As German companies grow and adapt, they often face the challenge of relocating employees—whether for a new job, a transfer from an affiliate company, or a promotion. This is where a relocation firm and Global mobility partners come into play. In this blog post, we will explore what we do as a relocation firm to provide the vital support to hiring firms and HR teams, as well as how we assist new or transferring employees in their journey.

In today’s global economy, businesses are expanding their reach and talent pool across borders. The June 2024 German Job Report (Press Release 293) announced that there are 46 million workers in Germany (Statistische Bundesamt, Destatis). The local employment numbers have been steadily growing since January 2024. During this time period, Trading Economics noted that there were over 1.3 million open positions in Germany – this is 2-3 times more than other European counties. German companies continue to fill these vacancies with foreign employees due in part to new and updated immigration law changes we have seen over the past year. In 2002, Deutsche Welle (DW) estimated about 18% of the German workforce is made up foreign workers and Statista notes about 12 million works had an immigrant background as of 2023.

A relocation firm specializes in providing services that aid in the transition of employees and their families from one location to another. These services can range from immigration issues like visa applications to more logistical aspects, such as housing assistance, school searches, cultural orientation, local registration, opening a bank account or supporting tenancy management issues. The goal of a relocation firm is to make the relocation process as smooth and stress-free as possible for all parties involved.

Local Worldwide Relocation was founded in 2007 in Bremen with the goal to provide personalized on-site support to HR teams and new employees. We began as a one-women team and have grown to have a network of consultants throughout Germany including such cities as Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Bodensee, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. We work with international specialists and managers from industry, trade, production and services and offer highly professional and efficient support for relocating to Germany.

Support for Hiring Firms and HR Teams

1. Streamlined Processes: Relocating employees often involves a complex set of tasks and immigration policies that can be overwhelming for individual firms. A relocation firm simplifies these processes by managing the myriad of logistics involved, allowing HR professionals to focus on their core responsibilities such as talent management and employee engagement.
   
   
2. Cost Management: A relocation firm helps firms navigate budget constraints by providing cost-effective solutions and packages tailored to the needs of the company and the employee, ensuring financial resources are utilized effectively.
   
   
3. Expertise and Compliance: Navigating immigration needs, local regulations, and immigration laws can be daunting. Relocation firms have the expertise needed to ensure compliance with these legal requirements, helping mitigate potential risks for the hiring company.
   
   
4. Retention Rates: A successful relocation experience has a direct impact on employee satisfaction and retention. By entrusting this process to a relocation firm, companies can reduce the chances of relocation anxiety, ensuring that talented employees feel valued and supported.
   

Assistance for New, Transferring or Departing Employees

• Personalized Support: Relocation firms provide personalized assistance tailored to the individual needs of employees and their families. This can include visa support, housing arrangements, finding schools, and setting up utilities. By offering a dedicated support system, firms help ease the transition for the relocating family.
  
  
• Accompanied Appointments: Local Worldwide Relocation can accompany your employee to a variety of appointments, for instance local registration, residency permits, bank account opening, or viewing an apartment. It can be a daunting task to attend an appointment in a foreign language. In addition to language or translation support, our team knows the ins and outs of various authorities or processes. We can guide your employee in the event any challenges arises or problem managing in real time.
  
  
• Cultural Orientation: Moving to a new city or country means adjusting to a new culture. We provide cultural orientation services which equip employees with the knowledge they need to better acclimate to their new environment, making the transition smoother and less intimidating. This service can be personalized or offered in a group setting.
  
  
• Integration Services: Successful relocation goes beyond just moving items; it’s about integrating into a new community. We provide information about local services, communities, and social activities,enabling employees to build a life in their new location quickly. We also offer group and individually catered intercultural programs.
  

Whether you’re an HR professional facing the complexities of employee relocation and immigration requirements, or an employee embarking on a new adventure, consider the invaluable assistance of a relocation firm to guide you through the journey. Let us talk you through the process in your local area, what options are available and which one might make the most sense for your firm and the assignee.

Contact us today and let us simplify the relocation process for your team!