← Back to Blog

Startup Visa Programs for Entrepreneurs

Tourist visas don't allow commercial activity, and most work visas assume you have an employer. Startup visas can fill that gap if you're looking to start or continue work on a company while living abroad.

UK

The UK's Innovator Founder visa replaced the old Innovator visa. You need endorsement from an approved body that evaluates your business idea for innovation, viability, and scalability.

  • Cost: £1,274 from outside the UK, plus healthcare surcharge
  • Savings: £1,270 minimum held for 28 consecutive days
  • Duration: 3 years, renewable with no limit
  • Settlement: Eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years

The endorsement process involves meetings with the endorsing body (£500 each, minimum 2) plus a £1,000 endorsement fee. Budget around £3,300 before you even get to the visa application.

France

France's French Tech Visa is a fast-tracked Passeport Talent, run jointly by La French Tech (Ministry of Economy) and Business France.

  • Founders must have an innovative project recognized by a public body (incubator, state program, etc.) and show income at least equal to the SMIC. Your incubator needs to be on the approved list.
  • Employees need their startup recognized as innovative by the Ministry of Economy. No separate work permit needed.
  • Investors must invest at least EUR 300,000 in tangible or intangible assets in France and create or save jobs within 4 years.

All three get a 4-year residence permit, renewable. Family members get the same rights, including the right to work.

Portugal

Portugal's Startup Visa is managed by IAPMEI (the government's SME and innovation agency). You sign a contract with a certified incubator and develop your business during the visa period.

  • Funds: EUR 5,146.80 per person in your bank account
  • Goal: Show potential for EUR 325,000 in annual turnover or asset value within 5 years post-incubation
  • Requirements: Incubator agreement, no criminal record, no outstanding debts to Portuguese tax/social security

The financial bar is one of the lowest in Europe.

Netherlands

The Netherlands startup visa gives you 1 year to build your business. You must work with a designated "facilitator," a Dutch organization that mentors and monitors your progress.

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Requirements: Innovative product/service, business plan, sufficient funds to live in the Netherlands
  • After year 1: Apply for a self-employed residence permit or another permit type

The 1-year window is tight. You should arrive with something more than an idea.

Canada (currently closed)

Canada's Start-Up Visa was one of the few programs that led directly to permanent residence. It closed to new applications on December 19, 2025. Only applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate from a designated organization can still apply, and the deadline is June 30, 2026.

Estonia e-Residency (not a visa)

Estonia's e-Residency lets you register and manage a company in Estonia digitally. It does not grant you the right to live in Estonia, travel in the EU, or physically relocate. Useful for borderless business administration, but not an immigration pathway.

Picking the right program

  • Pre-revenue with an idea? Portugal or the Netherlands. Low financial bars, incubator support built in.
  • Funded startup ready to scale? UK or France. Longer visas, clearer paths to permanent residency.
  • Just need a business entity in the EU? Estonia e-Residency, no relocation required.

For personalized guidance on visa categories and applications, work with our network of visa experts on LottaLingo.