Business Visas for Entrepreneurs in Europe: Where Is It Easiest for a Foreigner to Start a Business in 2025?

In 2025, Europe represents a competitive arena for startups and business innovators seeking new opportunities. Many European Union countries have implemented visa programs favorable to entrepreneurs to attract foreign business founders, although the conditions for obtaining them vary greatly. In this analytical overview, we compare how things stand in different EU countries—where it’s easiest for a foreign entrepreneur to launch a business and where the biggest obstacles await. We look at types of visas for entrepreneurs, typical timelines and requirements, required capital and business plan criteria, tax regimes and incentives, government and investment agency support, as well as bureaucratic hurdles across all EU countries.

Types of Entrepreneur Visas in Europe

European countries offer several visa options for foreigners planning to start or run a business. The main categories include:

Startup Visa or Entrepreneur Visa. Special permits aimed at innovative startups and businesses with growth potential. These usually require a solid business plan and often endorsement or support from a business incubator or similar organization, rather than a large upfront capital investment. For example, France has the “French Tech Visa” under the “Talent Passport” category, which allows founders to establish a company if they have an approved innovative project and offers a clear path to long-term residency. Such visas generally have lower investment thresholds but require that the business contributes to innovation and job creation in the long run.

Self-employment Visa. A broad category for individuals working for themselves or running small businesses. Suitable if you plan to open a small business or work as a sole proprietor outside of high-tech startups. Requirements typically include proof of sufficient funds, relevant experience, and a viable business plan often demonstrating economic benefit for the country. For instance, Germany offers a residence permit for self-employment (often informally called the “startup visa”), which requires presenting an “innovative and scalable” business idea, a solid business plan, and proof of funding (usually around €50,000). The initial permit in Germany is issued for up to 3 years, and if the business succeeds and can sustain the entrepreneur, it leads to permanent residency.

Freelancer and Digital Nomad Visas. Several EU countries have introduced special visas for independent remote workers or owners of online businesses. These visas are not necessarily intended for creating a local startup with employees but rather allow qualified freelancers or entrepreneurs to live and work from the country. Estonia was a pioneer, launching the Digital Nomad Visa in 2020, which allows remote workers to reside in Estonia for up to one year. In 2023, Spain and Portugal also introduced their own remote work visas under new startup laws, offering 1–2-year residence permits for freelancers who meet income requirements. Typically, such visas include a minimum stable income requirement—for example, Croatia’s digital nomad visa allows a one-year stay and exempts foreign income from local taxes, provided applicants show monthly earnings around €2,500–€3,000.

Investment “Golden Visas.” Residence-by-investment programs available in some countries for those ready to invest significant sums. These typically require investments of hundreds of thousands of euros in business, real estate, or government bonds. In exchange, the investor gains residency rights (and eventually citizenship) with minimal involvement in day-to-day business operations. For instance, Portugal’s Golden Visa (now narrowed for real estate) and Spain’s program grant residency for large investments, but most entrepreneurs prefer dedicated startup or entrepreneur visas since they require far smaller sums. Each visa type has its advantages: startup visas often come with additional support and easier processes for innovative projects, while traditional business visas may cover a broader range of activities but demand greater financial stability from the applicant.

Countries Where It’s Easiest to Start a Business for Foreigners (2025)

Estonia. A recognized digital innovator, Estonia offers the Startup Visa program welcoming founders of innovative, scalable businesses from outside the EU. Approval depends on a special Startup Committee evaluating the project for innovation and growth potential, but there’s no fixed minimum investment capital. Successful applicants can obtain long-term residence permits for up to 5 years to develop their startups in Estonia. Business operations are extremely convenient—almost all administrative processes are digitized, and companies can be registered remotely in just one day. Estonia’s tax system is another huge advantage: undistributed company profits are taxed at 0% until dividends are paid, meaning reinvested income for growth is entirely tax-free. Combined with initiatives like e-Residency (remote digital residency allowing foreigners to open EU businesses online) and a booming tech scene, especially in Tallinn, Estonia is rightfully considered one of the easiest places in Europe for foreign entrepreneurs.

