How you can move abroad as a freelancer

Post-COVID and in the age of information and technology, the ability to work remotely has opened up a realm of possibilities for freelance professionals in the IT and technology industries. The freedom to choose work hours and clients is no longer the sole benefit of freelancing; it also offers the flexibility to live and work from anywhere in the world. People are increasingly wanting to move to vibrant hubs like London, Berlin, or Barcelona. Or, at the other end of the spectrum, to calm rural areas in the countryside or by the sea, in the south of France or along the Mediterranean coast for example. However, the journey of relocating as a freelancer can be daunting, especially when considering the intricacies of local rules and legislation. In this article, we’ll take a look at why moving abroad could actually be a great choice for a freelancer. We’ll also consider the various scenarios you could be facing, and present the simple solution to make your moving unbelievably easy.

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 unfortunately difficult to attain as a salaried employee. Freelancers on the other hand, and especially IT freelancers and consultants have much more freedom to work abroad. 

For many freelancers, the desire to work abroad is a significant factor in their decision to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. The freedom to work remotely enables them to explore bustling cities, discover hidden gems, and immerse themselves in local cultures, all while maintaining their professional commitments.

Another factor could be the simple and age-old reason behind many people’s decisions: love. If one person in a relationship is presented with the opportunity to relocate for whatever reason, if their significant other is a freelancer, they will be able to follow their partners abroad without compromising their careers. The flexibility of freelancing allows them to establish themselves in a new country while continuing to provide for themselves and their families.

Parents want what’s best for their kids, and that could just be moving abroad. From broadening their horizons to gaining exposure to new cultures and traditions, learning foreign languages, fostering a lifelong appreciation for diversity and enriching their understanding of the world – the benefits are endless. 

The motivations for freelancers to relocate abroad are as diverse as the individuals themselves. Some may want to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and find solace in the tranquillity of rural settings. Others may be drawn to the vibrant energy of cosmopolitan cities, eager to connect with a global community of like-minded individuals. Others may be inspired by the desire to immerse themselves in a specific culture, learn a new language, or pursue a passion project. Whatever the reason, the ability to move abroad as a freelancer is a testament to the boundless possibilities that this unique work style offers.

Becoming an international freelancer: the different scenarios

If you are considering freelancing from abroad, there are various scenarios you could find yourself in. Below are some scenarios you may encounter and what your options are depending on your current situation.

You’re already a freelancer in the UK and want to remain one abroad

So you’re considering a move and are already a freelancer? In this scenario, you benefit from the advantage of having an existing client base and a proven track record. However, that does imply that, once you do decide to make the move, you warn all your existing clients that you will be moving abroad, and how, if at all, that impacts them. Be wary of time zone differences. Naturally, when it comes to any admin, your first steps will depend on where you’re relocating to.

Through a significant amount of research, you will need to try to gain an understanding of the local rules and regulations of your chosen destination. This transition demands a comprehensive review of tax obligations, legal requirements, and potential bureaucratic hurdles specific to the country you’re moving to. Thanks to all this research, the next steps you will need to take to freelance in your destination country should progressively appear obvious. If in doubt, you can also consider contacting the embassy of your destination country to try and obtain answers directly.

You are not yet a freelancer but would like to become one abroad

If you haven’t set up as a freelancer yet, but do want to move abroad soon, consider what the next few years of your life look like. Will you be moving to one single country for many years? Or, are you likely to move to several countries over the next few years? Or, are you only moving abroad for a short period of time and will be returning to the UK soon? If you’re moving to a foreign country for many years, consider setting up your business over there entirely. As with the previous scenario, this will require a lot of research and admin, but this could simplify things for you in the long term.

If you’re in either of the other two cases, consider the advantages of partnering with a managing company like Hightekers. This approach can offer flexibility, local support, and a range of benefits that can streamline your transition to freelancing abroad. By working with a managing company, you can avoid the complexities of establishing your freelancing status independently in each country you work in. This can save you time, effort, and stress, allowing you to focus on your freelance work while they take care of the paperwork. Hightekers can provide the flexibility, support, and expertise you need to succeed as a freelancer abroad. More on that in the following section.

You are already abroad and don’t know which status to choose

This one is quite tricky, as the statuses available to you will hugely depend on your location. Once again, the key is research. Delve into the local regulations, tax structures, and the implications of different freelance statuses. Consulting with local experts or engaging with online forums can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of each status. This can help you decide whether setting up as a freelancer in the UK from abroad is best, or whether you should create your freelance business locally instead. 

No matter the scenario you find yourself in, you’ll likely need to do a lot of research, and just as much paperwork, in order to set up your business abroad. However, there is one way you can work around this issue. And that’s working with a managing company like Hightekers.

How a managing company can help you manage your freelance activity abroad

Becoming a freelancer abroad comes with a multitude of administrative and logistical hurdles to overcome – which makes it easy to feel overwhelmed. This is where a managing company can step in as your trusted guide and support system. The benefits of partnering with a managing company like Hightekers are unparalleled:

• Fully Comprehensive Assistance: At Hightekers, we take care of the intricate paperwork associated with freelancing abroad, ensuring that you can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional work to your clients. We handle everything from remote working visas and permits to local contracts, social security registration, accommodation, and bank account opening, allowing you to settle into your new environment seamlessly.
• A Global Network of Experts: With a vast network of experienced professionals across the globe, we provide you with unparalleled support and guidance. Whether you need assistance with local regulations, cultural navigation, or navigating tax implications, you can reach out to 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 partnering with a managing company like Hightekers, you are still able to choose the companies you want to work for. No contracts are offered to, or forced upon you. Despite this complete independence, you are still afforded many benefits usually associated with employees like health insurance or daycare depending on your country.

In short, at Hightekers, we serve as your trusted partners in navigating the freelance landscape abroad and take over all the most complex and time-consuming admin. We provide comprehensive support, financial security, and access to a global network of opportunities. What more could you want? Chances are, if you do want more, we already offer that too!

Learn about working abroad