Several countries offer self-sponsorship visas or entrepreneur visas that allow individuals to move and start a business without requiring a traditional employer or sponsor. These visas typically require proof of business experience, financial investment, and a viable business plan. Here are some options:
1. United Kingdom – Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative business in the UK. This visa replaced the previous Innovator Visa and Start-up Visa, making it more accessible to self-sponsored business owners.
Key Features
✅ No Minimum Investment Requirement – Unlike the old Innovator Visa (£50,000 investment), you only need a viable business plan.
✅ Pathway to Settlement – You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years.
✅ Work Flexibility – You can do some additional work outside your business if it remains the primary focus.
✅ Visa Duration – Initially granted for 3 years, renewable.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea – Your business must be new, unique, and have growth potential.
- Get an Endorsement – You need approval from an endorsing body, such as a business incubator or investor.
- Meet the English Language Requirement – At least B2 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening (IELTS or equivalent).
- Financial Requirement – You must show enough funds to support yourself (£1,270 for the main applicant, plus more for dependents).
- Be at least 18 years old.
Application Process.
- Secure an Endorsement – Submit your business idea to an approved endorsing body.
- Prepare Supporting Documents – Include business plans, financial proof, endorsement letter, and English language certification.
- Apply Online – Submit your visa application.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment – At a visa application center.
- Decision Timeline – Usually 8 weeks from the application date.
Costs
- Application Fee: £1,191 (outside the UK) / £1,486 (inside the UK).
- Healthcare Surcharge: £624 per year.
- Endorsement Fee: Varies by endorsing body.
Settlement (ILR) Pathway
After 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if:
- Your business is still active and growing.
- You meet at least two of these criteria:
- Job creation (at least 5 full-time employees).
- Revenue growth (at least £1M in annual revenue).
- Market expansion (international customers or partnerships).
After one more year with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
Who is this Visa Best For?
- Entrepreneurs with a scalable, innovative business idea.
- People who want a fast-track route to UK residency.
- Startups in tech, sustainability, or high-growth sectors.
2. Canada – Start-Up Visa Program
The Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in Canada. It provides a direct path to permanent residency (PR) and does not require a minimum personal investment, as long as you secure funding or support from a designated organization.
Key Features
✅ Permanent Residency (PR) From the Start – Unlike other visas, you don’t need to renew or switch visas; you become a PR directly.
✅ No Minimum Investment Requirement – You only need a commitment from a designated investor, incubator, or angel group.
✅ No Industry Restrictions – Any business sector is allowed as long as it is innovative and scalable.
✅ Fast-Track Work Permit Option – While waiting for PR, you can get a temporary work permit to start working in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Have a qualifying business – Your business must be innovative, scalable, and capable of creating jobs in Canada.
- Secure a Letter of Support from a Designated Organization – You need backing from one of the following:
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- Venture Capital Fund – At least $200,000 CAD investment.
- Angel Investor Group – At least $75,000 CAD investment.
- Business Incubator – Must be accepted into an approved program.
- Meet Language Requirements – At least CLB 5 (IELTS: Reading 4.0, Writing 5.0, Listening 5.0, Speaking 5.0).
- Have Enough Settlement Funds – Must prove financial ability to support yourself ($14,690 CAD for one person, more for dependents).
Application Process
- Secure Support from a Designated Organization
- Submit your business plan to a venture capital firm, angel investor group, or incubator.
- If accepted, receive a Letter of Support (this is the most crucial step).
- Prepare and Submit Application
- Include business documents, proof of language proficiency, and financial proof.
- Apply for PR.
- Biometrics & Medical Exam
- Attend a visa center for fingerprinting and a medical exam.
- Processing Time
- 12 to 16 months for PR approval.
- Work permits (if needed) are processed within 4-6 months.
Costs
- PR Application Fee: $2,140 CAD (including right of PR fee).
- Work Permit (if needed): $155 CAD + biometrics fee.
- Investment or Incubator Fees: Varies by organization (some charge fees for acceptance).
Settlement & Citizenship Pathway
- After 3 years of living in Canada, you can apply for Canadian citizenship if you meet residency requirements.
- You must reside in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in a 5-year period to maintain PR.
Who is This Visa Best For?
✔ Entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea.
✔ Startups looking for funding and support from Canadian investors.
✔ People who want permanent residency immediately.
3. United States – E-2 Investor Visa
United States – E-2 Investor Visa
The E-2 Investor Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows entrepreneurs from treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. by investing in a business. It does not lead directly to a Green Card but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains active.
Key Features
✅ No Fixed Minimum Investment – Investment must be “substantial” (typically $100,000+ but varies by business type).
✅ Renewable Indefinitely – As long as the business remains operational and profitable.
✅ Spouse & Children Can Join – Your spouse can apply for a work permit, and children under 21 can study in the U.S.
