Italy Checklist: Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrant Visas
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Once upon a time, global mobility was reserved for corporate execs and elite expats, sent to familiar hubs: London, New York, Singapore. Fast-forward to 2026 and the story has changed. Flexibility, digital nomadism, and remote work mean that more people—across industries and seniority levels—are packing their bags for destinations off the beaten path. According to recent data from the Mercer 2026 Global Talent Trends report, 66% of organizations now maintain active global mobility programs, compared to 48% in 2019. And hotspots? They’re evolving, fast.
Let’s break down where the action is. Portugal continues its ascent, ranking as the number one European relocation destination according to Statista’s Global Expat Index. Digital nomad-friendly policies, reasonable living costs, and high quality of life have fueled a 22% increase in inbound moves since 2024. In Asia, Vietnam and Indonesia are the unexpected winners—Vietnam’s tech sector boom and Indonesia’s new five-year digital nomad visa have attracted both remote workers and corporate assignments.
South America is no slouch either. Brazil, once seen as a tough sell, has reinvented itself with streamlined work visa processes. Relocation requests to São Paulo increased by 16% in 2026, thanks to fintech expansion and a growing startup scene. Meanwhile, Canada retains its popularity, but not just in Vancouver or Toronto—smaller cities like Halifax and Calgary are luring skilled talent with incentives and work-life balance.
But where are people moving less? Surprisingly, once-lucrative global cities are facing a slump. London, while still iconic, saw a 12% drop in relocation inflow, per Cartus’ 2026 Relocation Trends. High cost of living, political uncertainties post-Brexit, and stiffer visa regulations all play a part. Hong Kong’s expat community shrank by 18% as financial professionals sought new Asian business capitals. Even Silicon Valley—long an expat magnet—saw a slow trickle out, as rising living costs, work-from-anywhere policies, and tech decentralization sent talent packing for cities like Austin or even across the border to Mexico City.
What’s behind these declines? It’s not just about cost—it’s about lifestyle alignment, policy shifts, and safety concerns. Employees want affordable healthcare, reliable digital infrastructure, and cultural inclusivity. If a city doesn’t measure up, agile workers now have more options than ever.
There’s no single reason why people choose one city over another, but a few key themes are clear. First, policy matters. Countries like Portugal and Indonesia have made legal frameworks incredibly welcoming, lowering the friction for both companies and relocating staff. Second, remote work is rewriting the playbook. Employees awarded the choice to work anywhere can prioritize lifestyle over corporate headquarters.
Data from xpath.global backs this up: their 2026 mobility survey found that 41% of total corporate relocations were now to non-traditional “tier-2” destinations—up from only 25% in 2021. And it’s not just a pandemic blip. A full 72% of companies said flexibility in destination choice had become a strategic differentiator for talent acquisition.
Take, for example, a European IT firm struggling to attract top Python developers in London. Using xpath.global’s AI-powered relocation platform, they mapped global talent demand and discovered significant developer pools in Spain and Poland. By offering flexible remote-first packages and supporting relocation to cities like Valencia and Krakow, they not only filled open roles faster but increased employee satisfaction scores by 19% in their annual review. xpath.global’s local insights and end-to-end management—covering everything from visas to housing—streamlined what once took months into a matter of weeks.
This story isn’t unique. As organizations realize that the “where” is just as important as the “how,” solutions like xpath.global are emerging as must-haves in talent strategies. They bridge compliance gaps, navigate cultural complexity, and keep both employers and employees happy, no matter the final destination.
The old maps are out of date. Talent flows are dynamic—and the playbook for global mobility is flexibility and tech-driven agility. As demographic shifts accelerate and employee expectations soar, the right global mobility solution isn’t just about moving bodies, but enabling global opportunity without barriers.
Wondering how your organization can surf this new wave? It starts with real-time data, user-friendly tech, and, most importantly, a willingness to go where your talent wants to grow.
What is a global mobility solution?
A global mobility solution is a set of services, technologies, and processes that help companies and individuals manage international assignments, relocations, or remote work arrangements. It covers everything from visa and immigration compliance, to cultural training, to relocation logistics.
Which countries saw the biggest increase in arrivals in 2026?
Portugal, Vietnam, Indonesia, and certain mid-sized Canadian cities experienced the sharpest growth. Brazil also gained momentum thanks to business reforms and tech opportunities.
Why are some cities losing their appeal?
Factors like high cost of living, visa or policy constraints, political uncertainties, and shifting lifestyle preferences play a role. Relocating employees want more than just big city status—they seek balance, safety, and affordable everyday life.
How can xpath.global help with destination selection?
xpath.global leverages local expertise, real-time data, and AI to identify optimal relocation markets, ensure full regulatory compliance, and take the guesswork out of global moves for HR teams and employees alike.
What’s the top trend in employee relocation for 2026?
Flexibility is the name of the game. Companies are breaking away from traditional hubs, empowering talent to live and work where they thrive—not just where headquarters used to be.
Ready to transform your mobility program? Explore xpath.global’s solutions.
Italy Checklist: Sponsoring Highly Skilled Migrant Visas
Grab a copy of a guide to international employee relocation
View E-book