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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Work Visa in Europe (2025 Update)
Navigate the 2025 European work visa process with ease. Find the right visa, job search tips, and alternatives like Employer of Record (EOR).
PUBLISHED ON 8 April 2025 | VIBHU AGARWAL
Becoming an independent contractor can be exciting — and a little intimidating. You’re trading the stability of a 9-to-5 for the freedom to set your own schedule, choose your clients, and build something of your own. But with that freedom comes responsibility. The kind that involves paperwork, taxes, contracts, and knowing exactly where you stand legally.
If you’re here, you’re probably asking:
Good news: this guide walks you through the real-world steps you need to take — no jargon, no fluff. Whether you're a designer, developer, consultant, or in-between gigs and ready to start fresh, this is your practical roadmap to going independent.
Before you dive into setting up a business or chasing your first client, it’s important to understand the basics: what does it really mean to be an independent contractor?
An independent contractor is someone who works for clients or companies without being their employee. You’re not on payroll. You don’t get benefits. You typically don’t report to a manager. You work on your own terms — but that also means you're responsible for your taxes, legal compliance, and finding your next gig.
So why does this matter?
Because misunderstanding your status can lead to serious problems — like getting reclassified as an employee, losing client trust, or facing fines. And on the flip side, knowing your rights and responsibilities puts you in control from day one.
Quick comparison: Independent Contractor vs Employee
Let’s get one thing straight — you can’t just declare yourself an independent contractor and start working for anyone, anywhere. Depending on where you live, who your client is, and where they’re based, you might need legal permission to work.
Here’s a breakdown of some common situations:
If you’re self-employed and working for local or international clients while living in your home country, you likely don’t need special work authorization — as long as self-employment is allowed and properly registered under local law.
If you’ve moved or plan to move abroad, things change. Many countries don’t allow freelance work on tourist visas or while holding dependent/family visas. You might need:
This is where it gets fuzzy. If you're living in Spain and working remotely for a company in Canada, you might not need a Canadian work permit — but you still need to stay compliant with Spanish tax and business laws. Same goes for Italy, India, or any country you reside in.
Always check if you’re legally allowed to work as an independent contractor in the country you live in. Not doing so can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or unpaid taxes.
If you're unsure, ask yourself:
If you answered “not yet” or “I don’t know” — don't worry. The next steps in this guide will help you fix that.
You might be working solo, but that doesn’t mean you can skip the paperwork. If you want to get paid, protect yourself, and build long-term client relationships, you need to be officially recognized as a business — and you need a contract.
Depending on where you live, you might register as a:
Some countries (like Germany or France) require formal registration to issue invoices. Others may only require it once you hit a certain income threshold.
Can you work without a contract? Technically, yes.
Should you? Absolutely not.
A contract sets expectations on:
No matter how friendly the client seems, get it in writing. Verbal agreements are a liability. Without a contract, you may not get paid — and you’ll have no legal recourse if things go wrong.
Tools like Bonsai, HelloSign, or even editable Word templates can help you send contracts quickly. You don’t need to hire a lawyer every time — but you do need a paper trail.
Now that you're legally set up and contract-ready, it's time to answer two important questions:
Many new independent contractors skip this part or try to “figure it out later” — but getting this right early on saves time, prevents awkward client conversations, and helps you attract the right work.
Don’t just say, “I do design” or “I’m a developer.”
Get specific:
Create a short list of 2–4 core services that you enjoy, have experience with, and can deliver well.
This helps clients trust that you know your niche — and makes scoping projects way easier later on.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but a few methods can help:
| Method | How it works | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | Charge per hour worked | Good for flexible projects or support retainers |
| Fixed project fee | Flat rate for a defined deliverable | Ideal when scope is clear (e.g. “Design a logo”) |
| Day rate | One flat fee per working day | Great for consulting or short-term contracts |
| Monthly retainer | Set a fee for ongoing work | Perfect for stable, long-term clients |
And if you're working internationally, be sure to price in the currency you’re paid in, and account for conversion or transfer fees.
Don’t undercharge just to land a gig. You’re not just getting paid for your time — you’re getting paid for your skill, your speed, and your reliability.
So you're registered, contract-ready, and have your offer and rates in place. Now comes the part that turns all of that into income: finding clients — and keeping things running smoothly once you do.
Let’s break this into two parts: how to get work and how to manage it like a professional.
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but here are three channels that consistently help independent contractors land great clients:
Good for getting started and building momentum:
Just remember: these are crowded marketplaces, and you'll need to stand out with strong proposals and clear positioning.
Some of the best projects come from simply letting people know what you do.
This is a long game — but one of the most powerful.
Use LinkedIn to:
Don’t try to mimic viral content or force someone else’s tone. Speak from your experience. Be honest. Be useful. Your unique point of view is what will make clients remember (and trust) you.
You don’t need to go viral — you just need to be visible, credible, and consistent.
Once the work starts coming in, don’t fall into the chaos trap. A few habits will save your sanity:
The more organized and communicative you are, the easier it is to earn repeat business and referrals.
Becoming an independent contractor isn’t just about freedom — it’s about ownership. You’re building a career where you set the rules, choose the clients, and grow on your own terms.
Need help working as a contractor across borders?
We support independent contractors with cross-border payments, local compliance, and proper documentation — so you can focus on doing what you do best.
At Jackson & Frank, we simplify and ensure compliance in global hiring—no need to establish local entities.
Our HR Outsourcing solutions blend innovative software with expert human support to ensure your global workforce is managed seamlessly and effectively.
Why choose us?
With over 10 years of experience, 300+ companies, and 1,000+ employees across 15+ countries, we’re here to help you grow globally.
Ready to expand?
Book a 30-minute call to see how we can optimize your global operations.
An independent contractor offers services to clients without being a formal employee. You typically manage your own taxes, schedule, tools, and client relationships. Think consultants, developers, designers, virtual assistants, translators, etc.
Technically yes. But should you? Absolutely not. A clear contract protects your time, your payments, and your rights — and helps avoid scope creep or legal issues. Always get it in writing.
Your client does — based on the terms agreed in your contract. You invoice them directly, and they pay you via bank transfer, platforms like Wise/Payoneer, or through freelance platforms.
Only if your country or residency status allows you to work independently. Many countries require specific permits or self-employment visas if you’re working while physically present there. Check your local laws to avoid penalties or visa violations.
Employees get benefits, fixed salaries, and work under the company’s control. Contractors are self-managed, paid per project or time, and don’t receive employment benefits. The key is independence — in time, tools, location, and risk.
It depends on your goals. Contractors enjoy freedom, flexibility, and higher earning potential — but take on more risk, manage their own taxes, and don’t have guaranteed work. Employees have more structure and security, but less autonomy.
In some countries, yes — you can operate as a sole proprietor or under your legal name. But registering a business (even a basic one) helps with taxes, invoicing, and credibility. It’s a smart long-term move.
