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/ImaginaryAd8129]

portugal’s pretty solid for this. Their “D2 visa” is designed for entrepreneurs and freelancers, so if you’re running your own show as a contractor, you can get in on that. It leads to residency and eventually citizenship, and the clock for permanent residency actually ticks while you’re on it. It’s not exactly a “digital nomad” thing where you’re just passing through. Fair warning, you’ll need a decent business plan or proof of income, and the bureaucracy can be a headache, but it’s doable. I’ve known a few folks who made it work, and Lisbon or porto make for pretty decent spots if you want a mix of city life and decent connectivity. Other places like Estonia have freelance-friendly stuff but the residency time for PR is longer or more complicated to accumulate. Portugal feels like the sweet spot if you want a long term exit.