150: How to move to Europe as a freelancer, contractor, or online business owner
How to Move to Europe as a Freelancer, Contractor, or Online Business Owner
If you have ever thought I would move to Europe tomorrow if I could just figure out how to make money there, this post is for you.
The biggest question most people have about wanting to move to Europe as a freelancer or independent worker is how to find a European employer to sponsor them. But here is the thing. If you already make your own money, you do not need anyone to sponsor you. Figure out the visa that fits your situation, apply for it, and move.
More and more Americans are moving to Europe as freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, coaches, creators, and online business owners. Real visa pathways serve people who work for themselves. Today I am walking you through everything you need to know to move to Europe as a freelancer, contractor, or online business owner.
What Does Working for Yourself Abroad Actually Mean
Before diving into visas and countries, getting clear on what type of independent worker you actually are is essential. Americans often use these terms interchangeably but they mean different things for immigration purposes.
Freelancer
A freelancer provides services to multiple clients on a project by project basis. Common examples include graphic designers, copywriters, photographers, marketing consultants, web developers, and social media managers. Freelancers typically work remotely, manage their own taxes and invoicing, and have significant flexibility in choosing their projects and work hours.
Contractor
A contractor is similar to a freelancer but often has a longer term relationship with 1 or more specific companies. An American marketing professional who contracts with a US software company for a set monthly rate is a good example. Contractors tend to have more income stability than freelancers but are still responsible for their own taxes and business operations.
Self-Employed and Online Business Owner
Being self-employed means operating your own business. As an online business owner you might sell courses, coaching, digital products, memberships, consulting services, or templates. Income through advertising or sponsorships is another option. The key distinction is that your income comes through your own business rather than a direct employment relationship.
Digital Nomad
Digital nomad is more of a lifestyle description than a legal business category. You might be self-employed, employed by a company, or running a business, but working remotely while living abroad. Not every country treats these categories the same way, which is why understanding which one fits you matters so much for choosing the right visa.
The 3 Main Visa Routes for Independent Workers
When it comes to wanting to move to Europe as a freelancer or independent worker, most people fall into 1 of 3 main visa categories.
Option 1: Digital Nomad or Remote Work Visa
Digital nomad visas are designed for people who work remotely for foreign employers or clients and do not need to find local employment. Across Europe these visas have become increasingly popular over the past few years.
Often relatively straightforward to apply for, income requirements tend to be predictable and the visa is specifically designed for remote workers. Many allow family members to join you and some provide a pathway to longer term residency.
One important caveat worth knowing is that digital nomad does not mean work however you want. Some countries restrict you from taking on local clients or require that most income come from outside the country. Always read the fine print before assuming your situation qualifies.
Option 2: Freelancer or Self-Employed Visa
This route differs from a digital nomad visa. Rather than simply living in a country while working for foreign clients, establishing yourself as a self-employed professional within that country’s system is what this visa requires.
A business plan, proof of existing clients, contracts, financial projections, and professional qualifications are commonly required. Savings, proof of income, and professional credentials may also be needed. Some countries have specific immigration routes designed for freelancers and self-employed professionals. This option suits people who want to put down more permanent roots rather than simply passing through on a remote work arrangement.
Option 3: Entrepreneur or Startup Visa
This route is most appropriate for online business owners building something more substantial than a freelance practice. Depending on the country you might qualify through an entrepreneur visa, startup visa, self-employment route, or by forming a local company. Someone building a scalable business rather than simply freelancing for clients is a good fit here.
The Best European Countries to Move to as a Freelancer
Here is a breakdown of the countries worth knowing if you want to move to Europe as a freelancer, contractor, or online business owner.
Portugal
Portugal has become 1 of the most popular destinations for self-employed Americans and for good reason. The D8 visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and online business owners. A relatively accessible income requirement, lower cost of living, warm climate, strong expat community, and good English proficiency all make it a compelling choice. Some bureaucracy exists but for many people the lifestyle payoff makes it well worth the effort.
Best for: remote workers, freelancers, and online business owners looking for an accessible and affordable European base.
Spain
Spain offers an international teleworker or digital nomad visa that has generated significant interest from American remote workers. Designed for people working remotely for foreign employers or clients, it comes with a defined income threshold and allows family members to join you. You should carefully look into the tax implications of establishing Spanish tax residency before committing to this route.
Best for: established remote professionals with consistent income who want the Spanish lifestyle.
Italy
Italy is particularly interesting because it offers both digital nomad and remote worker visa options as well as self-employment routes. The country is appealing for obvious reasons but the bureaucracy involved in the Italian immigration system can be more complicated than in some other European countries. For the right person though, building a life in Italy is genuinely unlike anywhere else.
Best for: higher income remote professionals and certain highly skilled independent workers.
Greece
Greece launched a digital nomad visa that has attracted significant interest from Americans looking for a Mediterranean lifestyle combined with remote work flexibility. The income requirement is manageable for most established freelancers. An incredible quality of life, particularly for those who want island living or a slower pace, rounds out the appeal.
Best for: people who want lifestyle combined with remote work flexibility.
