Can a U.S. company hire international employees? Yes, a U.S. company can hire international workers abroad. However, hiring overseas employees comes with unique challenges, such as navigating foreign tax and employment regulations, correctly classifying international workers, and running global payroll.
For a contractor living and performing the work internationally, foreign-sourced income isn't subject to U.S. tax withholding, while U.S. source income, even if earned by a non-American, is subject to U.S. tax withholding.
This is a key point in understanding how can a US company hire a foreign independent contractor. As long as the contractor complies with the tax and legal requirements of their home country and the U.S., they can provide services to a U.S. company without being considered an employee.
If your contractor isn't a US citizen and works outside US, you'll just need them to complete a W-8BEN (or a W-8BEN-E if they're a business entity). You don't need to send the form to the IRS, just keep it on file with your payment records.
Businesses can often leverage job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Jobrack, or Upwork to find international talent. They will then need to find out if they need to offer the contractor an employment contract and also understand the working hour requirements for independent contractors.
Today, it's possible to hire independent contractors from any part of the world, thanks to improvements in technology and communications. It's a great idea to consider Mexico if you're looking to expand your team. Its proximity and strong economic ties to the US are definite advantages.
3 options for hiring workers from another country Set up a legal entity. Setting up a legal entity allows you to hire workers directly from another country without relying on an intermediary partner. Partner with a global employer of record. Hire and engage contractors.
Today, it's possible to hire independent contractors from any part of the world, thanks to improvements in technology and communications. It's a great idea to consider Mexico if you're looking to expand your team. Its proximity and strong economic ties to the US are definite advantages.
First, employers must seek certification through the U.S. Department of Labor. Below you will find a link to documents and forms. Once the application is certified/approved, the employer must petition the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services for a visa.
U.S. companies can hire non-U.S. citizens as independent contractors without a work visa, provided the contractor performs the work from outside the U.S.