How to Work Internationally with Employer Support

Want to travel or move closer to family without hitting pause on your career? You’re not alone. As remote work becomes the norm, over 60 million employees are looking to take their roles across borders.

But even with employer support, international moves often stall over immigration, payroll, or compliance issues. What seems like a simple relocation quickly becomes a legal and logistical challenge.

At Deel, we’ve helped thousands of workers and companies navigate these barriers in over 150 countries. We’ve seen what works and what creates obstacles and delays.

Our guide explores what it takes to relocate legally, stay employed, and access full benefits abroad. We give you clear steps, real-world examples, and expert-backed solutions with insights into how Deel Immigration can simplify the process.

How easy is it to work overseas in 2025?

Most people can work overseas with employer support. Recent research shows that today’s digital nomads are a mix of different ages, backgrounds, and nationalities. Even seniors and those with families have relocated abroad in high numbers.

Working overseas has become a more attainable goal in recent years due to several factors:

• The rise of hybrid and remote work
• More digital nomad and work visa options
• Advances in collaboration software
• Employer of Record (EOR) solutions
• Widespread acceptance of digital nomadism

However, your ability to work overseas also depends on your personal circumstances. For example, a single employee hoping to spend a few months abroad will face fewer challenges than a colleague with a young family looking to permanently relocate.

The benefits of working abroad

Working abroad doesn’t just give you more chances to travel. By being more open to international moves, you can pursue career opportunities overseas and get more satisfaction from both your job and day-to-day life.

Here’s what to expect working as an expat overseas:

Improved quality of life

While most countries have something to offer, your current location may not meet all your needs. Maybe you’d prefer to live in a warmer climate or go somewhere more metropolitan. Or perhaps you hope to spend some time in a country with a more developed industry to learn from leading experts in your field.

Relocating lets you experience new cultures and find the place that suits you best. You can see if your dream country meets your expectations or explore a few options before settling down.

More career opportunities

When you consider global roles and clients, you’re no longer limited to job opportunities within a commutable distance. You’re also less likely to be ruled out of contention for positions based on your nationality or country of residence.

Plus, the number of remote roles is increasing according to the World Economic Forum. This takes location completely out of the equation. You can travel freely without worrying about how a move might affect your ability to work or apply for certain roles.

Before remote work and digital nomadism became more popular, the challenges of moving abroad prevented people from accessing many career opportunities. Often, their companies didn’t have the resources to hire abroad. Many had to book extended time off or stop working to travel around and explore other countries.

Better financial management

Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living can help you stretch your income further. You can benefit from both reduced expenses like rent, utilities, and groceries, and more favorable tax rates.

You can also avoid the loss of pay that comes with extended breaks from work. You can stay in employment and explore your host country in your evenings and weekends.

What’s more, many countries offer financial incentives to remote and mobile workers. For example, Greece offers a 50% tax break for anyone who applies for their digital nomad visa for as long as they remain in the country.

Read our list of the other great digital nomad visas for tax relief.

Greater flexibility for employers

Mobile employees are a strategic asset. By empowering teams to work abroad, companies can increase their workforce agility, develop a more diverse talent pool, and expand into new markets more easily.

Some companies even request relocations and provide financial assistance. While this means you have less choice over where to go, you can expect fewer out-of-pocket costs. Your employer will take responsibility for the visa, accommodation, transport, and possibly more.

8 steps to working abroad with employer support

International relocation involves many moving parts, especially if you bring a partner or children along with you. Here are the steps to take to make the process smoother:

1. Get employer buy-in

Relocating is easier when your employer embraces global mobility. By working with a company that provides visa and immigration support, you can travel abroad without experiencing any difficulties with handling your normal duties.

Start by asking your current employer if they can support relocations. You may find they’re able to employ you overseas or switch you to an independent contractor position to facilitate the move. If they’re willing but lack the resources, suggest using an EOR service like Deel to outsource hiring, payroll, and compliance.

Some companies may say no. In that case, look for overseas or remote jobs that support your travel plans or build up a client base and apply for digital nomad visas as a self-employed contractor. You should be prepared for a virtual recruitment process with digital documentation and an online interview.

Check out our article for the most remote-friendly jobs.

2. Decide how you plan to work abroad

Working abroad comes in many forms. Consider exactly what you want out of the experience so you understand what you need to prepare.

Here are the key choices:

• Short-term vs long-term: Generally, moving abroad for a few months is much easier than a year-long trip. Most countries offer tourist or business travel visas for this purpose, with relaxed requirements
• Temporary vs permanent: Do you think you may want to stay in your new country forever? Consider how your current situation may affect your eligibility for residence and work permits in the future
• Employee vs contractor: If you get sponsorship for a work visa, ensure you’re happy to be tied to your current company long-term. If not, consider whether you’d prefer to move abroad as a freelancer

Immigration solutions like Deel support various types of employment. Our team can handle the agreement, payment, and compliance, whether you’re a full-timer, part-timer, contractor, or a combination of the three.

For example, say you land a job in the US but the employer isn’t sure how to sponsor your work visa — Deel can step in to support the process.

Or maybe you want to travel the EU while working as a freelancer on the side. Deel can help you secure a digital nomad visa, ensure your client agreements are compliant, and make it easy to get paid from anywhere.

