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 · Published 2026-09-15 · Updated 2026-09-15
Purpose
Founding and running an innovative company in the destination country.
Who is it for?
Founders with a viable business idea, often backed by an accelerator or investor endorsement.
Typical application method
Residence application with a business plan and endorsement evidence.
Can Krosz help?
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.
Krosz does not publish fabricated processing times, fees, validity or stay durations. Country-specific figures appear only when pulled from Krosz's verified visa database.
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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, the destination and your circumstances — always confirm for your exact combination.
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 are shown. 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
A category-specific application timeline. 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.
Krosz tool
Tell us where you want to travel and your passport. We'll route you to the right Krosz visa page.
Destinations
Only destinations where Krosz has verified data for this purpose are shown. We never claim every country offers a visa with the same name.
Krosz does not currently process this visa category for specific destinations.
Contact the relevant embassy or authority for the country you plan to visit, or for guidance.
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
General, educational reasons relevant to this category. We never publish invented refusal rates.
Practical
FAQ
Tell us where you're planning to travel and our team can help you understand the application process.
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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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