A Critical Event Management Company

What is an expat?


  Lisa Arredondo

An expat, short for expatriate, refers to a person who lives outside their native country. There are generally 5 types of expatriates.

5 Types of Expats

• Business visitor: < 6 months and can often be treated as a regular business trip.
• Commuter assignments: Frequently crossing jurisdictions (e.g., between the United States and Canada); how these expats are managed are determined by the amount of time they spend in the host country and the activities being performed.
• Short and medium-term assignments: Anywhere from six months to two years
• Long-term assignments: > 2 years
• Permanent assignments: These are ‘one way’ relocations, and the expat is expected to remain in the host country permanently or for the foreseeable future.