Guide
Which Countries Offer Entrepreneur Visas for Startup Founders?
Immigration
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Key takeaways
- An entrepreneur visa (also known as a startup visa) allows foreign founders to live and work in another country while building a startup.
- Many countries offer dedicated startup visa programs to attract innovative businesses and global talent.
- Benefits often include residency rights for founders and their families, access to local startup ecosystems, and potential pathways to permanent residency or citizenship.
- The best country for your startup depends on factors like funding requirements, industry focus, language, tax environment, and growth plans.
- Working with an immigration partner like Deel helps founders compare countries, assess eligibility, and manage the entire visa process with confidence.
Many countries around the world offer entrepreneur and startup visas designed specifically for foreign founders who want to build and scale businesses abroad. These visas allow startup founders to live and work legally while launching innovative companies that contribute to local economies.
In this guide, we break down which countries offer entrepreneur visas, how these programs work, and how startup founders can choose the best destination based on their business goals, funding stage, and long-term mobility plans.
Who this guide is best for
This guide is designed for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and early-stage business owners who are asking:
- Which countries offer entrepreneur or startup visas?
- Where can I legally start a business as a foreign founder?
- What are the differences between startup visa programs by country?
- How do I choose the best country to launch or relocate my startup?
If you’re exploring international expansion, relocating as a founder, or launching a new venture abroad, this guide will help you understand your options clearly and confidently.
What’s included
Inside this entrepreneur visa guide, you’ll find:
A breakdown of which countries offer entrepreneur and startup visas:
- An overview of the most founder-friendly startup visa programs
- Eligibility requirements by country, including funding and business criteria
- A step-by-step look at the entrepreneur visa application process
- How Deel helps startup founders relocate, apply, and stay compliant globally
FAQs
What countries offer entrepreneur and startup visas?
Several countries actively encourage foreign startup founders through dedicated entrepreneur or startup visa programs. Popular destinations include:
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Portugal
- Estonia
- Australia
- Singapore
- United States (via founder-focused and alternative visa pathways)
Each country’s entrepreneur visa program has different eligibility requirements, investment thresholds, approval timelines, and long-term residency options. Some programs prioritize innovation and venture backing, while others focus on job creation or economic impact.
What’s the easiest way for a business owner to relocate and run their company?
For startup founders and business owners, relocating internationally isn’t just about getting a visa — it’s about choosing a solution that allows you to legally live in a country, actively run your company, and grow without unnecessary bureaucracy.
In practice, the most founder-friendly entrepreneur visa options tend to:
- Allow founders to own and operate their business
- Avoid annual visa lotteries or strict wage rules
- Offer residency rights for families
- Provide a clear path to long-term residence if the business succeeds
That’s why many business owners prioritize startup visas, entrepreneur visas, or founder-focused alternatives over traditional employment-based work visas. The right option depends on your nationality, business model, funding stage, and long-term plans — which is where expert guidance makes the biggest difference.
Why are more startup founders launching businesses abroad?
Moving your startup overseas can unlock access to new markets, top global talent, investor networks, and founder-friendly immigration pathways. Many governments actively support foreign entrepreneurs whose businesses can drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
However, researching entrepreneur visa options by country can quickly become overwhelming. Each program comes with its own requirements around business plans, funding levels, local sponsorship, and approval processes.
This guide breaks down startup visa options by country, explains eligibility criteria in plain language, and helps founders understand which destinations are realistic for their situation and stage of growth.
How does Deel support startup founders with entrepreneur visas?
Navigating entrepreneur visa applications across different countries can be complex and time-consuming. Deel simplifies the process by helping founders manage everything in one place.
With Deel, you can:
- Compare entrepreneur and startup visa options across countries
- Understand eligibility requirements before you apply
- Prepare and submit required documentation, including business plans
- Track timelines and deadlines across jurisdictions
- Relocate yourself and your family with confidence
Our global immigration experts handle the complexity so you can focus on building your business — not paperwork.