Choosing a global mobility platform for Germany means evaluating whether you need software, services, or both. Some platforms are pure SaaS tools for tracking cases. Others are full-service partners that handle the immigration process end to end. Here are the top 5 options for companies hiring international talent into Germany in 2026 — with honest pros, cons, and pricing context.
What to look for
Before comparing platforms, define what your company actually needs:
Volume
Are you relocating 2 people/year or 50? Low volume → full-service partner. High volume → software + services combo.
Germany-specific expertise
German immigration is complex (Blue Card, §18a/18b, Chancenkarte, city-specific Ausländerbehörde processes). Generic global platforms may lack depth here.
Service scope
Do you need visa-only, or full relocation (housing, Anmeldung, bank, settling-in)? Some platforms do immigration only.
Pricing model
Per-case, monthly subscription, or annual contract? Per-case is better for growing companies; subscriptions suit enterprise.
HR dashboard
Can your HR team track every case in real time? Or are you relying on email updates?
1. relokate
relokate combines a case management platform with dedicated immigration specialists who handle the entire process — from visa application to Anmeldung to apartment search. Each case gets a single point of contact (no hand-offs between departments).
Strengths
- Deep Germany expertise — handles all visa types including Blue Card, §18a/18b, Chancenkarte transitions
- Full-service: visa + relocation + settling-in in one platform
- Real-time HR dashboard with case tracking and document status
- Pay per case — no platform fees or minimum commitments
- Bilingual team (EN/DE) with direct Ausländerbehörde experience
Considerations
- Germany-only — not suited for companies needing a single global platform
- Best fit for companies relocating 5+ people/year to Germany
2. Localyze
Berlin-based Localyze offers a software platform for managing international employee relocations across Europe, with a strong focus on automation and self-service workflows.
Strengths
- Good self-service workflows for straightforward cases
- Multi-country support (Germany + 25 other European countries)
- Integration-friendly API for HR systems
Considerations
- Subscription model means paying even in months with zero relocations
- Less hands-on support — more suitable for HR teams that want to manage the process themselves
- Complex German cases (qualification recognition, Ausländerbehörde delays) may need additional support
3. Jobbatical
Estonia-based Jobbatical provides immigration and relocation services for tech companies across 50+ countries. Their platform automates document collection and timeline tracking.
Strengths
- Wide country coverage — good for companies hiring globally, not just to Germany
- Clean UX and employee-facing app
- Strong in tech/startup space
Considerations
- Germany-specific depth varies — complex cases may be referred to local partners
- Relocation services (housing, settling-in) not always included
- Pricing can be higher for full-service packages
4. Vialto Partners
Vialto (formerly PwC's Global Mobility practice) serves large enterprises with complex global mobility programs — tax, compliance, immigration, and assignment management.
Strengths
- Enterprise-grade compliance and tax expertise
- Best for companies with 100+ international moves per year
- Strong in assignment management and policy design
Considerations
- Overkill for mid-sized companies doing <50 relocations/year
- Enterprise pricing — not cost-effective for small teams
- Less hands-on relocation support (housing, settling-in)
5. SIRVA
SIRVA (formerly Allied and Cartus) is one of the largest traditional relocation management companies globally. They handle everything from household goods shipping to destination services.
Strengths
- Full physical relocation — moving, shipping, home sale, household goods
- Global network of destination service providers
- Good for executive/senior relocations with full packages
Considerations
- Traditional model — less tech-forward than newer platforms
- Immigration handled through partners, not in-house
- Better for household moves than immigration-first relocations
Feature comparison table
| Feature | relokate | Localyze | Jobbatical | Vialto | SIRVA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany immigration depth | Deep | Good | Moderate | Deep | Via partners |
| HR tracking dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Full relocation services | Yes | Partial | Partial | No | Yes |
| Pay per case option | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
| Multi-country | Germany only | Europe | Global | Global | Global |
| Best for company size | 5–200/yr | 10–100/yr | 10–100/yr | 100+/yr | 50+/yr |
| Settling-in support | Yes | Limited | Limited | No | Yes |
Our recommendation
The right platform depends on your specific situation:
You hire 5–50 people/year to Germany and want one partner to handle everything
→ relokate — purpose-built for Germany, software + full-service, pay per case.
You hire across Europe and want HR to manage the process via software
→ Localyze — good self-service platform with multi-country coverage.
You're a tech startup hiring globally and need a modern, lightweight tool
→ Jobbatical — clean UX, good automation, tech-friendly.
You're an enterprise with 100+ global moves and need tax/compliance consulting
→ Vialto Partners — enterprise-grade, consulting-led.
You're moving executives with full household goods and family relocation
→ SIRVA — traditional full-service for complex physical relocations.
Disclosure
This article is published by relokate. We've aimed to give an honest, fair comparison of the market. We obviously believe relokate is the best choice for Germany-focused relocations — but the right platform depends on your needs. We encourage you to evaluate multiple options.
Ready to streamline your relocations?
See how relokate compares — book a demo and get a custom pricing estimate for your team.
About the author
Katharina Hilgers
Founder & Managing Director, relokate
Over a decade of experience in HR, People Operations, and global mobility. Founded relokate in 2020 after seeing firsthand how complex and fragmented the relocation process was for companies hiring internationally. Previously led international hiring at high-growth companies, managing relocations across 30+ nationalities. Today, Katharina combines strategic HR expertise with technology to make global hiring to Germany simple, compliant, and human.
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