Croatia
Croatia offers a digital nomad temporary residence permit that is relatively straightforward compared to some other European countries. The program is temporary in nature so it suits people looking for a European base for a defined period rather than a long term permanent move. Tax considerations are worth looking into before applying.
Best for: people who want a straightforward temporary European base with access to incredible coastline and culture.
Malta
Malta does not always make it onto people’s radar but it is worth including. Being English speaking and an EU member makes it particularly accessible for Americans. Remote worker options combined with a Mediterranean climate and compact size make it an appealing lifestyle choice.
Best for: English speakers who want an EU base with a Mediterranean lifestyle.
France
France does not fit neatly into the standard digital nomad visa conversation but it is worth including for the right person. Routes for freelancers and self-employed professionals exist alongside long stay visas and business creation options. Understanding the distinction between simply working remotely in France and actually establishing yourself as self-employed within the French system is important before you apply.
Best for: people with a legitimate business or established freelance career who want to put down roots in France specifically.
What If Your American Company Lets You Work Remotely
This is 1 of the most common questions from people who want to move to Europe as a freelancer or remote worker. Your company says you can work from anywhere. Does that mean you can just move to Spain?
Just because your employer says yes does not mean immigration or tax authorities agree. Working remotely from another country can raise significant issues. Payroll compliance, employer registration requirements, local employment law, social security obligations, and the risk of creating a permanent establishment for your employer are all real concerns. Tax withholding obligations add another layer of complexity.
This is exactly why many people in this situation use a digital nomad visa specifically. These visas allow you to live in a country while continuing to work for a foreign employer in a way that is legally sanctioned by the local government. Without that legal framework, working remotely from another country can put both you and your employer in a complicated position.
What If You Contract for 1 American Company
This is a genuinely interesting gray area. If you are a contractor making strong income from 1 American company, does that count as being self-employed for visa purposes?
The answer depends significantly on the country and the specific visa you are targeting. Different countries care about different things. Some look at where your clients are located. Others focus on how much you earn, whether you are genuinely self-employed, whether you have multiple clients, and whether you are creating any local business presence.
The key takeaway is simple. Visa rules matter more than what you call yourself. Research the specific requirements of the visa you are targeting rather than assuming your contractor status automatically qualifies you for any particular route.
The Biggest Pros of Moving to Europe as a Freelancer
Moving to Europe as a freelancer or independent worker comes with some genuinely significant advantages.
Location freedom is the obvious. Choosing where you live based on lifestyle rather than employer location is a powerful shift. Beyond that, building your business internationally, accessing better work-life balance, and traveling more easily across the continent all become possible. In many cases a lower cost of living compared to expensive US cities means your money goes further too. Access to the European lifestyle that drew you to this idea in the first place is the real prize. And perhaps most importantly, you do not need to wait for a European employer to sponsor you.
The Honest Downsides Worth Knowing
Being honest about the challenges matters just as much as celebrating the benefits.
Taxes for self-employed Americans abroad can be genuinely complicated, with potential obligations in 2 countries simultaneously. Visa requirements and bureaucracy vary significantly by country and can be time-consuming to navigate. Currency fluctuations can affect your income if you earn in dollars and spend in euros. Employer benefits including retirement contributions and healthcare support disappear when you work for yourself.
Healthcare complexity is another real consideration. Income instability is part of freelance life regardless of location but becomes more significant when your visa status may be tied to your income level. Time zone differences can affect your ability to serve US-based clients. Getting a mortgage, building retirement savings, and managing banking and business compliance across borders all add layers of complexity that traditional employees simply do not face.
A 10 Step Framework for Moving to Europe as a Freelancer
If I were starting from scratch and wanted to move to Europe as a freelancer or online business owner, here is exactly what I would do.
Step 1: Determine what kind of worker you are. Freelancer, contractor, self-employed, or online business owner all point toward different visa routes.
Step 2: Decide where you actually want to live. Lifestyle, cost of living, language, community, and climate all matter as much as the visa situation.
Step 3: Identify the visas you are actually eligible for based on your income type, income level, and professional background.
Step 4: Check the income requirement and all other requirements for the specific visa you are targeting.
Step 5: Figure out your tax situation before you move. Understanding obligations in both the US and your new country in advance saves significant stress later.
Step 6: Determine how you will structure your business for the move. Some countries require local business registration. Others do not.
Step 7: Make sure your clients or employer are comfortable with your new location and understand any implications for them.
Step 8: Sort out health insurance before you go. Automatic coverage on arrival is not something you can count on.
Step 9: Apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit with all required documentation in order.
Step 10: Move. Then handle any local tax or business registrations required once you are on the ground.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Europe as a Freelancer
Moving to Europe as a freelancer, contractor, or online business owner is genuinely possible. More Americans are doing it every year. And with the right preparation and the right visa, it is more accessible than most people assume.
You do not need a European employer to sponsor you. You do not have to give up the career you have already built. Understanding which visa fits your situation, meeting the requirements, and taking the steps to make it happen is all it takes.
Ready to take your first step? Grab the free guide, the 5 Exact Steps to Move Abroad, at jordangiberson.com/guide
Still figuring out which European city is the right fit for your lifestyle and goals? Take the free quiz at jordangiberson.com/quiz
