More than 50 countries now offer dedicated visa pathways for entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business investors. The requirements range from zero-investment startup visas to multi-million euro investor programmes.
We mapped entrepreneur and business visa options across our database to help you find the right country for your venture.
Entrepreneur Visa Options Worldwide
| Country | Visa/Pathway | Min. Investment (EUR) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Investor Visa, Self-Employment Permit | Varies | 2 |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Antigua and Barbuda Investor Visa | Varies | 1 |
| Argentina | Investor / Entrepreneur Visa | Varies | 1 |
| Armenia | Sole Proprietor Registration | Varies | 1 |
| Australia | Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) | Varies | 1 |
| Austria | Austrian Citizenship by Investment, Red-White-Red Card - Sel | Varies | 3 |
| Azerbaijan | Investment-Based Residence, Entrepreneur Route | Varies | 2 |
| Bahrain | Golden Residency (Permanent), Self-Sponsored Investor Visa ( | Varies | 2 |
| Bangladesh | Private Investment (PI) Visa, Business (B) Visa | Varies | 4 |
| Barbados | Special Entry and Reside Permits (SEP) | Varies | 1 |
| Belarus | Belarus Investor Residence Permit | Varies | 1 |
| Belgium | Professional Card (Self-Employment / Entrepreneur) | Varies | 1 |
| Bolivia | Specific Purpose Visa for Work | Varies | 1 |
| Brazil | Investor Visa (VIPER) | Varies | 1 |
| Brunei | Business Visitor Visa (BVV) | Varies | 1 |
| Bulgaria | Self-Employment / Entrepreneur | Varies | 1 |
| Burkina Faso | Business Investor Visa | Varies | 1 |
| Burundi | Business Visa | Varies | 1 |
| Cabo Verde | Investment Residence Permit | Varies | 1 |
| Cambodia | Self-Employment Permit, Business Visa Extension (EB) | Varies | 2 |
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Check My Eligibility →Types of Entrepreneur Visas
- Startup Visas — Designed for early-stage founders. Often require a viable business plan and acceptance into a local incubator. Low or no financial threshold. Examples: France Tech Visa, UK Innovator Founder, Canada Start-Up Visa.
- Self-Employment Visas — For freelancers and sole traders. Require proof of income or contracts. Examples: Germany Freelancer Visa, Portugal D2, Spain Autónomo.
- Investor Visas — Require capital investment in the local economy. Range from €50,000 to €500,000+. Examples: US EB-5, UK Innovator, UAE Investor Visa.
- Golden Visas — Residency through property or fund investment. Higher thresholds (€250,000-500,000+) but simpler requirements. Examples: Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa, Spain Golden Visa.
Best Countries for Cash-Light Startups
If you have a great idea but limited capital, focus on countries with startup visa programmes that don't require large investments:
- France — French Tech Visa requires acceptance into a recognised programme, not capital
- Canada — Start-Up Visa requires a commitment from a designated organisation
- Estonia — e-Residency + startup visa with low barriers
- Netherlands — Startup visa with 1-year initial permit, facilitated by accredited partner
- UK — Innovator Founder visa requires endorsement, not a specific investment amount
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is easiest to start a business as a foreigner?
Estonia (via e-Residency) is the easiest for company registration. For full residency, Canada's Start-Up Visa and France's French Tech Visa have the lowest financial barriers. The UAE and Singapore offer fast business setup but higher costs.
How much money do I need for an entrepreneur visa?
It ranges enormously. Startup visas in France, Canada, and Estonia require minimal capital (viable business plan instead). Self-employment visas typically need €10,000-50,000 in proof of funds. Investor visas start at €50,000 and go up to €500,000+.
Can I get permanent residency through a business visa?
Yes, in most countries. Business and entrepreneur visas typically lead to permanent residency after 3-5 years of legal residence. Countries like Canada and the UK explicitly include PR pathways in their startup visa programmes.
Do I need to create jobs to qualify?
Some investor visas require job creation (e.g., US EB-5 requires 10 full-time jobs). Most startup and self-employment visas do not require hiring, though creating local employment strengthens renewal applications.
Can I run an online business on an entrepreneur visa?
Yes, but the business must have genuine ties to the host country (registered there, paying local taxes). Some countries like Estonia and Portugal are particularly welcoming of digital/remote businesses.
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