Europe’s Freelance Visas: How to live and work in the EU

Digital Nomads are a large and growing group of geographically flexible, self-employed or freelance workers. Are you are one of this fortunate group for whom fast internet (and, maybe cheap coffee) is the only requirement? If so, you will know that navigating visas while working and travelling is not always straightforward. Many governments have not kept up with this growing trend and are offering Freelance Visas for visitors to Europe.

Clearly, governments have created current immigration systems to cater mostly for company employees who head into an office as their typical workday. If you are fortunate enough to own a passport from the 26 countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), it is simple. If not, how do you deal with current Digital Nomad European immigration laws? How can you live the Digital Nomad lifestyle in Europe?

What makes Europe so attractive for Digital Nomads and Freelancers?

Freelance Visas for Europe

As you’ll see below, there is a huge range of Freelance visas options in Europe to live the Digital Nomad life. While some may not have the exact name, or fit a strict definition they can work for many people.

Excellent infrastructure

All across Europe, you will find high-quality internet. This service is the critical lifeblood for a Digital Nomad. There are also quality coworking spaces at a range of price points.

Most European countries also have excellent health care infrastructure, in case something happens while you are travelling.

European transport infrastructure is unparalleled. There are quality roads, excellent rail networks, and low-cost airline hubs across the continent.

Cost of Living

You can find a country and city to match your budget. You can spend next to nothing in Southern and Eastern Europe. And, in Western Europe, even the most expensive countries have low-cost areas and options. Some research and exploring will turn up the perfect spot.

Quality of Life

What is important to you? Is it pristine beaches, bustling city life, or mountain solitude? Europe offers it all. Check out global rankings like Mercer’s Quality of life city ranking. Or to pick a country, maybe try the Legatum Prosperity Index which allows you to select the factors most important to you. These rankings will enable you to start narrowing down countries for more detailed research.

Culture and Social Life

Again, Europe has it all. Museums, music, art, festival, parties, and food. Many countries welcome visitors warmly. You’ll get to know the locals in the market if you choose. Also, because of their popularity with Digital Nomads, if like-minded company is your goal, you’ll easily find your tribe.

Best European Cities for Digital Nomads and Freelancers

Europe’capitals and larger cities regularly feature in any list of the best cities for Digital Nomads and Freelancers. Lisbon, Berlin, Barcelona, Athens, Krakow, Budapest, Plovdiv, and Tallin. These beautiful cities. But, choose the best city for you is a personal choice. You’ll need to decide what is important to you. Check out our article on the Best Country to Live In for more information on how to make your choice.

How can you work and travel around Europe?

Fly under the radar

While technically illegal, thousands of Digital Nomads use a Schengen tourist visa to enter their country of choice. They then work while they travel. This visa allows you a maximum stay of 90 days in a six-month period. When this period expires, you’ll need to leave, either to a new destination or re-enter on a new visa.

Most European governments turn a blind eye to this at present (on a “don’t ask, don’t tell” kind of arrangement). However, some governments are starting to ask tough questions of Digital Nomads entering their countries. The tourist visa path may well get harder in the future as the numbers and impacts of people taking advantage increases.

We spoke to Christy, who has experience travelling and working in Europe. “It’s easy to bounce around the Schengen region as long as you don’t mind moving month-to-month. I’ve only experienced hard-core grilling from immigration in the United Kingdom, so if you are heading to the UK, prepare for some questions. To ensure you get through, make sure you have already booked a flight out to show if they ask.

Also have proof of a decent amount of savings because they may ask for that too). I always say I’m just travelling around visiting friends. Never mention working. freelancing or being a Digital Nomad.”

Base yourself in one country, get a visa to live and work in that country. Then, travel around Europe from your base.

Sweating at every immigration queue and being forced to move is not everyone’s idea of fun. A more permanent solution can be to set up a base in a single country. You can then use this base to launch your travel around the region. This approach is becoming a more and more popular option for Digital Nomad and Freelancers. There are many options available. Here we’ll look at eight ways to live and work in Europe as a Digital Nomad or Freelancer. And, we’ll introduce you to an exciting opportunity that may be coming soon.

