The Startup Visa is a conditional residence permit provided by some countries to invite entrepreneurs who either raise funding or are looking for a permanent stay afterward. Several developed countries offer the startup visa and some immigration rules, allowing foreign founders of promising businesses to thrive in a supportive environment.
Since migrant and refugee entrepreneurs often face legal and cultural obstacles in establishing and maintaining their businesses, leveraging the startup visa could be a golden opportunity for their budding ventures. Here, we’ve compiled a list of fifteen countries offering the startup visa to attract skilled migrant entrepreneurs, aiming to enhance their knowledge, support their innovations, and address real-world problems.
1. United Kingdom
The UK offers the Tier-1 Entrepreneur Visa to those looking to set up or run a business within its borders. Applicants must be from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Key requirements include proficiency in English, access to at least £50,000 in investment capital, a valid passport, and a robust business plan. You can apply up to three months before your planned travel. The visa lasts up to 3 years and 4 months, with the possibility of applying for settlement, known as ‘indefinite leave to remain,’ after completing five years in the UK.
