Many countries in 2025 offer special startup and entrepreneur visas that enable expats to launch their business abroad and gain legal residency. These programs target innovative entrepreneurs with viable, scalable business ideas who want to contribute to local economies and job growth.

Top Countries Offering Startup Visas

Canada: Grants permanent residency after about 2.5 years for founders backed by a designated incubator or venture group. Applicants must own at least 10% of voting shares and prove sufficient settlement funds (minimum ~$14,690 for one person).

United Kingdom: The Innovator Founder Visa requires a business endorsement, a unique and scalable idea, and proof of maintenance funds. No fixed minimum investment with a pathway to permanent residence after three years.

Netherlands: Offers a one-year startup visa for non-EU entrepreneurs. Key requirements: innovative concept, collaboration with a recognised incubator, and proof of living funds. Extension is possible after the first year.

Estonia: Known for its tech-oriented Startup Visa, which demands approval from the Startup Committee and €800 per month for living expenses.

Singapore: The EntrePass targets ventures in technology and innovation, granting a one-year visa and renewal options tied to business progress.

United States: The International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) provides up to 2.5 years for founders with at least 10% stake. Requires $311,071+ investment or significant government grants, and renewal for another 2.5 years is possible.

New Zealand: The Entrepreneur Work Visa requires NZD $100,000 investment and a detailed business plan, with a three-year pathway to permanent residence.

France: French Tech Visa / Start in France (deeptech focus)
France offers the “French Tech Visa” for non-EU startup founders with an innovative, scalable project supported by an approved incubator, accelerator or VC; this can lead to a multi-year residence permit. In parallel, the 2025 “Start in France” program targets deeptech researchers and founders (initially US-based) who want to explore the French ecosystem and potentially relocate their projects to France.

Germany: Self-employment residence (D‑Visa)
Germany does not have a branded “startup visa”, but issues a residence permit for self-employment (often entered with a D‑Visa) for non-EU founders whose business has clear economic interest or regional demand and solid financing. This is typically used by innovative founders as the de‑facto startup route.

Portugal: Startup Visa
The Portugal Startup Visa is aimed at non-EU founders who want to create or move an innovative company to Portugal. Projects must include job‑creation potential and the ability to reach defined revenue or asset targets. Founders can have a residence visa valid initially for several months, extendable as the company develops.

Spain:  Entrepreneur Visa
Spain’s Entrepreneur Visa is for non-EU founders planning an innovative, high-impact business considered of special economic interest to Spain, granting an initial one-year visa that can be converted into a residence permit as the startup progresses.

Cyprus: Cyprus Startup Visa
The Cyprus Startup Visa lets non-EU entrepreneurs (solo or teams) start or move a high-growth, innovative startup to Cyprus, with a residence right typically granted for two years and renewable if the project meets growth expectations.

Denmark: Startup Denmark
Startup Denmark is a government scheme where a panel evaluates whether your idea is innovative and scalable; approved non-EU founders can obtain a 2–3‑year residence permit (renewable) to build the company in Denmark.

Lithuania:   Startup Visa Lithuania
This scheme provides a streamlined process for non-EU founders of innovative, scalable startups (often tech-focused) to obtain a 1-year temporary residence permit, extendable up to 3–5 years as the company grows.

Latvia:  Latvian Startup Visa
Latvia offers a temporary residence permit (known as the startup visa) for up to 3 years for non-EU founders of innovative startups; up to five founders per startup can be included, provided the project meets innovation and growth criteria.

Ireland – STEP Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Ireland’s STEP program allows innovative, high-potential entrepreneurs to obtain a 2-year residency (renewable) if their project is scalable, will create at least 10 jobs and generate at least €1 million in turnover within a few years, with the business headquartered in Ireland.

Typical Requirements

• Business must be new, innovative, and have potential for local economic impact.
• Proof of funds for living expenses and, sometimes, for investment.
• Endorsement/support from approved incubators, accelerators, or local agencies.
• Detailed business plan showing viability, scalability, and growth opportunities.
• Language proficiency and health/background check (for select countries).
• Option to bring spouses and dependents in most cases