The Best Countries for Expats to Get a Startup Visa 2025

Starting a business in a new country can be a challenging yet exciting endeavour, especially for expats who want to make their mark on the global stage. One of the best ways to do this is through a startup visa – a programme designed to help entrepreneurs establish innovative businesses in foreign markets. With the right visa, expats can gain the legal permission to live and work in their chosen country whilst building a thriving business.

In 2025, many countries are offering attractive startup visa programmes, each with its own set of advantages, eligibility criteria, and application processes. This blog explores the best countries for expats to secure a startup visa, with information about the key benefits and requirements for each destination.

A startup visa is a type of residence or entry permit designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch a business in a new country. These visas are typically aimed at expats whose business ideas have the potential to contribute to the local economy, create jobs, and drive innovation.

Unlike traditional work visas, startup visas won’t require a job offer from a local employer. Instead, applicants will be assessed based on the strength of their business proposal, their entrepreneurial experience, and sometimes their access to funding or support from an approved incubator or accelerator.

The criteria, benefits, and application processes for startup visas vary widely by country, but most will offer temporary residence with the option to extend or transition to permanent residency if certain business milestones are met.

Below are some of the best countries in 2025 offering attractive startup visa options for expats, each with its own advantages, processes, and potential for business growth.

Canada’s Start-up Visa programme is one of the most established options for expats looking to launch a business abroad. Successful applicants can obtain permanent residency after 2.5 years of living and operating their business in Canada.

The application process can be competitive and time-consuming – it typically takes around 12 to 16 months to process. To be eligible, applicants must secure support from a designated organisation, such as an approved venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator, and prove that their business idea is innovative, scalable, and likely to create jobs in Canada. There are also some additional requirements, such as meeting language proficiency standards (English or French) and having enough settlement funds to cover the applicant and any dependents.

Canada stands out as a startup destination thanks to its strong economy, diverse talent pool, and government-backed support for innovation. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer vibrant tech and business ecosystems, while Canada’s quality of life, multicultural society, and access to the North American market make it an attractive choice for expat entrepreneurs.

The Netherlands offers a dedicated Startup Visa scheme for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to launch an innovative business. The visa grants a one-year residence permit to build the startup with the support of an approved facilitator, typically a business incubator or accelerator.

The application process is relatively streamlined compared to other EU countries, but applicants must meet a few key requirements. These include having an innovative business idea, collaborating with a recognised facilitator, and showing that the business will contribute to the Dutch economy. Applicants will also need to have sufficient financial means to live in the Netherlands for a year and provide a step-by-step plan for their business activities.

The Netherlands is a popular destination for startups due to its open economy, strong infrastructure, and international outlook. Amsterdam in particular has become a major European hub for tech and creative industries, and provides excellent access to funding, co-working spaces, and global talent. The Dutch government is highly supportive of innovation, and the country’s strategic location makes it an ideal launchpad for expanding into European and global markets.

The United Kingdom offers the Innovator Founder Visa, designed for non-EU entrepreneurs looking to establish a business that is innovative, viable, and scalable. This visa is a great option for expats with strong business ideas who want to bring new products or services to the UK market.

The application process for the Innovator Founder Visa is relatively straightforward. Applicants will need to secure an endorsement from an approved UK organisation, such as a business incubator or venture capital firm that supports innovative ideas. The business must be new and demonstrate a clear potential for growth. In addition, you’ll need to show proof of investment funds (£50,000 minimum) and meet English language requirements. The visa grants a three-year stay, with the possibility of extension and eventual transition to permanent residency if the business meets specific growth criteria.

The UK is a highly attractive destination for startups due to its robust economy, access to global markets, and strong support for innovation and entrepreneurship. London remains one of the world’s leading financial and tech hubs, offering access to a wealth of resources, from venture capital to a skilled workforce. The UK’s diverse business landscape, coupled with a favourable regulatory environment for startups, makes it an ideal location for expat entrepreneurs seeking growth and opportunity.

Whilst there’s no dedicated “startup visa” in New Zealand, there is an Entrepreneur Work Visa, which is suitable for those looking to establish a business in the country. It allows successful applicants to live and operate a business in New Zealand for up to three years, after which you can apply for permanent residency through the Entrepreneur Residence Category.

The application process is relatively structured, but it can be demanding. You’ll need to submit a detailed business plan and show you have at least NZD $100,000 in investment capital (excluding working capital). If the business is in the science or IT sectors, you may be able to have this investment requirement waived. The business must show potential for significant economic benefit to New Zealand, and applicants are initially granted a 12-month visa to set up the business, followed by a 24-month extension if progress is demonstrated. You’ll also need to show adequate English language proficiency and a clean health and character record.

New Zealand is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs thanks to its business-friendly regulations, high quality of life, and reputation for innovation, particularly in sectors like agritech and digital services. The country consistently ranks well in global ease-of-doing-business indexes, and its smaller size typically means quicker access to decision-makers, funding opportunities, and support networks.

Singapore offers the EntrePass visa for foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the country. This visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business that has high growth potential and contributes to Singapore’s economy, particularly in fields like technology, biomedical, and clean energy.

The application process for the EntrePass can be competitive and requires a solid business plan that shows how the business will bring innovation or economic value. You’ll need to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself whilst you set up the business, and the business must meet certain criteria, such as generating a minimum level of revenue or job creation after a set period. Entrepreneurs are typically granted an initial one-year visa, which can be extended for up to five years based on the company’s progress.

Singapore is a great destination for entrepreneurs due to its business-friendly environment, low tax rates, and reputation as a global financial hub. The city-state has a highly developed infrastructure, access to world-class talent, and an extensive network of trade agreements, which have made it a gateway to both the Asian and global markets. Its strong focus on innovation and technology, coupled with government initiatives that support startups, further cements Singapore as a top choice for expat entrepreneurs.

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