How UK freelancers can get a work permit in the EU: post-Brexit options explained

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

Since the UK officially exited the European Union, British freelancers have found themselves in a new and often confusing legal landscape. Previously, freedom of movement allowed UK citizens to live and work anywhere in the EU with little bureaucracy. Now, UK nationals must be aware of visa requirements, residence permits, and tax obligations, just like any other non-EU citizen.

Despite the challenges, UK freelancers still have opportunities to live and work in the EU. Still, it requires proper planning, a solid understanding of legal frameworks, and often a local partner. Whether you’re offering services to UK-based clients or working internationally, the key is choosing the right path that ensures compliance while maintaining your freelance flexibility.

What changed for UK freelancers after Brexit?

Brexit brought significant changes to how UK citizens can live and work in the European Union. Before the UK left the EU, freelancers and remote workers could freely move, reside, and offer their services across member states without needing visas or permits. That freedom has now ended. 

UK freelancers must apply for residency and work permits in nearly every EU country, regardless of whether they plan to serve local clients or continue working remotely for UK or international businesses.

This shift has introduced both administrative and legal complexities. Freelancers can no longer assume that simply relocating to the EU and working remotely is lawful. Each country has its own immigration and tax rules, and operating without the correct permit can lead to penalties, visa refusals, or even expulsion. It can also block access to essential services, such as healthcare, banking, or housing services, which are typically tied to legal residency and employment status.

Moreover, providing cross-border services has become more complicated. UK freelancers may now face double taxation, differing VAT obligations, and unclear social security requirements. There is also a risk of being perceived as having a “permanent establishment” in the EU, which could trigger corporate tax liabilities in certain countries.

In short, Brexit ended automatic access and replaced it with fragmented, country-specific processes. Learning these as a freelancer takes time, effort, and often professional support, especially for those who want to remain compliant while working flexibly from abroad.

Work permit vs residence rights: what’s the difference?

A common misconception is that residency automatically grants the right to work. In reality, these are two distinct legal statuses.

• Residence rights allow you to live in a country for an extended period, often requiring proof of income, housing, and health insurance.
• Work rights allow you to legally engage in economic activity. If you’re earning money from clients (even abroad), this usually qualifies as work in the eyes of EU authorities.

Freelancers working without the correct permits may unknowingly violate immigration or tax laws. That’s why it’s critical to ensure that the visa you apply for aligns with your actual source of income and type of activity.

EU countries offering freelancer-friendly options

Several European Union countries have introduced visas specifically designed for freelancers, remote workers, or digital nomads. While requirements vary, they typically request proof of income, accommodation, and private health insurance.

Spain

Spain offers two primary options for freelancers:

• The self-employment visa (autónomo) requires registering a local freelance business and managing VAT, quarterly filings, and social security contributions.
• The newer digital nomad visa offers a more streamlined path for remote workers earning from non-Spanish clients. Applicants must demonstrate a stable income, valid insurance, and tax compliance.

Portugal

Portugal is popular for its mild climate and tax incentives. It offers:

• The D7 visa is ideal for those with passive income or remote earnings.
• The digital nomad visa, introduced more recently, is tailored to remote workers with minimum monthly income requirements.

You can live in Portugal while still working with UK clients as a freelancer. Freelancers may also qualify for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, offering tax benefits for up to 10 years. However, correct classification and filing are essential to receive legal benefits.

Netherlands

The Netherlands offers an enjoyable lifestyle and a self-employment visa (zelfstandige visa) for qualified freelancers. This permit is granted through a points-based system that assesses your business plan, financial self-sufficiency, and experience.

To qualify, you must:

• Register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
• Secure Dutch health insurance
• Handle VAT registration and quarterly tax filings

Other countries are also entering the digital nomad space. Germany offers freelance visas, especially for those in creative or tech fields. At the same time, Croatia has introduced a digital nomad permit that allows non-EU workers to reside there legally while continuing to work remotely for foreign clients.

Each of these options can provide a legal route for UK freelancers to live and work in the EU post-Brexit, but understanding the nuances and compliance requirements of each country is essential.

The challenges of going self-employed in the EU

Becoming self-employed in the EU as a UK freelancer can be more complex than many expect. Unlike the UK’s relatively straightforward self-assessment system, most EU countries require more frequent and formalised reporting. Freelancers must often register with multiple authorities, including tax offices, chambers of commerce, and social security systems, each with its own paperwork, deadlines, and legal obligations.

The administrative burden can be particularly overwhelming if you don’t speak the local language fluently. Contracts, invoices, and tax documents are typically issued in the national language, and communicating with government departments can be stressful without native-level proficiency. 

What’s more, each country has its own rules around VAT, allowable expenses, and income reporting. In places like Spain or the Netherlands, failing to file quarterly tax returns correctly or on time can result in hefty fines or even the loss of your visa or residency rights.

For UK freelancers accustomed to a more streamlined system, adapting to these new processes can feel like a full-time job. That’s why an increasing number of professionals are seeking more innovative solutions – ones that enable them to continue working across borders without having to handle the complexity of local self-employment rules on their own.

How Hightekers helps UK freelancers work with EU clients compliantly

Hightekers offers a solution for UK freelancers who want to work from the EU without the burden of local registration. Rather than requiring you to set up a business or register as self-employed, Hightekers acts as your legal employer in your country of residence.

Here’s how it works:

• We sign a service agreement with your client (whether they’re in the UK, US, or elsewhere), outlining the work arrangement.
• You receive a permanent employment contract through Hightekers, giving you a stable monthly income.
• We handle all legal and administrative obligations, including invoicing, tax filings, social security payments, and local compliance.

This approach ensures that you can live and work legally in your chosen EU country, access public services, and avoid the complexities of becoming a sole trader.

You also maintain your freelance independence, working with your own clients, setting your own rates, and choosing your workload, while enjoying the protection and structure of formal employment.

For example, Emma, a UK-based graphic designer, wanted to move to Spain after Brexit but was overwhelmed by the legal and tax requirements. Hightekers guided her through the entire process: from securing a visa to registering as autónomo. Hightekers helped her obtain her NIE, register with Agencia Tributaria, and connect with a dedicated account manager for ongoing support. Today, Emma lives and works legally in Valencia with a local contract, serving UK clients stress-free thanks to Hightekers.

For freelancers relocating with partners or families, this arrangement can also make joint tax filings and healthcare access significantly easier.

Go global, stay compliant

The post-Brexit landscape may have introduced new hurdles, but UK freelancers still have a range of viable options for living and working across the EU. The key is understanding the legal distinctions between residence and work, and selecting a visa route or solution that matches your goals.

While self-employment remains an option, it often comes with complex compliance requirements that can distract from your actual work. Hightekers offers a simpler, fully compliant way to continue working with your clients while enjoying life in the EU.

Simplify your relocation with Hightekers.

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!