European Startup Visas & Entrepreneur Schemes
Establish your business and secure legal residence in the European Union. Compare competitive startup visa programs, capital requirements, and Schengen mobility pathways.
EU Founder Mobility & Residency
For non-EU entrepreneurs, establishing a business in Europe is often the first step to securing legal residence. While the EU does not have a single unified startup visa, individual member states offer competitive founder mobility schemes that grant national residency permits and full Schengen area travel rights.
These programs typically require a viable business plan, proof of initial capital, and endorsement from a national incubator, venture fund, or economic agency. Once approved, founders can reside in the host nation, manage their corporate entity, and eventually transition to permanent residency.
Ireland STEP Program
The Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) allows non-EEA founders with a high-potential startup and €50,000 in funding to secure Irish residency.
Estonia Startup Visa
Enables non-EU founders to grow their startup in Estonia. Offers streamlined application processes, minimal capital criteria, and access to the tech ecosystem.
Germany Section 21
German Residence Act Section 21 grants residency to self-employed individuals who demonstrate an economic interest and local regional impact in Germany.