Freelancers are people who work on a temporary basis for a company. They are independent workers who are not employed by the company they work for. Freelancers offer their skills and expertise to companies that need them but do not want to hire full-time workers. This type of employment is common in fields such as graphic design, web development, and writing. Freelancers can be hired on contract or on an hourly basis. Freelancing can be done remotely via the internet or at a physical location such as an office building or home office.

How to Become a Freelancer in Portugal

If you want to become a freelancer in Portugal, you will need to meet certain requirements. In general, freelancers must be self-employed and have valid visas. They must also pay social security contributions and declare their income to the tax authorities.

The best way to become a freelancer in Portugal is to start your own business. This will allow you to work for clients from all over the world, and it will also give you more control over your work schedule. You can find more information about starting a business in Portugal on the website of the Portuguese Ministry of Economy.

Things You Should Know Before Moving to Portugal as an Expat

If you are thinking of moving to Portugal, there are some things you should know first! Portugal is a wonderful country with a rich culture and stunning scenery, but it is not without its quirks. Here are some of the most important things to know before moving to Portugal as an ex-pat.

1. Learn the language. Portuguese is the official language in Portugal, so it is essential that you learn at least some basics before moving. Portuguese is a tricky language to learn, but with a bit of effort, you will be able to get by.

2. Get used to the relaxed lifestyle. Portuguese are friendly, welcoming, and generally have a siesta culture – this means business continues throughout the day.

What Your Day Might Look Like As A Freelancer In Portugal

Every day is different when you work as a freelancer. You may have a lot of work one day, and then nothing for the next few. This can be a bit frustrating, but it is also one of the things I love about freelancing.

As an example for one freelancer day looks like: One day you may be working on a website for a client, the next you might be doing some graphic design work. Sometimes you get to do interesting things like write articles or do social media consulting.

Benefits of becoming a freelancer in Portugal

Freelancers in Portugal are exempt from social security contributions for one year, IVA (VAT) up to €10,000 in 2019, and €12,500 in 2020 for sales/services within one year. The minimum social contribution (employment contract with the company) compared to the employee is calculated at 1/3 of your gross salary, calculated on a base value of 21.4%, paid monthly/quarterly. Freelancers work with any legal company and individual anywhere in the world. Freelancers are allowed to work as employees (as dependents of employees) and are allowed to form Portuguese companies or become shareholders. With a variety of jobs, freelancers can improve their IRS (Income Tax Return), which helps them bring their family to Portugal or get a loan from a bank.

How to apply for a residence permit as a freelancer in Portugal:

Freelancers (self-employed) are considered active entrepreneurs in Portugal and have the right to apply for a residence permit in accordance with Article 89 Residence Permit of the Portuguese Immigration Service in accordance the law. The processing time for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal under the same law is 6-8 months; there is no separate period or time for self-employment.

Conclusion

If you are looking to become a freelancer in Portugal, this is the guide for you! We will provide you with all the information you need to get started, from finding clients to set up your business. And if you need help along the way, our team at Unity Partners Consultants is here to support you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your freelancing dreams!