Visa pathway 04 · Self-employment

Freelancer permits,
for independent professionals.

For independent professionals and consultants building a client base in Europe, including Germany's Freiberufler permit and the Dutch DAFT route for US citizens.

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Sponsor
Self-petition, client letters
Duration
1 to 3 years, renewable
Typical decision time
1 to 3 months
Where we handle it
4 countries

Who it’s
for.

If one or more of these sounds like you, this route is worth a closer look.

  • Consultants, designers, developers and creatives with several clients
  • Independent professionals in recognised fields
  • People who want to build a business under their own name

What you’ll
need.

The typical requirements. Your advisor builds your exact checklist during onboarding.

  • Letters of intent or contracts from clients
  • A business plan and financial forecast
  • Proof of funds or income
  • Relevant qualifications or experience
  • Health insurance and a valid passport

General guide only. Rules change and vary by country and personal situation. Your advisor confirms what applies to you.

How we handle
your application.

Four stages, one advisor, and an update from us at every step.

01
Plan

We confirm this is your best route, check eligibility and give you a timeline and costs.

02
Prepare

We build your document checklist, review every file and prepare your application.

03
Move

We file, book your appointments and track your status until approval.

04
Settle

On Sorted packages, we handle registration, tax number and bank account after you land.

Where we
handle it.

Freelancer applications across these countries, with a full city guide for each.

Germany
Berlin Startup capital · Euro Read the city guide →
Netherlands
Amsterdam Business hub · Euro Read the city guide →
Portugal
Lisbon Remote capital · Euro Read the city guide →
Spain
Barcelona Digital nomad hub · Euro Read the city guide →
And more
CzechiaNot on the list? Ask in your free evaluation.
Free evaluation →

Arrive to people,
not just a permit.

Rooftop dinners, coworking sessions, founder meetups, and curated apartments in every city we operate in. This is what relocation looks like with Europe Sorted.

Rooftop dinnersCoworking sessionsFounder meetupsCurated apartmentsCity orientationMember network
See what’s included →
Coworking sessionsWork alongside members
Founder meetupsYour new network
Curated apartmentsMove-in ready homes

Common
questions.

How long does it take?

Germany's freelance visa typically takes 4 to 12 weeks at the consulate. Munich quotes 10 to 12 weeks, and some busy consulates take several months.

Do I need local clients?

In some countries, like Germany, local client letters strengthen your application. We check what applies to you.

Is the Dutch DAFT route open to everyone?

No. It is only for US citizens, under a treaty between the Netherlands and the United States.

Can I hire staff?

Usually yes, as your business grows, within local employment rules.

Other routes
worth comparing.

Not sure this is the one? Your free evaluation checks every route against your situation.

25 EU countries
EU Blue CardUp to 4 years, renewable
Remote work
Digital Nomad1 to 2 years, renewable
National permits
Skilled WorkerUp to 5 years, renewable
Startup visas
Founder1 to 4 years, renewable
Family
Family ReunificationMatches sponsor's permit

Land in any of our 10 cities,
with keys in hand.

Fully Sorted includes first-month accommodation and airport pickup, arranged before you travel.

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