The best freelance visas in Europe to set up a base

1. German Freelancer Visa or “Freiberufler” visa

Germany has long been ahead of the curve in understanding the benefits of attracting excited, talented entrepreneurs into their country. To foster the community, the government created the German Freelancer Visa program. This visa can be a brilliant option for a Digital Nomad and Freelancers. However, there some catches, restrictions and some effort required.

You need to be living in Germany at a registered local address when you apply for the visa. Additionally, you need to have health (not travel) insurance. The application process can take up to 3 – 4 months. Expect delays if there are queries about any of your information. You’ll also need to show that your work can generate an income. For this, you’ll need a business plan showing projected revenue and the capital you have on hand to ensure the success of your company. Although not set in stone, the estimated minimum earnings are €800 per month. If you are over 45, you need to show a pension plan and a monthly pension of 1,188.92 euros. After the age of 67 or guarantees an asset amount of 175,068 euros. There is a full list of requirements here on the official website.

German Freelance Visa Challenges

While the Freelance Visa is a great Europe option, it does come with some challenges. It is worth making sure you have filled everything in as required and that you have all the required documentation and information. Being complete first time is essential as the government gives resubmitted applications an extra level of scrutiny. And of course, by getting the application right, you will save time. Working with a trusted local partner may make the process faster and smoother. This outcome can be a valuable investment for a Digital Nomad or Freelancer. One additional thing to consider is that you will be required to pay tax in Germany. You need to make sure this fits into your broader business and lifestyle planning.

2. Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

If you’ve dreamed of Spain as your base in Europe, the great news is that they offer an excellent non-lucrative visa. This visa means that although you cannot get a job in Spain, you can earn an income from work outside of Spain. An ideal situation for a digital nomad!

The application is in Spanish, and you’ll need to be able to show an income of more than €26,000 per annum. Health insurance is a requirement as are police and medical checks. Unlike some other countries, Spain doesn’t require a degree from the applicants for this type of visa. Again, this is a tremendous positive for many Freelancers looking for a visa in Europe.

With Spain’s low cost of living and fantastic culture, infrastructure and location, there is much to recommend Spain to any digital nomad. Be aware that the application process can be complicated. Spanish bureaucracy, though unfailingly friendly and polite, can be tricky to navigate. This bureaucracy can be doubly difficult if you don’t speak passable Spanish. We strongly recommend using an experienced local immigration company.

If you would like to use the lawyers I used when I moved to Spain, then click here and leave your contact details. Our partner is experienced, trustworthy, friendly and their rates are very fair. We’ll set up the meeting for you at a special Where Can I Live client rate.

Importantly, this visa class also allows a pathway to permanent residency after five years. This visa is an excellent option for anyone thinking about a long-term future in Europe.

3. Spain Student Visa

If you want to learn some Spanish or even do a proper university course, register and get a Spanish student visa. It gives you the ability to work for up to 20 hours per week. This visa can be a perfect match for a Digital Nomad or Freelancer.

You need to enrol in a course, diploma or degree and the study requirement needs to exceed 20 hours per week. You need to show that you can cover your necessary expenses for the duration of your studies. Additionally, there are other administrative requirements, including criminal checks and medical checks.

If you complete a degree or postgraduate degree, you can apply for a residency visa for an additional year. This year can give yourself time to find a job in Spain and a pathway to residency and citizenship.

Our local partner has a fantastic track record in helping people get the Spanish Student Visa. They can assist with the full preparation, translation and submission of applications and documents. As the process can be complicated, we strongly recommend using a trusted local partner. This partnership gives you a much higher chance of succeeding with your application on your first attempt.

