Summer Travel & Remote Work: The Compliance Checklist for managing International Teams

As remote work becomes a permanent fixture in today’s global workforce, more employees are requesting to working from abroad, especially during the summer months. While this flexibility supports talent retention and employee satisfaction, it also introduces complex compliance challenges for organizations operating in Germany and across Europe. If your international employees plan to work abroad while holding a German work visa, even for a short time, the risks go beyond delayed flights or missed Zoom meetings.

This guide provides a comprehensive checklist for ensuring compliance when employees work remotely from outside Germany. It’s designed for professionals responsible for HR, global mobility, relocation, and immigration, offering practical steps to safeguard both your organization and your international talent.

Why Visa and Residence Permit Compliance Matters when employees work from abroad

Even short periods of working from abroad can create unexpected challenges. If employees do not hold valid travel documents or fail to meet reentry requirements, they may face difficulties returning to Germany or even risk losing their residence status. That’s why it’s essential to check all documentation before approving remote work from another country and ensure employees’ residence permits are valid when they take some time off during the summer to travel abroad.

Always verify that both the passport and German residence permit are valid for the entire duration of the planned stay abroad, plus a buffer period.

Key Aspects to Consider Before Approving Remote Work or Holidays

Whether an employee is taking extended holiday leave or planning to work remotely from another country, the following areas should be reviewed:

For Remote Work from Abroad

• Check local visa or digital nomad requirements.

• Understand tax and social security implications.

• Confirm GDPR and IT policy compliance.

• Confirm reentry requirements to Germany.

• Verify travel insurance coverage.

For Holiday Travel

• Ensure passport and residence permit validity.

• Confirm reentry requirements to Germany.

• Verify travel insurance coverage.

1. Document Validity

Ensure the employee’s passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended return date. It’s also important to confirm that the German residence permit will remain valid throughout the entire trip and upon reentry.

2. Entry and Reentry Requirements

Some countries may require a visa or special permit for remote work, even for short stays. Employees should check the entry rules for their destination before making any travel arrangements. For reentry to Germany, employees must present their valid residence permit and passport at the border.

3. Additional Compliance Considerations

Remote work from abroad can have implications for tax, social security, and employment law. We recommend consulting with qualified professionals in these areas before approving any requests. Furthermore, data protection and IT security requirements may apply when working from outside Germany, so ensure compliance with these regulations.

4. Current Travel Advisories

Before any international travel, employees should check the latest travel advisories from the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) as well as local regulations at their destination. Entry requirements, health and safety protocols, or other restrictions may change on short notice and could impact travel plans or the ability to work remotely.

5. Data Protection Compliance

Remind employees that all company compliance policies—including GDPR requirements and confidentiality obligations—remain fully applicable, even when working outside Germany. Secure handling of sensitive data and adherence to IT security protocols are essential to protect both the employee and the organization.

6. Insurance

Employees should secure valid travel insurance before any international trip, as company-provided coverage may be limited for medical emergencies or disruptions while abroad. It’s important to confirm that insurance policies specifically cover international travel and emergency care.

Want a quick summary?

relokate’s Role: Visa and Residence Permit Support

At relokate, we specialize in providing software solutions that support companies and their international employees with the documentation needed for safe travel and reentry to Germany. We, with our software, can help:

• Automatically monitor the validity of residence permits and passports, ensuring you are reminded and can easily access and verify their validity.

• Advise on the documentation required for reentry to Germany.

• Support your employees through the application or renewal process for residence permits.

Ready to Ensure Safe and Compliant Travel?

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or HR advice. Our services are limited to visa and residence permit support for Germany.