Remote work and self-employment routes
Overview
Not sure this is the right route? A consultant can review your profile and explain your options.
Check your eligibilityResidence routes for remote workers, freelancers and self-employed professionals.
Remote work has made it possible for many professionals to earn from employers and clients in one country while living in another. Some governments now offer residence routes designed for this, while others expect independent professionals to apply through freelance or self-employment permits.
There are two broad types of route. Digital nomad or remote work visas, such as Portugal’s residence visa for remote work and Italy’s visa for digital nomads and remote workers, are for people whose employer or clients are based outside the destination country. Freelance and self-employment permits, such as Germany’s residence permit for freelancers and the Dutch residence permit for self-employed persons, are for people who plan to build their work in the country itself, often with local clients.
Many popular destinations have no dedicated digital nomad visa, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Some of them allow limited remote work during a visit, but visitor status does not lead to residence. The right route depends on where your income comes from, how stable it is, your qualifications, your family and how long you plan to stay.
At Ashford Immigration, we help you understand your options, compare routes across supported destinations and prepare the documents each one requires, from employer letters and client contracts to income records, qualification evidence and proof of accommodation.
Remote income is not the same as a right to work locally. Each route sets out what work you may do, for whom and for how long. The tax and social security consequences of moving also need separate advice before you commit.
Immigration authorities make the final decisions on all applications, and no visa, residence permit or renewal can be guaranteed.
The factors most commonly considered — we assess your profile against them before recommending a route.
Programmes
PTPortugalPortugal has a residence visa for remote work, often called the digital nomad visa, for people working for employers or clients outside Portugal, and a separate residence visa for independent work for self-employed professionals.
ITItalySince 2024, Italy has offered a visa for highly qualified digital nomads and remote workers. It sits outside the annual work quotas and does not need the usual work clearance.
DEGermanyGermany has no digital nomad visa, but freelancers in the liberal professions, such as engineers, translators, teachers and artists, can apply for a residence permit to work independently.
NLNetherlandsThe Netherlands has no digital nomad visa. Independent professionals can apply for the residence permit for self-employed persons, which is assessed on experience, the business plan and the value to the Netherlands.
Other European nomad schemesSeveral European countries outside our main destination list, including Spain, Croatia and Malta, run their own digital nomad schemes, each with its own income, stay and renewal rules.
Other destinations
We also advise on other countries and routes. Tell us your plans and a consultant will review your options.
Our support
Other services
For qualified professionals planning a move abroad through points-based skilled migration programmes.
Guidance and support with study abroad plans and student visa applications, so your education can open international opportunities.
Guidance and support on business visa routes if you plan to expand your business abroad.
Next step
Start with an eligibility assessment, or book a consultation to talk it through with our team.