4. Portugal Passive Income Visa

Lisbon, and Portugal in general, are incredibly popular with the community of Digital Nomads in Europe for excellent reasons. A passive income of around €20,000 per annum makes you eligible for a Portugal Passive income visa. By passive income, we mean income from an investment property such as rent, income from investments such as dividends or income from a pension. As long as you are fortunate enough to have this level of passive income, this visa may be for you. You’ll need to base yourself in Portugal for eight months of the year (or six consecutive months).

The visa gives you free access and circulation in the Schengen Area. It also offers the freedom to live and carry out work in Portugal. You also have the option to become “non-habitual resident” of Portugal for tax purposes. This status offers excellent taxation rates for ten years. This visa provides other benefits of access to residential rights including health, education, social security and others.

You’ll need a Portuguese bank account, health insurance, long term accommodation in Portugal and police clearance. Again, we highly recommend working with an experienced local partner to ensure the best outcome. Connect to our recommended partner here.

5. Portugal Self-Employment Visa

To get the Self Employment Visa, you need to show that you are working or trying to work with local Portuguese companies. If you have a contract of service or written proposal of a contract with a Portuguese company you may be eligible for this visa. This is a great Freelance Visa for Europe.

You would be registered to pay tax in Portugal on your worldwide income after you become a resident. This visa would give you the rights of a residency, such as access to the SCHENGEN region. The visa lasts for one year. From the second year, can renew the visa for and an additional two years. After the 5th year, you can apply for permanent residency.

6. Portugal Entrepreneur Visa

This particular visa is for entrepreneurs who want to live and create a company in Portugal. You can then work as a freelancer and digital nomad, charging your clients from your company.

It is not necessary to employ several people or have a vast amount of share capital. However, it helps to have a business plan and a solid explanation of how your company will benefit Portugal and its economy. Our partner can help you with this visa. Click here to connect.

7. Ireland Person of Independent Means Visa (Stamp 0 Visa)

Ireland is one of Europe’s leading technology hubs. This beautiful country could be your new base if you can show that you earn an income of at least €50,000 per annum. Living on the Emerald Isle has excellent advantages, not least a culture and government that is strongly supportive of innovation.

It also has one of the most exciting communities of entrepreneurs, Freelancers, and Digital Nomads in the world. Coworking spaces and good Wi-Fi are readily available. While the majority are in Dublin and Galway, there are excellent options in smaller centres around the country for those prepared to go looking.

Ireland has a higher cost of living than some of the other European countries. These costs mean you’ll also need to be able to show savings to cover yourself in unforeseen circumstances. Your finances will need to be signed off by an Irish accounting firm to ensure that you do meet the requirements.

The visa is issued on a case by case basis. Your circumstances will impact the terms and conditions of the visa. The Irish Immigration department website has some great information on requirements and how to apply.

A related blog you may enjoy:  Visa options in South East Asia for Digital Nomads and Freelancers

8. Czech Republic Self-Employed Visa

The Czech Republic also offers a visa for self-employed people. It happens in 3 stages:

1. Apply for a long-stay visa for the purpose of business (i.e. self-employment). As you need to have a local address, you probably want to move to the Czech Republic on a tourist visa. You can then apply to a Czech embassy. This visa lasts twelve months.
2. Long-term resident visa (renewable up to two years at a time, depending on your insurance)
3. Permanent resident (after a minimum five cumulative years of being a long-term resident, you can apply. There are, of course, other requirements).

This pathway is a significant advantage of the Czech scheme. Not all the other Europe Freelance Visa classes offer a clear path to permanent residency for Digital Nomads in Europe.

For the Long Stay visa, you need to prove that you have available funds to cover you for the duration of your stay. Although the rules do change, this is currently around €4,300 (Kč110,000). You’ll need a medical, police clearance and proof of your professional skills as well as health insurance. You will hear people talking about a Zivno – what is this? It is the official registration of your trade on the Živnostenský list. An example may be “Software developer”, and is a requirement of the Long Stay Visa.

The process does change, and language can be a barrier, so we advise finding quality local assistance.

