The general definition of an “expatriate” is the following: it is a person that lives outside of his own home country. The main differences will therefore be identified by the compensation elements of the work contract (premiums, benefits-in-kinds, etc) for an employee on assignment or by his social security coverage.
The definitions provided below are those usually used by most firms since there are no legal definitions for the different types of expatriation status.
Expatriate In general, the expatriate is the employee who benefits from a total package. He is sent abroad for at least 2 years, his French social security cover or an equivalent is maintained, he benefits from premiums, is provided housing, a car etc.
"Local" employee A “local” employee is an employee who is hired in the host location. His home local contract is terminated or suspended while the “local” contract is signed. Therefore, he has the compensation of a local employee, benefiting at least from the minimum wage, he contributes to the host mandatory social security scheme and does not receive any particular premium or benefit-in-kind.
"Local +" employee “Local +” employee is an employee hired under a “local” contract with certain premiums or benefit-in-kinds. For example, he benefits from social security coverage equivalent to that he benefited from in his home location or he benefits from a housing benefit-in-kind
Split A “split” is, in general, an employee with two work contracts in two different countries, or at least that works in two distinct countries. The reason for two contracts can either be for legal or financial matters. A “split” employee can also benefit from premiums or benefit-in-kinds.
Our web site discusses mostly the expatriation assignment. However, if you wish to ask any questions concerning other types of assignments, please go on
our blog.