Thinking about going overseas to work? Living and working in a different country, even for a short period, can significantly boost your career and increase your earning power, by adding to your personal experience and showing future employers/clients that you are an independent and ambitious individual. An efficient agency will organise everything from accommodation, to work permits, and travel arrangements.
One advantage of being a pharmaceutical contractor are the endless possibilities of working abroad, whether across the water in continental Europe, the Americas, Asia or Australia. With many pharmaceuticals establishing regional research centres abroad the opportunities for contractors are growing! The most established destinations are the Netherlands and Belgium, strengthened even more in recent years by the arrival of discount airlines, Eurostar and the Channel tunnel, which has made northern Europe as accessible a contract destination as Manchester is from London. English is widely spoken, and there are few cultural difficulties for even the most homesick Brit to get over. The continuing enlargement of the European Union should also allow more of us to head of to Eastern Europe as pharmaceuticals continue to cater for local markets establishing local research centres.
Rates on offer vary across Europe, but you should be able to at least match what you are on in the UK. With the cost of living being generally lower on the continent than in the UK, there are certainly savings to be made. Expect hourly rates of between £35-£65 depending on your skills and your experience.
While it is relatively straightforward for British citizens to work in European Union member states, it can be more tricky elsewhere. A number of agencies will be able to sponsor you for countries where getting a work visa is cumbersome such as the US. Many pharmaceuticals in Australia for example will sponsor you as long as there are no candidates available locally.
You will need to sort out any tax or pensions issues and this
is best done by speaking to your umbrella company or accountant.
Britain has reciprocal taxation agreements with many countries, which should ensure that you are not taxed twice on capital against tax and income.
The general rule is that if you spend more than 183 days a year in a foreign country, you are classed as a resident in that country and will be liable for tax there.
However, there are exceptions and it is important to find out what your liabilities are abroad and in the UK.
Avoid the traditional UK Limited Company - as you will be deemed to be a tax resident of the country you're contracting in, this is not a tax-efficient arrangement.
Avoid offshore companies - there have been many stories of contractors operating through offshore entities. They don't comply with taxation laws and should be avoided.
Australia - The "Lucky Country"
UK - Created to answer regular contractor queries on visa/working permit requirements.
Additional countries will be added here in the future. In the meantime, why not email us your working abroad experiences!
Remember, there is no need to jump into any contract overseas, such is the diversity of work on offer, you can afford to take your time if you are prepared to work in a number of countries. The key is to pick a contract that not only matches your skills set and personal experience, but one where you feel you would benefit most as an individual. Hopefully this section will give you some useful insight into working abroad.
Find out as much as you can about your host country before you go. Knowledge is your best weapon against culture shock.
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Mercer - For a list of the cities that offer the best quality of life, visit consultancy William M Mercer's web site. www.mercer.com
Foreign and Commonwealth Office - Their travel section features comprehensive country lists covering safety and security. www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Dialogue with Citizens - European Commission website providing you with detailed practical information on your rights and opportunities in the EU and its Internal Market plus advice on how to exercise these rights in practice. There is some useful tax and social security information on the Dialogue website. http://europa.eu.int/
Inland Revenue - Guide IR20 has more details on double taxation. www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
Contractor Testimonials
"I had a fabulous experience in Spain. It was the kind of experience I never could have had if I had stayed in the UK"| Helen C. | More Contractor Quotes....
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