What Freelancers Need To Know About Moving Abroad

Freelancers have the tremendous advantage of being able to work from anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, moving to your destination of choice can be hard when you’re a freelancer. Many countries want to see that you have a stable income and a commitment from an employer – something that’s not always possible for people in the freelance industry. However, that’s no reason to give up hope. While you may face some challenges, some factors are in your favor, such as the fact that you don’t need to quit your current job when you move. We’ll be discussing some of the essential things you should know, so you are equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Insurance

No matter where in the world you are, insurance is a must. However, it can be hard to get insurance when you’re constantly moving around since most insurance companies won’t pay if you’re abroad. Continually changing your insurance company isn’t wise either because most insurance companies have a waiting period before covering claims. There are exceptions, however - See nomad insurance as an example.

Essentials

Luckily, you don’t need much more than a decent laptop and a stable internet connection as a freelancer. However, you’ll still need other things – like a place to live or a mode of transportation to get you where you need to go. Figuring these things out may take some time, and you may not have a lot of time to work while you’re moving, so keep this in mind when deciding to move abroad as a freelancer.

Taxes & Legal Matters

A United States citizen living abroad is usually required to submit a U.S. tax return each year, but ultimately, they can generally use the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) to offset any income earned in a different country. In situations like this, a tax calculator is an essential tool to have. However, If this venture is permanent instead of just a long trip, the financial situation is a little different. First and foremost, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the taxes and other legal implications associated with the country you plan on living in. While most countries don’t have a problem with people with visiting visas working as freelancers, this may change if you want to become a resident. You may need to declare your income and register for the upcoming tax season.

Visas

Next up is determining what kind of visa you’ll need. Getting a business or work visa may be hard to do if you’re a freelancer, although it’s not impossible. You can also apply for a study visa and then work as a freelancer on the side. However, the most popular route for freelancers wanting to work abroad is securing a visitor’s visa. Most countries offer visitor’s visas for three months (sometimes longer), and you can then choose to either extend it or move on to the next destination of your choice by applying for a visitor’s visa there. In some cases, depending on where you’re going and where you’re from, you may not even need a visa. You can learn more about that here.