StartupVisa
Startup founder visa
Residence for founders of promising startups: the country grants status in exchange for an innovative business and jobs. Available in a number of EU countries, the UAE, and others.
- What it is
- A residence permit for founders of promising startups in exchange for an innovative business
- Where it applies
- A number of EU countries, the UAE and others
- What is required
- A viable business idea, often an accelerator’s approval
- What it gives
- The right to live and grow the company, a path to PR
- Can you prepare
- Yes: package the project to the programme’s requirements
In plain words
A startup visa is a residence permit for entrepreneurs launching a promising, most often innovative business in a country. The idea is simple: the state is interested in new companies and jobs, so it grants the founder status in exchange for a viable project rather than a large passive investment.
Many EU countries, the UAE and others have introduced such visas. The requirements differ, but the general logic is similar: a well-developed business idea is needed, sometimes the approval of an accredited accelerator or incubator, minimum capital and a job-creation plan. The financial entry threshold is usually lower than for investor programmes — the bet is on the idea and the team.
A startup visa is a residence permit with growth in view: once you have the status, you build the company, and if it succeeds you renew the visa and move towards permanent residence and citizenship. It suits active entrepreneurs ready to genuinely run a business, not those seeking a “passive” status.
Who a startup visa suits
What a startup visa requires
- A viable idea
- Often innovative
- A job-creation plan
- Accelerator/incubator
- Or an expert panel
- Accreditation
- A minimum threshold
- Lower than investor visas
- A bet on the idea
- Residence for the founder
- Renewal on success
- Path to permanent residence
How to obtain a startup visa
- 01Package the project
- 02Obtain approval (accelerator)
- 03File the application
- 04Review
- 05Residence card
What you need to know
- A startup visa is residence for a promising business, not a passive investment
- Many EU countries, the UAE and others have one
- An accelerator’s or incubator’s approval is often needed
- The financial threshold is usually lower than for investor programmes
- It suits those who genuinely run a business
Common mistakes
- Filing a “raw” business idea without developing it
- Not obtaining the required accelerator approval
- Seeking a passive status instead of a real business
- Underestimating the job-creation requirements
- Not planning the path to PR in advance
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We help choose a country and package your project to startup visa requirements, get through the approval and filing, and map out the path to PR in advance. That way an active entrepreneur gains both status and a base for business abroad.
Frequently asked questions
01 /How does a startup visa differ from an investor visa?
An investor visa is for a large passive investment. A startup visa is for a promising business and jobs: the financial threshold is lower, but you have to genuinely run the company.
02 /Is an accelerator’s approval needed?
In many programmes, yes: an accredited accelerator or incubator confirms the project’s viability. In some countries it is an expert panel.
03 /How much money is needed?
The minimum capital is usually lower than for investor visas — the bet is on the idea and the team. The exact threshold depends on the country and the programme.
04 /Does it lead to PR and citizenship?
Yes, on success: by renewing the visa and growing the business you move towards PR, and then to citizenship through naturalisation.
05 /Can the family come too?
As a rule, yes — the spouse and children. The conditions depend on the programme and are confirmed in advance.
06 /Which countries have such a visa?
In a number of EU countries, the UAE and others. The requirements differ, so the country is chosen for the project and goals.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Launching a business abroad?
We will choose a country, package the project to startup visa requirements and take you through the approval and filing.