Top 10 Countries Granting Entrepreneur Visas in 2025

If you are an entrepreneur with big ideas and global ambitions, several countries now welcome you with special visas designed just for entrepreneurs. 

These programs let you launch or grow your business abroad, often leading to permanent residency or even citizenship. 

Here’s a look at 10 of the most entrepreneur visa in 2025 and how you can apply:

1. Canada’s Start‑Up Visa Program

Canada makes it easy for innovative founders to settle and scale their businesses. To qualify, you must secure support from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

You also need to meet basic language requirements (English or French) and show you have enough money to live here.

Successful applicants receive permanent resident status immediately, providing them with immediate access to Canada’s market and social services.

2. United Kingdom’s Innovator Founder Visa

The UK replaced its old Start‑Up and Innovator visas with this single route. You need an endorsement from an approved UK body that assesses your business idea as genuine, viable, and scalable; however, there is no fixed investment threshold.

After three years, you can apply for permanent settlement. This visa suits founders who want access to London’s tech scene or access to European networks.

3. United States’ International Entrepreneur Parole

Although technically not a “startup visa,” this parole program allows founders of high-growth firms to stay in the U.S. for up to five years.

To qualify, you must prove you’ve received funding (at least $250,000 from U.S. investors) or government grants, and that your startup shows potential for rapid growth and job creation. Many entrepreneurs use this as a stepping stone toward H‑1B or EB‑5 investor visas.

4. Portugal’s Startup Visa

Portugal invites non‑EU tech founders to join one of its certified incubators or accelerator programs. You’ll need to present a solid business plan that creates jobs and shows a path to revenue.

The visa grants residence for an initial period and, after five years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Portugal’s low living costs and vibrant startup hubs like Lisbon and Porto are big draws.

5. Singapore’s EntrePass

Singapore’s EntrePass targets founders in tech, biotech, and other innovative sectors. You need backing from a government‑approved incubator, accelerator or venture firm, or show that you have at least SGD 50,000 in funding.

The visa is valid for up to two years and renewable, and successful entrepreneurs can later apply for permanent residency under Singapore’s Global Investor Program.

6. Australia’s Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

Under the “Entrepreneur Stream,” you must demonstrate a business plan with funding or grants of at least AUD 200,000. You’ll also need a state or territory government nomination.

The visa lasts four years, with a path to permanent residency (Subclass 888) if you meet performance milestones, such as job creation and turnover targets, during that time.

7. Germany’s Self‑Employment Visa

Germany welcomes entrepreneurs whose businesses add economic or social value. You must present a strong plan and show how your venture meets local demand, especially in underserved regions like Berlin or Hamburg.

After three years of successful operation and sufficient income, you can apply for permanent residency. Germany’s visa is popular for tech startups and creative businesses.

8. Spain’s Entrepreneur Law Visa

Spain’s “Startup Act” allows non‑EU founders with innovative business ideas to obtain a one‑year residence permit, renewable for up to five years.

Your project must be approved by Spain’s trade and investment office (ICEX), and you’ll need to prove you have at least €70,000 in capital or private funding. After five years, you can apply for long‑term residency or citizenship.

9. Ireland’s Start‑Up Entrepreneur Programme

Ireland targets founders in technology, life sciences and related fields. You need at least €50,000 in funding, either from your own resources or from a qualified investor, and you must show how your startup can grow and create jobs.

Successful applicants get a two‑year residence permit, extendable toward permanent residency if they meet growth and employment targets.

10. France’s French Tech Visa for Founders

Part of France’s broader “French Tech” initiative, this visa lets you settle for up to four years with approval from a recognised incubator or accelerator. You must prove you have at least €30,000 in funding and a viable plan to expand in France.

Family reunification is fast‑tracked, and after five years, you can apply for French permanent residency or citizenship.