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Focus on Working Abroad

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JobMonkey.com
Volume VIII, Issue #16
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Hello again and welcome to the JobMonkey Newsletter! A few weeks ago, our newsletter focused on opportunities for working abroad. From your emails, it seems like this is a topic that intrigues a lot of you. So we are following up on the topic today with more information on the nuts and bolts of working outside the United States: Do you need a special visa to work in Europe - and how do you get one? How do taxes work when you are abroad? How do you find a place to live? And more!

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Spotlight: The Nuts & Bolts of Working Abroad
2) Around the Monkey: How to Make a Good Impression
3) Job Announcement: Jobs in Europe

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SPOTLIGHT: The Nuts and Bolts of Working Abroad
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Working abroad can be an exciting, life changing experience. But before you jet off, you need to consider some rather serious (or, at the very least, mundane) details. Things like procuring work visas, consulting with a tax attorney, and finding a place to live.

Many of these tasks need to be handled before you ever arrive at the airport, so the time to get organized is now. Here's a checklist of what to do -- and when to do it - if you are planning to work abroad.

Apply for your U.S. passport

If not done already, now is the time to apply for a U.S. passport. There are Regional Passport Agencies throughout the country, plus most local post offices are set up as Acceptance Facilities. You will need to fill out the DS-11 form, which you can find online at the State Department website, or you can pick up a copy at your Acceptance Facility. Plan to bring with you evidence of your U.S. citizenship (such as a driver's license, social security card and birth certificate), passport photos and $100 for processing and application fees.

If you already have a passport, you are one step ahead. Just make sure that it is up-to-date and will not expire while you are set to be abroad.

Learn about visa requirements for the country in which you will be working

If you travel abroad for a short visit, most countries welcome American visitors without special pre-obtained visas. When you land in their country, immigration officials stamp your American passport with their visitor visa, which is valid for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the country. However, if you plan to stay for an extended visit - and certainly if you plan to work in country -- you will need a special visa. You must apply several months in advance of your trip and your visa will be permanently placed in your passport. Each country sets its own cost and requirements for a work visa. For a complete list by country, visit JobMonkey's page on European job permits and visas.

Meet with an accountant

Even though you will be earning income abroad, you must still file a U.S. tax return. Most European countries have reciprocal tax treaties with the United States, so you will not be double taxed. When you pay taxes to the country in which you earn your income, your U.S. tax burden will be reduced by this amount. However, even if you don't owe money to the IRS, you are still required to file a return. And, if you are self-employed, you must still pay self-employment tax (approximately 15% of your earnings) - regardless of how much tax you already paid abroad.

The regulations can get even more complicated if you were working abroad for only part of the year. That's why it is so important to meet with a certified accountant before your trip. He or she will know how to handle your pass-through income and help you to prepare any of the paperwork.

Find a place to live

You might find a job where your employer provides a place to live - usually dorm rooms or shared apartments. However, if your employer does not provide room and board, you should begin researching your options before your trip. At a minimum, make reservations at a hostel or furnished apartment for your first several weeks in country. Many European cities have a local Craigslist. If you will be based in the UK, try Gumtree.com - the British version of Craigslist. You can also consult with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for reputable apartment brokers.

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AROUND THE MONKEY: How to Make a Good Impression
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If you are about to start a new job, the JobMonkey blog has six tips for making a good impression on your first day. Inspired by President Barack Obama's first days in office, the advice includes being a great listener, respecting office traditions, and dressing to impress.

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JOB OPENINGS: Jobs in Europe
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Are you looking for a job in Europe? The JobMonkey Job Center offers a free database of job postings from around the world, including a host of exciting work abroad opportunities.

Find current jobs in the Job Center.

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