14 Countries Offering Startup Visas With Amazing Benefits

Visa Type

 

Startups give economies a huge boost. The world’s wise nations are aware of this. In response, governments are implementing startup visa schemes that give fast-track residency and citizenship.

 

Additionally, these initiatives—also referred to as entrepreneur visas—are geared toward those with strong business acumen and innovative ideas. These nations are aware of the benefits of encouraging a startup culture for the development of homegrown business owners. Fortunately, some of these visa programs come from the top nations in the world for business startups.

 

Foreign business people who make a commitment to their new country can do a lot to advance that culture. This is article is not an exclusive list as there are lots of startup visas from different countries. We just picked 5. With that in mind, here are 5 startup visas worth looking into:

1. UK Startup Visa

The UK Start-up visa is intended for people who are first-time business owners who want to launch a company in the UK. You don’t have to be a graduate or have any initial investment in place. However, you must have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that has been given the seal of approval by a recognized organization.

 

Start-up visas are single-use, two-year visas that do not directly lead to settling in the UK. Holders of Start-up visas can, however, prolong their stay under the Innovator visa category and become eligible for ILR after three years(conditions apply).

 

Start-up visa candidates are permitted to travel to the UK with their spouse and any minor children.

 

Requirements

To be eligible, you:

  • are older than 18 years of age;
  • didn’t previously launch a business in the UK (unless you had previously been on leave as a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur);
  • have received the support of a recognized UK endorsing organization, which has examined your company idea for innovation, viability, and scalability and is satisfied that you will devote the majority of your working hours to building your venture in the UK;
  • applied for your Start-up visa no more than three months ago, according to your endorsement letter;
  • truly intend to engage in any job or commercial activity in the UK that you describe in your application, and you are qualified to engage in such activity;
  • have at least CEFR Level B2 English language proficiency, which is equal to an IELTS score of 5.5 in reading, writing, hearing, and speaking.
  • If you are not a UK resident or have only been there for less than a year, you must have at least £1270 to cover your living expenses, plus £285 for a spouse who is dependant, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional kid.

Depending on the specifics of your situation, there may be a difference in the startup visa requirements you must meet.

 

How to apply

To find out, click here

 

 

 

 

 

2. Australia Business Innovation Visa

 

Foreign investors and business owners can establish, expand, and relocate their enterprises in Australia with the help of the Australia Business Innovation Visa. With this visa, the applicant is able to stay in the nation for four years and three months.

 

 

Requirements

The candidate needs to be successful in business and have experience. Additionally, he needs to be nominated for the visa by an organization based in Australia.

Before applying, the company must have a turnover of at least AUD 3M in at least two of the four fiscal years.

In addition, he must have finances of at least AUD 200,000 raised by a third party and net assets of at least AUD 400,000.

 

How to apply

All details on how to submit your application will be included in the invitation. The applicant must also supply documentation regarding his identity, business, and assets. He must also supply the paperwork for any family members who are applying with him.

When the visa is approved, you will be informed.

 

Each country has its different requirements and ease of doing business. Comparing visas and seeing what’s best for you is crucial

 

3. Canada Startup visa

 

Canada Startup visa

 

If you are a qualifying startup founder, you can apply for the Startup Visa Canada. It allows for permanent residency and is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly visa schemes. Additionally, you must receive assistance for your company from a designated organization (such as investors) in order to be eligible for this program. Alternatively, it is known as a letter of support.

 

 

Requirements

  • The applicant must show proof from Citizenship and Immigration Canada that they speak English, French, or both languages with enough proficiency to communicate.
  • Five people can own a business. But at least ten percent of the voting shares must be owned by each of them. In other words, at least 50% of the voting shares in the company must be owned by the business owners.
  • The applicant needs to demonstrate that he has enough money to support himself and his family in Canada. Keep in mind that you are not permitted to borrow any money.
  • Your business must be innovative to be able to compete in the industry and also create jobs for Canadians.
  • The candidate must have a minimum investment from an accredited venture fund of 200,000 CAD. Another option is $75,000 from a specific angel group. Additionally, you are exempted from the capital requirement if your company is listed under the incubator/accelerator program category.

