06.11.2025
Learn the procedures for obtaining a freelance visa and establishing legal residence abroad. Terrana provides a comprehensive guide on national requirements, taxation systems, and visa processing steps.
Geographical borders no longer limit your earning potential. For millions of professionals, remote work has become not just a format, but a lifestyle. All you need is a stable internet connection and legal status in your country of residence.
The so-called “freelance visa” (also known as a digital nomad visa) is designed for this exact purpose: it provides a legal framework to live in your chosen destination and work remotely for clients across the globe.
However, it is important to understand that the term “freelance visa” is mostly informal. Formally, most digital nomad visa programs are not designed for traditional freelancers (engaged in project-based work without a permanent employer), but rather for specialists working remotely under an employment contract or a long-term agreement. Thus, a “remote worker visa” is a more precise designation, even though the term “freelance visa” remains popular in everyday language.
While traditional work visas require an employment contract with a local company, the freelance visa is specifically designed for self-employed individuals and those with an international client base. This visa grants the opportunity to live abroad legally, fulfill tax obligations, and access resident privileges such as renting property, opening bank accounts, arranging insurance, and studying.
This path allows professionals to maintain stable earnings while freely changing locations — for example, spending winter in Portugal and summer in France.
A Digital Nomad Visa is a special type of residence permit designed for professionals who work remotely and earn income from abroad. It allows for legal residence in a country without violating labor laws and grants access to numerous resident privileges: opening bank accounts, renting property, obtaining insurance, and in some cases, even qualifying for a long-term residency.
The principal distinction between a freelance visa and a tourist visa lies not merely in the ability to perform work, but in the legality of long-term residence in another country. A tourist visa is intended exclusively for short-term visits — such as leisure travel or visiting friends — and does not permit working for local companies. At the same time, it generally does not prohibit performing remote tasks for foreign employers, provided that the duration of stay and visa regulations are strictly observed. In contrast, a Digital Nomad Visa does not grant permission to work for local employers or clients in the issuing country; however, it allows lawful long-term residence while earning income from abroad. Therefore, its primary advantage is not the ability to work remotely per se, but the legalization of a long-term stay, along with the possibility of obtaining a defined tax residency status appropriate for freelancers or remote employees.
A work visa is intended for employment in a company registered in the country of residence. It requires a formal contract with a local employer and compliance with a number of conditions, including proof of qualifications and adherence to immigration quotas. A work visa provides a more stable legal status, but it also makes the specialist dependent on a specific employer and restricts their mobility. By contrast, a digital nomad visa allows a specialist to work online for clients or companies registered outside the country of residence. In this respect, the freelancer does not compete with the local labor market, which makes this type of visa more appealing to governments. The validity of a digital nomad visa typically ranges from six months to two years, with the possibility of extension. Many countries offer flexible conditions: it is usually sufficient to demonstrate a stable income, health insurance coverage, and compliance with immigration rules.
Thus, while a tourist visa allows only a temporary stay without employment rights, and a work visa binds the individual to a specific employer, a Digital Nomad Visa represents a third approach. Its primary advantage over a tourist visa is the ability to reside legally for an extended period and access social benefits: holders of such a visa can open a bank account, obtain health insurance, rent accommodation legally, and, if needed, establish tax residency in the country.
This program is designed for those who value flexibility and mobility, wish to work remotely, and maintain lawful, stable status with access to basic resident rights.
In 2025, the leading countries for freelancers include:
– Portugal. The D8 visa (digital nomad visa) requires proof of a stable income of at least €3,480 per month. The application procedure is fairly straightforward, and after several years of residence, individuals may submit an application for permanent residency.
– Greece. The program for remote workers requires a post-tax income of at least €3,500 per month. The visa is issued for one year, with the possibility of extending it up to two years.
– Spain. The digital nomad visa requires a monthly income of €2,760 – €2,800. The country attracts remote workers with its mild climate and well-developed infrastructure.
– Thailand. The DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) for remote workers requires proof of financial means — for example, a minimum of 500,000 THB (≈ $13,600) in a bank account. Visa holders can reside in the country for up to five years, with each stay limited to 180 days at a time.
– Malaysia. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass program offers a one-year visa (up to 12 months) with the possibility of extension. Remote workers serving foreign clients must demonstrate a minimum annual income of approximately USD 24,000 (≈ USD 2,000 per month).
When selecting a country, it’s important to take into account not only taxes, living costs, infrastructure, and visa regulations, but also the option to relocate with your family. Some countries allow spouses and children to be included in a digital nomad visa application — for example, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, and Malaysia — whereas Hungary does not currently allow dependents to join.
