Updated
GL-S-01
Glossary · Citizenship and residency programs
Startup Visa - 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.
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- 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
02 / In plain words
What Startup Visa means
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.
A case from practice
The founder of an IT startup enters the EU market: they package the project, obtain the approval of an accredited accelerator and receive a startup visa. They live in the country and grow the company, and if it succeeds they renew the status and move towards PR — without a large passive investment.
Who a startup visa suits
- Founders of innovative projects
- Entrepreneurs without large capital
- Those ready to genuinely run a business
- Entering the EU or UAE market
- A first step to PR and citizenship
- Teams with a well-developed idea
03 / What it covers
What a startup visa requires
Project
- A viable idea
- Often innovative
- A job-creation plan
Approval
- Accelerator/incubator
- Or an expert panel
- Accreditation
Capital
- A minimum threshold
- Lower than investor visas
- A bet on the idea
Outlook
- Residence for the founder
- Renewal on success
- Path to permanent residence
04 / How it works
How to obtain a startup visa
Package the project
Obtain approval (accelerator)
File the application
Review
Residence card
05 / Key facts
What you need to know
01
A startup visa is residence for a promising business, not a passive investment
02
Many EU countries, the UAE and others have one
03
An accelerator’s or incubator’s approval is often needed
04
The financial threshold is usually lower than for investor programmes
05
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
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
The project is packaged to the requirements of the specific programme: the business idea and job-creation plan are developed, an accredited accelerator’s approval is obtained if needed, and the documents are prepared. The path to PR and citizenship is looked at in advance. Then a startup visa not only gives status but leads to long-term residence.
What we do for you. 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.
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
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.
In many programmes, yes: an accredited accelerator or incubator confirms the project’s viability. In some countries it is an expert panel.
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.
Yes, on success: by renewing the visa and growing the business you move towards PR, and then to citizenship through naturalisation.
As a rule, yes — the spouse and children. The conditions depend on the programme and are confirmed in advance.
In a number of EU countries, the UAE and others. The requirements differ, so the country is chosen for the project and goals.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Tell us what outcome your family needs
We will design a solution for your case, choose the country and the right status, and take the whole process through to the result.