Portugal. Portugal has become a magnet for entrepreneurs thanks to numerous visa options and a dynamic startup scene (Lisbon, Porto). The D2 Visa (also called the “Entrepreneur Visa”) offers a flexible path to Portugal for founders—there’s formally no minimum investment requirement; instead, emphasis is on a high-quality business plan and sufficient funds to start the business and support oneself for at least a year. Additionally, Portugal operates a Startup Visa program in partnership with local incubators: if your project is accepted into an accredited incubator and approved by innovation agency IAPMEI, you can secure residency through a fast-track process (usually decided within ~30 business days).

Entrepreneurs are drawn to Portugal’s relatively low cost of living and support from initiatives like StartUP Portugal (offering mentoring and grants). Corporate tax rates are around 21%, but new small businesses benefit from a reduced 17% rate on their first €25,000 of profits. Furthermore, Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime provides a flat 20% rate on personal business income for 10 years and exempts many foreign income sources from tax—a significant perk for relocating entrepreneurs.

Spain. Spain has significantly boosted its attractiveness for startups with the “Entrepreneur Law” (Ley de Emprendedores) and the new Startup Law (2022). The entrepreneur visa allows foreign founders to live and work in Spain provided they have an innovative business plan approved by the Government’s Trade and Investment Office. The application process is fast (legally up to 20 business days), and no fixed investment sum is required, though sufficient capital or funding for the project and personal expenses must be proven. In 2023, Spain also launched its digital nomad visa, demonstrating openness to global talent. Notably, new companies in Spain benefit from a tax incentive: a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% for the first two years instead of the standard 25%, to ease the startup burden. Moreover, business registration is streamlined: Spain’s online CIRCE system allows entrepreneurs to complete most essential steps, including obtaining a tax number (NIF), within days. Altogether, these measures and the presence of strong startup hubs in Barcelona and Madrid make Spain one of the more accessible EU countries for entrepreneurs.

France. Europe’s second-largest economy is seriously committed to attracting foreign entrepreneurs. Its flagship program is the French Tech Visa for founders, under the “Passeport Talent” category. With support from a recognized French incubator or accelerator (and a viable innovative business idea aligning with France’s innovation priorities), an entrepreneur can fairly easily obtain a four-year residence permit.

A general requirement for “business creation” visas in France is an investment of at least ~€30,000, but within the French Tech Visa, the focus is much more on innovation and support rather than capital sums. France is consistently simplifying bureaucracy: reforms for “simplified administration” are underway, and services like Welcome to France assist relocating professionals. There’s a growing pro-entrepreneurship culture and the emergence of major startup hubs like Station F in Paris—the largest startup campus in the world. The government actively promotes innovation through programs like La French Tech, tax credits (e.g., the Crédit d’Impôt Recherche for R&D), and has lowered corporate tax rates to 25% (from 33% previously). All this, combined with France’s strategic EU location and abundant venture capital, makes the country attractive and relatively accessible for startup founders.

Netherlands. The Netherlands offers a one-year startup visa for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and an approved facilitator-mentor in the country. During this year, the founder is allowed to live in the Netherlands and work on developing their business plan. Criteria include having a novel product or service, a detailed business plan, and sufficient financial resources for living expenses during the stay. A key element is collaboration with a government-approved facilitator—an experienced mentor or organization that will guide the startup.

After the first year, if the business shows sufficient progress, entrepreneurs can transition to a standard self-employment residence permit and continue growing their company in the country. This program is part of the Netherlands’ strategy to encourage innovation, complementing other advantages like transparent business rules, a multilingual skilled workforce, and tax benefits for new enterprises. While the standard corporate tax rate is 25%, a reduced rate of around 19% applies to the first €200,000 of profits, making it advantageous for startups. The combination of a simplified registration process, a supportive ecosystem (Amsterdam being one of Europe’s leading startup hubs), and active government engagement makes the Netherlands an attractive place for international entrepreneurs.

