Start-Up Visas Abroad for International Citizens

Start-ups abroad are innovative ventures established in foreign countries, driven by entrepreneurs seeking new markets, diverse talent pools, and international opportunities. These dynamic enterprises leverage cutting-edge technologies and disruptive business models to address global challenges and meet customer needs. Thriving in competitive ecosystems, start-ups abroad foster cross-cultural collaborations, promoting knowledge exchange and economic growth. Their rapid scalability, agility, and adaptability make them attractive investments for local and international investors. By bridging geographical boundaries, these start-ups contribute significantly to the global economy and enhance international cooperation, ushering in a new era of interconnectedness and shared prosperity.

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program enables foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and potential for growth to immigrate. To qualify, they must secure funding from a designated Canadian investment organization and receive a letter of support. The program aims to attract diverse start-up talent and boost the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Canada does offer a start-up visa that lets you establish your business in the country. You should create jobs for Canadian and your business should be innovative and be able to compete on a global scale. This visa will also require a letter of support from a designated organisation and will allow you to become a Canadian resident subsequently.

• You must have a qualifying business
  • A qualifying business means you created a business that meets the following conditions.
    • At the time you get a commitment from a designated organization:
      • Each applicant holds 10% or more of the voting rights attached to all shares of the corporation outstanding at that time (up to 5 people can apply as owners)
        AND
      • Applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights attached to all corporation shares outstanding at that time.
    • At the time you receive your permanent residence:
      • You provide active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada
      • an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada
      • This business is incorporated in Canada
• You must get a letter of support from a designated organization
  • You must get a letter of support from a designated organization (a business group that has been approved to invest in or support possible start-ups).
  • You’ll need to:
    • contact the designated organization to find out how to get its support
    • convince the organization that you have a business idea that is worth supporting
    • get a letter of support from the designated organization
• You must meet the language requirements
  • You must take a language test from an approved agency and include the results with your application, or we won’t process it.
  • You must meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all of these four areas:
    • Speaking
    • Reading
    • Listening
    • Writing
• You must bring enough money to settle
  • The Canadian government does not provide financial assistance to new immigrants on start-up visas.
  • You must demonstrate in your application that you will be able to support yourself and any dependents after you arrive in Canada. This money cannot be borrowed from a third party.

• You must fill out the application online through the official portal

For more information, visit here.

The Innovator Founder Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and strong potential for growth to establish and operate a start-up in UK. It is designed to attract and retain talented founders who can contribute to the country’s economy and innovation ecosystem.

• You need to have your business or business idea assessed by an endorsing body. The organisation will provide an endorsement letter if your business is eligible.
• You must also:
  • You must meet the English language requirement
  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must be able to prove that you have enough personal savings to support yourself while you’re in the UK

• You must apply online through the official website
• Documents required
  • An endorsement letter to show that an endorsing body has assessed your business or business idea.
  • A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
  • Bank statements showing you’ve had at least £1,270 in savings in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply
  • Proof of English language requirement
  • Proof of tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

For more information, visit here.

The Business Innovation and Investment Subclass 188 visa is an Australian visa program that encourages business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs to migrate to Australia temporarily. It offers several streams, including Business Innovation, Investor, and Entrepreneur, providing opportunities for eligible applicants to conduct business activities and invest in the country. The Business Innovation and Investment Subclass 188 visa lets you stay in Australia for 5 years and subsequently get Australian residency if you want to start in Australia.

• You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
• You must be nominated by a State or Territory government agency or Austrade 
• You must be invited to apply for the visa

• You must apply online through the official portal
• Documents required
  • Identity documents
  • Business and assets documents
  • Points Test documents
  • English language documents
  • Health documents
  • Character documents
  • Partner documents
  • Dependents under 18 documents
  • Dependents over 18 documents

For more information, visit here.

