Startup Visa: Best Countries for Entrepreneurs in 2027

A startup visa lets founders move to a new country to build an innovative business. Each programme has its own rules on funding, endorsement and the type of company that qualifies, and some programmes change quickly. This guide compares the best startup visa countries for 2027 and explains what founders should prepare.

Leading Startup Visa Programmes

This is a summary; each programme has detailed and changing criteria.

What About Canada?

Canada’s Start-up Visa programme stopped accepting new applications on 31 December 2025 after very long backlogs, and the government has said it plans a new entrepreneur pilot. Until details are published, founders should consider other options.

Turkey as a Base for Founders

Turkey does not run a classic startup visa, but founders can set up a 100% foreign-owned company relatively quickly and apply for residence and work permits through it. Istanbul has a large talent pool, lower costs than most European hubs and good flight links. Read how to start a company in Turkey and our work permit in Turkey guide.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

1. Validate your idea with real customers, pilots or traction.
2. Write a clear business plan with market, product, team and financial projections.
3. Show innovation: what is new compared with existing solutions?
4. Prepare funding evidence where the programme requires it.
5. Approach endorsing bodies early; their review can take weeks or months.

Costs to Plan For

• Visa and endorsement fees.
• Proof of personal funds or investment, where required.
• Company setup, accounting and legal fees.
• Living costs while you build revenue.

Plan at least 12 months of runway before you move.

How the Startup Visa Process Works, Step by Step

Although every country designs its own scheme, most startup visa programmes follow a similar sequence. Knowing the order of the steps helps you plan your timeline and avoid paying for things too early.

1. Shortlist countries. Compare eligibility, funding expectations, the sectors each programme favours and whether the permit can lead to longer-term residence.
2. Prepare your business case. Build a business plan, pitch deck, financial projections and evidence of traction such as pilots, letters of intent or early revenue.
3. Secure endorsement or approval. Apply to an endorsing body, certified incubator, facilitator or national agency. This is usually the most selective stage, and some bodies charge assessment fees.
4. Submit the visa or residence application. Once endorsed, apply to the immigration authority with your passport, endorsement letter, proof of funds, health insurance and any police or document certificates required.
5. Arrive and register. Register your address, set up the company, open a business bank account and meet any local registration duties.
6. Report progress and renew. Many programmes check that you are actually building the business before they extend your permit.

Processing times vary widely, from a few weeks to many months, so build a buffer into your plans and avoid giving up your current job or lease until you have a decision.

Choosing the Right Startup Visa Country for Your Business

The “best” startup visa country is the one that fits your product, your market and your personal situation, not the one with the shortest form. Before you commit, weigh these factors:

• Ecosystem fit: Is there a strong community, investor base and customer market for your sector, such as fintech, deep tech, health tech or e-commerce?
• Language and market access: Can you sell in English at first, or will you need the local language to win customers and hire staff?
• Cost of living and running a company: Salaries, office rent, accounting and payroll costs differ greatly between hubs, and they decide how long your runway lasts.
• Family rules: Check whether your spouse can work and how schooling and health insurance will be arranged for children.
• Long-term pathway: Some permits can lead to settlement after several years of lawful residence; others are short, project-based permits that you must convert into another status.
• Tax and reporting: Corporate and personal tax rules, as well as residence-based tax obligations, affect how much of your funding goes into the product.

Founders who mainly want a residence route and have capital to invest, rather than an innovative product, may find that immigration through investment options are a better match than a startup visa.

Common Mistakes Founders Make

Many startup visa applications fail for avoidable reasons. Watch out for these common errors:

• Weak innovation argument. A standard consultancy, restaurant or retail shop rarely meets “innovative and scalable” tests. Explain clearly what is new about your product or business model.
• Unrealistic financial projections. Assessors are experienced; hockey-stick revenue with no customer evidence damages credibility.
• Underestimating the endorsement stage. Approaching only one endorsing body or incubator, or applying at the last minute, can delay your plans by months.
• Insufficient personal funds. Even where no investment is required, you usually must show you can support yourself and any dependants.
• Using outdated information. Programmes close, reopen and change criteria, as Canada’s did at the end of 2025. Always rely on the official government website for the current rules.

What Happens After You Arrive

Getting the visa is only the beginning. In the first months you will register your residence, incorporate or register the company, open bank accounts and set up accounting so that tax filings are correct from day one. Banks often run detailed compliance checks on newly arrived founders, so keep your passport, permit, company documents and proof of the source of your funds ready.

Most startup permits are granted for a limited period and renewed only if you show genuine progress, for example product development, hiring, customers, revenue or investment. Keep a simple log of milestones, contracts and meetings with your endorsing body or incubator, because this evidence makes renewals much smoother. If the business pivots or fails, check early what your options are, as your residence may depend on the company continuing to operate. Immigration rules change frequently, so confirm requirements with the relevant official authority or a licensed immigration adviser before each application or renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which startup visa is easiest?

There is no single easiest option. Portugal and Estonia are often seen as accessible, while the UK and Ireland expect strong business cases and funding.

Can my family join me?

Most programmes allow spouses and children to join, under each country’s family rules.

Do I need investors before applying?

Not always, but some programmes require minimum funding, and investor interest strengthens any application.

How long does it take to get a startup visa?

It depends on the country and on how long the endorsement stage takes. Some founders complete the process in a few months, while others wait much longer because of backlogs. Check current processing times on the official immigration website.

Can a startup visa lead to permanent residence or citizenship?

In some countries, time spent on a startup or entrepreneur permit can count towards permanent residence if you meet the other conditions. Citizenship usually requires many more years. If a faster citizenship route is your priority, compare options such as Turkish citizenship by investment.

Can co-founders apply together under one startup?

Many programmes allow more than one founder to be endorsed for the same business, but each person normally needs their own application and must show a real role in the company.