Building a Remote Business – The Realities Behind the Dream
Most people who come to me for advice dream of running a successful remote business - living under palm trees, travelling the world, and working only a few hours a day. The dream often looks like a five-hour work week, a laptop on the beach, and endless freedom.But let’s talk about what that really looks like in practice.When you choose remote work, you’re combining three big lifestyle shifts at once:
Building and running your own business (if you’re self-employed)
Working where others go on holiday — and facing constant temptation
Living away from home — which means managing visas, adapting to new cultures, and often being far from your family
Many people I’ve met couldn’t handle it long-term. Social media sells a version of remote work that looks effortless and glamorous — but the truth is, it takes structure, discipline, and a lot of self-management before it feels like freedom.1. Building and Running a Business Remotely
Starting your own business is the easy part. Running it successfully, especially while living abroad, is where the real work begins. I’m not saying this to scare you, but to give you a realistic understanding of what’s ahead.Every business is unique, just like its owner. But here’s the reality: you’ll need to wear multiple hats, handle your own admin, understand your tax obligations, and stay organised even when you’re thousands of kilometres from home.Pro tip:
If you want to build a remote-friendly business model, focus on systems that don’t depend on your physical presence: digital products, services, or consulting work are great starting points.Once your company is up and running, then it’s time to sort out the “remote” part.2. Working Where Others Vacation
This is where many new remote entrepreneurs struggle - balancing discipline with temptation.I’ve met many people who came with the best intentions, but after a few weeks of heat, waves, and endless beach days, forgot about their business goals. “It’s impossible to work at 42°C!” is a common excuse I’ve heard.And while yes, it’s hot, and yes, the sea is calling, at the end of the day, work still needs to be done.Working remotely doesn’t mean working less - it means working differently. Often harder, especially when you’re dealing with language barriers, visa challenges, and unfamiliar systems.There are no paid sick days, and no safety nets. You are your own structure.If you’re not comfortable creating your own routine, or if you find it difficult to focus while others around you are relaxing, remote work can quickly become overwhelming.But if you can find your rhythm, it’s one of the most rewarding lifestyles there is.3. The Pros and Cons of Living and Working Abroad
The Pros:
Learning new languages
Building a global network of connections
Experiencing new cultures, traditions, and food
Access to nature and a slower lifestyle
Sunshine, sea air, and new perspectives
The Cons:
Being far from family and close friends
No grandparents nearby to help with the kids
Constant visa worries and bureaucracy
Regular travel for visa renewals and family visits
Infrastructure challenges in remote regions
Thankfully, tools like Starlink have made the Wi-Fi situation far easier than it used to be. But logistics can still be tricky, especially if you run an e-commerce business and need to manage shipping.
If you struggle with the structure and dicipline entrpreneurs must have, then working and living remotely while employed could be a great solution for you. In this case you wouldn’t need to worry about your monthly income, since you’re on a monthly paycheck. Another great upsite is that having sufficient and regular income makes the whole bureaucracy part way easier. or maybe your boss or company is even willing to set you up and provide you with the necessary paper work.
Common Questions About Remote Business
Is there a perfect country for working and living remotely?
No. After 15 years of living abroad, I can honestly say - there’s no perfect place. Some countries are paradise but have impossible visa or tax systems. Others are business-friendly but lack natural beauty.
Decide what matters most to you and accept a few compromises.
Should I start my own remote company or work remotely as an employee?
It depends entirely on you.
If you value stability, a regular income, and fewer responsibilities, being employed by a company that allows remote work might be ideal. It also makes securing visas much easier.
If you love freedom and want to build something of your own, go for self-employment - but be prepared for the responsibility that comes with it.
How do I start a remote online business?
This depends on your preferred setup: taxes, business model, and where you want to register.
Some countries, like Estonia, have made remote company formation incredibly easy and accessible, even for foreigners.
Real-Life Example: Founding a Remote Business in Estonia
Here’s a simple outline of how to found a remote business in Estonia as an EU citizen:
Decide what type of company you want to start (e.g. OÜ – a limited company).
Set aside around €1,500–€1,700 and at least 60 days for the process.
This usually includes e-residency, VAT registration, accounting setup, consultation, and a local business address.
You’ll need to apply online and then collect your registration card at your nearest Estonian embassy - make sure to book an appointment.
Once your registration card is activated, you can sign official documents online.
Your company registration takes 24–48 hours for approval.
Open your business bank account after your company is officially registered (allow 7–14 days for your physical card to aarive).
Pro tip: Double-check that your chosen business name is available and not trademarked - Estonian authorities are strict about this. Knowing this before would have saved me an additional week of formation and lawer fees!
And that’s it. you now have a fully remote company that you can manage from anywhere in the world.
Is Remote Work Really Worth It?
Running a business remotely is not a holiday, it’s a conscious lifestyle choice. It takes discipline, courage, and a willingness to let go of comfort. But if you’re ready for that, it can give you a kind of freedom that’s worth every challenge.
You’ll learn resilience, creativity, and independence - and if you structure your business well, you can create a life that feels truly your own.
my Services
If this lifestyle speaks to you and you want to build your own version of it - one that feels grounded, balanced and sustainable -
Book a private session with me or pick a package that suits your needs.
Inside my private sessions, you’ll find honest guidance, practical tips, and personal insights on how to build a successful remote business that supports your life, not the other way around.
Basic
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Intermediate
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Advanced
Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.
Book an appointment.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