The Entrepreneur Work Visa for New Zealand allows foreign entrepreneurs to work and live in the country while establishing or buying a business. Applicants must have a viable business plan, demonstrate relevant experience, and meet financial requirements. Successful visa holders can later apply for residency under the Entrepreneur Residence Category.

• You must provide proof of your identity
• You must be in good health
• You must be of good character
• You must be a fit and proper person
• You must be able to speak English
• You can include your partner and any dependent children up to the age of 24 in your application
• You must show us that you’re able to make a capital investment of at least NZ $100,000
• For us to consider a capital investment of less than NZ $100,000, you must request a waiver
• You must be awarded at least 120 points on our points scale
• You must provide a detailed business plan
• You must have New Zealand occupational registration if it’s required to run your business in New Zealand
• You must start up your business within 12 months
• You must agree to take part in an evaluation of the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category

• You must apply online through the official website
• You must prepare and gather all the documentation you need for this visa
• You must complete the ‘Entrepreneur Work Visa Application’ and will need to send it with the application fee of NZD$3,920 (1,97,632 INR)

For more information, visit here.

Portugal’s start-up visa, also known as the “Tech Visa,” allows non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs to create and develop innovative start-ups in the country. Applicants need a qualifying business idea, potential for scalability, and private investment or incubator support. Successful candidates receive a one-year visa, renewable, and access to the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem.

International entrepreneurs wishing to access the Startup Visa and obtain a residence and work visa must accomplish the following criteria:

• You should not be a European citizen
• You must not have a criminal record
• You must be older than 18 years
• You must have 5200 euros in your bank account

• Intend to develop business activities to produce innovative goods and services
• Open or relocate companies and/or projects focused on technology and knowledge, with a perspective of developing innovative products
• Have the potential to create qualified employment
• Have the potential to attain, 5 years after the incubation period, a turnover over €325,000 (2,94,84,650 INR) per year and/or assets value over €325,000 (2,94,84,650 INR) per year

• You must apply online through the official portal

For more information, visit here.

Estonia’s start-up visa program enables non-EU/EEA founders to launch and develop start-ups in the country. Applicants need an innovative business plan, a local business sponsor, and proof of financial sustenance. Successful candidates receive a one-year visa, allowing them to work and reside in Estonia while growing their start-ups. This little country in Europe has one of the best start-up visas available with a very quick processing time.

To be eligible for the Startup Visa as a founder, you’ll need:

• A Technology-based, innovative, and scalable business. Your business model is expected to pack global growth potential
• Approval from the Startup Committee stating that you meet the definition of a startup and can pursue the Startup Visa
• At least €800 (72,536 INR) for every month you want to spend in Estonia

• You must fill out the qualification form
• The Startup Committee will review the application
• If the company passes the qualification, fill out the startup-visa application or the application for a temporary residence permit using the unique application code

For more information, visit here.

Start-Up Denmark is a Danish government initiative that attracts international entrepreneurs to launch and grow their innovative start-ups in Denmark. It offers a visa and residency support to selected start-up teams, providing access to a vibrant start-up ecosystem, mentorship, and funding opportunities, fostering entrepreneurial growth and international collaboration.

• Startup Denmark is for self-employed persons, and only non-EU (European Union), non-EEA (European Economic Area), and non-Swiss citizens can apply.
• Up to three non-EU/EEA citizens can submit a business plan as a team. If the Startup Denmark expert panel approves the business plan, the applicants must apply individually for a residence and work permit from the immigration authorities.
• A non-EU/EEA citizen can submit a business plan with EU/EEA citizens if they are part of the team behind the start-up. However, EU/EEA citizens do not need residence and work permits for Denmark due to the EU rules on the free movement of persons and services.

• You must apply online through the official portal

For more information, visit here.

