Startup Route

The Startup Route is specifically tailored for ambitious entrepreneurs, innovative thinkers, and established business owners seeking to expand their ventures internationally while securing residency in countries that actively encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

For example, the United Kingdom offers the Start-up Visa for entrepreneurs with fresh, innovative ideas and the Innovator Visa for those with more advanced concepts and endorsement from a recognized body. In the United States, the International Entrepreneur Rule provides a pathway for startup founders who have secured significant investment from accredited US investors, allowing them to establish and grow their business.

Meanwhile, Canada supports entrepreneurs through its renowned Start-up Visa Program, designed to attract innovators who can obtain support from designated Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. Australia offers pathways such as the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188), enabling entrepreneurs to launch or expand their ventures, while several EU countries – including France with its French Tech Visa – welcome startup founders to build high-growth companies and contribute to their local economies.

These programs generally require a viable business plan, a clear strategy for growth, access to funding, and a commitment to managing your venture within the host country.

United Kingdom (UK)

• Start-up Visa: Endorsement from an approved UK body, an innovative business idea, and no initial funding required.
  Duration: 2 years (non-renewable). Pathway: Transition to the Innovator Visa is possible.
• Innovator Visa: Requires a £50,000 investment, endorsement, and a viable, scalable business plan.
  Duration: 3 years (renewable), with a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years.
• Global Talent Visa (Tech Nation): For tech leaders or emerging leaders, requiring endorsement from Tech Nation.
  Duration: 5 years (renewable), with ILR eligibility after 3–5 years.

United States (USA)

• International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP): Requires $250K+ in qualified funding or government grants and must demonstrate significant public benefit.
  Duration: 30 months (renewable once).
• EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa: Requires an investment of $1.05M (or $800K in Targeted Employment Areas) and job creation.
  Duration: Conditional Green Card for 2 years, then permanent residency.
• O-1A Visa (Extraordinary Ability): For those with extraordinary achievements (awards, publications, etc.).
  Duration: Up to 3 years (extensions possible).

Canada

• Start-up Visa Program: Requires support from designated Canadian investors or incubators and language proficiency (CLB 5).
  Outcome: Permanent residency upon approval.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): For example, Ontario Entrepreneur Stream or BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration, with investment requirements starting around CAD 200K.
• Self-Employed Persons Program: For individuals contributing to cultural or athletic fields, with at least 2 years of experience.

Australia

• Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188): Streams include Business Innovation and Investor; typically requires meeting specific turnover or investment criteria.
  Duration: Approximately 4.5 years with a pathway to permanent residency (Subclass 888).
• Business Talent Visa (Subclass 132): Requires a strong business track record and significant investment, offering direct permanent residency.
• Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): For internationally recognized talent with a salary threshold, though not strictly a startup visa.

European Union (Key Countries)

• France – French Tech Visa: Tailored for startup founders and tech talent with an innovative business plan and endorsement.
• Netherlands – Startup Visa: Requires support from a recognized facilitator and an innovative business concept.
• Spain – Entrepreneur Visa: Requires an innovative business plan; in some cases, a Golden Visa option is available for real estate investment.
• Germany: Options include the Freelancer Visa or EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals as alternative routes.
• Ireland – Startup Entrepreneur Programme: Requires a modest funding requirement (around €50K) for innovative ideas, or the Immigrant Investor Programme for larger investments.

The Startup Route is ideal for:

• Entrepreneurs with Innovative Startup Ideas: Individuals with promising and scalable business concepts ready to launch in a new market.
• Established Business Owners Seeking Global Expansion: Companies and business owners looking to extend their operations internationally and secure residency for key personnel.
• Individuals with Strong Business Acumen & Vision: Those with a proven track record in business and a well-developed business plan.
• Innovators & Disruptors: Entrepreneurs with novel technologies, products, or services that can significantly contribute to a host country’s economy.
• Those Seeking Residency through Entrepreneurship: Individuals who prioritize a pathway to residency that is directly tied to their business success and economic contribution.

• Residency Through Entrepreneurship: Secure residency by creating jobs, driving innovation, and contributing to the economic growth of your chosen country.
• Access to New Markets and Funding Opportunities: Leverage vibrant investment ecosystems, government grants, and extensive startup networks.
• Supportive Startup Ecosystems: Benefit from incubators, accelerators, mentorship programs, and pro-business policies designed to nurture your venture.
• Global Business Network Expansion: Build an international network of business contacts, partners, investors, and mentors.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Many startup visa programs offer a clear route to long-term residency and eventual citizenship.
• Enhanced Personal and Professional Growth: Experience the rewards of launching a global business while establishing a new life abroad.

Virdara provides specialized guidance and support to entrepreneurs looking to leverage Startup Route programs for global residency. Our services include:

• Startup Visa Program Consultation & Selection: We assess your business idea, entrepreneurial profile, and financial capacity to recommend the most suitable program—whether it's the UK's Start-up or Innovator Visa, the USA's International Entrepreneur Parole pathway, Canada's Start-up Visa Program, Australia's Business Innovation and Investment stream, or an EU startup visa like the French Tech Visa.
• Business Plan Development Guidance: Our experts help you craft a compelling and robust business plan tailored to the specific requirements of your chosen startup visa program.
• Application and Documentation Support: We provide end-to-end assistance in preparing your visa application, ensuring accuracy, compliance with guidelines, and effective communication with immigration authorities.
• Ecosystem Introduction & Networking (Optional): We connect you with local startup networks, incubators, mentors, and potential investors to boost your venture’s success in the host country.
• Post-Landing Business Support and Resources (Optional): Receive guidance on market entry, business setup, and navigating the local regulatory landscape once you arrive.