Looking to launch your innovative venture in a new market? Explore these entrepreneur-friendly nations offering startup visas to attract global talent.
Where are the hottest global hubs for international founders? Explore top-tier startup ecosystems offering enticing entrepreneur visa programs, their eligibility criteria, and unique advantages.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands' popularity, evidenced by its influx of tourists and soaring housing prices, underscores its appeal. Dutch expat life is further enriched by the best work-life balance in the OECD, seamless cross-border business opportunities, and a position as the second most innovative country globally, just behind Switzerland.
Starting a business in the Netherlands is remarkably straightforward, with the World Bank estimating that it involves just four procedures completed in slightly over three days.
The Dutch Startup Visa targets entrepreneurs seeking an international base for innovative ventures. Alongside a groundbreaking concept, applicants must:
Collaborate with a government-recognized facilitator
Present a detailed plan demonstrating profitability and benefits to the Netherlands
Register with the local chamber of commerce
Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses in the Netherlands for a year
Approval typically occurs within three weeks, granting a one-year entrepreneur visa accompanied by tax incentives and access to financing.
In addition to technology and life sciences, the Dutch show a strong interest in innovations across sectors such as horticulture, agri-food, water management, creative industries, and logistics.
Hong Kong
Interested in expanding your business to China? Hong Kong might be your best bet. According to the World Bank, it's the fifth most business-friendly location for startups and the fourth easiest place for maintaining smooth operations.
While fluency in Cantonese or Mandarin isn't a strict necessity for conducting business, it can be beneficial for tasks like property registration, securing credit, or dealing with insolvency, where the region scores lower. It's also worth noting that business registration costs have increased recently.
Nevertheless, Hong Kong offers numerous advantages: a liberal economic system, minimal trade barriers, a transparent legal framework, strong intellectual property rights, and low taxes, all making it an attractive hub for businesses targeting the Asia-Pacific market.
Hong Kong does not require a minimum capital investment for its Entry for Investment entrepreneur visa. However, applicants must present a detailed two-year business plan. This plan should include revenue projections, a thorough market analysis, and a description of how the business will contribute to the local economy.
Authorities require evidence of capital investment sufficient to cover start-up and operational costs for three to six months. Factors such as your educational background and the appropriateness of your office location are also considered.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam aims to enhance the technology, innovation, and creative services sectors to diversify the economy. Her vision is supported by the Greater Bay Area initiative, a planned urban cluster expected to be valued at HK$28 trillion by 2030.
Singapore
This small nation stands out as a global financial hub with a robust export-driven economy. Its well-connected transport system and logistics hub, which serves around four billion people across Asia, make Singapore an ideal place to start a business.
The World Bank ranks the Lion City as the top destination in Asia – and second globally – for business activities. It earns high marks for reducing the time to launch a new company to just over a day. Renowned as the best place in the world for contract enforcement, Singapore has recently updated its Companies Act to enhance ownership transparency. With its strong, growth-oriented ecosystem, Singapore consistently ranks among the world’s most competitive economies.
Singapore's EntrePass, introduced in 2017, has streamlined the process for foreign entrepreneurs to set up shop on the island. To secure an entrepreneur visa, expats must meet specific requirements. These include securing at least SG$100,000 in funding from a government-approved venture capitalist or angel investor.
Certain business ventures are off-limits to foreign investors, including coffee shops, bars, food courts, massage parlors, and employment agencies. On the other hand, Singapore actively seeks innovators in strategic sectors like:
Life sciences
Energy
Chemicals
Aerospace
Electronics wafers
If you're an engineer with a patent, Singapore should be a prime consideration for setting up your business.
New Zealand
New Zealand ranks first in the World Bank’s 2019 Ease of Doing Business Index, excelling in protecting investors, registering property, and starting a business, all of which are in the top three globally. The country's regulatory environment is highly supportive of innovation, allowing new businesses to start in just one day with one procedure, provided the company name is reserved 20 days in advance. New Zealand also consistently ranks high in quality of life metrics.
Expatriates interested in starting a business in New Zealand find the process quite accessible. The Entrepreneur Work Visa enables individuals to purchase or establish a business as a pathway to residency. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive business plan, commit a minimum of NZ$100,000 towards their venture, and achieve a score of 120 on the points assessment.
New Zealand has seen economic growth exceeding 3% in the three years leading up to 2017. There is a concerted effort to shift from an agrarian economy to a hub for emerging and disruptive technologies. With substantial investment flowing into startups, there are compelling reasons for aspiring entrepreneurs to consider relocating to this unique corner of the globe.
United Kingdom
Despite the economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the United Kingdom remains an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. If you have a business idea that can navigate or even capitalize on the chaos, the UK might be an ideal location for your startup.
According to the World Bank, the UK ranks:
19th in ease of starting a business, with a straightforward process involving just four procedures
9th in overall ease of doing business, making it an attractive option for companies looking to establish a presence
With a startup launch time of just over four days, the UK offers a relatively efficient environment for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.
UK Entrepreneur Visas: Opportunities for Non-EEA Nationals
In March 2019, the UK introduced two new entrepreneur visas to attract international talent:
Start-up Visa (2 years): For non-EEA nationals with a business idea, who can support themselves financially. Ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Innovator Visa (3 years): Requires a minimum investment of £50,000 and endorsement from a recognized organization. Founders cannot work outside their business.
Common Requirements
Endorsement from a business, university, or incubator
Focus on technology, financial services, and science sectors
Why Choose the UK?
The UK's economy, the world's sixth-largest, is forecast to grow above 1.5% in 2020
A solid destination for entrepreneurs, despite Brexit's impact on currency value
These visas offer a pathway for international entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in the UK, leveraging its innovative ecosystem and global connections.
Denmark
Denmark stands out as a prime destination for entrepreneurs, ranking third in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index. Its strengths include:
Low Corruption: A transparent and trustworthy environment for businesses to thrive
Strong Infrastructure: Reliable and efficient systems to support enterprise growth
Digital Economy: A forward-thinking approach to commerce and innovation
While ranking 42nd for new company launches, Denmark's process is relatively efficient:
5 Procedures: A straightforward setup process
4 Days: Quick turnaround to get your business up and running
In theory, you could launch your business in Denmark over a long weekend! This makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to establish a presence in a business-friendly environment.
Denmark's entrepreneur visa program attracts cutting-edge businesses with high growth potential, particularly in fields like:
Edtech
Medtech
Fintech
Artificial Intelligence
Over 400 companies have already made Denmark their home, leveraging its innovative ecosystem.
Visa Requirements:
Government Approval: Get your business idea endorsed by the Danish government.
Financial Support: Show DKK137,076 in your bank account to support yourself for the first year.
Active Role: Play a key role in the business, either solo or as part of a team (up to four people).
Visa Benefits:
Initial 2-Year Validity: With a possible 5-year extension.
Fast Processing: Average acceptance time is just four weeks.
Family Inclusion: Bring your family along, provided you can support them financially.
Denmark's Thriving Economy:
Steady GDP Growth: Above 1.5% annual growth from 2017 to 2020.
Access to 500 Million Consumers: Leverage Denmark's strategic location to tap into the European market.
Join the ranks of innovative entrepreneurs in Denmark and take advantage of its business-friendly environment!