Considerations for Entrepreneurs Working Abroad

The world is getting smaller as technology makes it possible for many entrepreneurs to set up shop anywhere their heart desires. Consultants and freelancers are using their job as a way to see the world without sacrificing any income.

However, working abroad as an entrepreneur isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Here are some of the main considerations for those who can take their business with them wherever they go.

Documentation Requirements

Before you travel to any country to stay for an extended period, you’ll need to know their rules and regulations about the paperwork you require to stay there. This means your documents will need to be authenticated, especially if you plan on picking up another job while abroad.

You’ll also need an up-to-date passport and may require proof of your income if you plan on staying for a while. According to Australian documents legalisation, Authentifier it’s important that you look up the requirements for each place you plan on visiting, and be honest with officials in those areas. Don’t write that you’re only staying in Spain for two weeks when you intend to stay there for three months. The deception will cost you eventually.

Duration Limitations

The length of time you’re allowed to stay in one country will ultimately depend on their regulations and the type of visa you require. Some countries allow you to stay for weeks or months on end as a tourist but may require a different type of visa if you’re an entrepreneur who will be conducting work while staying.

Some countries allow you to travel to partner countries under one visa. Others require you to apply for visas well in advance of your travel to do a thorough check before you enter. While it might be invigorating to take a whimsical, plan-free approach to work abroad, it’s not always feasible to do so.

Access to Resources

When planning on taking your business abroad, you need to consider more than just legal requirements. You must also consider how you’ll conduct your business each day that you’re travelling. How will you work around long flights where you have no access to your online files or mobile calling? What will you do if the wifi at your chosen destination isn’t enough to support your work? How will you balance sightseeing with your work?

Finding places to stay that have adequate internet access and the resources you need to get your work done is essential when planning to work abroad. If you are budget-minded, you might be unhappy to discover that this often means paying more for a place to stay than those who are travelling without working. Staying in a hostel may not be conducive to work i.e. typing for hours and making client calls.

Time Zones

Freelancers are often all too familiar with how different time zones can impact their work. Depending on where your clients are and where you plan on travelling, you could put yourself on an opposite schedule from your clients. If your main clientele is in Australia and you’re visiting Canada, that might mean having an emergency meeting in the middle of the night.

Changing time zones can make it challenging to schedule meetings as well. Consider using the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to schedule business meetings or take the time to understand where you’ll be when booking something. Always identify the time zone you’re referring to when trying to schedule a call.

Taxes and Address

If you travel full time, you might run into a few challenges. First and foremost, not having a home address will make your life exceptionally challenging when you try to renew a credit card or submit taxes. Taxes can also get convoluted, depending on where you’re from and where you’re currently doing your work.

Keep a home address listed, even if it’s your parents back in your country of origin. Work with a tax professional from your country every year to help you sort through the chaos. With careful consideration and planning, you can live your dream of working abroad as an entrepreneur.