The Ultimate Guide to Freelancing Abroad: How to Compare and Choose the Best Country for Your Career

Ioana Cretu -

Freelancing is a great way to work on your own terms, pursue your passions, and earn a living from anywhere in the world. However, not all countries are equally friendly and supportive of freelancers. Some offer better opportunities, benefits, and conditions than others. So how do you decide which country is best for your freelance career?

In this article, we will help you compare and choose the best country for your freelancing goals, based on four main criteria: income, expenses, quality of life, and legal aspects. We will also provide you with some useful resources and tips to help you plan and prepare for your freelancing adventure abroad.

Income
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a country for your freelance career is the income potential. How much can you earn as a freelancer in that country? How does it compare to other countries and your home country? How stable and reliable is the income?

To answer these questions, you need to consider several factors, such as:

•  The demand and supply of your skills and services in that country. Some countries have a higher demand and a lower supply of certain skills and services, which means you can charge more and find more clients. For example, if you are a web developer, you might find more opportunities and higher rates in countries with a booming tech industry, such as the US, Canada, or Germany.

•  The currency and exchange rate of that country. Some countries have a stronger and more stable currency than others, which means you can earn more and save more in your home currency. For example, if you are from Romania and you freelance in Switzerland, you can benefit from the high value and stability of the Swiss franc compared to the Romanian leu.

•  The taxes and fees of that country. Some countries have lower and simpler taxes and fees for freelancers than others, which means you can keep more of your income. For example, if you are from France and you freelance in Estonia, you can benefit from the low and flat income tax rate of 20% compared to the progressive and complex income tax system of France.

To compare the income potential of different countries, you can use online tools and platforms, such as:

•  Nomad List, which ranks the best cities for digital nomads based on various criteria, including income, cost of living, internet speed, safety, and quality of life.

•  PayScale, which provides salary data and comparisons for various jobs and locations around the world.

Expenses
Another important factor to consider when choosing a country for your freelance career is the expenses involved. How much does it cost to live and work as a freelancer in that country? How does it compare to other countries and to your home country? How affordable and manageable are the expenses?

To answer these questions, you need to consider several factors, such as:

•  The cost of living in that country. Some countries have a higher and more variable cost of living than others, which means you need to spend more on basic and essential items, such as food, housing, transportation, health care, and utilities.

•  The cost of working in that country. Some countries have a higher and more complex cost of working than others, which means you need to spend more on business-related items, such as internet, phone, equipment, software, insurance, and accounting.

•  The currency and exchange rate of that country. Some countries have a weaker and more volatile currency than others, which means you need to spend more and save less in your home currency.

To compare the expenses of different countries, you can use online tools and platforms, such as:

•  Numbeo, which provides cost of living data and comparisons for various cities and countries around the world.

•  Teleport, which helps you find the best places to live and work remotely based on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences.

•  XE, which provides currency data and conversions for various currencies around the world.

Quality of Life
Another important factor to consider when choosing a country for your freelance career is the quality of life offered. How enjoyable and satisfying is it to live and work as a freelancer in that country? How does it compare to other countries and to your home country? How compatible and conducive is it to your personal and professional needs?

To answer these questions, you need to consider several factors, such as:

•  The culture and society of that country. Some countries have a more diverse and tolerant culture and society than others, which means you can experience more and fit in better.

•  The climate and nature of that country. Some countries have a more pleasant and varied climate and nature than others, which means you can feel more comfortable and explore more.

•  The safety and security of that country. Some countries have a higher and more reliable safety and security than others, which means you can feel more confident and protected.

To compare the quality of life of different countries, you can use online tools and platforms, such as:

•  World Happiness Report, which ranks the happiness and well-being of various countries around the world based on various indicators, such as social support, freedom, trust, and generosity.

•  Quality of Life Index, which ranks the quality of life of various countries around the world based on various factors, such as health care, pollution, traffic, and climate.

•  Global Peace Index, which ranks the peace and security of various countries around the world based on various measures, such as conflict, violence, terrorism, and militarization.

Legal Aspects
Another important factor to consider when choosing a country for your freelance career is the legal aspects involved. How easy and convenient is it to live and work as a freelancer in that country? How does it compare to other countries and to your home country? How compliant and compatible are you with the laws and regulations of that country?

To answer these questions, you need to consider several factors, such as:

•  The visa and immigration requirements of that country. Some countries have more flexible and favorable visa and immigration requirements than others, which means you can enter and stay more easily and legally. For example, if you are from the US and you freelance in Thailand, you can benefit from the visa exemption and the visa-on-arrival schemes that allow you to stay for up to 90 days without a visa.

•  The work and business permits of that country. Some countries have more simple and clear work and business permits than others, which means you can operate and register more easily and legally. For example, if you are from Germany and you freelance in Estonia, you can benefit from the e-residency program that allows you to establish and run a digital business in Estonia without being physically present.

•  The tax and social security obligations of that country. Some countries have more favorable and transparent tax and social security obligations than others, which means you can pay and benefit more easily and fairly. For example, if you are from Italy and you freelance in the UK, you can benefit from the double taxation agreement that prevents you from paying taxes twice on the same income.

To compare the legal aspects of different countries, you can use online tools and platforms, such as:

•  Visa List, which provides visa and immigration information and requirements for over 200 countries and regions. You can use this tool to find out which countries offer freelance visas, how to apply for them, and what documents and fees you need.

•  Hofstede Insights, which provides cultural and social information and comparisons for over 100 countries and regions. You can use this tool to understand the values, norms, beliefs, and traditions that characterize the groups or populations that you want to work with or for.

•  Clio, which provides legal research information and databases for over 60 countries and regions. You can use this tool to access free online legal resources and websites, such as case law, legislation, journals, blogs, etc.

Disclaimer: These are some examples of online tools and platforms that you can use to compare the legal aspects of different countries. However, you should always consult with a professional lawyer or legal advisor before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the information that you find online.

If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities and challenges of freelancing abroad, you can check out our series of articles on this topic. In these articles, we cover various aspects of freelance life in different countries, such as visa requirements, tax systems, working conditions, cultural differences, and more:

We also provide you with tips and advice on how to choose the best country for your freelance career, how to prepare for your move, and how to succeed in your freelance business. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced freelancer, you will find valuable information and insights in our series of articles.