It’s hard enough starting and running a successful business in the United States, and it can be even more so in another country.
But if the circumstances are pointing you in the direction of starting a business in an international country, you should know that there’s nothing to stop you from doing so.
Here are five tips for starting a business overseas:
Tip #1 – Travel To The Country First
If you’re going to be opening a new business overseas, you should travel to that country beforehand and immerse yourself in the environment and the culture.
You don’t have to do anything business related during this trip and if anything you should really just enjoy yourself and get a feel for what the country is like. Use it as an opportunity to take a vacation.
Tip #2 – What Are The Business Laws and Practices of the Country?
The business laws, regulations, and practices can vary significantly between countries. In some countries, for instance, it can take weeks if not months to legally form a business.
This is all information that you will need to research online in the early stages of planning out the business. What taxes do you need to pay? What is allowed and what isn’t? What licenses do you need to acquire? These are the questions you need answers to.
Tip #3 – Seek Out Legal Help
This may not be the most fun aspect of opening a business, but it really is necessary. You shouldn’t just seek out the advice of a lawyer, you should actually hire them.
Specifically, you should hire a lawyer who’s currently residing in the country you’re opening up shop in. The lawyer shouldn’t just understand the legal factors of the country you’re traveling to, but he or she should also understand the cultural aspects to.
Tip #4 – Research Payment Methods
How are you going to pay your employees, freelancers, distributors, marketers, and so on?
When you’re living in another country, chances are good USD will not be accepted. Your best bet will be to use a remittance service where you can easily convert and send money using any kind of currency in the world.
Tip #5 – Prepare the Basic Operational Needs
You may be tempted to hire an employee, but you may want to wait to do so until your business is up and running. There are many things to getting used to when hiring a local staff, from customs to regulatory issues. A better option would be using virtual services, which allow you to access basic operational activities at a fraction of the costs.
Since services are widely available, it’s probably best for you to shop around and take your time. Check out popular virtual office locations and see whether one of those are suitable for your overseas HQ. Also, check the pricing closely – i.e. the virtual office space rental fees, the answering service pricing, or any other potential expenses.
Tip #6 – Don’t Rush Things
Moving abroad and opening your new business establishment is going to be an exciting experience, but the last thing you want to do is rush things.
Take the time to follow the above steps. Visit the country first. Research the business practices. Hire that lawyer. Figure out the payment methods. Have your visas and where you’ll be living figured out.
Rushing things is always going to be a recipe for stress and perhaps even failure. Take your time and plan on making this transition over a period of months rather than weeks or days.
Starting A Business Overseas
Starting a business in another country may be a hassle, but it’s also a hassle in the United States as well. Following the above tips can really help make the process more convenient and smooth sailing for you.
