5 Tips for Relocating Your Business Internationally

There’s a time and place where your business might need to relocate. However, this process can be daunting if you’ve never attempted such a move before. Let us take a very close look at five tips for relocating your business internationally.

1. Eliminate language barriers

To start things off, you’ll want to eliminate any potential language barriers as much as possible. There’s a good chance that the destination of your business is in a country that speaks a different language. Skilled interpreters and translators go a long way. You’re much better off investing in a good translator than trying to manage things with a language barrier. Translation software might seem tempting, but it’s really not enough for the long run.

2. Learn rules and regulations

Next in line, make sure to learn all the rules and regulations of the new country. Policies on the other side of the world can be vastly different than policies where you currently live. There’s nothing worse than inadvertently breaking the law and having to pay a fine. Out of respect for the country, read about any rules that might concern you and your business. One great way to approach this is to consult other business owners who have made the move. Much like switching residences, they’ll be able to provide some useful tips that you would otherwise not be aware of.

3. Choose a city wisely

Yet another thing you need to do is choose a city wisely. You might have settled on the target country, but there are still decisions yet to be made. Different cities offer different advantages. Think about how much rent you’re willing to pay and whether you desire a community with similar interests. These factors and the size of the city make an enormous difference. Remember, it’s not always best to move to the biggest metropolis. Smaller cities can often offer just as many resources at a fraction of a cost. This would be excellent for a startup.

4. Consider partial relocation

Partial relocation is another option to at least have on the table. A full relocation can be difficult for many business owners. It’s a huge commitment to make, and if anything goes wrong, you won’t really have a plan to fallback on. A partial relocation with resources in two cities can be a great idea. You’ll be able to test the waters, and if things work out, you can commit to a full relocation. After a couple of months, you’ll have some data that shows whether the move was successful.

5. Inform employees in advance

Last but not least, inform employees about the relocation well in advance. They are your loyal employees, and they deserve to be kept in the loop about everything. Some of them will be disappointed, while others might be able to continue working remotely. Of course, you’ll pick up new workers at your final destination. By informing employees, they’ll be able to make plans with regard to their finances and family. In your monthly newsletter, detail your plans and keep everyone updated as they develop. Who knows, your employees might have suggestions of their own that could work out in the long run. Listen closely with both ears.

Conclusion

When all is said and done, these are some great tips for relocating your business internationally. When international offers are too good to pass up, you’ll need to make that move.

Alex
 

Alex is a small business blogger with a focus on entrepreneurship and growth. With over 5 years of experience covering the startup and small business landscape, Alex has a reputation for being a knowledgeable, approachable and entrepreneurial-minded blogger. He has a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small business owners, and is able to provide actionable advice and strategies for success. Alex has interviewed successful entrepreneurs, and covered major small business events such as the Small Business Expo and the Inc. 500|5000 conference. He is also a successful entrepreneur himself, having started and grown several small businesses in different industries.