Ireland. Although geographically separate from the continent, Ireland is an EU member and offers highly attractive conditions for foreigners. Specifically, the Start-Up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) grants residence to non-EEA entrepreneurs with “high-potential startups” and available financing of at least €50,000. The proposed business must create jobs and target turnover of ~€1 million within 3–4 years, usually in technology, biotech, or financial services. Approval often involves collaboration with the state agency Enterprise Ireland, which can also invest in promising projects. Successful applicants initially receive a 2-year residence permit, extendable for another 3 years; after 5 years of continuous residence, they may apply for long-term residency or citizenship.

Ireland’s appeal is further enhanced by one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates (12.5%), an English-speaking environment, and a strong presence of international tech giants in Dublin. The state actively supports innovation: in addition to Enterprise Ireland’s investments, EU grants are accessible (Ireland participates in Horizon Europe, etc.), and tax incentives exist for relocating professionals. All of this makes Ireland an extremely startup-friendly platform for entering the EU market.

Italy. Italy’s Italia Startup Visa program offers a simplified path to residency for non-EU nationals launching innovative startups. Requirements include submitting a certified business plan describing an innovative product or service, growth potential, and job creation, along with capital of at least €50,000 (personal funds, venture capital, or incubator backing). Applications are evaluated by a special committee at the Ministry of Economic Development, and if criteria are met, a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) is issued. Entrepreneurs then receive a one-year visa, renewable as long as the business remains active and successful; after 5 years of continuous residence, they may apply for long-term residency or citizenship.

This program is part of Italy’s broader strategy to promote innovation. Although Italy is known for complex bureaucracy, the Italia Startup Visa process is centralized and relatively fast (usually decided within 30 days). The startup ecosystem is growing, especially in Milan and Turin, and the state offers benefits for “innovative startups,” such as exemptions from certain registration fees, simplified hiring of foreign talent, tax credits for investors, and support from CDP Venture Capital funds. The corporate tax rate is around 27.9% (24% state tax + regional surcharge), but to attract professionals, Italy offers the “impatriate regime,” which exempts 70% of income from personal taxation for 5 years. Altogether, Italy is positioned as an attractive destination if your startup fits the innovation criteria.

Malta. Malta has recently launched the Startup Residence Programme to attract founders of startups from outside the EU. Approved entrepreneurs (and up to 5 co-founders plus key staff) receive a residence permit valid for 3 years, extendable for another 5 years. During this period, they must physically reside in Malta, develop their innovative business, and pay local taxes. The program targets innovative startups and scale-ups, supported by Malta Enterprise, which offers guidance and grants for qualifying projects. Capital requirements are moderate: typically, applicants must show about €25,000 in own funds (plus a small additional amount per extra founder) or secure equivalent investment—much lower than investment visa thresholds. Malta appeals due to its English-speaking environment, flexible tax system (the nominal corporate tax is 35%, but due to refund mechanisms, the effective rate can drop to around 5% for international business owners), and efficient application processing. The island’s quality of life, access to EU markets, and personalized approach (startup founders receive a dedicated manager) make Malta an interesting new option in 2025 for those seeking a “soft landing” into Europe.

Lithuania and Latvia. Estonia’s Baltic neighbors are also welcoming to startup founders. Lithuania operates a Startup Visa program allowing up to 4 co-founders to obtain temporary residence if they have an innovative tech project approved by Startup Lithuania. Large upfront investments aren’t required—it’s more about presenting a solid business plan; financially, around €8,000–€10,000 per person is needed to cover initial living expenses. Latvia similarly offers a Startup Visa (as a temporary residence permit) for founders of tech startups, allowing up to 5 founders from a single company to obtain residency. Application processes in both countries are quite fast and transparent, and business registration is among the quickest in the EU thanks to electronic systems. Additionally, Lithuania and Latvia have adopted tax models similar to Estonia’s: 0% tax on undistributed profits (tax only applies when dividends are paid), which encourages reinvestment in company growth. While their startup ecosystems are smaller than those of larger economies, immigration procedures in 2025 are relatively simple and fast for entrepreneurs, and low operating costs plus government support (e.g., grant programs, hubs in Vilnius and Riga) make Lithuania and Latvia attractive places for foreigners to launch a business.

