Extended Stays in Other Countries

David · Joined: 04 Apr 2004 Posts: 162

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on living in another country for an extended period of time. I currently live in the United States, but would love to see if it would be possible to go spend some time in Australia, New Zealand or even Canada.

Most of the money I make comes from the internet, so I think I could continue to run my business from another location. I am also a dance instructor. Would I be allowed to teach dance lessons and make money that way, too?

cocodrilo · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 494 Location: Western Japan

Depends if you were planning to be totally legitimate and claim your earnings. You might have to pay taxes in your native country as well as your host country. Each country has its own legal restrictions, limitations and exemptions when it comes to working & earning money. I would seek the advice of a tax lawyer in the country where you are considering living/working. Then, call the consulate and see if it what kind of permission you need, if any, to legally work for an extended period in that country. As a foreign resident in Japan, for example, I file for tax returns and file my tax reports annually as I have established my own business in this country. I am required by law as an American citizen to file with the IRS as well, which I have been doing faithfully for the past 19 years. I have known some Americans who did short 2-3-year stints as English teachers here, failed to file in the USA those years, only to go back and get audited(what fun that is, I can imagine!). I don not pay any tax in America as all my accounts are presently in Japan, and I own property here not there.