Our Blog
The Platform-Work EU Directive: a further step forward
Dec 4, 2023
The EU has over 500 digital platforms, providing about 28 million people income opportunities. The gig economy leaves room for labour disputes primarily related to pay and
Would an IT freelancer who wants to work overseas have more options as a UK employee?
Nov 30, 2023
Having explored the options if you want to work abroad as a UK technology freelancer, it seems appropriate to now look at the routes into overseas
What You Should Know About the New Dutch Recruitment Licence
Nov 22, 2023
The Dutch government is determined to change the experience of foreign workers in the country and combat questionable practices of unscrupulous players in the employment
Tax Changes in the Netherlands for 2024
Nov 15, 2023
On October 26, 2023, the Dutch Second Chamber of Parliament adopted 17 amendments to the tax regime of the Netherlands. Of these, the Minimum Profit
Understanding German Contracting
Nov 8, 2023
In this short video, we cover important aspects of employment and contracting in Germany for those planning to relocate there and for employers looking to
Working in Sweden as a Foreign National
Oct 30, 2023
Sweden is known for its high quality of life, efficient public services and free education. A relaxed lifestyle and spectacular landscape make the Scandinavian nation
With UK-Spanish dual citizenship, can I be self-employed in Italy but also supply UK companies?
Oct 27, 2023
Contractor’s Question: I’ve got a dual nationality of British and Spanish, but it’s Italy I’m moving to in 2024.
I have worked in the UK for
As a UK IT freelancer, what are my options if I want to work overseas?
Oct 24, 2023
As a UK IT freelancer, you have several options if you want to work overseas, writes chartered accountant Kevin Austin, managing director of overseas contracting advisory Access
Working in Switzerland as a Foreign National
Oct 23, 2023
According to The World Happiness Report 2023, Switzerland is among the top 5 happiest nations globally with a happiness index of 7.51. The home of the
A guide to overseas dividends and withholding tax for contractors
Oct 18, 2023
For the purposes of this article, in which I want to provide a guide to overseas dividends and withholding tax for contractors, it is assumed
Working in Belgium as a Foreign National
Oct 16, 2023
According to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, Belgium is likely to see a 9.5% increase in employment from 2021 to 2035.
How to determine UK tax residence status under the Statutory Residence Test
Oct 6, 2023
The Statutory Residence Test (SRT) allows contractors and other individuals to determine residence status for a tax year, writes Kevin Austin, manging director of Access Financial.
Each tax
How to choose an international umbrella company
Oct 6, 2023
Why do recruitment agencies require temporary workers to use umbrella companies?
There are good legal, tax and prudential reasons why a recruitment business should consider using
The taxman is looking much more at overseas accounts. Are you CRS-compliant?
Sep 29, 2023
Our taxman is speaking to his foreign counterparts more but even with him alone, here in Britain, UK-registered limited companies must realise that their activities
Top 10 European Destinations for Remote Workers
Sep 21, 2023
As of 2023, 28.2% of full-time employees work via a hybrid model, while 12.7% are totally remote employees. In fact, 98% of employees say they
Webinar: Contracting & Permanent Placement in Switzerland
Sep 21, 2023
Switzerland’s employment laws and regulations are intricate, accompanied by a three-level taxation system at the national, regional, and local levels. It’s vital for employers to
Access Financial: A Guide to Employer of Record
Sep 12, 2023
Are you looking to expand your business to new markets without establishing an entity? An EOR can serve as the legal employer for your staff
Newsletter | September 07, 2023
Sep 6, 2023
Switzerland approves increasing VAT rates in 2024
As from 1 January 2024, the following new VAT rates will be applicable in Switzerland (including Municipality of Liechtenstein):
New
What is an AÜG Licence & How Can Access Financial Help Contractors in Germany?
Sep 5, 2023
The fourth largest economy in the world, Germany is well known for its contribution to technological advancements, the automotive industry and science. The country is
Navigating Compliance: Keeping You Ahead of the Game!
Sep 5, 2023
Working in the recruitment industry, it’s crucial to stay up to date with compliance information.
Join us and our expert panel on Wednesday, 4th October at
How to Hire an Employee through an EOR in Cyprus
Sep 1, 2023
Cyprus has a thriving economy with a large talent pool. The nation was ranked 22 on IMD’s Global Talent Ranking for 2022. Plus, more than
Newsletter | July 25, 2023
Jul 25, 2023
Luxembourg introduces new online application process for EU citizens & 3rd country nationals
Overview:
On 10 July 2023, Luxembourg introduced online application processes for EU citizens and
What’s the best tax planning advice for leaving the UK?