✅ Faster Processing – Approval within 3-6 months (or 15 days with premium processing).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Citizen of an E-2 Treaty Country – Only nationals of countries with an E-2 treaty with the U.S. qualify (e.g., Canada, UK, Nigeria does not qualify, but Grenada, Turkey, and some Caribbean countries do).
- Make a Substantial Investment – No fixed amount, but typically $100,000+ is recommended.
- Own at Least 50% of a U.S. Business – You must have a controlling interest.
- Actively Manage the Business – The business cannot be a passive investment (e.g., real estate rentals).
- Create U.S. Jobs – Your business must employ U.S. workers, not just support you and your family.
Application Process
- Register a Business in the U.S. – Establish a legal entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.).
- Invest Your Funds – Transfer capital into the business (before applying).
- Prepare Business Documents – Include business plans, financial projections, and proof of investment.
- Submit the E-2 Visa Application – Apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Attend an Interview – If approved, receive a visa valid for 2-5 years (depending on the treaty country).
Costs
- Application Fee: $205
- Premium Processing (Optional): $2,805 for 15-day processing
- Investment Amount: Varies, but generally $100,000+
Renewal & Green Card Options
- The visa can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains profitable.
- If you want a Green Card, you may:
- Switch to an EB-5 Investor Visa (requires $800,000+ investment).
- Find an Employer to Sponsor You for an EB-2 or EB-3 visa.
- Apply for an EB-1 Visa if your business is highly successful.
Who is This Visa Best For?
✔ Entrepreneurs from E-2 Treaty Countries.
✔ Business owners looking for a lower investment than the EB-5 Visa.
✔ People who want to live in the U.S. while running a business.
4. Australia – Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188)
The Subclass 188 Visa is a temporary residency visa for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who want to establish or develop a business in Australia. It offers a pathway to permanent residency (PR) through the Subclass 888 Visa after meeting business or investment criteria.
Key Features
✅ Multiple Streams – Options for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners.
✅ Pathway to Permanent Residency – After 3-4 years, you can apply for the Subclass 888 Visa.
✅ Spouse & Children Can Join – Your family can work and study in Australia.
✅ State or Territory Sponsorship – Required for most streams.
Visa Streams & Requirements
1. Business Innovation Stream
For business owners looking to establish or manage a business in Australia.
- Minimum Net Assets: AUD 1.25 million.
- Annual Business Turnover: AUD 750,000 in at least 2 of the last 4 years.
- Ownership: 30% of a private company (or 10% for public companies).
2. Investor Stream
For those investing in government bonds or managed funds.
- Investment Requirement: AUD 2.5 million in Australian investments for 4 years.
- Minimum Net Assets: AUD 2.5 million.
3. Significant Investor Stream
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Australian venture capital.
- Investment Requirement: AUD 5 million in government funds, VC, or managed funds.
- No Business Experience Required.
4. Entrepreneur Stream
For start-up founders with an innovative business idea.
- Funding Requirement: AUD 200,000 from an Australian investor or government entity.
- No personal investment required.
- Must be nominated by an Australian State/Territory.
Application Process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Get a Nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply from the Australian government.
- Apply for the Visa & Provide Supporting Documents (Business plan, financials, proof of investment).
- Wait for Processing (9-24 months, depending on the stream).
Costs
- Business Innovation & Investor Visa Fee: AUD 9,450
- Significant Investor Visa Fee: AUD 13,860
- Additional Costs: State nomination fees, business setup, legal fees.
Permanent Residency (Subclass 888 Visa)
- After 3-4 years, you can apply for PR if you:
- Successfully run a business or maintain investments.
- Meet job creation and financial requirements.
Who is This Visa Best For?
✔ Entrepreneurs and investors with significant capital.
✔ Business owners looking for permanent residency in Australia.
✔ Startups seeking funding through the Entrepreneur Stream.
5. Portugal – D2 Entrepreneur Visa
- For self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs.
- No strict minimum investment, but business viability is key.
- Leads to residency and eventually citizenship.
6. UAE – Green Visa for Freelancers & Entrepreneurs
- No need for a local sponsor.
- Available to self-employed individuals and business owners.
- 5-year renewable residency..
7. Estonia – Start-Up Visa
- For innovative businesses with high growth potential.
- Requires approval from the Estonian Startup Committee.
- Leads to residency.
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8. France – French Tech Visa
- For entrepreneurs launching a start-up.
- Must be incubated in a recognized tech hub.
- Leads to residency.
9. Netherlands – Dutch Start-Up Visa
- Requires mentorship from an approved facilitator.
- After one year, can transition to a self-employed visa.
- Leads to residency..
10. Spain – Entrepreneur Visa
- For innovative businesses that contribute to the economy.
- Fast-tracked residency.