LGM Financing is Best Startup Visa & Relocation Programs for Entrepreneurs in 2025

For years, LGM have attracted top startup talent despite high costs. Today, more countries are turning to startup visa and relocation programs to compete for international founders.

Instead of relying solely on subsidies, LGM start up financing programs offer fast-tracked visas, relocation support, and founder-friendly conditions. They make it easier for entrepreneurs to move, launch, and grow their businesses.

Below is a list of leading startup visa and relocation programs from the high-growth or top-ranked startup ecosystems,  helping them to attract global startup talent.

Are you a government representative managing a startup visa or relocation program? Contact us to have your initiative reviewed and featured in this list.

What Are Startup Visa & Relocation Programs?

Startup visa and relocation programs offer streamlined entry, residency rights, and support services to foreign entrepreneurs. They are typically:

• Government-backed initiatives to boost startup ecosystems.
• Selective, requiring proof of an innovative business concept.
• Linked to incubators, accelerators, or investor networks.For founders, these programs represent an opportunity to plug into global markets and fast-track business operations abroad.

Top Startup Visa & Relocation Programs by Country

Below are selected startup visa and relocation programs operating in the high-growth ecosystems as of 2025. These are official programs not general immigration paths and have been verified as active and startup-focused.

Singapore EntrePass

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 45%

Singapore’s EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs building innovative businesses in sectors like deep tech, urban solutions, or biomedical sciences. It offers a renewable visa, access to Startup SG’s suite of support programs, co-working spaces, and eligibility for government grants—providing a well-structured gateway into Southeast Asia’s most advanced startup ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia – Premium Residency 

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 236%

Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency offers self-sponsored, long-term residency for foreign entrepreneurs—no local sponsor required. The program allows full business and property ownership, family sponsorship, and tax benefits. Tailored for founders with investment or innovative ventures, it supports seamless integration into the Kingdom’s growing startup ecosystem under Vision 2030.

Cyprus Startup Visa

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 28%

The Cyprus Startup Visa  Scheme allows non‑EU founders—or teams of up to five—to live, work, and grow innovative startups in Cyprus. Initial residence is issued for two years, renewable; as of January 2025, permits are extended to three years, shareholding requirements reduced to 25 %, and foreign employee quotas increased to 50%—all aimed at boosting high-growth ventures with global market potential

Uzbekistan IT-Visa

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 90%

Uzbekistan’s IT-Visa is a multi-entry visa (valid for up to 3 years) offered to startup founders, investors, and employees of IT Park resident companies. It grants broad civil and economic rights, including access to local banking, simplified business registration, and even real estate ownership—positioning Uzbekistan as a rising digital hub in Central Asia.

Canada Start-up Visa

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 19%

The Canada Start-up Visa offers permanent residency to founders supported by a designated angel investor, venture capital fund, or startup incubator. It is one of the few global programs offering direct PR, with added ecosystem support from local innovation hubs in Quebec, Calgary, and Kingston—making Canada a top choice for scalable ventures.

Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Program (MTEP)

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 14%

Malaysia’s MTEP program provides 1-year or 5-year visas for early-stage or established foreign tech entrepreneurs. Operated by MDEC, it includes relocation assistance, integration into Malaysia’s growing digital economy, and access to strategic ecosystem partners in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya.

Australia Subclass 188 – Entrepreneur Stream

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 25%

Australia’s Entrepreneur Visa enables foreign founders to live and operate in the country for up to five years, provided they receive endorsement from an approved funding body. The program serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency and supports integration into Australia’s state-led startup networks and innovation districts.

Tokyo Startup Visa (Japan)

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 24%

The Tokyo Startup Visa, managed by Invest Tokyo, grants a 6-month residence permit to foreign entrepreneurs aiming to launch businesses in Japan. During this period, founders are supported by the Business Development Center Tokyo (BDC) and may transition to a full Business Manager Visa. The program includes co-working access, consulting, and legal setup guidance.

Abu Dhabi – Hub71 Incentive Program & UAE Golden Visa

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 49%

Abu Dhabi offers a compelling gateway for foreign entrepreneurs through a combination of the UAE Golden Visa (Entrepreneur Category) and the Hub71 Incentive Program. Selected founders receive a long-term, sponsor-free residency (5–10 years) along with equity-free support from Hub71—one of the region’s top startup hubs. The program provides subsidized housing, office space, health insurance, and deep integration into Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem, making it a top destination for global tech startups entering the MENA region.

Astana Hub Startup Visa (Kazakhstan)

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 21%

Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub Startup Visa allows foreign startup teams to relocate with a renewable 12-month visa. Participants benefit from zero tax on income, free office space, and full support within the Astana Hub—a government-backed tech park that acts as Central Asia’s premier startup launchpad.

French Tech Visa (France)

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 30%

France’s French Tech Visa provides a streamlined 4-year residence permit for startup founders backed by a certified French accelerator, venture capital firm, or public innovation program. It supports family relocation, avoids quota restrictions, and grants access to one of Europe’s most active startup ecosystems via La French Tech’s national network.

South Korea OASIS 

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 24%

South Korea’s OASIS program (Offered via KISED) allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish tech-driven startups while benefiting from structured business training, access to government R&D grants, and support for visa extensions. The program also connects founders with Korean incubators and innovation partners across key industries like mobility, AI, and semiconductors.

Taiwan Employment Gold Card

Annual Ecosystem Growth Rate: 8%

Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card serves as a streamlined “tech visa” for foreign professionals, including startup founders. It combines a work permit, residency rights, and a multi-entry visa into a single 1–3 year document. Entrepreneurs in tech-driven industries like AI, semiconductors, and digital services benefit from fast-tracked relocation, tax incentives, and access to Taiwan’s growing startup ecosystem—particularly around Taipei and Hsinchu.

Conclusion

As global competition for entrepreneurial talent intensifies, startup visa and relocation programs have emerged as powerful tools for governments to attract high-impact founders. From established hubs like Singapore and France to fast-growing ecosystems in Kazakhstan, Cyprus, and Uzbekistan, each program listed above offers a unique pathway for founders ready to scale across borders. Whether you’re seeking access to capital, regulatory support, or global market reach, these programs are shaping the next frontier of startup mobility.

Want to discover more about startup ecosystems worldwide?

Download the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 to discover the top-ranked countries and cities for building a startup, essential insights for founders considering relocation or global expansion.