Jul 19, 2023
Contractor’s Question: I’d like some planning advice on leaving the UK, if only to check that my plan is actually sound.
I’m an EU citizen, living
Newsletter | May 17, 2023
May 17, 2023
Norwegian Working Environment Act – revised legislation
Changes to the Norwegian Working Environment Act occurred on 1st April 2023. The new legislation has made the hiring
Can I still contract in the EU, post-Brexit?
Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday 25th Apr 2023
Brexit was the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (EU), and it took place at 23:00 GMT on January
Newsletter | April 24, 2023
Apr 24, 2023
Irish company law to change
The 2021 Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act has brought in changes to Irish Company Law intended to avoid incomplete disclosure of
Guide to Contracting in the UK from Overseas
Apr 20, 2023
Thursday 20th Apr 2023
Since January 1st 2020 due to Brexit, EU and EFTA nationals no longer have the automatic right to live, study and work
Newsletter | April 2023
Apr 5, 2023
Denmark passes bill simplifying hiring of third-country nationals
Many professionals are attracted to Denmark for the opportunity to combine a professional career with comfortable living conditions
Maximising your income and minimising hassle with an Umbrella Company
Apr 4, 2023
In the simplest of terms, an umbrella company is a third party that stands between contractors and the companies that employ them. It handles payroll,
A Real-Life Approach to DEI – 20 years of experience in a Global Organisation
Apr 3, 2023
Companies are busily appointing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) officers. How much is a genuine commitment and how much virtue-signaling I shall leave others to
Work in Portugal as a Briton: overview for UK contractors
Mar 2, 2023
Not a million miles from fictional Willy Wonka’s sought-after “Golden Tickets” that were distributed all over the word, Portugal’s “Golden Visas” have had a global
Employer of Record (EOR) service in Cyprus
Feb 23, 2023
Our Employer of Record (EOR) solution helps your business expand, without the need for you to set up an entity in Cyprus, which can be
The UAE Labour Market Highlights 2023
Feb 22, 2023
The UAE, which is the second-largest economy in the Arab world, has implemented various economic, legal, and social reforms over the years to improve its
Careful contractors, MVV isn’t a shoo-in to work in the Netherlands
Feb 14, 2023
A so-called ‘long stay visa’ for the Netherlands, the MVV, is being bandied about as shoo-in for Britons longing to work in a traditionally contractor-friendly
From Confusion to Clarity: A Breakdown of the 183-Day Rule
Jan 31, 2023
The 183-day rule is a widely recognised concept used by most countries to determine whether someone should be considered a resident for tax purposes. The
Changes in global tax laws impacting international contractors
Jan 20, 2023
As the global economy continues to evolve, countries around the world are adjusting their tax laws to account for the various market forces in play.
What is an AUG License & how can we help contractors in Germany?
Jan 12, 2023
In certain European countries, it is mandatory for agencies and/or umbrella companies to possess a specific labour leasing license in order to legally lend their
What is an EOR, and who needs one?
Jan 12, 2023
To put it simply, an EOR (Employer of Record) is an external entity that acts as an employer for a worker in a legal capacity,
What is a SECO License & how can AF help foreign agencies in Switzerland?
Jan 12, 2023
Switzerland is a rich market with an established demand for highly skilled personnel, and many companies are looking to hire international recruiters in order to
Hiring Employees/Contractors in Singapore
Dec 20, 2022
The Republic of Singapore is a sovereign island country in Southeast Asia, and it is emerging as one of the top locations for the growth
Hiring Employees/Contractors in Malaysia
Dec 20, 2022
While not one yet of the absolute top international business hubs, Malaysia still offers a very attractive infrastructure for emerging companies, helped greatly by the
Hiring Employees/Contractors in Hong Kong
Dec 19, 2022
Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated places in the world, is a city and special administrative region of China, geographically located in the
Hiring Full-time Employees or Contractors in the UAE
Dec 13, 2022
The UAE comprises seven Emirates (similar to states). Abu Dhabi is the administrative capital of the Emirates but Dubai is the business centre of the
What is Global Payroll & How Does it Work?