9. Netherlands Independent Entrepreneur Visa

This visa class has some hurdles to clear. You’ll need a comprehensive business plan that proves your business will add value to the Dutch economy. Alternatively, if you are a freelancer, to show that you have Dutch clients. You’ll also need to show a net profit of € 1,192.96 per month that needs to be independent and long-term.

You also need to score adequately on a points system. The program bases the points system on your experience, education, entrepreneurship, income, amongst other things. If you can meet these requirements, this can be an option for the Digital Nomad or Freelancer visa for this European country.

American, Japanese and Turkish citizens can take advantage of treaties between their countries and the Netherlands. In some cases, these citizens do not need to meet the points threshold. You’ll still need to meet the general requirements. Here is the official government website to help you take the next steps.

10. Working Holiday Visas for Digital Nomads

If you are under the age of 35 (30 in some countries), the quickest visa to get maybe a Working Holiday Visa. This visa is a popular option for Digital Nomads, given the accessibility of the schemes.

A Working Holiday Visa allows you to legally work (with some restrictions) in the country that granted the visa. You can then to travel as you want. The length of the visa differs depending on the country. There are different agreements between countries that impact your ability to access these visa schemes.

Generally, you’ll need to show you have a return ticket or sufficient funds for onward travel. You may need to pass health and police checks. Finally, you need to show you have some savings to get you settled and find work.

For more information on Working Holiday Visa Programs around the world, including Europe, please see our in-depth article.

11. Student Visas for Digital Nomads

The benefits of studying are often self-evident, but further education may also give you access to live and work in a host of countries. A Student Visa can be an excellent option for a Digital Nomads and Freelancers. Many European countries have very attractive study visa programs.

This path can be a great way to live a Digital Nomad life while picking up a new skill or qualification. Head to Student Visa article for details of available visas, or head to our country pages to explore the countries you are interested in.

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) is a very popular option. This qualification can give you the skills to earn an income while you travel as a Digital Nomad.

12. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia launched a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa in June 2020. The visa is issued as a short-stay (Type C) or long-stay (Type D). The cost is €80 or €100 respectively.

To qualify for the visa you’ll need to show that you have a location-independent income. The income must come from customers and clients outside of Estonia. Your company, or the company you work for, must be registered outside Estonia. Finally, you’ll need to show income of at least €3504 per month for the last 6 months. For details and the application form, here’s the e-Estonia website.

While not a Digital Nomad Visa, Estonia e-residency may be worth investigating. Estonia is leading the pack in much of its thinking about the new economy and ways of working. This government policy aims to attract great talent to their country. They have recently launched e-residency. Estonian e-residency enables you to start an EU based company 100% digitally. You can start your company from anywhere in the world. This visa, however, doesn’t give you rights to live and work in the EU.

Freelance Visas in Europe for you to enjoy

Europe is an unmatched place for Digital Nomads. Excellent infrastructure and internet capability, a vast range of living costs to meet your budget. It has historical cities, fabulous beaches, snowy mountains and a variety of cuisine unparalleled anywhere. You have the free spirit and drive to take on the Digital Nomad life.

We hope this helps you to add Europe to your list of chosen destinations. We understand that having a base and travelling from there may not meet every Digital Nomad’s ideals. But, what attracted you to this lifestyle in the first place? Was it working outside the norm and pushing boundaries? If so, these options can still help you to create your dream lifestyle. You can find a Freelance visa in Europe to make it happen.

Are we missing any opportunities? What experiences have you had with any of the above? We would love to hear and share your story in our Expat Stories Blog.

Are you Interested in Visa and Residence options for Digital Nomads in Asia?

Check out our blog Visa Options in South East Asia for Digital Nomads, Freelancers and the Self Employed

Living and Working in Europe is a possibility for many people.

Check out our blog 14 ways to get EU Residency that you might not know about

Can a Working Holiday Visa be your pathway to living and working abroad?

Check out our article on  Working Holiday Visa programs around the world.

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