DENMARK
Denmark has a green card programme available for those who fulfill the requirements. If you're current self-employed and make enough money you can apply.
GERMANY
Germany also allows non-EU passport holders to get freelance visas. However, they require that you have German-approved health insurance (you can find info on Toy Town Germany, How to Germany, and there's four of them at the bottom of this page) as well as at least two offers of freelance employment. and enough money in the bank to support yourself. It also helps if you speak German a little bit to help you deal with the people at the immigration and tax offices. The book Painlessly Relocate to Germany also has some good tips.
JAPAN
It's possible to be self sponsored. Here's more information about self sponsorship and here are the requirements. You will have to be in Japan in order to apply for this visa.
MEXICO
Guy Courchesne says that in Mexico City it isn't hard to get the independent FM3, but it may not be equally as easy in other offices around the country. Basically, you need your passport, about 2000 pesos, a degree, the application, and a letter written in Spanish outlining what you plan to do and why you are qualified to do it. If you have a TEFL certificate that will probably help your application. Speaking Spanish will make the application process a lot easier. After you get the independent FM3 visa you'll need to get a tax number to be able to write up receipts for students or companies if you plan to go that route.
SINGAPORE
Has been voted one of the best places to start your own business. Find out more in this article.
SWITZERLAND
Those from EU countries can get a self-employment visa or an independent visa. If you're not from the EU, then you can get an investor visa.
UNITED KINGDOM
If you are highly skilled, you could try to apply to the Highly Skilled Migrant Worker Programme, which is known as Tier 1. You will get points based on age, experience, education, among other things. Here's how to apply. This is the main UK immigration website.
More Information
You might try taking a look at the following articles for more information about becoming self-employed.
- How to Get Private Students and Teaching Private Classes
- Supplementing Your Teaching Salary
- Teaching Online and Earning Money Online