Getting a working visa is a big challenge, especially for expats from abroad interested in living in the north of the globe. During the pandemic, the visa process has increased its bureaucracy. Therefore, freelancing has been an opportunity for many expats to perform their dreams of moving to their hosts' countries and finding a way to make ends meet.
From students who need government authorization to work, employees who need a raise, but given the pandemic context they don't, and employees affected by wage cuts, freelancing can be a great option. After all, the visa working process can take a lot of time and energy from expatriates. Gina Sadva, a Brazilian expat living in Madrid, had to study for three years in Spain to finally be able to change her status from student to worker. “I took Spanish classes and could work 20 hours a week during three years, just after I could change my visa without having to come back to Brazil.” Within this context, Hasan Ates, from the Expat.com community, is not positive about changes in the working visa process. “Five years from now, we will take a look back at these days and reminisce the long-suffering we, dear expats, patiently withstood”.
For expats who live in countries where the currency is not devalued compared to euros, pounds and dollars, being a freelancer can be even easier in terms of finances. They can benefit from their home country's networking connections and find opportunities to work remotely without any issues with taxes. International students can stay in the host country with their student visas and work for clients in their home country without needing a freelance or working visa, for example. Besides, some companies not located in the expat country might be open to short contracts without visas, enabling expatriates to work.
Dealing with financial responsibilities in the home country is more accessible than going through the process of being self-employed abroad. On the other hand, although freelancing is easier than having a full-time contract job abroad, expats should be aware that they need to have legal permission to move and stay in the new country. Without proper research and pre-organization, expats can face serious consequences, as there is no way to escape some paperwork red tape. In Saudi Arabia, there are several rules for freelancers. The Saudi government imposes a fine of SR50000 ($13.329,23) on freelancers (self-employed expats) who work in the kingdom irregularly, which means without local authorization, the Iqama transfer. Employers who allow their workers to engage in freelancer jobs or let their workers perform activities for other employees are also punished.
What do freelancers expats need to know?
In response to a changing workspace, we are seeing a rise in the number of available freelance visas or self-employed visas in countries worldwide. Expats willing to freelance abroad should be aware that they cannot just go to their host country, as they have to meet certain requirements for living there. Many countries currently have a freelancer visa or authorization. There is a type of freelance visa in the EU countries, while equivalent options also exist in countries including Canada, Australia, Mexico, and many more. However, it is crucial that expats do thorough research about the country they are interested in, as rules can change for each one. For instance, expats willing to freelance in Portugal to get a freelance visa should provide services that can be offered to Portuguese clients, while in the Czech Republic, that is not a criterion.
Although expats must have in mind that being a freelancer abroad on a Tourist Visa is illegal, some who have savings and are willing to freelance around the world regardless of currency devaluation can consider being a short-term expatriate at several places. They can stay the maximum amount of months permitted in which country while working as freelancers for their home countries. For example, freelancers from Latin America as tourists can work for their home country's clients for a maximum of three months in any country in Europe and other continents.
Countries to do freelancing
Some countries are interested in boosting their economy, as they are more open to hosting international professionals like Estonia. Among the European countries, Estonia is one of the easiest to get a work visa as a freelance in the digital sector. It offers an excellent visa program, allowing expats to stay in the country for a year as a tourist while working remotely. To qualify for the digital nomad visa, expats have to prove that they are working with telecommunication technology and have a work contract, regardless of the company's location.
Germany is also an easy country to get a work visa because of its labour shortage. The government provides an option of a long stay freelancer visa due to an ageing population. Germany has been focusing on bringing in more immigrants to address the labour shortage issue. However, to get a work visa for Germany, expatriates have to be skilled individuals and have work experience.