 

How to apply

  • Once you have satisfied the aforementioned prerequisites, you must obtain the application package, which includes a document checklist and an instruction manual. Filling out the form on your computer is simple.
  • Additionally, make sure that you are filling out the form completely and accurately before printing it. Any incorrect information could lead to the application being denied.
  • Put the printed application and all the supporting documentation listed in the checklist in a sealed envelope. Pay the application fee, which includes the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF), biometrics, and third-party payments. This price also covers the processing costs for you and any other applicants included in the application. Online payments are accepted.
  • Get your picture and fingerprints taken no later than 30 days after filing the application. The application will be handled for additional validation.

The visa office will get in touch with you following approval and request your passport before issuing your permanent residence visa.

 

 

4. French Tech Visa / Tech Ticket

 

French startup/business visa

 

The French Tech Visa is a program that enables company founders, staff members, and investors to live and work in France for 4 years with the possibility of renewal. The holders of this visa may also grant it to members of their immediate family, including children who are dependents. Additionally, their spouses are granted permission to reside and work in France. No extra work authorization is required.

 

French Tech Ticket is for entrepreneurs who want to launch a company in Paris. For early-stage firms, this is more of an acceleration program lasting six months. This program offers the possibility to extend visas for an additional six months. Founders receive funding ranging from $12,500 to $25,000 each. Free office space is also offered upon successful visa ownership. Each year, 50 businesses are accepted into this cohort program to work with French incubators.

Requirements for founders

 

  • A minimum of one French Tech Visa partner incubator or accelerator must choose the founder through a standard selection process.
  • The minimum amount of capital required is €17,763.20, which is the annual minimum wage in France.
  • An economic innovation startup should have a plan to grow in France.
  • The Direccte, a public organization in France, must provide the founder’s permission.

 

Requirements for employees

Employees must

  • possess a graduate degree.
  • to be employed by a business authorized to hire people using the French Tech Visa and have a work agreement that lasts at least three months
  • be paid a minimum yearly gross income of €35,526.40.

For More info, Click here

How to apply

All applications must be filled out online.

 

5. Global Impact Visa (New Zealand)

This program is designed for business owners and financiers who wish to use startup enterprises to improve the world. Up to 400 people can get assistance from the initiative to incubate their business ideas over the course of three years as part of a fellowship program.

 

Requirements

  • To receive a Letter of Offer, your application must be accepted by the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.
  • For the first year, you should have NZ$36,000 in personal capital to support yourself and your family.

For More info, Click here

 

 

Entrepreneur Residence Category (New Zealand)

 

Successful business owners who have established companies in New Zealand with export potential are eligible for this program. For this particular visa, there are two categories: one that lasts for two years and the other that lasts for six months based on the conditions below.

 

 

Requirements for the 2-year category

  • You must successfully launch or buy a company in New Zealand.
  • At least two years should have passed since your first day of employment.
  • Your company has to have benefited New Zealand in some way.

 

Requirements for the 6-month category

  • You must have made a minimum investment in the business of NZ $500,000.
  • At least three new, full-time positions should have been established for citizens or residents of New Zealand.

 

 

 

6. Chile Startup Visa

 

Chile has a number of programs, and they go far beyond a visa in terms of supporting creative ideas. Accessibility to government funding, assistance from company incubators, and much more. The Startup Chile Community offers assistance at every stage of the startup process. 

 

Chile grants successful applicants a 12-month work visa under this program. It is also one of the nations that processes visas the quickest, approving the permit within 15 days of submission. It also offers room for startups. The program will allow Chilean digital companies to hire skilled overseas workers to collaborate with them.

 

The country of Chile boasts a strong economy (first-rate infrastructure), easy access to talent, a low cost of living, and low taxes. The country offers a lot of opportunities to founders seeking a break.

