Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
14 Top Freelance Visa Countries To Live And Work In 2024
Looking for the best countries with freelance visas available?
Location independence is one of my favorite aspects of working for myself, and before starting my own business, I lived in quite a few countries freelancing as a writer, proofreader, editor, and legal secretary.
I would simply stay as long as my tourist visa allowed (typically a few months) and then move on.
I didn’t mind at the time, but these freelance visas would have at least given me the option to stay long-term.
Now that I’m aware of these visas, I’ve been looking into which countries offer freelance visas with the best conditions for the next time I move abroad. Some of the most popular countries include France, Portugal, and Spain.
But other places might surprise you!
Here are all the details you need to know about each of the best freelance visa countries, including the cost, visa length, and who is eligible to apply!
Editors Pick:
- Best Freelance Visa Country In Europe: Portugal
- Best Freelance Visa Country in Latin America: Costa Rica
- Best Freelance Visa Country In Asia: Taiwan
What Is A Freelance Visa?
A freelance visa is a type of visa that allows you to work as a self-employed freelancer in a specific country.
Your job doesn’t need to be digital, so whether you’re into writing, art, or teaching yoga, this visa is your ticket to offer your skills to clients online or in the country.
What Can You Do With A Freelance Visa?
Every country has its own freelance visa setup, so choosing the right one for your situation is crucial. Job options are endless, but you might need a degree/certificate for certain professions.
I worked all sorts of jobs as a freelancer, including being a writer, proofreader, editor, and legal secretary, to make money while traveling the world.
Digital Nomad Visa Vs. Freelance Visa
You’ll often hear the terms digital nomad visa and freelance visa interchangeably.
But guess what? They’re not exactly the same thing!
Not every digital nomad is a freelancer and not every freelancer dreams of being a digital nomad.
The main difference? Digital nomads work remotely for clients outside their host country, while freelancers can work with clients right there, thanks to freelance visas.
This distinction matters, especially in countries with digital nomad visas, which might be picky about granting them only to those working remotely for foreign companies.
*Note – The ‘cost of visa’ is for all fees throughout the process. Some countries have a minimal application fee but more expensive payments required throughout the process, so the price you see is the total cost to obtain the visa at the time of writing.
Europe
1. Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular places to live abroad, offering an ideal blend of budget-friendly living, breathtaking landscapes, and a lively atmosphere.
Big cities like Lisbon and Porto are the most popular among nomads, but I’m more attracted to the charm of sunny coastal gems like Lagos and Faro for beaches and hiking.
The visa process is quite simple, and after you receive your visa, you should apply for temporary residency, which allows you to work as a freelancer in Portugal.
Another great part of moving here is that you can apply for Portuguese citizenship and get an EU passport after just 5 years of living in Portugal!
Visa Cost – $100 USD
Visa Length – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Non-EU citizens
2. France
France is a timeless destination for living abroad, with the iconic city of Paris being the magnet for Americans moving to Europe – Emily in Paris probably played a big role in that!
However, France is more than just Paris, and if I were moving to France, I’d consider less touristy towns like Bordeaux, Nice, or Strasbourg.
These French countryside towns are away from the hustle and bustle of the city and allow people to discover the authentic French charm.
France has a fantastic freelance visa system, which allows you to obtain a long-stay visa while starting or running a business in France.
If you already have a business abroad, you’ll need to show you’re earning at least the minimum monthly wage for a full-time French worker (about $1,300 per month)
Visa Cost – $320 USD
Visa Length – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Non-EU citizens
3. Czech Republic
Nestled in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a hidden gem for freelancers seeking exciting work abroad experience.
The freelancers’ visa, also known as the Zivno visa, offers a straightforward pathway for English teachers, IT specialists, and other freelancers to live and work here after obtaining their Trade License.
I lived in Prague for a while, and I can tell you it’s one of the most charming places in Europe. But don’t dismiss the Czech countryside either. It’s a lot more affordable and just as pretty!
