Relocating employees internationally is no longer just about moving a professional from one country to another. Today, organisations understand that a successful relocation depends on how well the entire family adjusts to life abroad. Spouses, children, and dependants all play a role in an employee’s ability to settle, perform, and stay engaged. This is where comprehensive expat relocation services become essential.

MovePlus Mobility designs mobility programmes that fully align with organisational goals. Advisory expertise and robust technology reduce complexity, control costs and protect compliance, while making sure employees are supported at every stage of their move. 

In this guide, we explore the destination support services that help employees and their families settle successfully, and how a dedicated Relocation Management Company can streamline these processes for organisations and their global mobility teams’

The role of relocation management companies

HR teams rarely have the resources to handle international relocations in-house. Partnering with a relocation management company (RMC) ensures that employees and families receive end-to-end support.

Key services include:

• Coordination with immigration and tax providers to support compliance and ensure all requirements are met.
• Supplier management for household goods movers, temporary accommodation, home search, school search, and other destination services.
• Expense management and cost tracking to give organisations full visibility and control over relocation spend.
• Destination support services such as settling-in assistance, orientation, bank account setup guidance, local registrations, and community integration.
• Technology platforms that centralise updates, documents, timelines, and communication for mobility teams and employees.

MovePlus combines dedicated Relocation Advocates with our proprietary MOVEPLUS™ technology platform for seamless coordination. Unlike competitors, we maintain in-house financial operations, eliminating third-party delays. 

The platform integrates city guides for 337+ destinations with real-time case management, giving both employees and HR teams unprecedented visibility and control throughout the relocation process. 

The MOVEPLUS™ analytics platform has over 475 configurable data points that transform raw data into actionable insights, reconcile estimated vs. actual costs, drill down into line-by-line spend, track policy performance trends, monitor exceptions, and maintain compliance.

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What does a comprehensive support programme for expatriates include?

Expat relocation services are specialised services that go beyond logistics. Typically, a wide range of services are offered by the employer with the support of an RMC:

• Household goods moving and storage
• Temporary housing and home search assistance
•  School search or placement services
•  Spousal/partner career services
• Cultural and language training
• Tax and payroll coordination
• Settling in support

A dedicated team manages the legal, logistical, and financial aspects of relocation, making sure all expenses are tracked and that each client receives solutions tailored to their specific requirements. The MOVEPLUS™ technology platform acts as a central hub connecting HR teams, employees, consultants and service partners in a single, secure space. 

With configurable dashboards, live tracking, and built-in communication tools, the platform simplifies management and enables organisations to scale their mobility strategy with clarity and control.

Understanding employee needs

Every employee and family embarking on an international relocation has unique needs that must be addressed to ensure a successful transition. Understanding these needs is the foundation of effective relocation services. Companies should focus on providing comprehensive support that covers every aspect of the relocation process, from finding a new home to settling into the local community.

Relocation assistance may include help with 

• Securing temporary housing
• Navigating the search for a permanent new home
• Accessing essential services such as healthcare and education. 
• Guidance with local registrations, tax compliance, and adapting to a new culture. 

Support can also extend to helping families find suitable schools, connecting them with local amenities, and providing information about the new location. 

The critical role of family support in successful relocation

Relocating employees without considering their families is one of the biggest mistakes a company can make. Successful relocation programs address the needs of all family members, ensuring that spouses, children, and other household members receive the support they need during the move. Studies show that family dissatisfaction is among the leading causes of failed international assignments.

Benefits of prioritising family relocation include:

• Higher assignment success rates: Families that feel supported help employees stay committed and productive.
• Talent retention: Employees are more likely to stay with an organisation that values their family’s well-being.
• Employer branding: Strong relocation support makes companies more attractive to top talent.
• Cultural adaptation: Families who integrate well into new communities reduce stress on employees.

Key components of family-focused expat relocation

To design relocation programmes that truly work, global mobility teams should ensure support across these areas:

1. Pre-departure support

• Visa processing and documentation
• Relocation policy briefing for employees and families
• Cultural and language orientation

2. Housing & education assistance

• Temporary housing on arrival
• Home search with vetted property partners
• School search and specialised placement services

3. Partner & spousal support

• Career counselling or local networking opportunities
• Volunteer, education, or skill-building programmes for partners

Our global mobility policies for relocating families can be tailored by role, tenure, family size and destination, ensuring the right level of support through individual family move.

4. Cultural Integration

• Language courses for families
• Community orientation tours

We provide global support through our regional teams complemented by local specialists who provide cultural understanding and language support to help employees and families settle in confidently. Joining community orientation tours can help newcomers quickly adapt to their surroundings. These tours often introduce local amenities, schools, and essential services, making the transition smoother. 

