Remote work abroad

Derek Severin New member

Member since 21 October 2017

Derek SeverinNew memberToday 05:23:42

Hello,

I am looking for information regarding my potential future professional situation.

I am a Belgian citizen currently living in Vietnam on a tourist visa. I recently got married to a Vietnamese citizen, which should allow me to apply for a resident card.

I have been offered a full time opportunity with a startup based in Belgium, as freelance or as an employee, depending on what makes the most sense legally and practically.

This way, I would be working remotely for a Belgian company (Belgian contract, Belgian bank account, etc.) while physically residing in Vietnam (HCMC).

I would also remain domiciled in Belgium.

I have tried gathering information from various sources, but the answers have been somewhat unclear or inconsistent.

So I am wondering if anyone here has experience with a similar situation or can share relevant knowledge.

In particular, I am interested in understanding the legal implications both in Belgium and Vietnam.

The main points of interest seem to be regarding taxes and social security.

I am also open to any advice on other aspects I may not have considered.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Derek.

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jrharvey Contributor

Member since 16 February 2023

jrharveyContributorToday 07:34:42

183

You probably wont get the most accurate answer here but I will say what I know to the best of my ability. Double check this with an experienced tax attorney here. Also keep in mind I went to 3 different attorneys and got 3 totally different answers because in Vietnam there is always the written law and then there is how things are really done. Unfortunately that's just something to get use to.

Per the written law if you work as an employee of the company you will owe personal income tax plus other taxes if you stay longer than 180 days regardless of whether you owe tax in Belgium or not. Would need to review your double taxation agreement between Belgium and Veitnam.

One potential option that you would need to speak with an attorney about is working freelance for the company and having your wife set up family business or Hộ kinh doanh. This type of setup is extremely tax friendly. You pay a really small percentage of gross profits. There are no expenses like other types of businesses. If you talk to an attorney and they say you cannot do this as a foreigner just remind them that you are married to a Vietnamse citizen and the business would be in your wife's name.

Double check everything I just said. I am not an attorney or tax professional. I have just done a lot of research on this.