Expatriate vs. Repatriate — What's the Difference?

An expatriate, often shortened to expat, is someone who has chosen to live outside their native country, typically for professional, economic, or lifestyle reasons. On the other hand, a repatriate is an individual who returns to their country of origin or citizenship after having lived abroad for a significant period. This return may be driven by personal choice, professional opportunities, or changes in personal circumstances.

Expatriates might move to another country to experience a new culture, advance their career, or benefit from a higher salary and lower cost of living. Whereas repatriates often return to familiar cultural and social environments, which can offer comfort and a sense of belonging that might have been missing abroad.

For expatriates, the transition can involve significant cultural adaptation and learning. They might face challenges such as language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and homesickness. Conversely, repatriates may experience "reverse culture shock" upon returning home, as they readjust to the norms and expectations that may have evolved in their absence.

The duration of stay abroad can vary greatly for expatriates; some may stay for a few years, while others might become permanent residents of their new country. In contrast, repatriates usually make a permanent return to their home country, although they might again choose to go abroad in the future.

Expatriates often maintain strong ties with their country of origin through technology and frequent visits, yet they can develop a blended identity that incorporates elements of both their home and host cultures. Repatriates, however, might struggle to reintegrate and may feel like outsiders in their own country initially, as they reconcile their changed identity with their original culture.