Benefits are an integral element in long-term international assignment packages, both for employees and employers. For employees, they provide essential support for building life in a new country. For employers, they often represent the most expensive part of the package, so it is vital to maintain a cost-effective offering while still attracting and retaining talent.

Our 2025 Benefits for International Assignments Survey showed which benefits are offered, how companies provide them, and where trends are shifting.

Percentage of companies providing key benefits:

Here’s a quick guide to the benefits every global mobility professional should know about:

 Housing support for expats – almost universal

Housing is the most widely provided benefit in long-term assignment packages. Employers aim to provide safe, suitable accommodation that meets family needs, but policies vary by region - furnished housing is more common in Asia, unfurnished in Europe. Managing costs while maintaining quality remains a delicate balancing act.

 Home leave trips – practice well established, but costs still in focus

Home leave continues to be a well-established benefit, with most policies covering at least one trip home per year. While dependants are usually included, economy travel has become the norm, even for senior staff, as companies rein in costs.

Medical insurance – a key benefit

Comprehensive healthcare cover is near-universal in expat packages, with international plans ensuring access to care across borders. Most policies include hospital treatment, outpatient care, and emergency evacuation, typically extending to partners and children.

 Education support – crucial for families

Education costs are a top concern for families. Primary and secondary education is widely covered, and more companies are now recognising special educational needs within their policies. Support for children who remain in the home country, however, remains rare.

 Tax assistance – vital compliance support

With cross-border tax often challenging for employees, companies provide steady support, especially at the start and close of assignments when arrangements can be most complicated.

  Car benefits – shaped by host country practice

Provision of car benefits reflects local transport options. A growing trend is the preference of electric vehicles, with European organisations leading the way in that regard.

 Utilities support – commonly provided but less frequently reviewed

Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are widely covered, though policies differ in how support is delivered. Reviews of utilities budgets are often infrequent, meaning costs can lag behind local market realities.