Business Residence
Residence Permits for Entrepreneurs, Company Founders & Board Members
Establish your business presence in Europe. We guide entrepreneurs, founders, and senior executives through the residence permit process in 12 EU and European countries.
Residence permits for business purposes require genuine economic activity and operations in the host country. EuInvest provides advisory services only. Permit rules, thresholds, and processing times are set by governments and change frequently. Approval is not guaranteed. Information is indicative and subject to change — contact EuInvest for current details.
12
Countries
EU + EEA
Coverage
3–12 mo
Typical Processing
Family
Included
12 Countries
Choose Your European Business Base
Each country offers a distinct combination of market access, tax environment, lifestyle, and processing speed. We help you find the right fit.
Latvia
Startup Visa / Business Residence
Min. Investment
€50,000
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
10 years
Family
Included
EU member, Schengen, low cost of living, EuInvest home base — unmatched local support.
Key Requirements
Registered company in Latvia, genuine business operations, minimum share capital or investment, clean criminal record.
Portugal
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Min. Investment
Viable business plan
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
Atlantic coast lifestyle, NHR tax regime, English widely spoken, path to EU citizenship in 5 years.
Key Requirements
Viable business plan, proof of sufficient funds, registered company or investment in existing Portuguese company.
Hungary
Guest Investor / Business Residence
Min. Investment
€500,000
Processing
4–8 months
Citizenship
8 years
Family
Included
Central European hub, competitive corporate tax (9%), strong manufacturing and tech sectors.
Key Requirements
Investment in Hungarian company or fund, genuine business purpose, clean background.
Poland
Entrepreneur Residence Permit
Min. Investment
Varies by activity
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
Largest economy in Central Europe, fast-growing tech sector, low operating costs, EU access.
Key Requirements
Registered business in Poland, proof of genuine economic activity, sufficient income to support yourself and family.
Germany
§21 Self-Employment Visa
Min. Investment
€250,000 (guideline)
Processing
6–12 months
Citizenship
5–8 years
Family
Included
Europe's largest economy, world-class infrastructure, access to EU single market, strong IP protection.
Key Requirements
Viable business plan, economic interest to Germany, sufficient capital, relevant professional experience.
Netherlands
Startup / Self-Employed Residence
Min. Investment
Points-based assessment
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
Gateway to Europe, English-speaking business environment, strong fintech and logistics sectors.
Key Requirements
Innovative business plan, facilitator endorsement (for startups), or self-employed permit with proven income.
Belgium
Professional Card / Entrepreneur Visa
Min. Investment
Viable business plan
Processing
4–8 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
Heart of the EU, home to NATO and EU institutions, multilingual workforce, strong pharma and logistics.
Key Requirements
Professional card application, viable business plan, proof of economic benefit to Belgium.
Luxembourg
Self-Employed / Investor Permit
Min. Investment
€500,000
Processing
4–8 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
World's second-richest country per capita, major financial centre, triple-language environment.
Key Requirements
Registered company, minimum investment, proof of genuine business activity, clean background.
Sweden
Self-Employment Permit
Min. Investment
Viable business plan
Processing
4–8 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
Top-ranked innovation economy, strong startup ecosystem, high quality of life, Schengen access.
Key Requirements
Sole trader or company registration, proof of sufficient income, relevant professional background.
Finland
Startup Permit / Entrepreneur Residence
Min. Investment
Viable business plan
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
World's happiest country, top education system, strong tech and gaming sectors, Schengen.
Key Requirements
Business Finland endorsement (startups) or self-employment permit, viable plan, sufficient funds.
Czechia
Trade Licence / Business Residence
Min. Investment
Low barrier
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
5 years
Family
Included
Affordable Central European base, strong manufacturing, growing tech sector, Schengen access.
Key Requirements
Trade licence or company registration, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds, clean criminal record.
Spain
Entrepreneur Visa / Digital Nomad Visa
Min. Investment
Viable business plan
Processing
3–6 months
Citizenship
10 years
Family
Included
Mediterranean lifestyle, large domestic market, strong tourism and tech sectors, Schengen.
Key Requirements
Innovative business plan or remote work contract, sufficient income, health insurance, clean background.
Comparison
Country Comparison at a Glance
All figures are indicative and subject to change. Contact EuInvest for current details.
| Country | Route | Min. Investment | Processing | Family | Path to Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇱🇻Latvia | Startup Visa / Business Residence | €50,000 | 3–6 months | 10 years | |
| 🇵🇹Portugal | D2 Entrepreneur Visa | Viable business plan | 3–6 months | 5 years | |
| 🇭🇺Hungary | Guest Investor / Business Residence | €500,000 | 4–8 months | 8 years | |
| 🇵🇱Poland | Entrepreneur Residence Permit | Varies by activity | 3–6 months | 5 years | |
| 🇩🇪Germany | §21 Self-Employment Visa | €250,000 (guideline) | 6–12 months | 5–8 years | |
| 🇳🇱Netherlands | Startup / Self-Employed Residence | Points-based assessment | 3–6 months | 5 years | |
| 🇧🇪Belgium | Professional Card / Entrepreneur Visa | Viable business plan | 4–8 months | 5 years | |
| 🇱🇺Luxembourg | Self-Employed / Investor Permit | €500,000 | 4–8 months | 5 years | |
| 🇸🇪Sweden | Self-Employment Permit | Viable business plan | 4–8 months | 5 years | |
| 🇫🇮Finland | Startup Permit / Entrepreneur Residence | Viable business plan | 3–6 months | 5 years | |
| 🇨🇿Czechia | Trade Licence / Business Residence | Low barrier | 3–6 months | 5 years | |
| 🇪🇸Spain | Entrepreneur Visa / Digital Nomad Visa | Viable business plan | 3–6 months | 10 years |
Eligibility Check
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Answer a few quick questions and we will suggest the most suitable countries for your business residence application.
FAQ
Common Questions
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Ready to Establish Your European Business Base?
Our advisers will match you with the right country and permit route for your business profile, budget, and timeline.