Freelancing Abroad: How to Move Overseas As A Freelancer

Since COVID, remote work has created endless opportunities for self-employed professionals. Freelancers today enjoy more than just choosing their work hours and clients – they have the freedom to live anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re itching to live in a bustling city like London, Berlin, or Barcelona, or you’re drawn to the peace of rural areas, such as southern France or the Mediterranean coast; a career in freelance opens up a world of possibility for you.

However, relocating as a freelancer can be challenging for many reasons, not least the headache of navigating local rules and regulations.

In this article, we will explore why moving abroad might be a great idea for independent consultants and share straightforward solutions to help simplify your relocation process.

Why move abroad as a freelancer?

How many of us dream of travelling the world? Seeing incredible sights, immersing ourselves in other cultures, or maybe reconnecting with family members who live in another country. This commonly shared desire is sadly  difficult to attain as a salaried employee. Freelancers on the other hand, have  more freedom to work abroad. 

For many freelancers, the desire to work overseas  is a major  factor in their decision to embrace self-employment. The freedom to work remotely from another country means you get to explore new  cities, discover hidden gems, and immerse  yourself in local cultures, all while maintaining and progressing your career. 

Another common reason for lots of people living and working abroad is love. If your partner has the chance to relocate, you can follow them without sacrificing your career if you freelance.

Parents may also move abroad to give their children better experiences, like new cultures, languages, and a wider world view. One of the greatest perks of freelancing is the flexibility to settle yourself and your family in a new country while still earning an income.

The reasons freelancers move abroad are varied. Some seek the peace of rural life, while others are drawn to the excitement of vibrant cities. Some move to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a language, or pursue a passion. 

Whatever your motivation, life as an independent consultant makes it possible for you to take the leap and thrive in a new country. 

Becoming an international freelancer: the different scenarios

Let’s look at the common scenarios for professionals who are thinking about freelancing abroad, including some of the options available for each one.

You’re a UK freelancer and you want to freelance abroad

So, you’re already a freelancer and you’re considering a move. You have the great advantage of an existing client base and experience, but there are still important things to consider:

• Research to understand the rules and regulations of your chosen location.
• Comprehensive review of tax laws, legal/visa requirements, and any bureaucracy in your new country.

• Plus, don’t forget to let your freelance clients know about your move and how it might affect them, especially regarding time zone changes.

With some proper research the next steps towards freelancing abroad should become clear. If you’re unsure, you can contact the embassy of the country you’re moving to for help and advice.

You’re not yet a freelancer but would like to freelance abroad

If you haven’t started freelancing yet but want to move abroad and try it, have a good think about the next few years. 

• Are you planning to stay in one country for a long time? 
• Or will you be moving to several countries?

Maybe you’re only moving abroad for a short while and plan to return to the UK. If you’re moving to another country for many years on the other hand, it may make sense to set up your freelance business there. This will require some research and paperwork, but it could make things easier in the long run.

Whatever your strategy for moving and working abroad, partnering with a management company like Hightekers can benefit you greatly.

We specialise in the support of freelancers, providing you with flexibility, local support, plus we’ll handle time-consuming paperwork for you. This saves you a lot of time and stress, allowing you to focus on your move and your freelance projects.

Hightekers provides the support and expertise you need to succeed as a  freelancer abroad. Read on to find out more.

You are already living abroad and don’t know which self-employed status to choose

This scenario can be trickier. The freelance and self-employed statuses available to you can be complex and depend a lot on your location.

Here are some of the key steps to take:

• Start by researching the local regulations and tax structures to understand the options available to you.
• Reach out to local experts and online forums for useful advice on the benefits and drawbacks of each freelance status.

This will help you decide whether to set up as a UK freelancer working abroad or register your freelance business in your host country. 

Just be prepared for a lot of research and paperwork! Though, one way to simplify the process is by working with a management company like Hightekers.

How a managing company can help with your freelance career abroad

Setting yourself up as a freelancer in a new country can be really challenging with lots of administrative and logistical issues to tackle. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

This is where a managing company like Hightekers comes in. We act as your guide and support system, providing you with a raft of unmatched benefits:

• Comprehensive Support: At Hightekers, we strive to make freelancing in a new country easier. We handle all the paperwork for you so you can focus on your work. We take care of remote working visas, permits, local contracts, social security, accommodation, and even setting up your bank account. With us, you can get settled quickly and stay focused on growing your freelance business.  
• A Global Network of Experts: With a vast network of experienced professionals across the globe, we connect you with a community of experts. Whether you need assistance with local regulations, cultural navigation, or  understanding tax implications, you can reach out to us or your peers at any time.
• Financial Security: We eliminate the financial uncertainty often associated with freelancing. By providing a guaranteed on-time salary, regardless of client payment cycles, we ensure that you have a steady income to support your lifestyle abroad.
• International Invoicing: At Hightekers, we handle all aspects of international invoicing. This means that not only can you invoice your clients from wherever you are, but you can also work with international clients without having to worry about cross-border compliance. 
• Complete Independence with Benefits: When you partner with Hightekers, there are no contracts forced on you and you keep all the freedoms of freelancing – including finding your own clients. What’s more you have access to benefits usually reserved for employees, such as health insurance or daycare (depending on your chosen location).

Conclusion

Hightekers are your trusted partners for working as a  freelancer abroad. We handle all the tricky and time-consuming admin, offer full support, financial security, and global opportunities.

With our specialist support you can stay focused on your self-employed journey and make the most of your new life in your exciting new location.

Ready to take the leap? Find out more about how Hightekers can help you work abroad