self employment visa

i'm an american desperately looking for a way to stay legal in belgium. my partner is a non-eu citizen in the process of applying for residency, but it might take some time and it's no guarantee. he can not come to the usa and going back to his country is not safe. if i can't find a job teaching english that would sponsor me for a visa, i thought i could apply to be self employed as an english teacher/nanny. does anyone know how difficult this might be, or if it's even possible for someone like me? i'm desperate to stay with the person i love and also have the freedom to come and go as i please without problems. any other advice would be greatly appreciated.