Countries Where Business Immigration is More Difficult

Although virtually all EU countries are interested in attracting foreign investors and entrepreneurs, some impose greater obstacles for small startups. Common barriers include high financial requirements, lack of specialized “startup visas,” complex bureaucracy, or lengthy procedures. As of 2025, the following destinations are considered relatively challenging for business immigration:

Austria. Austria does not have a separate startup visa; entrepreneurs fall under the general Red-White-Red Card scheme in the “Start-up Founder” category. Selection follows a points system: applicants must earn at least ~50 out of 85 possible points based on factors like investment volume (minimum ~€50,000 to earn points), professional experience, education, language skills, and backing from an Austrian incubator or fund. In practice, the bar is quite high—for example, at least basic German skills or substantial experience are needed to achieve sufficient points. The process can be bureaucratic and not very fast, and founders must also prove sufficient personal funds for living expenses. While Austria offers a stable economy and access to the EU market, strict criteria and the need for a carefully prepared application make it one of the more difficult countries for foreign startup founders without significant capital or support.

Belgium and Luxembourg. These countries have no dedicated startup program, so foreign entrepreneurs must follow the general path of obtaining a self-employment permit. Belgium requires obtaining a so-called “professional card” (permis de travail) for business activity. This entails submitting a detailed business plan proving the economic viability of the enterprise in Belgium, along with sufficient financial resources. The application process can take several months, and significant investment amounts or job creation expectations are often anticipated. Luxembourg likewise requires obtaining a residence permit for self-employed persons based on a convincing business plan and relevant qualifications.

Given the small size and high incomes of Luxembourg, criteria there are quite strict, and the approval process is closely monitored. Moreover, living costs in both countries are high, and local languages (French, Dutch, Luxembourgish) may pose an additional barrier to business operations. As a result, without substantial capital or a highly convincing project, it’s relatively difficult for foreign entrepreneurs to break into Belgium and Luxembourg.

Sweden and Denmark. Among Scandinavian countries, Denmark offers the Startup Denmark program, under which an independent panel of experts evaluates a foreign founder’s business plan. Applicants must have funds of about 143,000 DKK (approx. €19,000) to support both the business and personal living expenses. If approved, a two-year work permit is granted, which can be extended. The program is positive for attracting startups, but the number of spots is limited, and a strong project, usually in tech sectors, is required for success.

Sweden, on the other hand, does not have a separate startup visa as of 2025; foreign entrepreneurs must apply under the standard self-employment residence permit route. Conditions there are quite strict: significant savings are required to support a family for two years, proof of professional experience is expected, and at least basic knowledge of Swedish or English is often necessary. Moreover, Swedish authorities expect the business to generate stable income for the applicant after two years—a demanding standard for a startup. Historically, the share of approved “entrepreneurial” applications in Sweden has been low. Thus, despite Scandinavia’s generally favorable business climate, entering the region via a small business remains challenging unless you have substantial resources and a solid plan.

Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, etc.). The larger CEE economies still lack full-fledged startup visa programs, making life more complicated for foreign founders. For instance, Poland has no dedicated startup visa. Foreigners can register a company there, but to obtain a temporary residence permit, they must either employ themselves in their own firm (requiring a work permit) or prove stable income and meet additional conditions (often including hiring Polish nationals or showing a certain turnover after one year). Processing times for residence permit applications in Poland and Czechia are notoriously slow—waiting periods can extend over many months, leaving applicants in limbo.

Czechia has taken pilot steps (a “Startup Visa” program was announced but operates in a limited capacity), so in practice many opt for a trade license (živnostenský list) and a business visa, which comes with bureaucracy and quotas. Slovakia and Hungary lack specific startup pathways and typically require significant investments (e.g., Slovakia previously required around €20,000 on account to register a business and obtain a residence permit) or job creation. Hungary boasts the EU’s lowest corporate tax rate at 9%, but there’s no clear startup visa scheme—foreigners must either apply for an investor residence permit or act as employees of their own companies. Bulgaria and Cyprus have long relied on “golden visas” (residence permits for investments from €250,000–€500,000), and regular business entry has traditionally required significant investments (in Bulgaria, ~€250,000 and 10 jobs).
Notably, Bulgaria recently approved a new Startup Visa for high-tech projects, but it’s still in its early stages and not yet fully streamlined. Overall, the absence of dedicated programs in most countries in the region means foreign startup founders often have to meet general, and often high, criteria—having significant capital, quickly demonstrating profitability, and navigating local processes. So, while these countries offer advantages like lower costs and growing markets, they remain less accessible for starting a business “from scratch” than Western Europe.

