Working remotely and traveling the world has become a dream for many. Especially since the global COVID lockdowns, more and more jobs have shifted towards being partially or fully remote. From Bali to Barcelona, this has led to more and more people packing up their laptops and working while traveling short or long periods of time. But there’s something that is often overlooked.
What are the legal ways to work remotely from another country?
The truth is, just because you're earning money online doesn't mean you're automatically in the clear. Many countries have strict visa rules, and working while on a tourist visa can technically be illegal, even if your income comes from abroad.
So, how can digital nomads, remote employees, and online entrepreneurs stay on the right side of the law? Let’s break down a few options.
1. Freelance or Digital Nomad Visas
Some countries now offer specific visas for remote workers, designed to let you live and work legally without having to apply for residency or local work permits. These are often called "digital nomad visas" or freelancer permits.
Examples include:
These visas usually require proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. They can be a great solution if you're planning to stay in one place for a while. While you can often save money by dealing with the legalities and visa applications on your own, I would always choose to work with a visa agency to make sure you don’t miss any obligations and are fully legally compliant.
Can I work remote as a full-time employee?
Many remote workers are full-time employees for companies based in another country. If you're employed by a U.S. or EU company but want to spend time living in, say, Thailand, it may seem simple enough. But here’s the catch: Working while on a tourist visa is generally not allowed, even if your employer is abroad. You might not get into trouble right away, but there’s always a legal risk. This is where Employer of Record (EOR) services can come into play.
2. Employer of Record (EOR) Services
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a service that helps companies legally employ workers in foreign countries without needing to open a local legal entity. It's a common solution for global companies that want to support remote teams while staying compliant with local labor laws.
If you’re a remote worker who wants to spend extended time in a country where your employer does not have a legal entity, you could suggest that your company use an EOR to employ you locally.
One example is Rivermate, a global EOR provider that works with fully remote companies and helps them offer local benefits, comply with tax and labor laws, and simplify international hiring.
Similar to visa agents, the advantage of choosing to work with an EOR is that you’ll have a personal point of contact and can benefit from their specialised knowledge and guidance on the legal requirements in your chosen country.
For digital nomads who are employed by companies open to remote-first operations, or for entrepreneurs wanting to build fully-remote teams, this can be a smart and legal way to stay longer in a country without worrying about visa violations.
3. Start Your Own Local Company
In some cases, especially if you're planning to stay long term, you may consider registering your own business in the country where you're living. This is more complex and usually involves paying local taxes and hiring an accountant, but it can give you legal stability, open doors to permanent residency or long-term visas and in some cases even tax benefits compared to your home country.
4. Short-Term Stays With Caution (Tourist Visas)
Let’s be real: many digital nomads still use tourist visas to stay in a country for a few weeks or months while working remotely. While this is often tolerated by local authorities, it’s technically not allowed in many places and if you're caught or extend your stay improperly, you could face fines, deportation, or entry bans.
What Is the Best Legal Way to Work Remotely From Abroad?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but if you want to work remotely from another country without breaking visa rules, the best approach depends on your situation. Digital nomad visas are ideal if you are self-employed and plan to stay in one place for a while. If you’re employed by a foreign company, using an Employer of Record (EOR) service like Rivermate can help you stay compliant with local laws. Entrepreneurs staying long-term might consider registering a local business, while short-term travelers should be cautious with tourist visas and understand their limitations.
No matter your path, choosing a legal route to work remotely ensures a smoother, safer, and more sustainable nomad lifestyle.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult immigration experts or legal professionals for your specific situation.
