In the wave of globalization, more and more people aspire to expand their lives through immigration. For freelancers, lacking both the substantial capital of traditional business owners and the convenience of stable employer sponsorship, immigration seems fraught with challenges. However, investment immigration is becoming a golden channel for this group to overcome residency restrictions. From Hong Kong to Canada, from Europe to the United States, many countries have tailored flexible solutions for freelancers, making “earning money while obtaining residency” a reality.
Hong Kong: HK$30 Million to Leverage International Financial Center Status
Hong Kong’s new investment immigration policy is known for its “high threshold and high flexibility,” making it particularly suitable for high-net-worth freelancers. Applicants need to prove they have HK$30 million in net assets, of which HK$27 million can be invested in financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and limited partnership funds, and the remaining HK$3 million must be invested in innovative technology sectors. This design ensures both liquidity and promotes Hong Kong’s industrial upgrading.
A key highlight of the policy is its extremely low residency requirement—no need to work or reside in Hong Kong; renewal is only required to maintain the investment. For freelancers, this means maintaining a global business presence while simultaneously planning their children’s education in Hong Kong. Even more enticing is the inclusion of property purchases in the investment scope: up to HK$10 million of residential property purchases exceeding HK$50 million can be counted towards the total investment, achieving a dual allocation of “residency + assets.”
Canada: Quebec Self-Employed Program Designed for Self-Employed Individuals
The Quebec Self-Employed Immigration Program is considered a “green channel” for freelancers. This program targets self-employed individuals, online shop owners, and freelancers, requiring applicants to have two years of self-employment experience within the past five years and possess CAD$100,000 in assets. No English proficiency tests, employer sponsorship, or even a mandatory business plan are required; proof of independent business operation in Quebec is sufficient.
From beauty salon owners to professional makeup artists, from independent designers to online education practitioners, countless cases demonstrate that as long as one possesses professional skills and achieves stable profitability, immigration through self-employment is possible. The processing time is approximately 22 months. Upon approval, one can enjoy free Canadian healthcare and education while continuing to operate their existing business, truly achieving a balance between career and residency.
Europe: Digital Nomad Visas Usher in a New Era of Remote Work
For freelancers who rely on the internet for their livelihood, European digital nomad visas offer a more streamlined immigration option. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Greece allow applicants to apply for residency based on remote income, requiring a monthly income of €2,300-€3,500. Some countries accept applications from self-employed individuals.
For example, in Portugal, applicants need to provide proof of €30,000 in funds and stable remote income to obtain a one-year visa. After two renewals and meeting language requirements, permanent residency can be applied for. This model is particularly suitable for programmers, translators, and self-media professionals, allowing them to enjoy Europe’s livable environment while maintaining global business connections. Crucially, the visa allows spouses and children to accompany them, enabling the whole family to enjoy European benefits.
United States: EB-5 Investment Immigration Breaks Down Occupational Barriers
While the US EB-5 investment immigration program focuses on “job creation,” it is equally friendly to freelancers. Applicants only need to invest $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) to indirectly create 10 jobs through the regional center project. Sources of funds can include salary income, property sales, family gifts, etc., without requiring proof of business background.
The biggest advantage of this program is its “no residency requirement”—green card holders do not need to reside in the United States long-term and can freely travel between China and the US. For families planning to send their children to study in the US, EB-5 allows children to enjoy the advantages of admission to top universities as local students, saving millions in tuition fees. Currently, there is no waiting list for this visa category, and green cards can be approved in as little as two years, making it a popular choice for high-net-worth freelancers.
The immigration path for freelancers has long since broken through traditional frameworks. From financial asset allocation in Hong Kong to self-employment and entrepreneurship in Canada, from digital nomadic lifestyles in Europe to job creation investments in the United States, diverse policies provide customized solutions for different groups with varying needs. The key is to combine one’s own asset situation, professional characteristics, and long-term plans to choose the most suitable immigration path. When freelancing meets investment immigration, a revolution in identity, wealth, and global opportunities is underway.
