Landing Your Dream Job: The Best US States for International Remote Job Seekers in 2025
Dreaming of working for a innovative American company while enjoying the freedom to live (almost) anywhere in the world? You’re not alone. The remote work revolution has flung open the doors for global talent, making a US-based job more accessible than ever before.
But here’s the secret they don’t always tell you: where your employer is based in the US matters—a lot. It affects your taxes, your legal protections, and even your potential salary. You might be coding from a beach in Bali or a café in Lisbon, but if your company’s headquarters is in California, you play by California’s rules.
Navigating this landscape can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered. This guide will break down the best US states for international remote workers in 2025, not from a lifestyle perspective (that’s up to you!), but from a logistical, financial, and legal standpoint. Let’s find your perfect US “virtual basecamp.”
Table of Contents
Why Your Employer’s State Matters (Even When You’re Remote)
The Top 5 US States for International Remote Workers
#1: Delaware: The Corporate Haven
#2: Wyoming: The Digital Nomad’s New Best Friend
#3: Florida: The Sunshine (and Tax-Free) State
#4: Texas: The No-Income-Tax Titan
#5: Nevada: The Simple & Streamlined Option
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
States to Think Twice About
How to Actually Get Hired: Pro Tips for Internationals
The Bottom Line: Getting Started
Why Your Employer’s State Matters (Even When You’re Remote)
You might think your physical location is all that counts, but for a US company, its state of incorporation dictates several key things:
State Income Tax: This is the big one. If your company is in a state with high income tax (like California or New York), those taxes will likely be withheld from your paycheck, even if you never set foot there. States with no state income tax mean more money in your pocket.
Payroll Complexity: Some states have incredibly complex payroll rules and mandatory benefits (like state disability insurance). Companies may prefer hiring remote workers in states with simpler, more business-friendly laws to reduce administrative overhead.
Legal Framework: The state’s laws govern employment contracts, non-compete clauses (which are unenforceable in some states like California), and intellectual property rights. You want a clear and fair legal environment.
In short, a company in a remote-work-friendly state is often more equipped and willing to hire internationally without a hassle.
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The Top 5 US States for International Remote Workers in 2025
Based on tax advantages, business-friendly laws, and overall simplicity for employers, these states stand out.
1: Delaware: The Corporate Haven
Don’t let its small size fool you. Delaware is a giant in the corporate world, with over 68% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated there. Companies choose Delaware for its well-established, flexible corporate laws and the specialized Court of Chancery that handles business disputes efficiently.
Why it’s great for you: If your US employer is incorporated in Delaware (which many are, even if their HQ is elsewhere), you benefit from this predictable legal system. Payroll processes are often standardized. While Delaware does have a state income tax, you typically wouldn’t pay it as a non-resident remote worker. You’d only be subject to federal tax.
Ideal for: Employees of large corporations, startups seeking investment, and anyone who values a stable and predictable legal structure.
2: Wyoming: The Digital Nomad’s New Best Friend
Wyoming is rapidly becoming a top choice for modern, digitally-native businesses, especially in the crypto and web3 spaces. It’s passed progressive laws recognizing DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and has a strong commitment to privacy and business freedom.
Why it’s great for you:No state corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and no franchise tax. It’s a triple threat for saving money. Its modern laws are designed for the future of work. For a company based in Wyoming, hiring internationally is a straightforward process.
Ideal for: Those in tech, blockchain, and fintech, or working for any agile, forward-thinking startup.
3: Florida: The Sunshine (and Tax-Free) State
Florida’s reputation isn’t just about beaches and retirees. It’s a massive economic powerhouse with a pro-business government. It has seen a huge influx of companies and talent from higher-tax states in recent years (“the Florida migration”).
Why it’s great for you:No state income tax. Full stop. This means a higher take-home pay. The state government is actively friendly to businesses, which translates to a smoother hiring process for international remote employees.
Ideal for: Anyone looking to maximize their salary. Especially popular with companies in finance, healthcare, and tech.
4: Texas: The No-Income-Tax Titan
Like Florida, Texas boasts a massive economy with zero state personal income tax. It’s a hub for energy, technology (Austin is a major tech center), and aerospace, offering a wide range of job opportunities.
Why it’s great for you: The no state income tax advantage is significant. The overall cost of living for the company is often lower than in coastal hubs, which can mean more competitive salaries and hiring budgets for them—and for you.
Ideal for: Professionals in tech, engineering, energy, and manufacturing.
5: Nevada: The Simple & Streamlined Option
Nevada has long been an alternative to Delaware for incorporation due to its business-friendly policies. It offers similar advantages without the state income tax.
Why it’s great for you:No state corporate income tax, no personal income tax, and no franchise tax. It’s simple, straightforward, and designed to make business easy. For an international hire, this simplicity is a major plus.
Ideal for: A wide range of businesses, from e-commerce to tech services, that want a simple, tax-efficient structure.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
When you’re evaluating a job offer from a US company, ask yourself these questions:
What is the company’s legal state of incorporation? (This might be different from their mailing address! You can ask them or look it up.)
Does that state have a personal income tax? If yes, understand how it might apply to non-residents (often it doesn’t, but confirm!).
What are the state’s laws on non-competes? If you’re in a specialized field, this could impact your future career moves.
Does the company have a history of hiring internationally? This is often more important than the state itself. An experienced company will handle visa sponsorships (like the E-2, L-1, or H-1B for eventual relocation) or international payroll with ease.
States to Think Twice About
Some states, while home to incredible job opportunities, come with high costs and complexities for employers. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t take a job there—a great offer is a great offer!—but be aware of the context.
California: Home to Silicon Valley but has the highest state income tax (up to 13.3%) and complex employment laws. Companies here are used to the hassle, but it may affect their willingness to hire remotely abroad.
New York: Especially New York City. High taxes and additional city taxes for residents can significantly reduce your net pay. The administrative burden on employers is also high.
Massachusetts: A hub for biotech and education, but with a relatively high flat-rate state income tax (5%).
How to Actually Get Hired: Pro Tips for Internationals
Optimize Your Profile: Tailor your LinkedIn and resume to highlight experience with US markets, clients, or tools. Use keywords from US job descriptions.
Master the Interview: Be prepared to discuss time zone overlap. Propose specific hours you’d be available to collaborate. Show you’re a proactive communicator.
Address the “Remote” Question Head-On: In your cover letter, clearly state your location and your right to work remotely for a US company (e.g., “I am based in [Your Country] and am authorized to work remotely for a US entity as an independent contractor or through an Employer of Record service.”). This shows you understand the mechanics.
Understand the Payment Structure: Be ready to discuss if you’ll be paid as an independent contractor (1099) or through an Employer of Record (EOR). An EOR like Remote.com or Deel legally employs you on the company’s behalf in your country, handling taxes and benefits. This is a common and legitimate solution.
Know Your Visa Options: If you dream of moving to the US eventually, research visas. The L-1 visa (for intra-company transfers) is a common path for remote workers who have been with a foreign branch of a US company for over a year.
The best US state for your remote job is the one that offers the best combination of a fantastic job opportunity and a favorable financial and legal structure. While targeting companies in states like Wyoming, Florida, or Texas can give you an edge, the most important factor is finding a company that values your skills and has a mature, established process for hiring global talent.
Your American dream job, with the freedom to live life on your terms, is out there. Now you have the map to find it.
