Digital Nomad in the USA: Guide for Brits
New York, Austin, Miami… The USA is a dream destination for British remote workers, but there's no digital nomad visa. Here's how to make it work.
before
- Apply for ESTA online ($21, 72h before travel)
- Get comprehensive health insurance
- Book return flight (required for entry)
- Notify bank, get fee-free card (Wise, Revolut)
- Get a US eSIM (T-Mobile, AT&T)
British citizens benefit from the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) for visits up to 90 days. However, working remotely — even for a UK employer — is technically not permitted on an ESTA. The US has no digital nomad visa. Alternatives include the B-1 (business visitors), O-1 (extraordinary ability), or E-2 (treaty investor — the UK has an E-2 treaty with the US). The cost of living is significantly higher than the UK, especially in coastal cities. Budget £3,000–£5,000/month for a comfortable nomad lifestyle.
Visa & requirements
- Valid UK biometric passport
- Return flight booked
- No criminal record
- No work permitted
- Valid for 2 years, multiple entries
The ESTA allows 90 days for tourism and business (meetings, conferences) but not remote work. The UK has an E-2 treaty investor visa with the US, making it a viable path for Brits who invest in a US business ($100,000+ recommended). The O-1 visa suits those with extraordinary talent. The L-1 visa covers intra-company transfers. None are designed for digital nomads specifically. Many British nomads use ESTA for short stays under 90 days, which is a legal grey area.
Digital Nomad budget
- Shared flat ($800–$1,200)
- Home cooking + cheap eats
- Public transport
- Coffee shop working
- Studio/1BR ($1,500–$2,500)
- Restaurants and cafés
- Coworking ($200–$400)
- Car/Uber
- Downtown apartment major city
- Fine dining
- Premium coworking
- Domestic travel
Cost of living for nomads
Budget varies hugely by city. NYC/SF: $4,000–6,000/month. Austin/Denver/Miami: $2,500–4,000/month. Mid-size cities (Boise, Raleigh): $1,800–3,000/month. Coworking: $200–500/month. Housing is 40–60% of the budget. The USA is not a budget destination, but the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem is unmatched.
Coworking & workspaces
Best coworking spaces
NYC: WeWork, Industrious, The Yard. SF: WeWork, Galvanize. Austin: Capital Factory ($150–300/month). Miami: The LAB, Pipeline. Denver: Alchemy Creative. American public libraries are excellent free workspaces with fast wifi.
Internet & connectivity
Internet in the USA
Good connectivity in urban areas. Fiber: 100–1,000 Mbps ($50–80/month). 5G in major cities. Free wifi at Starbucks, libraries, and most cafés. Rural areas and national parks may have dead zones. Get a T-Mobile or Mint Mobile plan with hotspot.
Average speed: 200 Mbps
Taxation & obligations
The UK-US tax treaty prevents double taxation. If you remain UK tax resident and stay less than 183 days, your income is taxed in the UK. Be cautious: the US Substantial Presence Test (183 days over 3 weighted years) can make you a US tax resident. HMRC and the IRS both have reporting requirements. National Insurance continues if you're employed in the UK. Self-employed Brits should check with a cross-border tax adviser.
Steps to settle in United States
Before departure
- Apply for ESTA online ($21, 72h before)
- Get international health insurance (essential in the US)
- Open Wise/Revolut for USD payments
- Book initial accommodation (Airbnb)
- Budget generously (the US is expensive)
On the ground
- Buy a local SIM (T-Mobile, Mint Mobile)
- Join a coworking space or use libraries
- Open a US bank account if possible (Mercury)
- Join nomad communities (Meetup, Facebook)
- Rent a car outside major cities
Important
- ESTA prohibits ALL paid work (even remote)
- No extension: 90 days max then leave
- No nomad visa in the US
- Healthcare: an ER visit can cost $3,000–10,000+
- UK-US tax treaty: avoid double taxation
Advantages & challenges
Advantages
- ESTA allows 90-day visits
- Shared language (mostly!)
- World-class tech ecosystem
- UK-US E-2 treaty available
- Huge British expat community
- Direct flights from major UK airports
Challenges
- No digital nomad visa
- ESTA doesn't permit remote work
- Very high cost of living
- Health insurance essential (£200–£500/mo)
- Significant time difference (-5 to -8h)
- Tipping culture (15–20%)
Technically no. The ESTA is for tourism/business meetings only. Remote work for a UK employer is a grey area — many do it, but it's not legal.
The UK has an E-2 treaty with the US. Invest substantially in a US business ($100K+ recommended) and get a renewable 2-year visa. Popular with British entrepreneurs.
Travel insurance: £50–£100/month. US health insurance: $300–$800/month. Essential — a single ER visit can cost $5,000+.