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The most popular freelance visas around the world

Who can deny the feeling of freedom when working freelance? While remote working becomes more and more popular, being a digital nomad is becoming the fastest growing trend in the world these days. “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that remote work is possible. We examined 483 occupations and found that 113 of them can be performed remotely.” Says Carl Benedikt Frey, Oxford Martin Citi Fellow, and Director of the Future of Work Programme at the Oxford Martin School. While remote working becomes increasingly popular, freelancers around the world ask the same question ‘How to work beyond borders?’ The answer is simply: by a freelance visa.

The visa for freelancers allows internationals to engage in jobs independent of location and time and who do work clients virtually. Here is the question: ‘How to get a work visa abroad as a freelancer?’ Before jumping into details of the most popular freelancer visa options, check out the table to understand which country provides the best opportunities for you.

FREELANCE VISA COMPARISON CHART

Germany

The UAE

Spain

France

Visa Validity

Up to 3 years

8 months

1 year

1 year

Level of Education

University Degree

Degree required only in education sector

Proof of education

Proof of education

Health Insurance

Required

Required

Required

Required

Tax Office Registration

Required

Not specified

Not specified

Not specified

Living Address

Required

Not required

Not required

Required

Business Plan

Required

Not required

Proof of income required

Required

Visa Fee Payment

Required

Required

Required

Required

Bank Account With Income

Required

Required

Required

Required

As the digital nomadic lifestyle becomes increasingly popular, freelancers around the world ask the same question: “How can I get a visa as a freelancer?” So if you want to go beyond borders and work as an independent professional, you should first check details below about the countries that are giving digital nomad visas. Here are the most popular countries that offer freelance visas.

Freelance Visa Germany (Freiberufler Visum Deutschland)

The specific visa that you’re going to need is the Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur freiberuflichen oder selbständigen Tätigkeit. In short, it is called the freiberufler visum. Although it is tough to read, this visa type is one of the most straightforward and easy to get visas in Europe. If you want to have your Schengen freelance visa, we invite you to read the below information carefully.

Germany is one of the most preferred destinations for many freelancers and digital nomads worldwide because of its highly attractive social life. Especially Berlin can be considered as the essential technology hub for Europe. Many freelancers chose to live in Berlin because the city has a highly creative environment for digital nomads, providing networking opportunities. Also, some say, a freelance visa in Berlin is the easiest way to get a residence permit in Europe. Get ready to get your German freelance visa? Here are the things you should consider before deciding to move to Germany as a freelancer and apply for the Germany freelancer visa.

Validity: up to 3 years

Requirements for a freelance visa in Germany:

Application form

Business plan and revenue forecast (need to show that your work can generate an income)

University Degree

Health insurance

Registration of a living address

Bank account in Germany

Registration with Tax Registration Office

Get yourself covered by proper health insurance

Individuals over 45 years of age: adequate pension provision necessary

Diplomas and certificates would also be helpful

German freelancer visa letter of intent

Proof of visa fee payment

Freelance Visa United Arab Emirates

Independent professionals worldwide are looking to get a freelance visa for Dubai or a freelancer visa for Abu Dhabi. Of course, there are plenty of reasons, but the main reason is that they want to invest in a short period.

Who doesn’t want to live in a beautiful summer city and earn much higher than standards? If you agree with us, you should know before applying for a freelance visa UAE.

Currently, individuals based in the following sectors can apply for a permit, these include:

These are the most popular professions that apply for a freelance visa in Dubai:

Media: Actors, journalists, film directors, editors, photographers, writers, animators, artist, audio/sound engineer, brand consultant, cameraman, choreographers, commentators, composers, content provider, copywriters, creative directors, critics, events planners, designers, journalists, lighting specialists, market analysts, marketing specialists, musicians, PR specialists, print media specialists, social media specialists, social media influencers, translators, stylists, web developers/designers plus other more specific roles within the specialties mentioned above.

Technology: Web/mobile/software development and architecture, IT and telecommunication networking, data science and analytics, customer service

Education: Educational advisor, eLearning advisor, executive coach, researcher, trainer

Validity: 8 months

Requirements for a freelance visa in UAE:

Copy of your passport

A Reference letter from your local or international bank

Sponsor/Employer NOC (if you currently have a work permit and a residency visa)

Resume and Portfolio – PDF or online link (for media-related activities)

Credentials and Certificates (for related educational activities)

Copy of your visa

Freelance Visa Spain

We understand that you decided to add “Siesta” to your professional vocabulary. Although Spanish has adopted “siesta”, “sunny weather nap” as a professional term, Spain is one of the hot spots for nomadic freelancers worldwide. If you want to move and get a freelancer visa in Spain, you must first authorize your company or your business strategy.

You can always get further information from the closest Spanish embassy or via the embassy website.

Validity: 1 year

Requirements for a freelance visa in Spain:

Passport and  Form EX-07

Information about your business and self-employment in Spain

Proof of education

The initial investment required and evidence of investment income.

ID

Medical insurance

Visa fee payment proof

A criminal record for the last five years

Freelance Visa France

“C’est la vie!” you will say when you get your long-stay visa from France. Although high taxes, burdensome bureaucracy sounds hostile to freelancers and solopreneurs, France still can be seen as the hot spot for independent professionals. In France, you will be issued with a long-stay visa, equivalent to a (VLS/TS) residence permit, bearing the statement “entrepreneur/profession libérale” (Self-employed in regulated ‘liberal’ profession). Here are the details about the freelance visa in France.

Validity: 1 year

Requirements for a freelance visa in France:

Application form

Health insurance

Address in France (you can use a friend’s address or rent a place temporarily)

Letter certified by a notary public in which you promise you won’t engage in work for an employer

A demonstrated professional goal

Diplomas and certificates would also be beneficial

Bank account with sufficient income statement

Proof of residence in France

A clean criminal record

Proof of visa fee payment

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Izzy Turner
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