> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.marcopayroll.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.marcopayroll.com/marco-user-guide-x4/2025/introducing-marco-os/user-roles-and-profiles/designated-countries.md).

# Designated Countries

If a staff member relocates overseas, managers have two options to manage the relocation in Marco:

1. **Change the staff's designated country**
2. **Set the staff as an Expat**

***

### **Expats in Marco**

An **Expat** in Marco is a business expatriate employee who maintains a **host and home country distinction** for **contractual and payroll purposes**. Expats will have **two designated countries** in their Marco account.

For Expats, the **host/home country distinction** applies to:

* **Personal information**
* **Employment information**
* **Bank details**
* **Leave balance**
* **Pay items**

However, Expats follow the **default weekend policy and public holidays** of their **host country only**, without a separate distinction for their home country.

**Who Can Be Set as an Expat?**

The following users can be designated as Expats in Marco:

* **Staff Only**
* **Manager Only**
* **Manager & Staff**

***

### **Local vs. Foreigner Status**

Each Marco user is also classified as either **Local** or **Foreigner** based on their designated country:

* **Local** – Employees **who do not require a work visa**.
* **Foreigner** – Employees **who require a work visa**.

**Impact on Payroll**

The **local/foreigner** status may influence payroll calculations. For example, if **employer contributions** are required **only for local employees**, payroll calculations will differ between local and non-local employees.


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