In recent years, the European Union has significantly strengthened its position on the global tech ecosystem map. As part of its “SCALE-UP Europe” program and securing up to €100 billion in venture capital funding, the EU is focused on creating an infrastructure to attract international talent. Startup visas have become a key element of this strategy, offering founders worldwide access, not just residency, but full integration into one of the most dynamic tech scenes.
In 2024, investment in European tech startups reached a record €125 billion, with 35% of funding going to companies with foreign founders. This growth is supported by the adoption of immigration programs designed specifically for tech startups.
Portugal: Startup Visa Program
The Portuguese Startup Visa program, launched in 2018 and significantly enhanced by 2025, remains one of the most accessible in Europe. The program is aimed at early-stage startup founders and provides a temporary residence permit for up to two years, renewable.
Key Requirements
Application process
The application process consists of three stages and takes 4 to 6 months. The first stage is obtaining preliminary approval from an acting innovation agency. Next, you must apply for a temporary visa at the consulate and finalize your residence permit after moving to Portugal.
Benefits
France: French Tech Visa
France significantly simplified the startup visa process in 2021 as part of the France 2030 initiative. The updated French Tech Visa program is designed for founders planning to develop their technology companies in one of 40 accredited growth clusters.
Key requirements
Application Process
The application process takes 3 to 5 months and includes certification under the French Technological Mission, a visa, and a 4-year multiple-entry residence permit.
Benefits
Netherlands: Launch Permit
The Dutch startup program, managed by the immigration service in partnership with accredited facilitators, is also considered one of the most promising in Europe. The program is aimed at founders with proven business expertise and innovative products.
Key Requirements
Application Process
The process consists of two stages: approval from an accredited facilitator and obtaining a residence permit through the immigration service. The overall processing time is 3-4 months.
Advantages
What will happen to EU startup visas in the future?
Trends in recent years
When planning business immigration to the EU, it's important to consider the trend toward regularly tightening requirements and the introduction of common standards for obtaining long-term visas. In the coming years, the European Commission may increase the minimum number of jobs required to establish a business in the EU and strengthen oversight of business plan implementation.
New Opportunities
Conclusion
European startup visas continue to evolve, offering tech founders increasingly attractive conditions for implementing innovative projects. When choosing a program, it's important to consider not only immigration aspects but also the compatibility of the technology component with the specifics of the local ecosystem, access to financing, and long-term prospects for integration into the European economy.
Successfully implementing a startup project in the EU requires careful document preparation, a realistic assessment of market prospects, and professional support throughout all stages of the immigration process.
If you plan to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, open a business in the EU, or purchase real estate abroad, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly examine your questions and create a step-by-step action plan for you.
In 2024, investment in European tech startups reached a record €125 billion, with 35% of funding going to companies with foreign founders. This growth is supported by the adoption of immigration programs designed specifically for tech startups.
Portugal: Startup Visa Program
The Portuguese Startup Visa program, launched in 2018 and significantly enhanced by 2025, remains one of the most accessible in Europe. The program is aimed at early-stage startup founders and provides a temporary residence permit for up to two years, renewable.
Key Requirements
- Funding: Proof of €15,000 in a personal account or an investment proposal from an accredited additional investor.
- Business Plan: An innovative business model with the potential to create jobs and scale.
- Education: A university degree or proof of professional experience in technology.
- Support: Approval from one of 40 accredited incubators in Portugal.
Application process
The application process consists of three stages and takes 4 to 6 months. The first stage is obtaining preliminary approval from an acting innovation agency. Next, you must apply for a temporary visa at the consulate and finalize your residence permit after moving to Portugal.
Benefits
- Access to funding: Opportunity to participate in Portugal's Tech funds, with a maximum of €500 million.
- Tax benefits: Special regime for non-residents (NHR) with a fixed rate of 20% for 10 years.
- Family integration: Right to family reunification after getting a visa.
- Path to citizenship: Possibility of obtaining permanent residence after 5 years.
France: French Tech Visa
France significantly simplified the startup visa process in 2021 as part of the France 2030 initiative. The updated French Tech Visa program is designed for founders planning to develop their technology companies in one of 40 accredited growth clusters.
Key requirements
- Investment: Minimum investment of €50,000 from a French venture capital fund or business angel.
- Innovation: The project must meet the "deep tech" or "green tech" criteria.
- Team: At least two co-founders with technical and business backgrounds.
- Economic Potential: Plan to create 10 jobs within 3 years.
Application Process
The application process takes 3 to 5 months and includes certification under the French Technological Mission, a visa, and a 4-year multiple-entry residence permit.
Benefits
- Business Incubator Network: Access to 120 French Tech stations nationwide
- Government Grants: Available for funding of up to €200,000
- Research Foundation: Partnerships with leading technical universities
- International Expansion: Support for entering French-speaking markets
Netherlands: Launch Permit
The Dutch startup program, managed by the immigration service in partnership with accredited facilitators, is also considered one of the most promising in Europe. The program is aimed at founders with proven business expertise and innovative products.
Key Requirements
- Facilitator: Support from one of 85 accredited business mentors
- Innovation: Patent or proof of technological innovation
- Business Model: 24-month plan to achieve profitability
- Finance: Proof of international standing of €20,000 in the founder's account.
Application Process
The process consists of two stages: approval from an accredited facilitator and obtaining a residence permit through the immigration service. The overall processing time is 3-4 months.
Advantages
- Flexible regime: the ability to combine founder and employee responsibilities
- Networking opportunities: integration into the AMS-StartupDelta ecosystem
- Tax benefits: 30% tax break “rulling” for highly qualified specialists
- Geographical location: access to Northern European markets
What will happen to EU startup visas in the future?
Trends in recent years
When planning business immigration to the EU, it's important to consider the trend toward regularly tightening requirements and the introduction of common standards for obtaining long-term visas. In the coming years, the European Commission may increase the minimum number of jobs required to establish a business in the EU and strengthen oversight of business plan implementation.
New Opportunities
- “Green” Initiative: Additional Quotas for Environmental Projects
- AI Projects: Specialized Programs for Companies Working with Artificial Intelligence
- Regional Quotas: Attractive Business Conditions in Unpopular and Peripheral Regions of European Countries
Conclusion
European startup visas continue to evolve, offering tech founders increasingly attractive conditions for implementing innovative projects. When choosing a program, it's important to consider not only immigration aspects but also the compatibility of the technology component with the specifics of the local ecosystem, access to financing, and long-term prospects for integration into the European economy.
Successfully implementing a startup project in the EU requires careful document preparation, a realistic assessment of market prospects, and professional support throughout all stages of the immigration process.
If you plan to obtain a residence permit, invest in a country's economy, open a business in the EU, or purchase real estate abroad, we invite you to a consultation with our company. During a personal online meeting, we will thoroughly examine your questions and create a step-by-step action plan for you.