What is a startup visa?
A startup visa is a residence route for founders who want to build an innovative, scalable company in another country. Instead of a job offer, applicants usually need an endorsement: a recognized incubator, accelerator, venture fund or government agency confirms that the business idea is new and has growth potential. Requirements differ widely. Some countries ask for a minimum amount of capital or proof of personal funds, others for a business plan reviewed by an expert panel. Most startup visas grant temporary residence first and count toward permanent residence later, while a few lead to permanent status directly.
Residence by investment and golden visas
Residence-by-investment programs, often called golden visas, grant a residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment. Depending on the country, that can be a contribution to an investment fund, government bonds, a stake in a business or real estate. They suit investors and families who want residence rights without running a startup. Several European programs have closed or narrowed since 2023, so the current status of a program matters as much as its price. Most require you to hold the investment for a set number of years, and some require very little time in the country.
Permanent residence
Permanent residence lets you live and work in a country without a fixed end date on your permit. It usually requires several years of continuous lawful residence, a clean record, stable income and, increasingly, language and integration tests. For founders the clock often starts with the first residence permit, so the startup route you choose sets your timeline. A few countries grant permanent residence on approval of a founder or investor application, while others, such as the United Arab Emirates, offer long-term renewable visas instead of a permanent status.
Citizenship and second passports
Citizenship is usually the final stage: naturalization after a set period of residence, often five to ten years, with language, civics and good-character requirements. Whether you can keep your original nationality depends on the dual citizenship rules of both countries. Citizenship by investment, where a government grants nationality in exchange for a qualifying contribution, is offered by only a small number of countries and faces growing international scrutiny, so it deserves particularly careful due diligence.