Business immigration
Business immigration: business, investor and startup visas
Business immigration means moving to another country, or getting the right to live there, because of a business you run, buy, invest in or start. ORBIZLY compares the routes in 20 countries and shows the business set-up steps that come with them.
The three kinds of business immigration route
Business and entrepreneur routes
For owners and managers who want to run or buy a business abroad. Countries usually look at your business plan, your funds and your experience. The rules differ widely from one country to the next.
Countries with this route
Investor programs
Residence linked to an investment, sometimes called a golden visa. The amount, the type of investment and the rights it gives differ by country, and several countries have changed or closed theirs, so check the status shown on each program.
Countries with this route
Startup visas
For founders of new, innovative companies. Many need approval or backing from a recognised body in the country before the visa is granted.
Countries with this route
Company set-up is not business immigration
Founders lose weeks by mixing up two different things. Setting up a business means a registered company, a bank account, tax and payroll registration, trademarks and licences. Immigration means the visa or permit that lets you live there. Registering a company does not grant residency by itself. ORBIZLY keeps the two apart on every country page and puts set-up first, because that order saves the most time.
How to choose a route
- 1Decide what you want: to live there, to sell there, or both. They are different routes.
- 2Check the basics of eligibility: funds, experience, qualifications and the kind of business.
- 3Compare routes country by country, including the status and the last verified date of each program.
- 4Plan the business set-up in the right order: company, tax and bank accounts, payroll, brand protection, licences.
- 5Confirm the details with the official government source or a licensed professional before you apply.
Business immigration by country
Open routes ORBIZLY lists today. Programs that have closed are not counted. Open a country for the details, status and official sources.
Business immigration to Australia
Business immigration to Canada
Business immigration to China
Business immigration to Denmark
Business immigration to Estonia
Business immigration to Germany
Business immigration to Hong Kong
Business immigration to Ireland
Business immigration to Japan
Business immigration to Latvia
Business immigration to Malta
Business immigration to the Netherlands
Business immigration to New Zealand
Business immigration to Portugal
Business immigration to Singapore
Business immigration to Spain
Business immigration to Switzerland
Business immigration to the United Arab Emirates
Business immigration to the United Kingdom
Business immigration to the United StatesFrequently asked questions
What is business immigration?
Business immigration is moving to another country, or getting the right to live there, because of a business you run, buy, invest in or start. It covers business and entrepreneur visas, investor programs and startup visas. It is separate from registering a company, which does not give you residency on its own.
What is the difference between a business visa, an investor visa and a startup visa?
A business or entrepreneur route is for people who want to run or buy a business. An investor program grants residence in return for an investment. A startup visa is for founders of new, innovative companies and often needs backing from a recognised body. Each country sets its own rules.
Do I need to invest money to immigrate as a business owner?
Only some routes need an investment. Investor programs do. Business and startup routes usually ask you to show funds and a plan instead. Each program on ORBIZLY shows its own details and official source.
Does registering a company give me residency?
No. Registering a company does not give you the right to live in a country on its own. Residency needs a separate visa or residence permit. ORBIZLY shows company set-up services and residency pathways separately on every country page.
Which countries does ORBIZLY cover for business immigration?
ORBIZLY covers 20 countries: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. If your country is not listed you can still choose it in the free assessment.
Is ORBIZLY a law firm or immigration adviser?
No. ORBIZLY gives directional guidance so you can plan and compare. Immigration representation is handled by a licensed professional. Rules change often, so confirm the details with the official source before you apply.
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