Self-Employed & Freelance Residence Support UK

Self-employed and freelance residence

A self-employed or freelance residence route is a national long-stay (Type D) permit for people who will live in a country to run their own business or carry out freelance work there. Unlike an employment route, there is no sponsoring employer behind the application — instead, you show that your own activity is genuine, viable and likely to support you. Common examples include France’s profession libérale and entrepreneur routes, Italy’s lavoro autonomo, and self-employed routes in Portugal and Spain.

Each country sets its own conditions, names and thresholds, and these change with current rules, so the right approach depends entirely on where you plan to establish yourself. Figures and requirements are indicative and change — we confirm the current rules for your case before you commit to anything.

Who it suits

This route tends to fit UK residents who:

run, or plan to set up, their own business or freelance practice in the destination country
have a profession or trade they can carry out independently, with clients or projected demand
can evidence relevant qualifications, experience or a track record where the route expects it
want to base their activity locally rather than work remotely for clients elsewhere

How we help

confirming the correct self-employed or freelance route for your destination and circumstances
helping you frame a clear business plan and viability narrative for the consulate
reviewing evidence of clients, contracts, qualifications and projected finances
checking your supporting documents and translations before submission, so gaps are caught early
preparing a cover letter and booking your consulate or visa-centre appointment
guiding you through registration and next-step themes, and where local professional advice is sensible

What to prepare

Requirements are country-specific, but applicants are typically asked for some combination of the following. Always confirm the current list on your destination consulate’s official website:

a valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
a business plan or description of your intended activity, with projected finances
evidence of qualifications, experience, clients or contracts, where relevant
proof of funds, accommodation and health insurance for the initial period
completed application forms and photographs to the consulate’s specification

We support your application; we do not make the decision — that rests with the relevant authority. When you are ready, start your application and tell us your destination and the activity you intend to run, and we will outline the right route for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a self-employed or freelance residence route?

It is a national long-stay (Type D) route for people who will live in a country to run their own business or freelance activity there — for example France’s profession libérale or entrepreneur routes, Italy’s lavoro autonomo, or self-employed routes in Portugal and Spain. Each country sets its own conditions, which change over time.

How is it different from a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad route is generally for remote work serving clients or an employer based elsewhere. A self-employed route is for establishing and carrying out your business or freelance activity within the destination country itself, usually involving local registration.

Do I need a business plan?

Most self-employed routes ask you to show that your activity is genuine and viable — often through a business plan, evidence of clients or contracts, qualifications and projected finances. The exact expectations vary by country and consulate, and we help you assemble what yours requires.

Will I have to register a business or pay tax locally?

Self-employed activity typically involves local registration and tax or social-security obligations once you are resident. Arrangements differ by country, and the precise rules sit with the local authorities, so we point you to the official sources and, where needed, suggest local professional advice.

Can you guarantee my application will be approved?

No. We provide application support, document pre-checks and guidance; the decision rests entirely with the relevant consulate or immigration authority. We focus on helping you submit a clear, complete and well-evidenced file.