 

Requirements

  • Startups must be under three years old, have a base team wholly committed to the project, a working product, and early validation in order to qualify.
  • The candidate must be sponsored by a Chilean government organization and get an invitation letter from InvestChile, Start-Up Chile, and the Undersecretariat of Economy in order to apply.
  • The candidate should also be a member of staff or an owner of a Chilean tech company. He may also inAn aspiring businessperson would do well to visit Lithuania.vest in the same or be a partner in it.

 

How to apply

Companies interested in using the Visa Tech system can apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship if you are already a foreign national in Chile.

The business could ask for a Personalized Letter of Invitation for Business Purposes if you aren’t in Chile. If approved, this will provide him access to Chile so he may finish the employment process there. He can later submit a Work Visa application.

 

 

7. Lithuania Startup Visa

 

An aspiring businessperson would do well to visit Lithuania.

Its an ideal place for new entrepreneurs because the permit can be obtained without the business’s founders having to meet any cash or employment requirements. The founders also receive a one-year residency permit and are free to relocate with their families. If the applicant satisfies all regular immigration standards, his visa may be extended for an additional year.

 

Requirements

  • The startup must be involved in high-tech fields including biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, mechatronics, electronics, or laser technologies.
  • The applicant requires a letter of authorization from the migration department confirming that the proposed business plan is acceptable for the program.

 

How to apply

The candidate can obtain an online interview and submit an application on behalf of the team, experience, and business.

Fill out the application by listing the company’s founders, leadership, products, and business strategy.

Include supporting papers, such as your resume and diplomas, in the application.

Once approved, the independent evaluation committee will receive the application and the recorded interview. Perhaps it will take 15 days.

 

8. Estonia Startup Visa

The birthplace of Skype, Estonia is the nation in the European Union with the most startups per person. The country boasts some high-profile investors.

 

The Estonian government recognized this potential and currently provides several different Estonian visas and residence permits. The typical founder visa is a renewable 12-month visa that also grants the founder’s spouse a working visa and residency 

rights. According to experts, Estonia is among the best countries in the world for startups.

 

The birthplace of Skype, Estonia is the nation in the European Union with the most startups per person. The country boasts some high-profile investors.

 

Requirements

 

If a candidate agrees to spend at least €130 per month in Estonia, he or she will be accepted into the program. A Startup Committee must approve the company or business.

The candidate will also need to exhibit a unique, scaleable business plan with potential for international expansion.

Additionally, the individual must be covered by an active insurance policy in Estonia that is worth at least €30,000.

 

How to apply

 

When applying for a visa, the founders must include information about their team and business plan. A Startup Committee made up of participants in the Estonian startup scene further assesses this.

 

 

 

9. Ireland Startup Entreprenuer Programme

 

Of the top five gaming firms in the world, three are based in Ireland (like EA and Activision). 9 out of 10 of the top internet and technology businesses in the world, including Facebook and Google, are based there. There are more than 2000 startups in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, and the city raised €300 million in 2015.

 

All these, coupled with low company taxes and great access to government assistance, both financially and practically, are one of the reasons founders like Ireland. Membership in the EU and close ties to the American financial and investment communities are additional pros. Additionally, a thriving IT environment and a highly qualified foreign workforce are available to staff your business. There is a strong case to be made for residing and working in Ireland when you consider that it is a renownedly hospitable nation. The perfect topping is a smoothly run, adaptable startup visa program.

 

Requirements

  • The company must have its main offices in Ireland and be less than five years old.Families may immigrate together using the startup visa.
  • The visa has no initial targets for job creation (but should have the potential to create ten jobs in 3–4 years).
  • The founders must demonstrate that they have €50,000 in investment for the company and that their startup idea has a strong chance of success.

 

The Irish startup visa offers founders and their family a route to citizenship and permanent residence in the country.”

 

10. Spain Startup Visa

The goal of the Spain startup visa program is to offer skilled workers and investors from outside the EU a chance to immigrate. Additionally, it’s not too difficult to get this visa, and if it’s granted, the applicant gets a year of residency.

