How To Become A Freelancer In Portugal
Digital Nomadism is on the rise! After a few months of remote work during the pandemic, people started to realize their desk jobs bring very little joy in their lives. And they’re not entirely wrong. People in search of a more meaningful life often find ways to work at their own pace. To find a country that encourages this lifestyle is like landing a jackpot! So here’s how you can become a freelancer in Portugal!
Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.
Read the full article here
10 09 2023
Isn’t living on the coastline with modernity around you the perfect place to have a thriving freelancing career? Charming cities, good infrastructure, and an affordable cost of living have made Portugal a magnet for digital nomads. All you really need is an internet connection and a warm cup of Bica (coffee).
Join us for a guide and learn all about getting a Freelancer Visa to Portugal and the most in-demand skills should you need a local client! Honestly, this might be the easiest way to live and work in this stunning south European country legally. Happy reading!
Who can become a freelancer in Portugal?
We’re living in 2023, folks – anyone with a laptop and an internet connection can become a freelancer in Portugal!
If anything good came out of the pandemic, it’s the sudden realization that digitization has changed the job landscape forever. More and more people have started exploring many options that can boost their freelancing careers. Some do it for a little extra income, while others do it because they wish to work according to their own schedules.
In most cases, you must have a solid plan that guarantees your income streams. Sometimes, that means getting high-value projects once in a while. At other times, it means being consistent with small roles and projects for a longer period of time.
Here’s a list of some high-paying freelance jobs:
Software Development and Programming;
Data Science and Machine Learning;
Blockchain Development;
Mobile App Development;
UX/UI Design;
Digital Marketing, Copywriting, and Content Creation;
Video Production and Editing;
Telemedicine and Telehealth Services;
Translation and Localization;
Legal Services;
Project Management.
Such skills help you have a better freelancing career, whether you’re in Portugal or elsewhere. There’s only one condition if you wish to become a freelancer in Portugal – you must meet the minimum income requirement. More on that in just a bit!
Regardless of your educational background or field, Portugal will encourage you to jump on your freelancing journey in its dynamic professional landscape.
What’s the difference between starting a business and becoming a freelancer in Portugal?
Technically, they’re completely different career paths, but in both cases, you’re the one managing yourself professionally. Entrepreneurs use the D2 Business Visa to start a business in Portugal, whereas freelancers use the Digital Nomad Visa.
Portugal’s varying tax obligations and legal structures bifurcate between starting a business and becoming a freelancer. Let us dive into the key differences so you can thoroughly understand how to become a freelancer in Portugal.
When you talk about legal structures, freelancers are self-employed individuals who work individually without any legal entity. On the other end of the spectrum, for starting a business, you can choose from various legal structures such as partnerships, sole proprietorships, joint stock companies, and limited liability companies.
With regard to taxation, freelancers are bound to pay personal income tax, which is calculated by the income level of a freelancer. Corporate income tax is also mandatory for businesses, and the deductions are based on the profit percentage.
To find out how to apply for a Visa as a freelancer in Portugal, continue reading here
