An entrepreneur or startup visa lets founders build an innovative company in another country. Unlike an investor visa, it focuses on the business idea and the founder's active role rather than a large passive capital investment.
By Krosz Editorial Team · Reviewed by Krosz Visa Operations · Updated 2026-09-15
Find requirements by country
Pick a destination and your passport — we'll open the right guide.
Destination
Passport
Purpose
Founding and running an innovative company in the destination country.
Who it’s for
Founders with a viable business idea, often backed by an accelerator or investor endorsement.
How you apply
Residence application with a business plan and endorsement evidence.
How Krosz helps
Krosz can help you understand the general entrepreneur visa landscape and point you to specialist advisors. We do not provide business, legal or investment counsel and are not a government authority.
Destinations
Researched from official immigration sources. Each country has its own detailed guide.
Innovator Founder visa
Golden Residence (Golden Visa) for Entrepreneurs
EntrePass
Residence permit for self-employment (Section 21 Residence Act)
Residence permit for start-up
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) - Business Creator / Innovative Economic Project (French Tech Visa)
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP)
Estonian Startup Visa
Residence authorisation for entrepreneurs (Law 14/2013)
Start-up Denmark
Figures come from each country's official immigration source, linked on every guide. Always confirm before applying.
Overview
An entrepreneur or startup visa grants residence to founders who build an innovative, scalable company in the destination. It is designed for active company-building, not passive investment.
Many programmes require an endorsement from an approved accelerator, incubator or investor, plus a credible business plan. Some set a minimum capital and job-creation targets within a few years.
It differs from an investor visa, which is based on a large passive capital commitment, and from a work visa, which is tied to employment with an existing employer.
Exemptions depend on your nationality, destination and circumstances — always confirm for your exact case.
Activities
Founding a company
Incorporating and running your venture.
Working on the venture
Actively managing and growing the business.
Hiring staff
Creating jobs as required by the programme.
Residence
Living in the country as a founder resident.
What you normally cannot do
Documents
Only documents relevant to this category. Exact requirements vary by country — confirm for your destination.
Passport
Valid with sufficient validity and blank pages.
Photograph
Recent photo meeting the destination's rules.
Application form
Completed entrepreneur/startup residence application.
Business plan
Detailed, credible business plan for the venture.
Endorsement letter
Endorsement from an approved accelerator, incubator or investor.
Capital proof
Evidence of funds to support the venture and yourself.
Background checks
Police clearance and due-diligence documents.
Process
Steps may differ by destination and your circumstances.
Develop the business plan
Build a credible, innovative business plan.
Secure endorsement
Obtain endorsement from an approved accelerator, incubator or investor.
Incorporate
Incorporate the company per the programme's rules where required.
Submit the application
Apply with the plan, endorsement, capital and identity documents.
Assessment & processing
The authority assesses innovation, viability and endorsement.
Residence granted
Receive residence, conditional on meeting milestones.
Need help with your Entrepreneur / Startup Visa?
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Comparison
| Point of comparison | Entrepreneur / Startup Visa | Investor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Active company building | Passive capital investment |
| Capital | Lower, focused on the venture | High fixed threshold |
| Endorsement | Often required from an accelerator/investor | Not typically required |
| Milestones | Job creation and business progress | Maintaining the investment |
Be prepared
Practical
FAQ
About the Entrepreneur / Startup Visa, answered by Krosz visa experts.
A residence visa for founders who build and actively run an innovative company in the destination, often with an endorsement from an accelerator or investor.
An entrepreneur visa focuses on actively building a company with a lower capital threshold and endorsement; an investor visa is based on a large passive capital investment.
Many programmes require an endorsement from an approved accelerator, incubator or investor. Check the specific programme.
It varies by programme. You must show funds to build the venture and support yourself, but the threshold is usually lower than an investor visa.
Many programmes include dependants, subject to conditions. Confirm with the specific programme.
Often it is conditional on meeting business and job-creation milestones over a few years. Permanent residence is not automatic.
No. The visa is for working on your own venture, not for taking unrelated local employment.
Krosz can help you understand the landscape and point you to specialist advisors. We do not provide business, legal or investment counsel.
Share your trip and a Krosz visa expert will explain the entrepreneur / startup visa process for your destination. No documents or payment needed at this stage.
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Krosz is a private visa & travel assistance service — not a government website, agency or embassy. Visas are granted solely by the relevant government authorities.
Krosz is a private visa assistance platform and is not affiliated with any government or embassy. Visa decisions are made by the relevant authorities. Last reviewed: 2026-09-15.
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