With the emergence of laptops as alternative offices and Wi-Fi as a global commodity, the capability of working from virtually anywhere has never been more realistic. For many Americans who wish to transition into a new way of living, or to extend their stay abroad, the prospect of working remotely (freelancing or otherwise) from the UK can be tantalising. 

In this context, if you are contemplating applying for United Kingdom visas for US citizens, you may be wondering what you can do with your work electronically from the US while living as an expatriate in Britain. Let’s assess our understanding of this topic.

Remote Work in the UK: What’s Allowed Today?

In early 2024, the UK modified its immigration regulations to include permissible types of remote work, consistent with the shift in working conditions to include flexible options. Under the amended immigration regulations, becoming a remote worker visiting the UK is now permitted, provided your intent to work remotely does not predominate as a reason for being in the UK. You can perform work-related functions, such as attend meetings, answer emails and do client work for clients outside of the UK while in the UK. 

However, to the extent that you are in the UK while on holiday, visiting friends or family, or doing business, you must still meet the requirements to move to Britain from US with respect to your visa status.

While this is a fantastic advancement for visitors, it is vital to remember that many things are still prohibited for visitors to the UK. Visitors cannot:

• Work on behalf of a UK employer
• Assist on behalf of a UK-based customer
• Sell goods or services to the UK public
• Start or manage their own business in the UK
• Last but not least, visitors must enter the UK for remote work purposes only, as incidental to their trip.

In other words, the UK has not introduced a full-blown digital nomad visa like some European countries have. For now, remote work during a visit must be strictly incidental to your trip. 

When a Visa Is Required

If you want to move to Britain from US long-term (like freelancing while here or working remotely full-time), the rules change completely.

Currently, the UK does not offer a formal remote work or digital nomad visa, nor does it allow remote workers to relocate and work from anywhere. For most situations, US citizens will likely qualify for one of the more traditional United Kingdom visas for US citizens, as below:

• a skilled worker route, sponsored by a UK employer
• family-based visas
• ancestral visas (if you have qualifying heritage)
• high-potential individual schemes for recent graduates or
• other work-based routes depending on your skills.

All these visas require a connection to employment, activity in business or family connections and cannot be used to establish a permanent basis for working remotely. If you intend to relocate permanently to the UK and work for yourself or continue working remotely from outside of the UK, make sure you confirm which visa option will apply before leaving your country.

Tax and Legal Considerations

Assuming you can continue to legally move to Britain from US while performing remote work duties for your employer in the US, tax and legal implications arise as well. Working physically in the UK while on a short-term visit (tourism or business only) can trigger UK tax residency requirements, National Insurance obligations, and possible issues with the legality of your employment or working for your employer outside of the UK.

If you are only physically located in the UK and are simply responding to emails and taking client calls while on vacation, that should not be a concern for you; however, if you are developing a lifestyle around extended stays in the UK, you should get professional advice on how you will be taxed in both the US and UK.

Living in the UK While Remote Working

If you’re planning on moving to the UK from America for an extended period to continue working remotely, you will need to apply for a longer-term visa. Three of the most common visa options for Americans wanting to live and work remotely in the UK are:

• Skilled Worker visas: These require a UK employer to sponsor the visa application, and are intended for a longer-term stay.
• Family or spouse visas: If you have close relatives in the UK, this option is available.
• Ancestry visas or specialty skill visas: Offered to those with a UK-born grandparent or specialty skills that companies in the UK need.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Americans can conduct limited remote work in the UK within visitor allowances, as long as it is secondary to the visit and for clients outside the UK. However, if you are planning to relocate to the UK to work remotely or as a freelancer, you will need to plan for the visa that suits your objectives. For clarity on living and working abroad in the UK, there are resources such as the Passportia guide to United Kingdom visas for US citizens.