Self-employed abroad

Choose the Profile That Looks Most Like You

Self-employed Americans abroad do not all have the same setup. Start by choosing the work or business situation that looks closest to yours.

Freelancer

You work for yourself, take on client projects, and get paid directly for services.

Go to the freelancer path →

Independent Contractor

You are paid by companies or clients as a contractor, not as a regular employee.

Go to the contractor path →

Consultant

You provide professional advice, technical support, strategy, training, or project services.

Go to the consultant path →

Digital Nomad

You earn income online while living abroad or moving between countries.

Go to the digital nomad path →

Sole Proprietor

You run a small business in your own name or under a trade name.

Go to the sole proprietor path →

Sole Owner of a U.S. LLC

You own a U.S. LLC by yourself and use it for freelance, consulting, online, or business income.

Go to the U.S. LLC path →

Foreign Company Owner

You own or control a business registered outside the United States.

Go to the foreign company path →

Paid as an Employee

You receive salary or wages from an employer, even if the employer is outside the United States.

Go to the employee path →

Some profiles overlap. Choose the one that best describes how you think about your work right now. The next page will help you narrow the details.

Not sure which one to choose?

If you are paid directly by clients, companies, or platforms and you are not treated as an employee, start with the freelancer, contractor, consultant, or sole proprietor path.

If you own a company registered outside the United States, start with the foreign company owner path.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. U.S. expat tax rules can change and individual facts matter. Review current IRS and FinCEN guidance or consult a qualified tax professional before filing.