Immigration has been a frequent topic in the news as governments worldwide retool immigration policies in response to political pressures. These changes undoubtedly have impacts on both businesses and their employees moving across borders. In Europe, recent news about Bulgaria’s and Romania’s addition to the Schengen Area in January, and Germany’s push to tighten border security last September have shined a new spotlight on European regulations. If your company moves talent to Europe, it’s important that you understand the Schengen framework.

Understanding the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is Europe’s largest free-movement zone, with 27 countries having mutually abolished internal border controls. The Schengen Agreement established in 1985 facilitates unrestricted travel, business, and tourism across its member states. The area has both European Union (EU) and non-EU nations, including both European Union and non-EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The framework is intended to promote trans-European commerce and cooperation through more efficient cross-border movement.

Strategic Advantages of the Schengen Area for Corporate Mobility

The Schengen framework helps businesses with employees in Europe in several ways:

1. Seamless Travel for Assignees: European employees are able to move freely between Schengen countries without needing multiple visas or stopping for border checks. This simplifies travel for employees and reduces the administrative burden on employers.
2. Simplified Work Authorization: The framework also enables easier intra-corporate transfers. Managers and specialists can easily move between members if they meet specific eligibility criteria.
3. Optimized Business Operations: Companies can conduct meetings, negotiations, and project oversight without delays from separate visa applications or border controls.
4. Cost Reduction: Eliminating multiple visa requirements and associated fees translates, reducing travel times, and minimizing administrative overhead can often provide cost savings to employers in the Area.
5. Enhanced Talent Acquisition and Retention: Being able to easily work and travel across multiple countries makes job opportunities more attractive to global talent. This can help employers with recruitment efforts and improve overall employee satisfaction.

How CapRelo Supports Global Mobility in the Schengen Area

CapRelo understands the complexities of international assignments and the evolving regulatory landscape. Our expertise in assignment management adds value to businesses navigating policy changes and optimizing talent mobility. From visa and immigration support to strategic workforce planning, we help mobility leaders maximize the benefits of the Schengen framework while mitigating potential challenges.

Our 27+ years of experience in assignment management add value for businesses as we help them navigate policy changes and optimize their programs. We stay vigilant, scanning the landscape for changes that impact our clients and their assignees.

Schengen streamlines employers’ approach to international assignments. Companies can leverage the region’s free-movement policies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and compete for talent.

For more insights into how CapRelo can support your company’s assignment needs, contact us today.