Global Options
Greenberg Traurig’s Global Outbound Immigration practice reflects
the client-centered approach for which our firm is known. GT recognizes
the stress and difficulty inherent in sending employees abroad.
To simplify this process GT offers a comprehensive outbound visa
program that provides outstanding service to our corporate clients,
human resources professionals (HR) and individual employees to make
the transfer process as simple as possible.
Greenberg Traurig initiates the transfer process by providing
information, guidance and assistance to our clients on specific
country matters for the movement and relocation of employees. GT’s
vast experience in providing these services to large international
companies had allowed us to become familiar with and develop a seamless
transfer process for corporate transferees. As a result, our team
is knowledgeable in outbound immigration processes and facilitates
transfers efficiently. GT takes the time to anticipate problems
and resolve problems as well as streamline immigration visa procedures.
GT’s global visa initiative has allowed us to develop strategic
relationships with attorneys abroad. We recognize that immigration
procedures can be daunting to understand especially without knowledge
of the local language. Our local partners are experienced in local
immigration laws which allows them to better explain the processes
to our clients and resolve any issues that may arise. GT holds our
local partners to the same standard of customer service that we
hold ourselves - excellence. By doing so all client questions, issues
and concerns are addressed and resolved in a timely manner.
GT also offers a proactive technological
approach to tracking transfers through daily telephonic and
electronic mail updates, a web-based tracking system,
GT Alerts and web updates.
Additionally, we work closely with HR personnel and company assignees
to ensure continuous communication. Utilizing various systems assists
in managing the expectations of managers and assists in tracking
renewals and deadlines for expatriate employees abroad.
GT’s business immigration groups is available seven days a week
to meet client requests. We offer the experience and attentiveness
to client needs of an immigration “boutique” within the framework
of a full-service law firm. Our efficiency and expertise ensures
first-rate service at a competitive price.
Short-term Tourist/ Business Visitors
Whether your visit is for the purposes of business (for working
requirements please refer to
Long-term Work and Residence
Permits) or to arrange housing prior to an employee transfer
abroad, GT can advise you on the visa that best suits your needs.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents may enter many foreign
countries without a visa if they limit their visit to 90 days and
to activities that fall within the “business visitor” categories.
Most countries designate specific activities as permissible for
business visitors. An example of these activities includes:
- Participation in meetings, seminars, exhibitions and training
sessions
- Aiding the establishment or review of financial or human
resources concerns
- Negotiating contracts, soliciting orders and providing product
information as well as resolving issues with customers for sales
and marketing personnel
- Negotiating contracts for joint ventures, manufacturing
affiliations and sourcing and licensing agreements
To obtain a business visitor visa the client will have to show
that they can satisfy certain residency and employment requirements.
GT provides all of our clients with the visa regulations for
their country of destination, advises them on whether their activities
fall into the category of business or tourism, provides them with
lists of required documents to facilitate the procurement of necessary
travel documents, prepares and submits visa applications to embassies
or consulates on behalf of the assignee and consults with local
counsel in complex cases.
For specific information relating to your planned activities
in your country of destination please contact the attorney you work
with at GT.
Long-term Work and Residence Permits
Today’s global market requires companies to send many of their
employees abroad for employment purposes often for extended periods
of time. GT’s Global Outbound Immigration Practice helps employers
and employees with this process from the start of the transfer until
the employee is repatriated or sent to a third country. GT relies
on its experience and vast network of local partners around the
world to facilitate employee transfers. Not only does GT process
all the necessary applications in the US and abroad on behalf of
our corporate clients and individual employees, but we also take
into consideration the needs of accompanying family members by offering
them immigration support.
Most countries require “work permits” for employees who wish
to engage in activities that fall outside of the scope of those
conducted by “business visitors,”
regardless of the intended length of stay. Additionally, work permits
are required in most countries for business related activities exceeding
a ninety (90) day period. GT works closely with local counsel in
the country of destination to facilitate issuance of the required
permits for both intracompany transferees and direct hires going
abroad, and assists with the collection of all necessary documentation.
The processing time for the approval of a work permit varies
depending on the intended destination. However, GT is committed
to helping our clients obtain work permits by most expeditious process
available, relying on our relationships with foreign officials and
our agents abroad. GT also assists in obtaining the necessary residence
permits and comply with foreign registration requirements to avoid
jeopardizing their immigration status in destination countries.
GT takes time to evaluate the benefits of different work permits
and helps corporate clients determine what options best suit their
needs. Additionally, once the employee is transferred abroad we
monitor expiration dates and process renewals. GT keeps clients
informed of the transfer process by providing them with country
transfer information specifically created for them as well as through
electronic updates and our secured web-based case management system.
For specific information relating to your planned activities
in your country of destination please contact the attorney you work
with at GT.
Tax Minimization For Employers
and Foreign Workers
- Counsel companies and individuals on global tax minimization
techniques
- Assist companies in structuring compensation packages to
take advanatage of tax treaties and tax benefits available in
each country
- Advise on all aspects of global share plans, including tax,
payroll, data protection, exchange control, securities and labor
and employment laws worldwide
|
