Can US Citizens Work Remotely in the UK Without Visa?

A U.S. citizen can legally work for a U.S. company remotely from the UK without needing a UK work visa, because they are not employed by a UK company and are not entering the UK labor market.

However, there are some important points to consider:

• Immigration rules: As a U.S. citizen, you can stay in the UK as a visitor for up to 6 months without a visa, but you are not allowed to “work” for a UK-based employer. Remote work for a U.S. company is usually tolerated for short stays, but it is not a long-term solution.

• Tax obligations: If you live in the UK for more than 183 days in a tax year, you may be considered a UK tax resident and may need to pay taxes in the UK on your worldwide income. The U.S.-UK tax treaty helps prevent double taxation.

• Long-term stay: If you plan to reside in the UK long term while working remotely, you would need the correct visa (for example, a spouse visa, work visa, or other residency status).

In short, a U.S. citizen can work remotely for a U.S. employer while temporarily in the UK without a visa, but for long-term living and working from the UK, proper immigration status and tax compliance are required.