The visa is available to professionals working online: designers, marketers, copywriters, programmers, consultants, teachers, and other digital professionals.
Applicants for a freelance visa are generally required to provide the following list of documents:
– valid passport;
– proof of income for the last 3–6 months;
– employment contract with a foreign employer allowing remote work (some countries accept client contracts or foreign self-employment registration);
– health insurance valid within the country of residence;
– criminal record certificate;
– some countries also accept documents from self-employed applicants, such as tax returns and statements confirming regular income from foreign clients;
– a completed application form in the required format.
Requirements regarding contract length differ by country. For example, in Spain, applicants for a digital nomad visa must demonstrate employment with a single employer or client for at least three months. In Portugal, there is no specific minimum contract length, but long-term cooperation confirming stable income is preferred. In Greece, it is important to show regular income from foreign clients over the past six months. In Asian destinations like Malaysia and Thailand, financial stability and consistent foreign income are more important than contract length.
The minimum income required for a freelance visa varies — from €1,500 in Croatia to €3,500 in Dubai. Since each country sets its own conditions, it is recommended to verify the latest requirements or consult Terrana specialists to avoid mistakes when applying.
When applying for a freelance visa, consider both income requirements and tax rules, as they largely affect the financial benefits of the relocation.
The principal rule is clear: you pay taxes in the country where you become a tax resident, typically after 183 days of residence. Beyond this, each country offers its own regimes and benefits for remote workers, which often influence the choice of the country for a visa application:
Portugal is considered among the most favorable countries for freelancers because of the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. Under this program, residents may pay reduced income tax for a period of ten years, and foreign-sourced income may, in some instances, be exempt from taxation.
In Greece, new tax residents can benefit from a program that offers a 50% discount on income tax for up to seven years, making the country appealing for professionals with high incomes.
Spain provides a special tax regime for new residents, known as the “Beckham Law,” which sets the income tax rate at 15% for the first four years. This is especially appealing for individuals planning to live in the country for an extended period.
Croatia has extremely favorable tax rules for digital nomads, as income received from foreign clients is exempt from local taxation. Consequently, the country is considered one of the most beneficial locations for individuals working for foreign companies.
Therefore, when selecting a country for a freelance visa, it is important to analyze both income requirements and tax rules. Certain countries are more favorable for high-income professionals, while others work better for those with more modest earnings. Comparing conditions carefully will allow you to choose not only a comfortable place to reside, but also a financially optimal one.
Choose a country that fits your budget, tax preferences, and climate.
Check the required income and supporting documents.
Collect evidence of income and contracts with clients.
Submit your visa application online or through the local consulate.
Once approved, obtain your visa and open a local bank account.
Register your residence and set up your tax reporting system.
In many countries, it is possible to apply for a digital nomad visa either from abroad or while already in the country. In Spain and Portugal, for instance, it is possible to apply upon arrival on a tourist or Schengen visa, without returning to your home country. This approach makes relocation simpler and more convenient for those who wish to experience local life before fully moving.
– The applicant declares income below the required minimum — one of the most common reasons for rejection.
– There is no valid health insurance.
– Proof of income or financial stability is not provided.
Once the visa is granted, it is important to comply with the program’s conditions. Non-compliance — such as failing to meet renewal deadlines, engaging in employment with local clients without authorization, or using the visa for unauthorized purposes — may result in revocation or refusal of extension.
Before submitting a visa application, applicants should thoroughly review the latest requirements of the specific country and provide translations of all documents into the official language.
Most freelance visas are issued for a period of one to two years, and can be extended as long as the program requirements are maintained — stable income, valid health insurance, and compliance with immigration rules.
For example, in Portugal, the D8 visa is initially issued for one year and can be extended for an additional two years. After five years of residence in the country, it is possible to apply for permanent residency or citizenship. In Greece, the digital nomad visa is issued for one year and can be extended up to two years, with the possibility of transitioning to long-term residency if requirements are met. In Spain, the visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for two more; after five years of legal residence, permanent residency can be requested. It is also possible to change countries, depending on your current status. Upon expiration of a visa, one may apply for a similar program in another country — for example, relocating from Croatia to Portugal or from Spain to Greece. It is essential to settle any tax obligations in advance and notify the relevant immigration authorities of the departure.
The Digital Nomad Visa is more than just a document — it is a gateway to freedom. It allows you to build a life on your own terms: to work, travel, and develop professionally while remaining fully legal and secure.
