Visa pathway 05 · Startup visas

Founder visas,
build your company here.

For entrepreneurs establishing a company in Europe, assessed on business viability, funding and economic contribution to the host country.

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Sponsor
Self-petition, business plan
Duration
1 to 4 years, renewable
Typical decision time
6 weeks to 3 months
Where we handle it
5 countries

Who it’s
for.

If one or more of these sounds like you, this route is worth a closer look.

  • Founders with an innovative business idea
  • Startups with funding, an incubator or an accelerator behind them
  • Entrepreneurs setting up a European company

What you’ll
need.

The typical requirements. Your advisor builds your exact checklist during onboarding.

  • A detailed business plan
  • Proof of funds or investment
  • Endorsement from an approved incubator or body, in some countries
  • Company registration in the host country
  • Health insurance and a valid passport

General guide only. Rules change and vary by country and personal situation. Your advisor confirms what applies to you.

How we handle
your application.

Four stages, one advisor, and an update from us at every step.

01
Plan

We confirm this is your best route, check eligibility and give you a timeline and costs.

02
Prepare

We build your document checklist, review every file and prepare your application.

03
Move

We file, book your appointments and track your status until approval.

04
Settle

On Sorted packages, we handle registration, tax number and bank account after you land.

Where we
handle it.

Founder applications across these countries, with a full city guide for each.

France
Paris Talent Passport · Euro Read the city guide →
Portugal
Lisbon Remote capital · Euro Read the city guide →
Italy
Milan Business capital · Euro Read the city guide →
Ireland
Dublin Tech hub · Euro Read the city guide →
Spain
Barcelona Digital nomad hub · Euro Read the city guide →
And more
EstoniaNot on the list? Ask in your free evaluation.
Free evaluation →

Arrive to people,
not just a permit.

Rooftop dinners, coworking sessions, founder meetups, and curated apartments in every city we operate in. This is what relocation looks like with Europe Sorted.

Rooftop dinnersCoworking sessionsFounder meetupsCurated apartmentsCity orientationMember network
See what’s included →
Coworking sessionsWork alongside members
Founder meetupsYour new network
Curated apartmentsMove-in ready homes

Common
questions.

How long does it take?

For France's French Tech Visa, the innovation certificate takes about 15 days for a complete file, then the long-stay visa follows. Plan for 6 weeks to 3 months in total.

Do I need investment first?

Not always. Some programmes accept founders backed by an approved incubator. Others expect proof of funds.

Can my co-founders apply?

Yes. Most programmes allow several founders, each with their own application.

Can my family come with me?

In most countries, yes, and partners can often work.

Other routes
worth comparing.

Not sure this is the one? Your free evaluation checks every route against your situation.

25 EU countries
EU Blue CardUp to 4 years, renewable
Remote work
Digital Nomad1 to 2 years, renewable
National permits
Skilled WorkerUp to 5 years, renewable
Self-employment
Freelancer1 to 3 years, renewable
Family
Family ReunificationMatches sponsor's permit

Land in any of our 10 cities,
with keys in hand.

Fully Sorted includes first-month accommodation and airport pickup, arranged before you travel.

See packages →