Tips When Working Abroad

If you are contemplating accepting a contract to work abroad, here are a few things to think about before arriving in the foreign country:

• are you being engaged as an employee or an independent contractor?
• are payments being made to you as an individual or your company?
• are there any tax/legal obligations for you and/or your company in the foreign country?
• is your employer/the promoter paying your income taxes?
• are you legally entitled to work in the country or do you need to get a work permit before leaving?
• can you/your employer apply for a Certificate of Coverage in your home country?

While in the foreign country, don’t forget:

• getting your social security number while in the foreign country will generally make tax return filing and claims for any social security benefits owed to you easier;
• get proof of income taxes and social charges that you paid from your employer/the promoter;
• take care of any income tax filing requirements that can be done before you leave the foreign country.

After you return:

• some countries may refund social charges paid while in the foreign country so you should apply when eligible;
• you may have a tax return to file with the foreign country after you leave;
• you may be entitled to a pension upon retirement from the foreign country.