I Left the US But Kept My American Clients
I'm making US dollars while living in paradise and my clients are FINE with the arrangement.
Can I work remotely from another country as a US contractor without creating problems for my clients?
Yes, you absolutely can - with some thoughtful planning and clear communication.
I'm currently living this arrangement. I work as a 1099-contractor for US-based nonprofits, handling their fundraising and communications needs. I was never a W-2 employee or required to be on-site except for the occasional event that I attended by choice.
The key to making this work seamlessly lies in maintaining your US business structure. I operate through my US-based LLC, invoice clients via QuickBooks, receive payments to my US bank account, and diligently track business expenses. This approach creates virtually no additional complexity for my clients - which is exactly what they want.
From the client's perspective, nothing has changed. My nonprofit clients haven’t needed to adjust any of their processes since I moved abroad. The arrangement remains exactly as it was when I lived stateside.
There are some practical considerations worth noting:
Tax implications: I still pay American income taxes as if I were physically present in the States, despite living in a country with more favorable tax structures. This is one drawback, but the lower cost of living abroad often more than compensates for this. Be aware of potential foreign earned income exclusions and tax treaties that might apply to your situation; consulting with an expat-specialized tax professional is worth the investment.
Travel arrangements: For important events like annual fundraisers, I fly back on my own expense (which becomes a legitimate business expense). These trips serve multiple purposes - I can see friends and family, handle other business matters, and maintain face-to-face relationships with clients. Consider planning these trips strategically around multiple business purposes to maximize deductibility.
Security protocols: Two-factor authentication sometimes triggers when logging into systems from abroad. I mitigate this by using a reliable VPN (NordVPN has been excellent) when on public networks or by using my phone's hotspot. For sensitive work, I'm always extra cautious about my network security. Some clients may have specific security requirements for international contractors - address these proactively rather than reactively.
When working in public spaces, I focus on "busywork" like creating graphics in Canva or brainstorming content - tasks that don't involve sensitive information. Developing clear workflows for different types of tasks based on their security needs is essential.
Time zone management: Maintaining availability during your client's business hours, at least partially, is crucial. This might mean adjusting your schedule or being flexible with meeting times. Calendar tools that show multiple time zones simultaneously have been indispensable for me.
Banking and payment considerations: Maintain a US bank account for receiving payments seamlessly. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) can help you move money between countries with minimal fees. Some contractors set up automatic transfers at advantageous exchange rates.
Visa and residency requirements: Ensure you understand the legal requirements for working in your host country. Many digital nomad visas are now available, but requirements vary widely. Some countries don't permit work, even remote work for foreign clients, on tourist visas.
Professional insurance considerations: Review your professional liability, health insurance, and other coverages to ensure they're valid internationally. Many USA-based policies have geographic limitations.
This arrangement would likely require more consideration if your work primarily involves financial data, patient records, or sensitive client information. In such cases, additional security measures might be necessary, including encrypted drives, secure document sharing platforms, and formal data protection agreements.
Building a sustainable international consulting practice
Beyond just maintaining existing client relationships, you might consider how to grow your business while abroad:
Client communication strategy: Be transparent about your location without making it the focus. I've found that emphasizing availability and results matters more than physical location to most clients.
Networking from afar: Leverage digital communities, LinkedIn, and periodic US visits to maintain your professional network. Out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind.
Diversify your client base: Consider adding local clients in your new location or clients from other countries to create a truly international business that isn't solely dependent on US work.
Contract clarity: Ensure your contracts specify governing law (typically US), payment terms, and communication expectations. This protects both you and your clients from misunderstandings.
The bottom line: with proper planning and clear communication, you can maintain US client relationships while enjoying life abroad. The income often stretches further due to different cost-of-living dynamics, creating a win-win situation for both your lifestyle and your business. The digital transformation of work has made this arrangement increasingly common and accepted - what was once exceptional is now simply another way talented professionals structure their careers.
Have you made a similar transition or are you considering working internationally while maintaining US clients? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is based on personal experience and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or business advice. Laws and regulations regarding international work, taxation, and business operations vary by country and change frequently.
Before making any decisions about working internationally, please consult with qualified professionals including tax advisors, immigration attorneys, and international business consultants who can provide guidance specific to your situation.
The experiences shared in this post may not be applicable to your circumstances, and what works in one country may be prohibited in another. I am not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
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