Greece. Greece currently lacks a specific immigration program dedicated solely to startup entrepreneurs. For non-EU nationals, the main options are either a standard self-employment residence permit (requiring certain financial and business utility criteria) or the “golden visa” path via investment. The most popular route is investing at least €250,000 in Greek real estate (raised to €500,000 in 2023 for certain regions), which provides a five-year residence permit without requiring employment. However, the Golden Visa also allows alternatives—for instance, investing the same amount in a Greek company, mutual fund, or substantial bank deposit. For entrepreneurs, this means that without significant capital, obtaining residence in Greece is challenging. Historically, bureaucracy has been quite heavy, although digital services (like gov.gr) are gradually simplifying procedures. On the other hand, living in Greece is inherently appealing, and residence permit holders can apply for permanent status after five years and eventually citizenship (if eligibility criteria are met). Ultimately, Greece remains primarily an option for those ready to invest large sums rather than for entrepreneurs starting small.

Capital and Business Plan Requirements

One of the key differences among European entrepreneur programs is the required amount of capital or investment. In some countries, foreign founders must invest substantial sums, while others focus more on the quality of the business idea, requiring only proof of funds sufficient for living expenses.

Minimum investments. Several countries (France, Spain, Estonia, etc.) impose no strict investment threshold. Instead, applicants must prove they have enough resources to execute their business plan and support themselves (and their families) during the initial period. For example, in Estonia, the startup visa requires showing around €130 per day (~€4,000 per month) for living expenses—effectively covering the cost of living rather than business investment.

Similarly, Portugal’s D2 visa has no fixed amount: “sufficient funds” can be demonstrated through savings covering at least 12 months of operations without requiring immediate full investment.

Clear financial limits. Several programs define a specific minimum. For example, Italy’s Italia Startup Visa and Ireland’s STEP both require €50,000 of personal or invested funds—a manageable sum compared to classic investor visa programs.

Austria, as mentioned, expects around €50,000 in investment for the startup card (to demonstrate available capital). These funds don’t always have to be personal savings—it’s often acceptable for the required €50,000 to come from a venture fund, business angel, or incubator, but documented proof of funding is mandatory. Overall, the €50,000 threshold has become something of a “standard” for accessible capital in many innovative visas—a far cry from the sums demanded by traditional investor migration schemes.

Golden Visas—a different league. For comparison, investment-citizenship visas involve far higher sums. Spain’s golden visa requires investing at least €500,000 in real estate (or €1–2 million in government bonds or business projects). Italy’s Investor Visa (separate from the startup visa) offers options ranging from €250,000 in an innovative startup fund to €500,000 in an Italian company or €2 million in government bonds. These programs target high-net-worth investors rather than active startup founders, although some founders with significant capital choose this route due to minimal business operation requirements.

Regardless of investment size, the business plan is crucial nearly everywhere. This document is the central part of the application and its quality often determines success. It must justify the business model, market analysis, financial forecasts, and benefits for the host country (in terms of innovation, jobs, exports, etc.).

For example, in Spain, the plan is closely examined for innovation and economic contribution by the Ministry of Economy; in Ireland, the business must show high employment and growth potential; in Germany, local authorities assess whether there’s regional demand for the proposed services. The business plan typically needs supporting documents: founders’ CVs, company registration paperwork, letters of intent from potential clients or investors, proof of funds in bank accounts, etc. Processing times for entrepreneur visas vary: specialized startup programs often promise quick decisions (e.g. Spain—up to 20 days, Portugal—around a month, Italy—committee decision within 30 days). Where visas are processed via general immigration channels (e.g. Germany or Poland), the process can take several months due to heavy workloads and case-by-case review.

Taxes and Incentives for Startups

Tax policy is a crucial factor when choosing a country for business. Across the EU, countries vary significantly in corporate tax rates and the presence of specific incentives:

Low corporate tax rates. There are several EU jurisdictions with very low corporate tax rates. For example, Ireland’s rate is 12.5%, historically attracting companies from around the world. Hungary has the EU’s lowest corporate tax at just 9%.

