
Portugal is a great place to live in case your activities revolve around freelance. This article will help you to learn what you shall do in order to become a freelancer in Portugal. So, let’s begin!
Who Is a Freelancer?
A freelancer is a person who chooses to work from anywhere and at any time. Normally, he does not have a fixed schedule and cooperates with several clients. Despite all the positive aspects of such work, it is the responsibility of a freelancer to find the tasks. When you have an employer, he does this for you. This is one of the main hardships freelancers have to deal with on a regular basis.
What if you would like to sell products? In this case, you will have to consider opening your own company anyway. There are no other variants if you would like to get engaged in such an activity in Portugal. Another solution will just not correlate with Portuguese law.
Becoming a Freelancer in Portugal: the Basics
There are two key rules to follow. First of all, it is vital to have NIF. It is a taxpayer ID number that can be requested even by non-residents. Second, it is obligatory to open a bank account in Portugal. Sure, you can stick to IBAN but paying taxes from a Portuguese bank account is much more convenient.
Non-EU residents are going to come across more difficulties when entering Portugal. They have to receive one of the available visas which is a process that consists of a few steps. One of the greatest kinds of visas for freelancers is a Digital Nomad Visa Portugal that appeared not long ago.
So, let’s start by describing what primary steps have to be taken by those who intend to become freelancers in Portugal.
Step 1: Getting a NIF number
One of the most crucial aspects of the procedure of receiving a NIF number is as follows: you do not have to present a lot of documents to be able to complete the process. A copy of your passport and proof of residence is normally enough. But sure, it also depends on how exactly you will be getting your NIF number.
Those who want to become freelancers in Portugal usually stick to the online way of receiving their NIF number. This is a fast and convenient option that satisfies most clients. You simply enclose the docs to the site of the provider and very soon, you are going to be ready to obtain your NIF number. You may be required to present something else but the chance of this is rather low. The cheapest NIF Portugal option is offered by a few reliable providers today.
Step 2: Opening a Bank Account
Once you have got your NIF number, it is time to think about opening a bank account in Portugal. Again, this is not going to turn into a big problem if you select such a variant as doing this remotely.
Well, all you will need to do is to suggest the passport, NIF, and a few other documents. So, the previous step is going to be a preparatory action for completing this one.
By the way, it is essential to present the tax ID from the country of your residence too.
Step 3: Applying for the Visa if Necessary
Well, if you do not belong to the EU residents, you will need to decide what visa to stick to. Choosing to opt for a Digital Nomad Visa is going to result in having to present a set of specific documents. So, you will have to get a criminal record from where you live. Apart from this, health insurance is going to be required too.
And, there is also proof of income and ID that have to be suggested. Anyway, you will be given a full list of stuff to get ready as soon as you visit the Portuguese Embassy. The only piece of advice that can be given in connection with this is as follows: do not hurry and be consistent. Besides, it is important to be as clear as possible when stating your motivation in the cover letter (it also has to be suggested as a part of the applicant’s set of documents).
Normally, those who go through the whole application process also have to attend the residence permit interview upon their arrival in Portugal. But it is not as hard as you might think though!
So, this is what you need to know about the opportunity to become a freelancer in Portugal. This is going to be the greatest period in your life if you are able to achieve your goal! Just don’t forget to stick to the assistance of a good service provider, and you will be fine!