential of the new market, the next step is execution.

Many companies choose to partner with an existing business in their target country. This strategy is often effective, as the local partner is already familiar with the business environment and legal landscape. Larger corporations may opt to purchase or merge with a local company to accelerate the process.

For those establishing a new presence from the ground up, hiring local professionals like lawyers, accountants, and other experts is essential. In some countries, the process is streamlined, and the consulate of your destination country can provide crucial guidance on employment visas, immigration requirements, and the steps for setting up a business.

We highly recommend meeting with the commerce attaché at the consulate of your target country. They can provide valuable, up-to-date advice on the regulations that may impact your business and help you avoid costly mistakes. Given how quickly regulations change, this step could save significant time and money.

SDC International Shipping is here to assist with preliminary information, but for comprehensive guidance, official sources and professional legal consultation are advised.

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Relocation And Employment Visa

Ensuring that your employees have the correct employment visas is crucial for legal work status in their destination country. In some countries, these visas are temporary and valid only for a few years, while in others, employees may apply for an immigration visa that grants longer-term employment rights. Each country has different visa classes, so it’s important to understand the specific requirements and processes involved.

While an employment visa typically allows the employee’s family to reside in the country, it does not always grant the spouse the right to work. In many cases, spouses may be limited to roles in education or religious institutions unless they apply for a separate visa that allows for full employment.

Staying up-to-date on the latest visa regulations for each country is essential to ensure a smooth transition for your employees. SDC International Shipping can help guide you through the complexities of this process as part of our comprehensive relocation services.

International Office Relocation

When relocating your business overseas, it’s important to note that while employees may qualify for a tax holiday on personal belongings, businesses are not typically extended the same benefit. This means that when shipping office equipment and furniture, your company will likely be subject to customs duties and local taxes, such as VAT or GST, which function similarly to U.S. sales tax.

If you’re looking to maintain the same standard of office furniture, computers, servers, and other equipment abroad, it may be more cost-effective to ship some of your existing equipment rather than purchasing everything new. Before doing so, it’s essential to review the customs regulations of your destination country. While most computers and monitors will function globally, some countries restrict the importation of communications equipment.

To assess the value of importing office equipment, compare the cost of furniture and technology in the destination country to those in the U.S. This research can help you make an informed decision and save money on your international office relocation.

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