Working Abroad

Working remotely for a US company while living abroad is possible for US citizens, but requires careful attention to visa requirements, tax obligations, and employer policies. By 2025, approximately 32.6 million Americans work remotely, representing about 22% of the workforce. The key challenges include obtaining proper work authorization, understanding tax obligations in multiple jurisdictions, and navigating employer restrictions. Many countries now offer digital nomad visas specifically designed for remote workers, though requirements vary significantly. For freelancers and entrepreneurs, the path is often more flexible but comes with additional responsibilities—you'll manage your own taxes in both the US and potentially abroad, and may need to establish a business entity. Opening foreign business bank accounts can be complicated, and some activities may trigger "permanent establishment" rules that create unexpected tax obligations.

Key Points

• 149+ countries offer digital nomad visas as of 2025, including Portugal, Spain, and Croatia
• 2Many European countries have 183-day tax residency rules—spending over 183 days triggers local tax filing
• 3FEIE allows excluding up to $130,000 of foreign-earned income from US taxes (2025)
• 4Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies regardless of FEIE exclusion
• 5Freelancers are often ineligible for standard work visas without sponsorship
• 6Opening foreign business bank accounts typically requires residency or local company formation
• 7Remote workers cannot engage in local "economic activities" under most digital nomad visas