Business and Investment — Active Routes for Founders and Investors
Business immigration changes quickly. Some countries focus on founders, some on active investment, and others on company expansion or exceptional talent. A route that was widely promoted a few years ago may now be closed or paused. This section separates active routes from legacy programs.
General information only. Program status changes quickly. Verify current availability before planning.
Closed and paused programs
Several formerly prominent investment immigration routes — including Ireland's Immigrant Investor Programme (closed February 2023) and the UK Tier 1 Investor visa (closed February 2022) — are no longer accepting applications. Always verify current status.
Active routes
Canada's Start-up Visa, New Zealand's Active Investor Plus, Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclasses), Germany's founder routes, and the US EB-5 are among the currently active pathways.
Choose Your Destination
Canada
Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program.
Australia
Business Innovation and Investment Program (Subclass 188/888).
United Kingdom
Innovator Founder Visa — investor visa is closed.
Ireland
Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) — IIP is closed.
New Zealand
Active Investor Plus and Entrepreneur pathways.
United States
EB-5 Immigrant Investor and E-2 Treaty Investor.
Europe
Country-specific founder and investor routes. Many golden visa programs are closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are golden visa programs still available?
Many golden visa programs have been closed or significantly restricted. Ireland's IIP and Portugal's real estate golden visa are not accepting new applications. Always verify current status.
What is the difference between a startup visa and an investor visa?
Startup visas target founders with business ideas or early-stage companies. Investor visas focus on people making qualifying capital investments in an existing economy.
Not sure which route applies?
Start with a free eligibility assessment. Share your goal and profile and we will identify the routes that deserve a closer look.