Visa Cost – $115 USD
Visa Length – 6 months – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Non-EU citizens
4. Germany
Germany is an increasingly popular destination for freelancers seeking a vibrant European country to live in.
I lived in Germany for a while before my tourist visa ran out, but I probably would have prolonged my stay if I had known about the “Freiberufler” visa.
This freelance visa allows you to live and work in Germany as a freelancer as long as you fulfill the minimum income requirement.
I should warn you, though, that navigating the bureaucratic landscape in Germany may test your patience. The country is known for its long, strenuous processes, including correspondence via postal mail, which adds a unique layer to your freelancing adventure.
Visa Cost – $85 USD
Visa Length – Per case basis
Who Can Apply – Anyone
5. Italy
If you’re a social butterfly who appreciates delicious cuisine, enjoys leisurely moments with friends, or finds joy in idly sipping coffee while observing the world unfold, Italy will win your heart!
I moved to Italy when I was 16 to study abroad, so I wasn’t on a work visa, but I still got a pretty good idea of what it’s like to live there.
A self-employed visa is your ticket to live and work in Italy as a freelancer. However, this system is limited to just 2400 visas annually, so it takes some luck.
Visa Cost – 175 USD
Visa Length – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Anyone
6. Spain
Spain is the ultimate European hotspot if you’re after sunny weather and a laid-back lifestyle.
I’d probably move to Spain for food alone. Also, I haven’t visited with Theo yet, but during my research, it seemed like most cities are dog-friendly.
To process to live and work in Spain as a freelancer has two phases., First, you need to apply for an initial residence and self-employed work permit. After securing those, you apply for the self-employed work visa.
A popular way to move to Spain as an American is to work as an English assistant on a freelancer visa. But you can do all sorts of freelance jobs once your visa is approved!
Visa Cost – $340 USD
Visa Length -1 year
Who Can Apply – Non-EU citizens
7. Serbia
Serbia is quickly emerging as a budget-friendly hot spot in Eastern Europe, and I like to tell people that I lived in Serbia before it was trendy.
If you like big city life, you should consider Belgrade, Novi Sad, or Niš, but countless little towns throughout the country offer a more tranquil environment.
Serbia freelance visa is essentially a work visa, which allows you to conduct business activities in Serbia after registering a company with the Serbian Business Register Agency.
Visa Cost – $550 – 650 USD
Visa Length – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Anyone
8. Netherlands
Known for its iconic windmills and tulip fields, the Netherlands is one of the most popular countries in Europe to live abroad.
Unlike the obscure visa procedures in other countries, the Netherlands has a transparent process.
To work as a freelancer with a residence permit for a self-employed person, you must meet several requirements, including having at least one client in the Netherlands.
Another tricky requirement is that your work must be ‘of essential interest to the Dutch economy.’
What does that mean? It’s not a straightforward answer, and applications are evaluated case by case. But here is the scoring system that they use.
Visa Cost – $415 USD
Visa Length – Maximum 2 years
Who Can Apply – Non-EU citizens
9. Norway
Norway is the dream country for every nature lover who doesn’t mind cold, snowy winters. It actually reminds me a lot of Canada, so I think I’d fit in rather well!
To be eligible for the freelance visa, you can have a company registered abroad or in Norway as a sole proprietor.
However, similar to The Netherlands, you do need to have at least one Norweigan client before applying for the visa.
Visa Cost – $650 USD
Visa Length -2 years
Who Can Apply – Anyone
10. Armenia
Armenia is a great choice if you’re looking for a country that harmonizes European and Central Asian cultures.
To settle in Armenia as a freelancer, you’ll have to register as a sole proprietor or “Private Entrepreneur” and secure a temporary residence permit.
As long as you can support yourself financially, it’s very likely that you’ll be approved, and the low cost of living makes this even easier, even if you’re just starting your business.
