The short answer: there are two separate questions. Can a company abroad hire you remotely? Usually yes, through a local entity, an employer of record (EOR) that employs you on the company’s behalf, or as an independent contractor; roles in software, data, design, marketing, writing, customer support and sales are the most remote-friendly. Can you live and work remotely in another country? That depends on its immigration rules. Several countries now offer digital nomad or remote work visas with income and paperwork requirements: Spain asks for at least 200% of its monthly minimum wage, Portugal for four times its minimum wage, and Croatia allows stays of up to 18 months. Check the official requirements for your nationality before you move, and plan for taxes. Below is how each piece works.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change; check official sources and consider professional advice.
How companies hire remote workers in other countries
- Their own local entity: the company has a subsidiary in your country and employs you directly.
- Employer of record (EOR): a third-party company legally employs you in your country, handling payroll, taxes and benefits, while you work for the hiring company day to day.
- Independent contractor: you invoice the company and handle your own taxes and benefits. Common, but some countries restrict misclassifying employees as contractors.
In interviews, it’s fine to ask how they’d employ you in your country; it shows you understand the logistics.
Which jobs are most remote-friendly
Work that’s done on a computer and judged by output: software engineering, data and analytics, product and design, digital marketing and content, writing and editing, customer support and success, sales (especially inside sales), recruiting, finance and accounting operations, and many consulting roles. Many employers still limit remote hiring to certain countries or time zones because of employment law, taxes and collaboration.
Digital nomad visas: three examples from official sources
| Country | What the official page says | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (international telework visa) | You must show a professional relationship with one or more companies not located in Spain for at least the last three months, which will continue while you work remotely from Spain | Income of 200% of Spain’s monthly minimum wage: €2,442 a month for a single applicant in 2026 |
| Portugal (residency visa for remote work, “digital nomads”) | A work contract or employer declaration, or contracts showing independent services | Average monthly income for the last three months of at least four times Portugal’s guaranteed minimum monthly wage |
| Croatia (temporary stay of digital nomads) | For non-EU nationals working through communication technology for a company not registered in Croatia; stay granted for up to 18 months | Currently at least €3,622.50 a month in income |
All three also require documents such as health insurance and a criminal record certificate. Requirements and amounts change, so check the current official page before you apply.
Taxes, payments and time zones
- Taxes: living in a country for an extended period can make you tax resident there, even if your employer is abroad. Some countries have tax treaties to avoid double taxation. Get advice for your situation.
- Getting paid: EORs pay you in local currency; contractors invoice and may use international payment services. Factor in fees and exchange rates.
- Time zones: many teams require a few hours of overlap. Be clear about your working hours from the start.
How to find international remote jobs
- Target companies that already hire across borders, for example those that list countries or time zones in their postings or use EORs.
- Read each posting’s location rules carefully; “remote” often means “remote within one country.”
- Show remote readiness on your resume: past remote or distributed work, written communication, and tools such as Slack, Notion or Jira.
- Network in your field’s online communities and with people already working remotely for companies you like.
Working for a US or Canadian company without living there
You don’t need US or Canadian residency to work remotely for a company based there while you live and work in another country. The company usually hires you as an independent contractor or through an employer of record in your country. Working from inside the US or Canada, even for a short stay, is a different matter governed by their immigration rules.
- Expect “US only” or “Canada only” postings. Many companies restrict remote roles to their own country because of payroll, taxes, benefits and data rules. Filter for postings that list your country or region, say “anywhere,” or mention an employer of record.
- Tax forms for contractors: US companies usually ask non-US contractors for IRS Form W-8BEN. The IRS says to give it to the payer “if you are a foreign person and you are the beneficial owner of an amount subject to withholding,” whether or not you claim a reduced rate under a tax treaty.
- Time zones: North American teams often want several hours of overlap with their working day; say up front which hours you can cover.
- Show you’ve done it before: past remote or contract work for overseas clients, strong written English, and clear availability make you a safer hire.
Interviewing for remote roles
Most remote hiring is done entirely by video. Expect questions such as “How do you stay productive working remotely?”, “How do you communicate across time zones?” and “Tell me about a time you resolved a misunderstanding in writing.” Answer with specific habits and examples. See our video interview guide and how to describe your ideal work environment.
Frequently asked questions
Can a company in another country hire me remotely?
Can I work remotely for a US company without living in the US?
What is a digital nomad visa?
What does Spain require for its digital nomad visa?
Do I pay taxes where I live or where my employer is?
Which jobs are easiest to do remotely for international companies?
Sources
- Consulate General of Spain in Washington, Telework (digital nomad) visa. Read on 1 October 2026.
- Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National visas: residency, necessary documentation. Read on 1 October 2026.
- Internal Revenue Service, About Form W-8 BEN. Read on 1 October 2026.
- Croatian Ministry of the Interior, Temporary stay of digital nomads. Read on 1 October 2026.
