Moving Abroad With a Remote Job: The Complete Guide for Americans
The remote work revolution has quietly made something possible that previous generations could only dream about: living in a beautiful, affordable country while earning a US income. If you have a remote job, you already have the most important qualification for moving abroad. Here is everything you need to know to make it happen.
Do You Actually Need Permission?
The first question most remote workers ask is whether they need to tell their employer they're working from another country. The honest answer: it depends, and you should find out before you book your flight.
Many US employers have no policy against international remote work. Others have strict restrictions due to tax liability, data security, or employment law concerns. The safest approach is to have a direct conversation with your HR department or manager. Frame it as a temporary arrangement — a 3-month trial — and emphasize that your work output will not change.
If your employer says no, you have options: negotiate a contractor arrangement, find a new employer who is explicitly remote-friendly, or build freelance income on the side before making the move.
Tax Implications: What You Need to Know
American citizens pay US taxes on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. This is non-negotiable. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) allows you to exclude up to $126,500 of foreign-earned income from US federal taxes in 2024, provided you meet either the Physical Presence Test (330 days outside the US in a 12-month period) or the Bona Fide Residence Test.
Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income, but there is a 4-year tax holiday available for new residents under certain visa categories. Consult an expat tax specialist before you move — the investment pays for itself many times over.
The Best Countries for Remote Workers in 2025
The ideal country for a remote worker balances cost of living, internet reliability, visa accessibility, and quality of life. Here is how the top destinations compare:
| Country | Monthly Budget | Internet | Visa for Americans |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Brazil (Florianopolis) | $1,500–$2,000 | Excellent | 90-day tourist, Digital Nomad Visa |
| Portugal | $2,500–$3,500 | Good | D8 Digital Nomad Visa |
| Mexico (CDMX) | $1,500–$2,500 | Good | 180-day tourist |
| Thailand (Chiang Mai) | $1,200–$2,000 | Excellent | 60-day tourist (extendable) |
| Colombia (Medellín) | $1,200–$2,000 | Good | 90-day tourist |
South Brazil stands out for its combination of European-quality infrastructure, tropical beaches, and a cost of living that allows most remote workers to save money even while earning a modest US income.
Setting Up Your Remote Work Environment Abroad
Internet
In Florianopolis, fiber internet (300–1,000 Mbps) costs $30–50 per month. Most apartments come with internet included or available. Coworking spaces are plentiful for days when you need a change of scenery or a faster connection.
Time Zones
Brazil Standard Time (BRT) is UTC-3, which is 2 hours ahead of Eastern Time and 5 hours ahead of Pacific Time. This is very workable for US-based remote jobs — your Brazilian morning overlaps with the US East Coast afternoon, which means you can handle meetings in the morning and have your afternoons free.
Banking
Keep your US bank account active. Use a Charles Schwab or Fidelity account for ATM withdrawals (both reimburse international fees). For local expenses, open a Brazilian bank account — Nubank is a popular digital bank that is easy for foreigners to open.
The Lifestyle Upgrade
The most underappreciated aspect of moving abroad with a remote job is the lifestyle transformation. In the US, a $70,000 salary in a major city might leave you with little after rent, car payments, and cost of living. In Florianopolis, that same income puts you in the top tier of local earners. You can afford a beach apartment, eat at restaurants regularly, travel within South America, and still save money.
The Two Requirements
Work online and have approximately $20,000 saved as a cushion. The cushion covers your setup costs, first few months of rent, and gives you security while you get established. That's it.