CORPORATE RELOCATION SERVICE MARKET ANALYSIS

The global corporate relocation service market size is expected to reach US$ 28.35 Bn by 2030, from US$ 17.66 Bn in 2023, at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. Corporate relocation services refer to end-to-end solutions offered by third-party vendors to assist in relocating employees domestically or internationally. It covers services such as home marketing assistance, household goods moving, visa processing, school search, cultural training, and more. The growth in the global corporate relocation service market is driven by rising job transfers, increasing expatriate assignments, and a surge in immigration rates globally.

The global corporate relocation service market is segmented by services, Location Type, Period, and End-User Industry. By services, the real state segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023. The growth in this segment is attributed to the rising number of job transfers and the increasing expatriate workforce. 

Global Corporate Relocation Service Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for corporate relocation service market during the forecast period, accounting for over 41% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the high number of corporate relocations and the presence of major relocation service providers in the region.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for corporate relocation service market, accounting for over 25.2% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market is attributed to the rising immigration and expatriate workforce in European countries.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for corporate relocation service market, with a CAGR of over 22.3% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the expanding corporate sector and rapid economic growth in countries like China, India, and Singapore.

Figure 1. Corporate Relocation Service Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

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Analyst Viewpoint

The corporate relocation service market is expected to see steady growth over the next five years. The growing globalization of businesses and increasing cross-border development Activities are the key drivers propelling demand for corporate relocation services. However, immigration restrictions and the higher cost of living in major urban centers pose challenges to the market's expansion. Emerging markets represent key opportunities for service providers to expand their geographic footprint and client base.

Global Corporate Relocation Service Market Drivers

• Rising Number of Expatriate Assignments: The rising number of expatriate assignments is a major factor driving growth in the corporate relocation services market. As companies expand globally, they are sending more employees on overseas assignments. Sending an employee abroad involves significant logistical challenges, including visa processing, finding suitable housing, shipping household goods, cultural training, and more. This creates substantial demand for end-to-end relocation services to ensure smooth transfers and minimize disruption for employees.
• Surge in Immigration Rates: The rising immigration rates globally are another major factor propelling the growth of the corporate relocation service industry. With countries easing visa norms to attract global talent, the number of immigrants moving for work opportunities is increasing significantly. For instance, countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore have favorable immigration policies, driving inbound mobility. Relocating to a new country involves language barriers, cultural adjustments, documentation, finding suitable housing, and shipping of household goods. Employers need customized relocation support to ensure smooth onboarding and transfers for immigrants. This provides significant opportunities for relocation service providers. According to UN statistics, the number of international migrants globally reached 281 million in 2020, representing a growth of around 41% from 2000. The surging immigrant population worldwide is thus generating greater demand.

• Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructural Development: Rapid urbanization and massive investments in infrastructure globally have led to significant growth in the construction and real estate sectors. As new economic and industrial hubs emerge, it has increased job mobility and transfers to these locations. Employees relocating to distant regions within the country have created substantial demand for domestic relocation services for the transportation of household goods, home sale services, school searches, and more.
• Access to Data and Analytics: The emerging trend of data analytics in the relocation industry has provided valuable consumer and market insights to corporate relocation service providers. By leveraging data, companies can better understand client requirements and provide customized relocation solutions. Analytics further helps in measuring program ROI, tracking KPIs, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and enhancing relocation program optimization.

Global Corporate Relocation Service Market Opportunities

• Integration of AI and Machine Learning: The integration of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning is expected to provide significant growth opportunities in the corporate relocation service market. AI and ML allow process automation, chatbots for customer service, predictive analytics, and customization at scale. For instance, relocation firms can leverage ML to analyze past assignment data and create personalized relocation timelines adjusted to specific employee needs. Chatbots can handle basic queries, allowing case managers to focus on complex concerns. AI can also match transferee preferences with suitable destinations, housing options, and neighborhood amenities.
• Rising Demand for Virtual Relocation Solutions: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions and created more demand for virtual support models in the relocation services industry. Virtual home-finding tours, video surveys for household goods, digital cultural training, and remote document processing are gaining significant popularity. Relocation firms are innovating with digital tools to enable remote service delivery and minimize in-person interactions, where possible while maintaining service quality.

• Expansion in Emerging Markets: Emerging economies like China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil represent significant untapped opportunities for growth for corporate relocation service providers. Rapid urbanization, investments in transport and real estate, and a growing services sector are resulting in rising domestic job mobility in these countries. Furthermore, expatriate assignments to emerging markets are also witnessing substantial growth.  Developing customized, localized solutions suitable for the unique needs and cultures of these countries presents an important opportunity for the relocation industry. Investments to build local capabilities and partnerships with regional providers can help global relocation firms expand their footprint and acquire new clients in high-potential emerging markets. For Instance, in March 2021, Crown World Mobility, a global logistics company, partnered with Corporate Relocation International (CRI), a relocation management company to enhance and streamline the U.S. service delivery for their employees.

