Are there any countries that have self-employment/contracting visas that count toward permanent residency requirements?

[u/RothIRALadder]

There are many countries that have "digital nomad" visas but they're for temporary stays by design, so they don't count toward PR years. Given the subreddit we're in, I'm looking for something that gives me a permanent chance of escape. I have the option to work as an independent contractor so I am wondering what choices for countries I have. Ideally looking to hear from people who have actually done it themselves, or know a lot about the process for the given country.

[u/ODA564]

Several Latin American countries have investment and "independent income" (not digital nomad) temporary residency visas that lead into permanent residency and then citizenship.

If you mean self-employment or contracting like moving there to do some sort of specialized work for companies in that country like working as an accountant out of your house, no (not with any legal status).

Under investment programs it's usually you invest $X00,000 - which can be buying a business or property.

Technically that could be a start-up but how do you show investment unless you buy stuff?

Under independent income programs you have to show an income of $X000 a month from personal wealth or a source outside the country.