Xpat (expatriate)

What Is an Xpat?

An Xpat—a stylised abbreviation of expatriate—refers to an individual living and working in a country other than their country of citizenship. Xpats are often hired by multinational companies to fill strategic roles abroad, or they may seek international experience independently. In the context of global employment, Xpats play a key role in expanding business operations, transferring knowledge, and building culturally diverse teams.

Xpats in the Global Workforce

With the rise of remote work and international hiring, managing Xpats has become more complex—and more common. Employers must navigate challenges such as:

• Local employment laws and visa requirements
• Tax compliance and social security contributions
• Payroll setup and currency differences
• Health insurance, relocation, and benefits packages

Companies that work with Employers of Record (EORs) or global employment platforms often rely on these partners to ensure compliant onboarding, payment, and management of Xpat workers.

Why Xpats Matter

Xpats bring international expertise, cultural awareness, and local market insight to global teams. They can be instrumental in:

• Launching or scaling operations in new regions
• Building relationships with local clients and partners
• Transferring organisational knowledge across offices
• Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce

Properly supporting Xpats helps improve retention, ensure compliance, and maximise return on investment in international talent.

Key Considerations When Employing Xpats

When hiring or relocating Xpat workers, employers should:

• Ensure contracts comply with local labour laws
• Clarify tax obligations in both the host and home countries
• Provide clear relocation support and cultural onboarding
• Offer benefits that reflect the cost of living in the host country

Working with a global HR partner can help manage these complexities and reduce legal and administrative burdens.