The Spanish Startup Visa allows non-EU entrepreneurs to create and run innovative start-ups in Spain. Applicants require a business plan, endorsement from an accredited organization, and financial means. The visa is renewable, offering entrepreneurs an opportunity to thrive in Spain’s dynamic business ecosystem and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

• You need a favourable report for your business idea by the Directorate General for International Trade Investments Spain
• You must have a clean criminal record

• You must apply online through the official portal
• Documents required
  • Complete passport (must be valid at the time of application) and a copy
  • Private medical insurance with no deductibles or co-payments, contracted with a Spanish company for 1 year
  • Criminal record certificate from all countries that you have resided in for the last 5 years
  • Economic means to support yourself during the three years and the business you are going to set up. We are talking about 100% of IPREM: €7,200 (6,53,240 INR) for the applicant, €5,400 (4,89,930 INR) for the spouse, and €3,600 (3,26,620 INR) for each minor
  • The favourable report accepts that your entrepreneurship idea is valid. If the Commercial Office approves the business plan, the document can be submitted to the corresponding Immigration Office
  • Proof of payment of the corresponding fee

For more information, visit here.

The EntrePass is a Singaporean visa scheme designed for foreign entrepreneurs wanting to establish and operate a new business in Singapore. Applicants need a viable business plan, sponsorship by a government-approved agency, and relevant qualifications or experience. Successful candidates receive a visa, enabling them to work and reside in Singapore.

• EntrePass is open to all nationalities/citizenships.
• Have started, or intend to start, a private limited company registered with ACRA that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.
  • If registered, the company must be under 6 months old on the date you apply.
  • If not registered, you can do so after you know the outcome of your application.
• Meet any of the following innovative criteria as an entrepreneur, innovator, or investor listed below. You do not need to meet all the criteria for each respective profile, but having more qualifications would help your application.
  • Entrepreneur
    • Has funding from a government-recognised VC or business angel
    • Is an incubatee at a government-recognised incubator or accelerator
    • Has a business network and entrepreneurial track record
  • Innovator
    • Holds an intellectual property
    • Has a research collaboration with an IHL or research institute in Singapore
    • Has extraordinary achievements in key areas of expertise
  • Investor
    • Has an investment track record

• You must apply online through the official website
• Documents required
  • Personal particulars page of your passport.
  • If available, past employment testimonials in English or a resume to elaborate on professional experiences, awards, or recognitions.
  • (For businesses registered with ACRA) Company’s latest business profile or instant information from Bizfile.
  • A business plan in English, maximum 10 pages, consisting of:
    • Product and service offered
    • Market analysis
    • Operation plan
    • Profile of management team
    • Supporting documents, e.g. licensing agreements, product certificates, and endorsement patents

For more information, visit here.

The French Tech Visa is a French government initiative that allows foreign tech talents, founders, and investors to work and live in France. It offers four streams: the Talent Passport, the Employee Passport, the Start-up Passport, and the Investor Passport, facilitating the integration of international talent into France’s thriving tech ecosystem. The French Tech Visa lets you start or invest in a French start-up, whatever floats your boat. The visa is renewable and will also let your family travel with you, but you need to fulfil the criteria of getting support from a French-authorised body.

• An innovative business project they want to develop in France.
• Recognition of the project by a public-sector body ;
• Sufficient annual financial means corresponding to the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC), i.e. €20,966 (19,02,874 INR) as of May 1, 2023.

• You must apply online through the official website with a standard processing fee of €324 (29,406 INR)

For more information, visit here.

In conclusion, start-ups abroad are crucial in fostering global innovation and economic growth. They represent the spirit of entrepreneurship transcending borders and bringing together diverse talents and ideas to address worldwide challenges. By leveraging the opportunities provided by international markets and ecosystems, these ventures drive technological advancements and disrupt traditional industries. Moreover, start-ups abroad serve as bridges for cross-cultural exchanges and international cooperation, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration among nations. As they continue to flourish, these innovative enterprises hold the potential to shape the future, create job opportunities, and contribute significantly to building a more interconnected and prosperous world.