5. Expat networking groups

Expat networking groups provide valuable opportunities to connect with others who have similar experiences. These groups offer advice, social events, and practical tips for settling in. Support can even extend to helping families navigate local customs or legal requirements, ensuring a comprehensive approach to integration.

6. Ongoing employee & family support

• 24/7 helplines and dedicated relocation consultants: MovePlus provides 24/7 coverage through regional headquarters in London, Houston and Kuala Lumpur,  ensuring fast, personal support regardless of location.
• Regular check-ins to address emerging needs

7. City guides: Essential local knowledge 

The MovePlus City Guide provides employees and their families with trusted, easy-to-navigate insights that help them settle in quickly and confidently. Designed to reduce uncertainty and streamline the transition, the City Guide includes practical, up-to-date information such as:

• Healthcare information: How local health systems work, where to find clinics and hospitals, and what to do in an emergency.
• Local registrations and setup: Guidance on essential administrative steps such as opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s licence, and setting up utilities.
• Neighborhood overviews: Key information on popular residential areas, including safety, amenities, housing styles, and lifestyle considerations for families.
• Commuting and transport: Insights into public transport options, typical commute times, driving regulations, and tips for navigating the city efficiently.
• Daily living essentials: Advice on shopping, telecommunications, banking, community resources, and local customs.

Challenges in family relocation (and how to overcome them)

1. Immigration delays: Partner with experienced providers to avoid documentation errors.
2. Housing shortages: Secure temporary accommodation while permanent housing is finalised.
3. Cultural shock: Provide training and access to expat communities.
4. Education gaps: Work with schools offering international curricula (IB, IGCSE, etc.).
5. Spousal career disruption: Offer relocation packages with spousal career assistance.
6. Language barriers: Connect families with language learning resources to build confidence in daily interactions

How does MovePlus mitigate these challenges?

MovePlus delivers end-to-end supplier management and performance monitoring. We track every escalation and incident and use this intelligence to continuously monitor our supplier network performance. With 24/7 coverage and emergency supplier lines, delays or issues are resolved proactively and quickly.

Future trends in expat relocation 

• Core-flex relocation policies: Employees and families choose benefits that matter most.  MovePlus combines structure with flexibility, creating consistent mobility policies that control costs and ensure compliance, while delivering personalised support.
• Technology-driven relocation: Apps and platforms offering real-time move tracking and expense management. Our modern mobility solutions enable data-driven decisions and deliver higher-quality employee experiences.
• Sustainability in relocation: Environmentally responsible moving practices gaining traction.
• Diversity & inclusion: Programmes tailored to diverse family structures and needs.

FAQs: Expatriate Relocation Services

1. Why is family relocation support important?

Family support ensures employees remain engaged, reducing assignment failure risks and boosting long-term retention.

2. How long does family relocation typically take?

Preparation often starts 3–6 months in advance, depending on visas, housing availability, and school enrolment timelines.

3. Can small and mid-sized businesses use expat relocation services?

Absolutely. Many RMCs offer scalable solutions tailored for smaller organisations entering new markets.

4. What reports and data insights will our mobility teams have access to?

MovePlus gives you full transparency. The robust MOVEPLUS™ analytics platform has over 475 configurable data points. Real-time data empowers you to demonstrate measurable ROI and position mobility as a strategic business driver.

5. Do you offer 24/7 support and a single point of contact?

We provide 24/7 coverage through regional headquarters in London, Houston and Kuala Lumpur, ensuring fast, personal support regardless of location

6. Can you integrate with our HRIS/ERP?

Absolutely. The MOVEPLUS™ platform integrates seamlessly with major HRIS, ERP, and finance systems through our open API.

7.  How fast are reimbursements?

MovePlus processes reimbursements with exceptional speed and accuracy. All expense claims are reviewed within one business day and typically reimbursed within three to five business days. Our automated validation system and three-step audit process minimise errors, provide real-time visibility for HR teams, and ensure employees aren’t left waiting or covering costs themselves.

TL;DR

Expatriate relocation services ensure employees and their families receive the support they need when moving abroad. From visas and housing to cultural integration and spousal support, family-focused relocation programmes reduce stress, improve retention, and make international assignments successful.

Without structure, mobility processes can quickly become reactive and inconsistent. Costs rise unpredictably, compliance risks multiply, and employees are left without the support they need, often leading to dissatisfaction or even the loss of key talent.

For companies, partnering with a reliable relocation management company is the smartest way to deliver seamless employee relocation experiences while keeping families engaged and thriving.