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Ask HN: Any UK/EU contractors have any luck finding US contracts?

12 points by kypro ↗ HN
The market here in the UK is awful for contractors right now – both in terms of the quantity of jobs and the rates.

I'm wondering if anyone here has had luck (or tips) finding US contract roles while based in the UK/EU?

I'd be more than happy to work US office times, but obviously I would be looking for a role that's happy for me to work remote.

8 comments

[ 2.7 ms ] story [ 25.9 ms ] thread
asdadsdad
it's pretty hard to get access to the us, specially remote, when you don't have authorization there. Do you have a GC or US citizenship?
recvonline
You can try your hand at Blockchain projects! They usually hire globally. And with hire, I mean freelance contracts! No VISA or anything related needed.

You just have to make sure to comply with your local tax authorities how you have to write the bill.

iExploder
You can add me and I believe many more to the list, unfortunately based on my search on public sites it often states Remote US.

I assume one has to be well known expert in the field or have personal connections to secure such contracts.

ensemblehq
Networking and having a really niche skill would be your best bet. Would also be good to think about the other side’s perspective - why should a US company hire a UK contractor over a US contractor?

I’m working with a UK contractor together on a project and we knew each other from previous projects. From past experiences working with him, I’m comfortable with his quality of work.

ogarten
That‘s really good advice. I got a contract through my LinkedIn activities.

I am also really nichey. Sometimes I think I am too much in a niche and should broaden my skills at least a little bit.

Networking is also great, but a long term game. Having people come to you for projects is much more fulfilling than chasing projects on various platform.

ensemblehq
That's fantastic. From your contract on LinkedIn, you can branch out. The hardest step is usually the first step but if you have built a really strong reputation, people will come to you for projects without you having to chase them. That's why I opt for networking - it's an opportunity to persuade rather.
thorin
I'm in the UK. I was speaking to a guy this week who had just finished a contract in the US (CALI) working on an embedded contract. The rate was good and he completed it without issue, however now he's a little unsure of his tax liabilities. I'm not sure how complicated this will be given he was paid into his UK company. Maybe he also owes tax in the US?
imhoguy
Disclaimer: I'm not an accountant, seek professional advice.

Speaking of EU export rules, which still should be not much different in the UK, when you perform work as business entity remotely from EU country to business entity in the other EU country or outsize EU then you export services, then also you pay income taxes at the place of residency, UK in this case. Such export is exempted from VAT (non-EU) or needs reverse charge (EU).

The things may get complicated if you are US citizen living in UK, because there is FATCA stuff.