People
Totalization agreement
A totalization agreement is a treaty between two countries coordinating social security coverage so that cross-border workers are not required to contribute to both systems on the same earnings. Totalization agreements are separate from income tax treaties.
In plain terms: An agreement stopping you paying social security twice on the same income.
Why it matters
Frequently missed because founders check for an income tax treaty and stop. The two are distinct: a country may have one and not the other, and social security contributions can exceed income tax for a self-employed founder.
Read the full guideInternational founders