Business Playbook

Evidence note: Cost figures on this page are sourced from official government portals. Where a figure is not yet evidence-backed, it is marked as not yet evidenced. This page is a planning guide — not a legal or financial recommendation.

US LLC from Africa

A US Limited Liability Company (LLC) can be registered by a non-US resident. Wyoming and Delaware are the most common states for non-resident founders.

• State filing fee: approximately $50–$100 (Wyoming) or $90 (Delaware)
• Registered agent: approximately $50–$150/year
• No US visa required to form the LLC
• Enables access to US payment processors (Stripe, PayPal) and business banking (Mercury, Relay)
• Tax obligations depend on whether the LLC has US-source income — consult a US tax adviser

Formation does not grant US residency or a work visa. It is a business structure, not an immigration pathway.

Portugal — Remote Work / Digital Nomad Route (D8)

Portugal's remote work residence route allows non-EU nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or clients to live in Portugal.

• Income requirement: Proof of remote employment or service relationship with an entity or clients outside Portugal — source: AIMA
• Schengen area access during residence
• Path to permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence
• EU citizenship eligibility after 5 years of legal residence (subject to language and other requirements)
• Spanish business activities capped — the route requires the primary income to come from outside Portugal

See the Portugal country page for the full PT-digital-nomad pathway record and official source.

Portugal — Passive Income Route (D7)

Portugal's D7 visa is for non-EU nationals with a stable passive or remote income who wish to reside in Portugal.

• Income requirement: Demonstrable passive or remote income — the commonly cited minimum is approximately €820/month (Portuguese minimum wage reference), but the consulate assesses sufficiency holistically
• Acceptable income sources: pensions, rental income, dividends, remote employment, freelance contracts
• Path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship on the same timeline as D8

Note: The exact monthly income threshold for D7 is not published as a fixed figure by AIMA — the €820 reference is widely cited but is not a guaranteed approval threshold. Confirm with the Portuguese consulate in your country before applying.

Spain — International Teleworker Visa

Spain's digital nomad visa (International Teleworker) allows remote workers employed by or providing services to companies outside Spain to live in Spain.

• Job offer / contract required: Proof of remote employment or professional services relationship with a company located outside Spain — source: Spanish Government
• Spanish business activities capped at 20% of total income
• Schengen area access during residence
• Initial visa valid for 1 year; renewable as a residence authorisation for up to 5 years

See the Spain country page for the full ES-digital-nomad pathway record and official source.

Compare business and remote work routes

Use Find My Route to filter work pathways by country. For a side-by-side country comparison, see the country directory.

Disclaimer

This page provides general planning information only. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the official authority or a registered adviser before making any application or financial commitment. See the full migration information disclaimer.