 

Requirements

  • The applicant must remain in Spain throughout.
  • He must provide a report from the Commercial Office that attests to the company’s plan’s goals.
  • He must also demonstrate bank accounts with sufficient savings to support both himself and the applicants.

 

How to Apply

Outside of the country, foreign business founders can apply for the entrepreneur visa at a Spanish consulate. Additionally, people who are currently lawfully residing in Spain are eligible to apply for an entrepreneur permit there. It is also advised that you speak with the embassy.

Have a certified translator translate all of the paperwork into Spanish.

 

11. Portugal Startup Visa

In recent years, Portugal has drawn a lot of businesspeople and investors.

They have made a lot of effort to make doing business simple with programs like “On the Spot Firm” centers. These facilities make it possible to open a new company or a branch of a foreign corporation in less than an hour.

 

Startups that apply to this program are evaluated in five different categories.

  • degree of innovation
  • scalability of the business
  • market potential
  • the capacity of the management team
  • potential for creating jobs

 

Requirements

  • Technology-focused startups are required.
  • It must be able to produce a €325,000 annual turnover.
  • The startup idea must also be creative, have a marketable potential, and have the ability to generate employment.

 

How to apply

 

Complete the online visa application once you have met all the requirements. Please ensure that the application is translated and submitted in either Portuguese or English. After numerous revisions, the incubator examines and certifies it. A notification will be sent to you via the web portal after the application is accepted.

 

Remember to attest to all the documents required for the eligibility process.

 

12. Singapore EntrePass 

 

There are numerous entrepreneur and startup visa categories that are covered by the EntrePass. You may be eligible if you just launched a business or plan to do so. 

It grants two years of residency, with the chance to apply for a permanent stay if you’d like to stay longer.

 

Requirements

  • A Singapore-based business must sponsor the applicant and post a refundable bond of at least SGD 3,000.
  • The company must seek to invest at least SGD 50,000 in capital.
  • Submit a business strategy.

How to apply

Fill out the application form and attach the required EntrePass documents, which include a current passport and English-language references from prior employment, to apply.

 

 

13. Netherlands Entrepreneur Visa

The Netherlands is a nation of business people. The great entrepreneur visa that the Dutch government offers reflects this approach. 

Approved  applicants are referred to the Startup Delta. This is a partnership between the government, accelerators, investment groups, and startups .

The new company founders in the Netherlands are mentored and guided by these groups. The founders have a year to start their business under this program, with the possibility of an additional year.

 

The Netherlands Startup Visa is renewable and a pathway to residency and citizenship if your business is successful. The Netherlands is a country that consistently ranks in the top 10 best places to live in the world.”

 

Requirements

  • You have a really good idea.
  • You will collaborate with a Dutch facilitator, mentor, accelerator, or incubator.
  • You can demonstrate that you have at least €13,000 available to support yourself.

 

 

 

14. Japan Entrepreneur Visa

 

With a fresh program that was unveiled in December 2017, Japan has an intriguing proposal. Currently, the Fukuoka prefecture is the only place where the deal is valid. To support founders during the entire relocation and setup process, the city established the Fukuoka Start-up Café. Help with a variety of concerns, such as setting bank accounts and the visa application procedure itself, as well as assistance with marketing a product in Japan, is included in this service.

 

The six-month startup visa is extendable, and frequent reviews of the business’s development are evaluated. Successful entrepreneurs can take advantage of the city’s programs for office and residential rent subsidies. Although only Fukuoka currently provides an Entrepreneur visa, it is hoped that other regions of Japan will follow.

 

 

There you have it. Other counties like the Denmark, Mauritius, South Korea, Taiwan, etc all have some type of visas for entrepreneurs.

If you need help relocating to a particular country using a startup visa, eMigr8  can help you. We specialize in tech-enabled visas for tech professionals and tech businesses. Indicate interest at www.bincom.net/emigr8

 

 

 

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