Also, Armenia is safer than you might think! Despite tensions over Nagorno-Karabakh, the capital of Yerevan is far from the potential conflict zones.
Visa Cost – around $260 USD
Visa Length – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Anyone
11. Belgium
Despite its small size, Belgium is the most multicultural country in Europe, with people from all corners of the world coming to live and work here.
Belgium issues visas for freelancers, but the process is more complicated than in most European countries, as you’ll have to prove the importance of your activity for the region.
They evaluate each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and each region has its own rules, adding an element of unpredictability to the whole application process.
If you’re not particularly in love with Belgium and feel uncertain about meeting the requirements for the significance of your freelance work, I’d consider other European countries.
Visa Cost – €140 ($154 USD)
Visa Length – 2 years
Who Can Apply – Non-EU Citizens
Asia-Pacific Region
12. Taiwan
While Southeast Asia is renowned for its popularity among digital nomads, Taiwan is the only country in the region offering a freelance visa.
If you want to live and work as a freelancer long-term, you should skip Bali and opt for living in Taiwan instead!
I’ve always been impressed with Taiwan’s blend of modern amenities, historical sites, rich cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes. The issue is that moving to Taiwan isn’t as simple as it seems.
Taiwan Gold Card is somewhat of an exclusive program, and you’ll have to prove that you demonstrate exceptional skills in your field to be eligible.
Visa Cost – $100-310 USD
Visa Length – 1 to 3 years
Who Can Apply – Anyone
Latin America
13. Costa Rica
Latin America is another popular region for remote workers, and Costa Rica is one of the few countries where you can work as a freelancer.
With a freelance visa, you can work and live in Costa Rica as either a freelance worker or a digital nomad.
However, the rules are tricky, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, so it’s best to consult a professional before moving.
Chasing waterfalls and spending days on the beach is how almost everybody envisions a digital nomad lifestyle, even though I’m sure I’d be over the humidity in about 5 minutes!
Visa Cost – $200 USD
Visa Length – 1 year
Who Can Apply – Anyone
Africa And the Middle East
14. United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
If you’re looking for Middle Eastern countries that offer freelance visas, the United Arab Emirates is the main place to consider.
There’s a lot to do in Dubai, and no personal income tax is a huge benefit. But if you’re seriously considering the move, I’ll assume you can handle the heat better than I can.
It’s over 85ºF (29ºC) 9 months of the year, and only rains 25 days per year.
UAE has quite a unique system for freelance visas where you can apply in Dubai’s mainland or the free zone in your field. In essence, you’ll need to apply for a freelance permit and then request the visa when you have secured your permit.
Visa Cost – about $2000 USD
Visa Length -Varies
Who Can Apply – Anyone
Summary: Countries With Freelance Visas
Securing a freelance visa might require more steps than simply working online from on a tourist visa, but the ability to legally live long-term in a country and have local clients makes it worth considering.
A visa for freelancers essentially functions as a work visa, but if you’re still confused, it could be a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer.
While Southeast Asia and Latin America are known as digital nomad hubs, it’s interesting to note that the majority of countries offering freelance visas are in Europe!
My top picks for moving abroad would be either Portugal or a small town in Italy. I love the warmer European countries, and both destinations have a path to citizenship in just 5 years!
Read More About Living Abroad:
- How Living Abroad Changes You: 15 Ways You’ll Grow
- Inspirational Living Abroad Quotes for Expats [Best Moving Abroad Quotes]
- Moving and Living Abroad Guide
- Pros and Cons of Living Abroad: Why You Should Move to Another Country
- Best Suitcases for Moving Abroad
- Challenges of Moving to a New Country to Overcome
- I Regret Moving to Another Country for Love
- Quiz: What Country Should I Move To?
- Best Laptops for Digital Nomads Remote Work
- 50+ Countries with Digital Nomad Visas
- 40+ Countries with Working Holiday Visas
Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