Bulgaria also offers low taxation—10% on corporate profits. These rates allow startups to allocate more funds toward business growth. However, low nominal tax rates are not always the decisive factor—if obtaining a visa or launching a business is highly complicated, the benefit of low taxes may be offset by other costs.

Territorial tax models. Estonia (and, by extension, Latvia) has implemented a unique system where corporate profits are only taxed upon distribution. Profits reinvested into business development are entirely tax-free, with a 0% rate applying as long as funds remain in the company. This is highly advantageous for startups that initially reinvest all earnings into growth. Tax is paid only when owners receive dividends or extract capital. Some other countries partially adopt this idea: for instance, Poland introduced a regime for small companies whereby reinvested profits are temporarily tax-exempt under certain conditions. But the greatest impact of this model is seen in Estonia and Latvia, where it applies broadly to all companies.

Incentives for new enterprises. Many countries offer special tax benefits for young companies. As noted, Spain introduced a reduced corporate tax rate of 15% for new small enterprises in their first two years. There are other examples: France exempts new innovative firms from certain social security contributions for researchers (the Jeune Entreprise Innovante status) and refunds up to 30% of R&D expenses through the Crédit d’Impôt Recherche tax credit. The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg apply “innovation box” regimes, where income from intellectual property (patents, software) is taxed at a reduced rate (around 5–7%). In many countries, startups are exempt from some registration fees or government charges: for instance, Italy’s “innovative startups” are exempt from trade registry fees during their initial years, while in Estonia, company formation is entirely free and can be done online.

Personal tax incentives for relocating founders. Apart from business taxes, personal tax burden is crucial for entrepreneurs. Here, too, special regimes exist. Italy introduced the “impatriate regime,” under which individuals relocating to work in Italy are exempt from tax on 70% of their income (or 90% if moving to southern regions) for five years, dramatically reducing income tax liabilities. Portugal’s NHR regime, as previously mentioned, applies a flat 20% income tax for ten years on local employment income and exempts many foreign income sources (dividends, royalties, foreign freelancer income). Spain offers the so-called “Beckham Law,” whereby a relocating employee (including founders acting as directors of their own companies) can pay a fixed tax of 24% on Spanish income up to €600,000 annually instead of the progressive scale, for a period of five to six years.

Such measures significantly increase the appeal of relocation, allowing founders to keep more funds in the company or for personal use instead of paying high taxes to the state.

Overall, in 2025, Europe offers numerous tax incentives for new businesses. However, when choosing a country, it’s essential to consider the combination of factors: sometimes a slightly higher tax rate is offset by easier business setup and market access. Conversely, if you have significant capital and prioritize tax optimization, Eastern European countries might offer the advantage of low taxes after overcoming initial entry hurdles. The optimal approach is to weigh tax burden alongside other conditions, from visa requirements to available subsidies and grants for startups.

Government Support and Bureaucracy

Finally, an important factor is the overall business environment and the startup support infrastructure in each country, as well as the level of bureaucracy an entrepreneur will face.

Startup hubs and ecosystems.

In countries such as France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Denmark, vibrant ecosystems for startups have developed. This means co-working spaces, accelerators, mentor communities, venture capital funds, and government institutions specifically aimed at assisting new businesses. For example, France has the state-owned bank Bpifrance, which funds startups, and the La French Tech network to integrate foreign founders; in Germany, various federal states offer grants for startups (especially in fields like climate tech, Industry 4.0, etc.); in Portugal, the Startup Portugal initiative Language and integration. While language rarely appears directly in visa requirements (except in places like Austria or for point-based scoring), it significantly affects business convenience. In the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries, and Ireland, nearly everyone speaks English, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to operate without knowing the local language. In contrast, in France, Spain, Italy, and Poland, many procedures and documents are in the national language, and dealing with officials or banks often requires interpreters or local consultants. Over the long term, acquiring permanent residency or citizenship in most countries will typically require at least basic language proficiency (A2 or B1), which should be considered if you plan to stay permanently. Overall, the prevalence of English in business environments is a significant plus; in this regard, Northern Europe and international hubs like Berlin stand out, where English has become the working language in many startups.

