Working in international tax abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is working in international tax abroad like?

• Taxes arise as soon as people, money, or organizations cross borders. International taxes are not just about figures, but about mobility, fairness, policy, and major interests.
• From expats and multinationals to NGOs and governments: someone needs to understand the international tax system, to explain, and apply it.
• Working in international taxation means dealing with tax issues that affect multiple countries.
• Think of double taxation, tax treaties, international payroll tax, VAT, corporate income tax, and social security.
• Responsibilities: abroad (or internationally oriented), you can work as, among other things:
  • International tax advisor: advising companies, expats, or organizations on tax treaties, residency, income, and structures.
  • Expat tax specialist: supporting employees who work abroad temporarily or long-term, including tax returns and compliance.
  • Tax policy officer: contributing to tax policy for governments or international organizations.
  • Compliance or reporting specialist: ensuring that organizations comply with international tax regulations and reporting obligations.
  • Transfer pricing specialist: analyzing pricing agreements between international business units.
  • Tax specialist in NGOs or international organizations: advising on tax exemptions, local regulations, and donor funds.
• Working conditions: these are usually full-time positions, and salaries are often above average. 
• Workload can peak around deadlines, and there are good career opportunities.

What are the reasons for working in international tax abroad?

• To analyse complex situations: you learn to understand and apply complex international regulations.
• To work results-oriented: your advice has direct financial consequences.
• To act professionally: accuracy and expertise are essential.
• To develop a bird's-eye view: you oversee tax, legal, and organizational interests simultaneously.
• To increase self-confidence: you advise on sensitive topics at a high level.

What skills and motivations do you need to work in international tax abroad?

• Analytical skills: international tax issues are complex and sometimes require extensive investigation.
• Carefulness: mistakes can have significant financial and legal consequences, and people place their trust in you.
• Communication skills: clearly explaining complex matters is crucial.
• Organizational awareness: it's important to understand how companies and governments function.
• Stress management: deadlines, audits, and changing legislation are all part of life. Sometimes even in a hurry, at the last minute.

What are the best countries and locations to work international tax abroad?

• Countries with many international tax advisory firms: the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, Switzerland.
• Countries with many multinationals and headquarters: the Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Canada.
• Countries with international organizations and tax policies: Belgium (Brussels), France, Switzerland, and the United States.

What are the risks of working in international tax abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

• What are the risks of working in international tax abroad?
  • Work often happens around significant financial interests: a mistake can lead to substantial additional assessments or fines.
  • People often experience high workloads: deadlines and international time zones are demanding. You are often legally responsible for providing advice: good liability coverage is essential.
  • Unsafe working environments are common abroad: infrastructure, health risks, political instability, and social norms.
  • It's not uncommon for someone to contract a contagious or local disease, be unable to work for a period, or even need to be flown home.
• Are you insured while working in international tax abroad?
  • There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
  • Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
  • There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
  • During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
  • See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.