3. Choose your new base

When deciding where to go, consider which country suits your needs and preferences best. Consider the following factors:

• Visa options
• Lifestyle and culture
• Language
• Cost of living
• Quality of life

The US, the Philippines, and Argentina are the most popular places for workers according to our latest Global Hiring Report. However, don’t forget to look at specific cities too. The same report says that the best cities are actually Buenos Aires, London, and Bogota.

4. Obtain the proper visa or work permit

Visa and immigration applications are key to relocations as they determine whether you get approval, when you can travel, and what types of work you can do.

Employers play an important role in this process. They can either act as your sponsor or arrange sponsorship through immigration services like Deel and file many of the forms. Talking to HR can give you an idea of your company’s expertise and experience with relocations and the level of support they can offer.

There are three types of visas that can enable you to work abroad legally:

• Digital nomad visas: Many countries have created visas specifically for remote workers. These visas are ideal for those looking to work in a foreign country for six, 12, or 24 months consecutively
• Tourist visa: Most jurisdictions allow non-residents to work remotely for up to 90 or 180 days without obtaining a work visa or sponsorship. If you want to move to a new country every few weeks or months, this arrangement may work well for you
• Work permit or residency permit: If you plan on staying in a country for two to four years or you wish to relocate permanently, look into which paperwork you need. You may be required to obtain a work permit or residency permit upon arrival, depending on your country of origin

Deel Immigration supports all these different types of applications. Your employer can assist you with a digital nomad visa one year and a work permit the next.

5. Navigate payment and taxes

Check which payment options are available in your location. Most countries support direct transfers or digital wallets if your employer doesn’t have a bank account there.

Also, consider how relocating may affect your responsibilities. International taxes usually depend on:

• Your citizenship
• How much you earn
• Where you’re working
• Where your employer is based
• How long you spend in each country

Be aware that you may be subject to double taxation if your home country and your current country don’t have an agreement. Check the treaties to see which places are most favorable.

Equally, you may receive tax relief in some places. For example, American citizens living abroad can reduce their taxes on foreign income through several programs.

Generally, it’s best to have your employer manage both payments and taxes through a global payroll provider like Deel. Deel’s software calculates amounts, files paperwork, and maintains compliance with local laws. This ensures you receive payment on time and only pay the taxes you owe without risking potential legal issues and late payment penalties.

Independent contractors can also arrange payments through Deel. Your clients can send transfers through your bank, digital wallets, and even our very own Deel Card. If you wish to review your payment status, you can review it via the dashboard.

6. Explore insurance options

Explore how to access healthcare and other benefits while abroad. Beyond meeting the visa requirements, this ensures you can receive treatment if you get sick or injured.

There are several options for digital nomads:

• International health insurance: Most big insurance providers offer international health insurance as an add-on to their packages. However, the level of coverage may not be sufficient for the country you’re relocating to, as it’s not customized to reflect the country’s standards
• Health insurance for remote workers: There are several health insurance options for fully-remote teams that cover employees, independent contractors, and even traveling workers
• A local insurance partner: Your employer may already work with a local provider to manage payroll and legal compliance in the country you’re moving to. In that case, the partner may also offer health insurance and provide guidance on choosing plans
• Medical insurance stipend: Your employer may provide you with a monthly medical insurance stipend in lieu of health insurance. This flexible option helps cover expenses without the complex administrative process of traditional health insurance. Or, they may offer you a reimbursement plan, where you submit your healthcare expense receipts to your employer or HR team via a secure system, and they reimburse you for the cost
• EOR: If your company uses an EOR to hire you on their behalf, they may also provide healthcare insurance. For example, companies using Deel EOR can automatically provide their remote workers with benefits and perks, such as health insurance, based on location

Contractors usually have to register as self-employed and arrange to make contributions to the national insurance. But you still get access to top benefits and perks through Deel. You can see everything that’s available in your current location via the dashboard in your account and select the ones you want.

7. Sort your remote setup

Ensure you can continue to work effectively from your new location. If you’re transitioning from an in-office to a remote setup, this means preparing a suitable workplace and securing all your equipment.

Your new home should have a table where you can work and a reliable internet connection. Alternatively, you can explore cafes and public facilities in the local area. Try seeing if your company offers access to dedicated coworking spaces in your area through a service like Deel.

Moving your office equipment can be a logistical challenge. Again, consider whether your business can use an IT asset management service like Deel IT to arrange procurement, delivery, and even repairs. You can send your preferred address and track delivery via our dashboard — no need to wait for updates from management.

8. Prepare to integrate into your new location

Minimize cultural shock and homesickness by getting ready for life in your new country. Here are some simple tips to ease the transition:

• Learn common phrases in the local language
• Explore the area on Google Maps
• Follow content creators from the area on social media
• Join local expat forums online to connect with people
• Use the company Slack to learn on your colleagues for support
• Read blog articles and guides to your new city

Launch your global career with Deel

Working abroad is an opportunity for personal and professional growth. While the thought of navigating the relocation process may deter you, it’s simpler with Deel’s support.

Now, Deel’s range of global services makes it possible for even the smallest businesses to relocate, hire, and pay you abroad. We handle everything from verifying visa eligibility and setting up international payroll to shipping your new work laptop to your address.

Or if you’re a contractor, you can use Deel to independently obtain digital nomad visas and more with minimal client involvement. You still get access to local benefits and discounts on our partners through our dashboard.

Ready to take the leap and move abroad? Book a 30-minute chat with the Deel Immigration team to learn more about our range of support for employees and contractors.