Global Corporate Relocation Service Market Trends

• Adoption of Cloud-based Relocation Management Systems: The corporate relocation industry is increasingly adopting cloud-based management platforms to enhance process efficiency, access, and collaboration. Cloud-based systems allow all stakeholders–employers, transferees, case managers, and suppliers – to access real-time information and track progress through a centralized dashboard. The anytime, anywhere access enhances transparency and allows quicker query resolution. Other benefits include reduced IT costs, flexible scalability, easy integration with other tools, and a minimal learning curve. More firms are thus shifting towards cloud-based relocation management systems.
• Big Data and Analytics Driving Decisions: Corporate relocation service providers are leveraging big data and analytics to gain insights that can inform strategic decisions and future investments. By tracking metrics across the relocation process, firms can identify pain points and enhance service delivery.
• Data also enables accurate policy benchmarking, program performance measurement, and the demonstration of year-on-year ROI improvements to clients. Analytics uncovers cost-saving opportunities and helps optimize overall program spending. For instance, AI-powered analytics by Equus identify duplicate claims and exceptions. Data thus drives smarter decisions. According to Deloitte, 77% of relocation managers rely on analytics to optimize their programs.
• Focus on Mental Wellbeing: Traditionally, concentration in relocations has centered on logistics, but the industry is now increasingly focusing on transferee mental wellbeing. Relocations can be emotionally challenging for employees. Leaving friends and family, culture shock, and language barriers can significantly impact mental health.
• More relocation firms are partnering with psychologists, therapists, and mental health coaches to provide counseling and emotional support when needed. Others offer access to meditation apps and mental health solutions to help transferees adjust better. Providing resources to help employees cope with anxiety and stress is critical for successful assignments. Thus, psychological and emotional wellness are gaining prominence.
• Self-service and Relocation Apps: Advances in technology are enabling greater self-service options and relocation mobile apps for transferees. Apps provide guidance, real-time tracking of shipments, document uploads, expense reporting, and chat support during relocations. For instance, in September 2022, HappyLocate, a tech-based one-stop relocation platform, announced the launch of its relocation app. With this announcement, the company further plans to strengthen its services.

Global Corporate Relocation Service Market Restraints

• High Costs and Budget Constraints: The costs associated with comprehensive relocation services act as the major barrier to higher adoption. Services such as home marketing and sale, temporary housing, and spouse career assistance involve steep charges. Many companies are also constrained by limited mobility budgets. The high costs often lead corporations to limit service scope only to essential logistics support. Mandating transferees to handle certain aspects independently is also a technique employed to reduce program costs. Self-funding and capping reimbursements are other methods companies utilize to control overall spending.
• Stringent immigration policies: While stringent immigration policies aim to curb illegal immigration, unfortunately also end up restricting the growth of the corporate relocation service market. The tightening of visa rules and delays in processing make it difficult for companies to transfer employees across borders in a timely manner. With global talent becoming increasingly mobile, businesses rely on relocation services to smoothly shift international workers and their families. However, the current regulatory environment poses numerous roadblocks for them. Several companies are hesitating to station employees on international assignments or expand globally due to uncertainty over visa status. To solve these problems, the company can work with immigration law experts and consultants who are well-versed in the latest immigration policies and regulations. They can help navigate the complex legal requirements and ensure compliance.
• Shortage of skilled labor in destination locations: The shortage of skilled labor in destination locations is significantly restraining the growth of the corporate relocation service market. When companies relocate to new locations, either domestically or internationally, they require an available pool of skilled local talent who can fill critical roles without delay. However, many cities and countries currently facing talent shortages do not have sufficient workers with the right qualifications, skills, and experience for in-demand jobs. To address this issue, the company can conduct a thorough skill gap analysis in the destination location and identify the specific skills and qualifications required for the roles being relocated. This analysis will guide recruitment efforts.

Figure 2. Global Corporate Relocation Service Market Share (%), By Services 2023

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Key Development

Key Strategic Initiatives

• In December 2022, PM Relocations (PMR), an movers and relocation company, will invest up to US$ 18.4 Mn over the next three years to expand its business.
• In August 01, 2022, SIRVA, Inc. and BGRS, leading global relocation and moving providers, today announced the successful completion of their previously announced merger agreement, creating a newly-formed company named SIRVA BGRS Worldwide, Inc. (“SIRVA BGRS”). With over 4,000 employees across 77 global locations, SIRVA BGRS will have the unparalleled footprint, capabilities and expertise to service a global customer base of any size.
• In January 11, 2023, AssureShift, a prominent directory for packers and movers, has expanded its comprehensive suite of services to an additional eight Indian cities, thereby increasing its total coverage to 29 cities. The online platform now facilitates relocation and associated services in Hosur, Mysore, Patna, Bhubaneshwar, Indore, Cochin, Jaipur, and Surat. These services are currently operational and can be accessed either through their website or via their contact number.

Top Companies in the Corporate Relocation Service Market

• Graebel Companies Inc
• Sirva Worldwide, Inc.
• RMC Facilities Services, Inc.
• Crown Relocations
• Santa Fe Relocation
• FIDI
• MSIGTS
• Cartus Corporation
• AWGI LLC
• North American Van Lines, Inc.
• Arpin Van Lines
• Wheaton World Wide Moving U.S
• United Van Lines
• Mayflower
• Bekins Van Lines, Inc.
• Beltmann Relocation Group
• Corrigan Moving
• Spike Inc
• Eclipse IT, Inc.

Definition: The corporate relocation service market refers to the industry catering to the end-to-end employee relocation needs of organizations globally. Corporate relocation services include household goods moving, home sale assistance, visa processing, cultural training, school search, temporary housing, home finding, and other support services to relocate employees domestically or internationally. The market has key players offering customized relocation solutions to corporate clients across industry verticals. With a rising immigrant workforce and job transfers, the market is driven by the growing need for seamless relocation logistics across regions.