Administrative delays. “Bureaucratic barriers” often refer to how much time and effort various permits and approvals take. In Belgium, as noted, obtaining a professional card is a multi-step process involving both regional and federal review, which can take up to six months. In Poland and some other Central European countries, large backlogs for residence permits have developed in recent years—applicants sometimes wait 8–12 months, during which mobility is restricted. Greece and Italy have historically required numerous stamps and certificates, although the situation is gradually improving. The European Union is working to simplify these processes at the institutional level through the Single Digital Gateway initiative, aiming to unify government services online under a single standard. Nevertheless, for now, the reality is that in some countries (e.g., Estonia, Portugal), you’ll have a personal manager from the agency who speaks English and helps gather documents, while in others, you must navigate a labyrinth of government departments alone.and the annual Web Summit in Lisbon attract the global startup community. The presence of such an ecosystem ensures that once a visa is obtained, entrepreneurs have resources for growth—networking, investors, mentors—not just a formal residence permit.

Ease of setting up a business.

Company registration and other basic processes (obtaining tax IDs, opening bank accounts, licenses) vary greatly in speed and convenience. Estonia sets the standard—one can register a company entirely online within hours, and tax filing can be done electronically in minutes.

Many other countries are catching up: Denmark, Lithuania, and Ireland have traditionally ranked high for ease of business startup, offering “one-stop-shop” systems and online registrations. Italy and Greece have historically been known for bureaucratic hurdles, though portals like “Imprese in un’ora” in Italy are emerging to speed up business registration. Nonetheless, differences remain: in some places, several notary visits and a couple of weeks’ wait for registry extracts are required, while in others, the entire process is handled online in a day.

Special agencies “for investors.” Many countries have dedicated divisions that handle investor support and significant projects. These same institutions often oversee startup visa programs. Portugal’s AICEP agency and the Startup Portugal office assist foreigners with practical matters (from finding office space to introductions to local investors). Enterprise Ireland, as mentioned, not only reviews your business plan but can also offer grants or investments if they believe in your idea. Start-up Denmark provides free consultations for accepted founders. Malta Enterprise essentially acts as the guardian of all arriving startup founders under its new program, helping with acclimatization. Even in bureaucratic Italy, a special Secretariat for the startup visa operates in English and responds quickly to applicants. The presence of such a “guide” significantly reduces the stress of dealing with government processes and increases the chances that a good project gets a green light despite formalities.

Ultimately, the European business immigration landscape in 2025 has become much friendlier for foreign startups than just a few years ago. Many countries have introduced special visas and reduced bureaucratic hurdles, recognizing that they’re competing for global innovators and investment. The most accessible destinations—Estonia, Portugal, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Malta, Lithuania, and several others—combine reasonable entry requirements with strong support once you arrive. More challenging countries, such as Austria, Belgium, Poland, or Sweden, are gradually moving toward simplification but still require either substantial funds or significant patience from entrepreneurs.

For a foreign founder asking, “Where is it easiest to start a business in Europe?” there’s no universal answer—it depends heavily on your startup’s profile and your personal priorities. If you value minimal bureaucracy and digital convenience, look toward the Baltics or Portugal. If your key goal is access to a vast market and investors, France or Germany might be optimal if your project fits their innovation criteria. If your priority is the lowest possible tax burden, you might consider Ireland or Bulgaria, while realistically weighing the visa challenges there.

The overall trend is positive: the entry threshold for startups is dropping, and support tools are multiplying. Once you’ve obtained a residence permit in an EU country, you gain freedom of movement across the Schengen Area and access to the EU’s single market of hundreds of millions of consumers. In many cases, you may even expand your business into other EU countries or move your company if you initially choose an easier entry point. Thus, the “start where it’s easiest, then expand” strategy often proves successful. A strong business idea and perseverance—and in 2025, many European doors will open for foreign entrepreneurs.

Note: It is always recommended to check current requirements on official government websites or consult immigration specialists, as rules are subject to change. This overview is based on data as of 2025.