Dec 12, 2022
Global payroll services refer to managing the payment of wages/salaries to contractors who work in different countries, which can be a complex and time-consuming task,
What is an umbrella company? The benefits for contractors and recruiters
Dec 12, 2022
Between a client/recruitment agency and a contractor, an umbrella company serves as the employer or payroll company. It is a legal entity in a foreign
Hiring Contractors in India: All You Need to Know
Dec 8, 2022
One of the main advantages of entering the Indian market is the availability of a large and diverse pool of skilled workers. India has a
Spain getting in on the digital nomad action
Dec 6, 2022
The Spanish Congress of Deputies recently approved the new Startup Law, which should pass into law in January 2023, which means we only know some
Introducing our new office in Dubai
Nov 15, 2022
Exciting things are happening at Access Financial, and we want to share some important news with you. Loyalty from clients has fueled continued growth, making
Working from overseas for a UK organisation
Nov 9, 2022
Contractor’s Question: What does a contractor who is going to be working with an organisation in the UK, but where they live overseas, need to
Is Portugal’s Digital Nomad visa for me?
Oct 27, 2022
Contractor’s Question: I read somewhere that Portugal has joined the apparently growing list of countries to offer digital nomad visas. Is that right, and are
Interested in Contracting in Asia?
Sep 26, 2022
Do you do or plan to do contracting in Asia? We can offer contracting as well as Employer of Record (EOR) services in Asia for
Startups In Cyprus
Sep 26, 2022
Cyprus is a very attractive place for investors, which, in turn, is favourable for the development of startups.
Various tax benefits and financing opportunities are provided
Interested in contracting in Switzerland?
Sep 2, 2022
What’s excellent about contracting in Switzerland with Access Financial?
The picture postcard beauty of Switzerland is almost a cliche, but the companies that either originated there
WFM Portal 1.0
Aug 16, 2022
Access Financial is proud to announce the launch of its cloud-based automated onboarding module for contractors and employees, which runs on our new WFM (Workforce
Interested in Contracting in the Netherlands?
Aug 4, 2022
Contracting is becoming more and more popular in the Netherlands. However, the wide variety of laws and tax regulations make life complicated. Our raison d’etre
Remote working in Switzerland
Jul 6, 2022
Remote working has hit us and is probably here to stay in the post-Covid, post-Brexit world. In this article, I will cover how this affects
Relocation of companies and employees to Cyprus 2022
Jun 21, 2022
We are pleased to share with you the recording of a webinar on the “Relocation of companies and employees to Cyprus” topic, which was held
How to live and work in Cyprus as a UK Freelancer (or even employee)
Jun 8, 2022
As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, we are seeing unprecedented interest in people from both Russia and Ukraine expressing an interest in coming
Should I hire a UK or French accountant to help with residency in France?
May 26, 2022
Contractor’s Question: I’m an app developer although I no longer carry out contract/freelance work, but recently I have moved from the UK to France, facilitated by
New Cyprus Tax incentives | May 2022
May 13, 2022
In a further bid to enhance the benefits for existing and new international companies/groups to establish, expand or relocate their Headquarters to Cyprus, an improved
REC Conference 2022
May 12, 2022
We are delighted to share that Access Financial has joined the REC Conference 2022 (#RECLive22) as a Silver Corporate Sponsor.
Access Financial is the leading international
WHAT DOES HMRC MEAN BY ‘FOREIGN INCOME’?
Apr 26, 2022
Freelancer’s Question: What is foreign income? It might be obvious to some, but I’ve tried to find the definition of ‘foreign income’ on .Gov but
Access Financial: Our new corporate brochure 2022
Apr 6, 2022
We are delighted to share with you our latest corporate brochure which includes brief information about our solutions in the countries where we operate. We
Access Financial: Global Mobility Services
Mar 8, 2022
Global mobility is a broad spectrum of topics, including tax, relocation, immigration, technology platforms, compensation and incentivisation, payroll, assignment and travel planning. It’s a complex
A year-end letter from our CEO, Kevin Austin
Dec 22, 2021
We wish all our friends, clients, and colleagues a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2022. We will spread some cheer by telling
How to obtain an EU passport as a Briton in the Brexit age
Nov 25, 2021
Having a European Union passport confers the right to free movement to live — and work – ANYWHERE throughout the 27 EU states, and also
Fancy IT consulting in France as a Briton? Here’s how despite Brexit
Nov 18, 2021
There’s some talk that EU passport-holders are ruling the roost in the interesting job stakes, and by ‘interesting,’ I mean a contract or temporary assignment
Contractors’ Questions: How to work tax-efficiently from Spain?
