Business Visa Changes of 2025 and 2026: A Founder's Roundup

Updated October 2026.

Business immigration is moving fast. This roundup covers the changes founders ask us about most. Always confirm current rules with the official source before you act.

Closed or replaced Canada closed its federal Start-Up Visa to new applicants on December 31, 2025. The Self-Employed Persons Program is paused. Australia closed its Business Innovation and Investment Program on July 31, 2024. It was replaced by the National Innovation Visa, which is invitation-only and needs no investment. Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme closed to new applicants on February 15, 2023. Spain abolished its real estate Golden Visa on April 3, 2025. New Zealand's Entrepreneur Work Visa closed in 2025.

Opened or reshaped New Zealand overhauled its Active Investor Plus Visa on April 1, 2025. Thresholds were cut and the English requirement was removed. A new Business Investor Visa opened in November 2025 with a NZ$1 million and a NZ$2 million tier. Portugal removed property from its Golden Visa and then lengthened its citizenship timeline to 10 years on May 19, 2026. Japan raised its capital requirement to ¥30 million. Latvia will cut its Golden Visa permit to 2 years on January 1, 2027.

Still open for founders The UK Innovator Founder visa needs endorsement from an approved body. Singapore's EntrePass has no fixed capital minimum. Estonia's Startup Visa needs about €800 a month in proof of funds. Germany's self-employment permit has had no fixed minimum since 2012. Ireland's Start-up Entrepreneur Programme asks for €50,000 in secured funding. Canada's C11 work permit remains the main federal route.

The lesson Rules change in months and not years. A program that worked for a friend two years ago may be closed today. Book a consulting session to check what is open for your business right now.

Sources: official government pages for each program as listed in the ORBIZLY program review of September 15, 2026.