Business International business

Country-wise How-to Guide to Moving Abroad with Startup Visa route: Eligibility, Application Process, and How-to guide

Aditya Shrivastava

23.01.24

Read time 2 minutes

Dreaming of launching your startup on the world stage? Whether you seek the dynamic energy of the US, the innovation hub of Europe, or the thriving tech scene of Asia, we've got you covered with our guide to the application process and eligibility requirements of the top destinations.

Additionally, we invite to you Wise Business that provides an international account for global entrepreneurs — a perfect fit for founders with roots abroad.

Wise Business Account for Startups 🚀

What is a Startup Visa?

A startup visa, also known as an entrepreneur visa, innovator visa, or founder visa depending on the country, is a temporary residency permit offered by certain countries to foreign nationals who are launching innovative and high-growth businesses within their borders. These visas aim to attract and retain talented entrepreneurs who can contribute to the local economy by:

Creating jobs: Successful startups often create new employment opportunities for both local residents and international talent.
Boosting innovation: The influx of new ideas and technologies fostered by startups can lead to increased innovation and competitiveness in the local economy.
Driving economic growth: Thriving startups contribute to economic growth through increased tax revenue, foreign investment, and overall economic activity.

Startup Visa Benefits for the Applicants:

Access to new markets and talent: Startup visas offer entrepreneurs the chance to tap into new markets and customer bases, potentially larger than those available in their home countries. They can also access a pool of skilled and diverse talent to help their businesses grow.
Supportive ecosystem: Many countries offering startup visas have established robust startup ecosystems with resources such as incubators, accelerators, funding opportunities, and mentorship programs.
Path to permanent residency or citizenship: In some cases, startup visas can be a stepping stone towards obtaining permanent residency or even citizenship in the host country.

Startup Visa Benefits for the Country:

Economic diversification: By attracting startups in various sectors, countries can diversify their economies and reduce dependence on traditional industries.
Job creation: As mentioned earlier, successful startups create new job opportunities, contributing to economic growth and social development.
Knowledge transfer: Startup visa programs can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from international entrepreneurs to the local workforce.
Enhanced innovation ecosystem: The influx of foreign entrepreneurs and their innovative ideas can stimulate the development of a more vibrant and competitive innovation ecosystem within the country.

Getting Approved for a Startup Visa:

The application process for a startup visa typically involves demonstrating that:

You have a strong entrepreneurial background and experience.
Your business idea is innovative, has high-growth potential, and addresses a genuine market need.
Your venture has a viable business plan and a clear path to profitability.
Your business will create jobs and contribute positively to the host country's economy.

By thoroughly preparing your application and highlighting the potential benefits your startup brings to the country, you can increase your chances of receiving a startup visa and launching your business venture abroad.

Guide to Startup Visas to Top Countries

Our step-by-step guide to the application process and review of the startup visa programs to the popular countries that offer them:

UK	France	Denmark
USA	Estonia	Germany
UAE	Finland	Lithuania
Spain	Canada	Singapore
Ireland	Sweden	Switzerland
New Zealand	Portugal	Netherlands

Meet Wise: International Account for Global Entrepreneurs

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Wise Business Account for Startups

Take your startup to new places with the Wise Business Account. With one account, you can transfer money to suppliers, pay distributed staff and receive payments from abroad. The Wise Business Account provides you local bank details in multiple currencies so clients can pay you in the currency that is most convenient for them.

Over 300,000 businesses use a Wise Business Account to operate internationally every quarter. Sign up today and see how much easier global payments can be with Wise.

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.