Nov 10, 2021
Contractor’s Question: Due to an inter-family property purchase in Spain I began before Brexit, I’ve achieved Spanish residency, alongside still being a UK passport holder.
I’ve
Digital Nomad Workforce is coming!
Nov 10, 2021
More companies are finding that it suits them to have staff working from home. Many workers are finding they like this newfound freedom. Many are
When are Paris business trip costs a legitimate business expense?
Oct 22, 2021
Contractor’s Question: To what extent would the travel, accommodation and subsistence costs incurred to and in Paris, on a meeting-type expedition where no actual work
Can my limited company meet its suppliers in Paris while I’m a tourist?
Oct 22, 2021
Contractor’s Question: What are the covid-19 entry processes and visa requirements for UK nationals wanting to travel to Paris, France, for a one-week stay, or
Our contracting solutions in Belgium and Sweden
Sep 19, 2021
You are a contractor in Belgium or Sweden or a Recruiter placing contractors there?
Take a look at these retention figures:
CountrySelf-employedEmployedLimited CompanyBelgium56%43%75%SwedenN/A52%70%
When something is too good
£12bn-a-year tax rise to pay for NHS and social care
Sep 10, 2021
Yesterday the government announced tax changes to fund £12 billion a year to be spent on the NHS and social care across the UK.
National Insurance
Access Financial: Latest Happenings at a Glance_June 2021
Jun 10, 2021
EU Deadlines
If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.
Can I remotely supply a UK company as a retired IT contractor in France?
Apr 29, 2021
Contractor’s Question: I retired to France in 2020 having been an IT contractor for several years. However I am now being invited to work for a UK company
Global Tax Aspects for Contractors. PDF Presentation
Apr 19, 2021
We’re delighted to share with you our presentation, which contains information on Global Tax Aspects for Contractors. We hope you will find this information useful.
IR35: Off-Payroll Changes April 2021
Apr 2, 2021
The impending Off-Payroll Rules expected to come into force on the 6th April 2020 (subsequently postponed for one year to 6th April 2021) have caused
Are EU companies reluctant to sign with UK recruitment agencies post-Brexit?
Mar 2, 2021
British businesses that export goods or services to the Continent are reportedly being encouraged by UK government trade advisers to set up separate companies inside
Brexit News Flash – Work Permits
Feb 22, 2021
We are receiving prospects from our recruitment partners for British nationals to take positions in the EU/EEA. We have to tell these candidates that they
Contracting in China
Dec 14, 2020
Access Financial has been in China for 12 years.
AF can help corporates who have a need to employ people in China but who either do
Agency Case Study: the Netherlands
Dec 14, 2020
An agency approached us with several cases of their contractors working in the Netherlands, and the agency was paying them to their UK limited companies.
Agency Case Study: Switzerland
Dec 14, 2020
A UK recruitment business approached us, asking for help to set up their business in Switzerland. We provided a new company, obtained suitable premises for
Contractor Case Study: Sweden
Dec 14, 2020
A contractor wrote to us and asked for a solution to work in Sweden. We asked him if he regularly wrote to his doctor for
Corporates Case Study: Trade Sale
Dec 14, 2020
A newly appointed Compliance Manager was tasked with getting the recruitment company ready for a trade sale. Management was concerned about any hidden risks that
Agency Case Study: Sweden
Dec 14, 2020
A client was trying to place contractors in Sweden. What they found was that the net retentions were so low that contractors could not afford
Agency Case Study: Swiss law
Dec 14, 2020
A UK recruiter approached us. They had a problem with a Swiss client where they had placed permanent staff. The problem was that the Swiss
Agency Case Study: Contractors in the NL
Dec 14, 2020
An agency approached us how we could help them to de-risk their clients who were placing contractors in the Netherlands. The risks, from chain law,
EU Workers – After Brexit
Dec 1, 2020
EU workers living in the UK by 31 Dec 2020 – can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.
How can
Brexit effects in Belgium
Dec 1, 2020
As a result of the Brexit, British citizens who wish to work in the Brussels Capital Region (as an employee or self-employed) after 31 December
Online onboarding of a SE contractor in Germany
Nov 18, 2020
As you may know, AF has its IT department where we build our platforms, portals and apps. The latest project is to replace our CRM