Everything I Know Working Overseas as a Military Spouse
- Christina Bechtel
- Aug 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 21, 2023
Before we moved overseas I had a job working in tech as a sales trainer.
I had found out about our move last July and had eight months to prepare for it.
I thought I did everything right.
I told my boss about our move.
I spoke to HR.
I talked to a JAG (aka a military lawyer) to look over my contract to ensure that there were no stipulations preventing my move abroad.
I tried to do EVERYTHING possible to ensure I could keep my job.
And one month before our move, I was told that it was absolutely not possible for me to work outside of the US for my particular job.
I was devastated.
I scoured the internet for resources, for answers, for ANYTHING.
And to be honest my findings were alarming.
Like, finding out that the unemployment rate for military spouses is 21%.... however most of are college educated.
The real issue is just set on the fact that either our licenses do not work where our active duty partner is stationed, OR companies do not want to hire us due to a PCS every 2 to 3 years.
I felt sick.
I felt sad.
I was only four months into my military marriage and was questioning why I had never known this information.
Oh, and the cherry on top, is that since we are not a protected class, we do not have the ability to easily sue a company for discriminating against us due to having to move for a PCS.
But I do not want this to ALWAYS be the narrative.
My goal in this post is to not complain about these statistics, but to make them more transparent to you.
I also want equip you with information to help you, if you want to work while stationed abroad.
So without further adieu here's everything I know about how to get started working abroad as a military spouse:
How do I get a working visa?
If you are moving overseas and want to be able to work a civilian job you can apply for a visa vignette.
What is a visa vignette?
The exemption vignette allows dependents (spouses and children under 21 years of age) of military members to reside in country for the duration of their sponsors’ tour.
The vignette is free and will be placed in the no-fee passport or foreign tourist passport.
Here is a direct link to the visa vignette application for RAF Mildenhall
Remember to include ALL the items required... I made the mistake of getting the wrong sized passport photos
The process took about 5 weeks from when I returned it
And yes, You CAN apply for this prior to your move
Can I work for my U.S. Remote Based Job in Another Country?
In short, this depends on your company and can vary based on your contract with them and their preferences etc.
The main issues companies have with working a remote job outside of the US:
Time-zones: they want you online when everyone else is
Tax issues:
They don't have an established business entity in that country and therefore run into tax issues
If you are legally working in another country for more than 6 months you are required to pay taxes in that country
So what do you recommend I do?
Tell your company as soon as you know you are about to PCS
Review your current contract and see if there are any stipulations on location that you need to work in
Explain how you do not require a visa because you have a visa vignette but you may still require sponsorship
Be patient and explain what you know about your ability to easily work in another country as a military spouse... explain the visa vignette process and partner with them on questions that will have
Create an exit plan with your manager - discuss options of what happens if they do not allow you to work outside of the US and possible career transitions/connections/etc.
I've got my Visa Vignette - what's next?
Apply for a UK National Insurance Number
This is the equivalent to a Social Security Number (SSN) and is required for someone to begin work or start their own business in the local economy. Prior to you obtaining a National Insurance Number, you must have received your Exemption Vignette (Visa Vignette).
How do I apply?
Go to HERE
How long does this take?
4 weeks
How do taxes work for all of this?
Bristish Taxes: Once working in the UK, income tax must be paid and is collected by Inland Revenue. Tax is based on your income during the tax year, beginning on 6 April and ending 5 April the following year. (more information here)
US Taxes: Income earned on the British economy is considered “foreign-earned income” and it is not taxed up to a specific dollar amount. However, you will still report earnings on your US taxes using the Foreign Earned Income Form (Form 2555). This only applies to income derived from a foreign economy.
*****I am not a tax expert, this is just what I know.
What should I expect as far as a salary?
The median average salary for all workers in the UK is £27,756, which equates to about $35,258.
This compared to America's national median average salary $54,490...
On average you will be making less money here than in the US.
And again, I am not an expert but majority of jobs I have looked at are paid significantly less than what I was making in America.
However, this is not applicable if you work on base or within the military.
Where should I apply for jobs?
This employment guide extremely helpful for finding different places for hiring based on what type of work you are looking for!
I hope that if you are reading this, this information can help alleviate any questions that are looming in your head.
Please remember, I am not an expert, but I am happy to help share what I have learned.
If you enjoyed this post feel free to share it with people in your network and reach out if you have more questions.
I am always happy to answer.
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