International remote work for staff and student employees
Last Updated: April 18, 2025
UW international employees are subject to all employment and other related laws of the country, city, or region in which they work. A registered, in-country legal presence is required for work to be performed lawfully in most countries outside the US. The UW does not have a registered legal presence in most countries due to the cost and legal complexities of establishing legal presence. In the countries where the UW does have legal presence, the ability for personnel to work remotely is tied to specific, university-related activities and the structure of the employment relationship varies based on the specific requirements of that country. Examples include the Rome Center and countries where UW is conducting global health research at the invitation of the foreign country.
Personnel working remotely in an international location where the UW does not have legal presence or working in a location where the UW has legal presence but not connected to a specific UW project is generally prohibited because it puts the University and the individual at risk for tax and employment legal violations. Exceptions may be made in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Any arrangements for international remote work require central review and approval, and an understanding by the individual of their personal legal responsibilities.
Extraordinary circumstances
The UW understands that there may be extraordinary circumstances that require personnel to work remotely from an international location for a temporary period of time. Examples include a current employee who is out-of-country and cannot make it back due to circumstances out of their control or other extraordinary circumstances (e.g., personal medical or family health situation).
In extraordinary circumstances, a unit may request central approval for a current employee to work internationally for a temporary period of time.
Applying for approval
- Complete the Remote Work Abroad Request (PDF) form.
- Submit the completed and signed form to globaloperations@uw.edu.
- Requests should meet one of the following criteria: required to perform employment duties with UW, required as part of a grant or fellowship, or due to an unforeseen personal emergency. If the request does not meet one of the above criteria, is not approved by a unit, or is submitted with less than 4 weeks prior to departure, the remote work abroad request may be denied.
- Requests must be made by a unit head and approved by a senior leader reporting directly to the President or Provost.
Typically, legal restrictions and regulatory requirements prohibit arrangements beyond 3-6 months or 183 days. If an employee is planning on remaining in-country longer term, the unit may be required to make the hire through the Professional Employment Organization (PEO) and assume any additional liability or risk associated with the relocation. - If approved, Workday must be updated to accurately reflect the international work location.
Employees permitted to work abroad are responsible and liable for addressing and resolving any compliance obligations that may be associated with their time abroad, including, but not limited to, income and social taxes, health and other types of insurance, foreign bank account reporting, and immigration/appropriate visa requirements. Employees may be required to sign an acknowledgement that they understand these obligations, and their obligation to return to the UW after the designated period to continue employment. The UW is unable to provide any personal legal or tax advice.