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employee relocation policies that attract talent and protect
your investment

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KEY ELEMENTS

every relocation policy should include

Housing

Travel

Allowances

Spousal Support

Tax Compliance

    why a strong
    relocation policy     matters

    A well-crafted relocation policy safeguards compliance, controls costs, and keeps employees engaged—turning complex moves into competitive advantage

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    Mobility Cost Survery Here:

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    Compliance

    Cost Savings
    Employee Satisfaction

    sample corporate relocation
    policies by industry

    ARC Relocation has built the largest library of relocation policies in the industry, serving clients across every sector—from Oil & Gas and Retail to Technology and beyond.

    Whether you are creating a new relocation policy, updating an existing one, or benchmarking against industry standards, this page provides real-world examples, expert guidance, and the resources you need to support your company’s mobility strategy.
    Benefit New Hire Mid Level Upper Level C Suite Executive
    shipment of goods icon Shipment of Goods Yes 5,000 lbs Yes 7,500 lbs Yes 12,000 lbs Yes 20,000 lbs
    car shipment icon Car Shipment No Yes 1 car Yes 2 cars Yes 3 cars
    home sale icon Home Sale / Lease Break No Lease break
    2 months
    Cap $3,000    		 Lease Break
    2 months
    Cap $6,000
     
    Home Sale
    Up to 8%
    Sale Cap $500,000    		 Lease Break
    2 months
    Cap $10,000
     
    Home Sale
    BVO Program
    Cap $1,000,000
    home search icon Home Find Trip No Yes
    Cap 5 day    		 Yes
    Cap 1 week    		 Yes
    Cap 10 days
    temp housing icon Temp Housing No Yes 30 days Yes 60 days Yes 90 days
    rental assistance icon Rental Assistant / Home Purchase No Yes 1 day/
    No    		 Yes 2 days
    Yes Cap 2% $500,000    		 Yes 5 days/
    Yes Direct Bill all “normal and
    customary” up to $1,000,000
    lump sum icon Misc Lum Sum Yes $2,000 Yes $3,000 Yes $5,000 Yes $7,500
    final trip icon Final Trip Yes (cap $1,500) Yes (Cap $3,000) Yes Direct Reimbursement Full Costs Yes Direct Reimbursement Full Costs
    tax assistance icon Tax Assistance (Gross-Up) No Partial Yes Yes

    US Domestic Relocation Policy

    thumbnail of Buyer_Value_Option_Without_Loss_On_Sale

    Lump Sum
    Relocation Policy

    thumbnail of ARC_Example Policy-Lump Sum_2018

    Buyer Value Option Relocation Policy

    thumbnail of ARC_Example Policy-Capped Budget_2018

    International Renter Relocation Policy

    thumbnail of ARC_Example Policy-International Renter_2018

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    employee relocation policy checklist

    1. Policy Overview & Eligibility

    • Purpose and scope of the policy

    • Who qualifies for relocation benefits (job level, role, assignment type)

    • Geographic scope (domestic vs. international relocations)

    • Duration of benefits and any limits

    2. Relocation Expenses & Reimbursements

    • Lump sum vs. direct billing vs. reimbursement model

    • Covered expenses (moving household goods, storage, vehicle shipping, etc.)

    • Non-reimbursable expenses (clarify exclusions upfront)

    • Expense reporting and approval process

    3. Travel & Transportation

    • Airfare, train, or mileage reimbursement for employee and family

    • Temporary transportation (rental car, ride-share, etc.)

    • Shipment of vehicles

    • Per diem or travel allowance

    4. Home Sale Assistance

    • Realtor fees and closing costs coverage

    • Guaranteed buyout programs (GBO) or buyer value options (BVO)

    • Loss-on-sale protection (optional)

    • Home marketing assistance services

    5. Home Purchase Assistance

    • Closing cost coverage or subsidies

    • Mortgage assistance (interest-rate buydowns, origination fee coverage)

    • Property inspection reimbursement

    • Realtor referrals and destination services

    6. Temporary Housing

    • Duration of covered temporary housing (commonly 30–90 days)

    • Utilities and furnishings included

    • Pet-friendly or family-sized options

    • Extension policy if permanent housing is delayed

    7. Household Goods Moving

    • Professional moving services (packing, unpacking, insurance)

    • Storage of goods (short-term vs. long-term)

    • Special items (pets, boats, antiques, etc.)

    • Moving day allowances (meals, incidentals)

    8. Family & Dependent Support

    • Spousal/partner job search assistance

    • School search and education counseling

    • Childcare or elder care resources

    • Family orientation programs

    9. Financial Assistance

      • • Relocation allowances (flat amount or tiered by role)

      • Miscellaneous expense allowance (for incidentals not otherwise covered)

      • Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)

      • Hardship or location premiums (for high-cost or remote areas)

      10. Tax Assistance

      • Gross-up of taxable relocation benefits

      • Tax equalization for international assignments

      • Guidance on IRS compliance (U.S. relocations)

      • Year-end reporting and documentation

      11. International Relocation

      (if applicable)
      • Immigration, visa, and work permit support

      • Language and cultural training

      • Security and health support in host country

      • Repatriation assistance at assignment end

      12. Return, Repayment & Exceptions

      • Repayment agreements (if employee leaves within X months)

      • Conditions for repayment waivers

      • Process for requesting exceptions or additional support

      • Repatriation / return travel coverage
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      how to
      benchmark your location policy

      Download our Relocation Policy Checklists & Conact Us Today for our Relocation Policy Writing Guide

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