Freelancer
What is the Freelancer Status
Digital nomadism is not just a passing fad, but a lifestyle that is becoming more widespread and has more and more adherents. If anyone expected that the pandemic would slow down the adoption of this way of working, they were wrong. The adherence to the forced home office has led both companies and workers to understand that there are other ways of being able to work with equally high productivity.
In Portugal, the Autonomous Region of Madeira, due to the low numbers of the pandemic, has even launched a specific program to settle digital nomads in order to also help the local economy (https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2021/02/22/digital-nomad-visas-covid/ ).
Thus, setting up in another country with different conditions (from taxes to climate) as a freelancer is emerging as a real option for more and more people.
To be able to exercise their trade and stay legally in Portugal (with access to the entire European Union), digital nomads must then submit the necessary documentation to access a temporary residence permit.
Who can submit an aplication as freelancer
All non-EU nationals, without a criminal record, who can prove that they have financial income from their self-employed activity.
What's the process
Freelancers can choose one of two ways to access the residence permit. Either through a D2 Visa submitted at the Embassy of the country of origin, or, being able to enter the Schengen area without needing a special visa, by submitting an Expression of Interest in Portugal.
Once your temporary residence permit has been issued (for 2 years and renewable for 3 more years), you can apply for family reunification. Finally, after 5 years, you may request a permanent residence permit or even apply for nationality. To keep these residence permits you must stay in Portuguese territory at least 185 days per year.