Can You Really Work Remotely from Another Country? Here’s What to Know

📝 Summary

Yes—you can work remotely from another country, but success depends on choosing the right visa, staying compliant with tax laws, and setting up secure tech for international work. Research digital nomad visas, confirm tax obligations with experts, and use trusted job boards and travel platforms to plan a smooth, compliant relocation.

Remote work has unlocked a new dream for many professionals: living in one country while working for an employer or clients in another. But making that dream a reality requires more than just packing your laptop and booking a flight. From visas and taxes to secure connectivity, there are key steps you need to understand before you set up your digital office abroad.

This guide breaks down the essentials so you can confidently explore your options for becoming a global remote worker.

Why People Want to Work Abroad While Remote

For many, the idea of working remotely from another country is about:

• Lower cost of living compared to home.
• Adventure and lifestyle upgrades — beach towns, cultural hubs, or outdoor-friendly regions.
• Tax benefits or government incentives that favor remote workers.
• Expanded opportunities with employers or clients who no longer require physical presence.

But the “digital nomad” lifestyle isn’t as simple as buying a plane ticket. Immigration and tax authorities will still care about where you live and earn your income.

Step 1: Understand Visa Options

Most countries don’t allow you to just show up on a tourist visa and work remotely long-term. That’s why a growing number of nations have introduced “digital nomad visas.”

Some popular examples include:

• Portugal – Flexible residency pathways for remote workers.
• Estonia – One of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa.
• Costa Rica – Offers a remote work visa with proof of steady income.
• Dubai (UAE) – A one-year remote work program that includes local residency perks.

Each has different requirements, but most involve proving:

• A minimum monthly income.
• Proof of employment or contracts outside the host country.
• Health insurance coverage.

💡 Pro tip: Use FlexJobs to secure a remote role that fits digital nomad visa requirements, since many listings are explicitly marked “remote-friendly worldwide.”

Step 2: Taxes — The Often Overlooked Challenge

Even if you qualify for a visa, taxes can complicate things. Depending on where you live and your citizenship, you may owe taxes in both your home and host country.

• U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income, no matter where they live.
• Some countries have tax treaties that prevent double taxation.
• Many digital nomad visas include a tax residency component — meaning you may become taxable in that country after 183 days.

This is where professional help is key. TaxHub specializes in handling remote worker tax filings, including cross-border compliance. Before you move, they can tell you exactly how much you’ll owe and where.

Step 3: Setting Up a Productive (and Safe) Work Environment Abroad

Even with the right visa and tax plan, your remote work experience abroad depends on your setup:

1. Reliable Housing & Internet
   Use Expedia to find housing that offers long-term stays and Wi-Fi reliability. Many hotels and apartments now advertise “remote-work ready” features.
2. Secure Internet Connection
   Public Wi-Fi at cafes and coworking spaces is risky. With NordVPN, you can encrypt your connection, protect sensitive work data, and even access content restricted by geography.
3. Time Zone Management
   Make sure you can meet employer or client expectations across time zones. Consider overlap hours or async-first work tools.

Step 4: Comparing Countries with Incentives

Some governments actively court remote workers. Programs include:

• Cash incentives (like Tulsa Remote in the U.S.).
• Residency perks (like Dubai’s 1-year residency with visa).
• Tax benefits (like 0% income tax zones).

For an updated list of incentive cities and countries, see our support article: Cities Paying Remote Workers. Also read our article: Best Countries for Digital Nomads — Where to Live, Work, and Thrive in 2025

Step 5: Staying Compliant and Avoiding Mistakes

The most common pitfalls remote workers face abroad include:

• Overstaying tourist visas while working.
• Failing to file home-country taxes.
• Working illegally without a visa that permits remote employment.
• Not securing data while using public networks.

✅ The solution: Pair the right visa program, hire a tax professional, and always use a VPN for online security.

Related Resource

For more context, see Harvard Business Review’s analysis of digital nomad visas (HBR.org), which highlights how governments are adapting to the remote work era.

Quick Comparison Table – Popular Digital Nomad Visa Options

How to Work Remotely from Another Country

Final Thoughts

Working remotely from another country is more possible than ever—but it requires planning. If you secure a job that qualifies, apply for the right visa, plan your taxes, and protect your digital life, you’ll set yourself up for success abroad.

🌍 With the right steps, you can make the world your office.

Jedilyn

Jedilyn Leyson turns operational chaos into executive leverage. With a sharp eye for hidden inefficiencies and a systems-first mindset, she helps founders and marketing teams convert overwhelm into organized execution. From untangling workflows to syncing cross-functional priorities, Jedilyn doesn’t just manage complexity—she turns it into a growth engine. Her superpower lies in spotting the invisible threads between people, processes, and performance—fueling campaigns that actually ship and strategies that scale.

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