Immigration Law · European Union
Launch Your Business in Europe With the Right Entrepreneur Visa Lawyer
Entrepreneur visa decisions turn on one thing: whether the assessor believes your business is credible, viable and worth admitting. We match you, free of charge, with an immigration lawyer who prepares start-up and self-employment applications in your target country every day, from the business plan to the appeal.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
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Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For founders, freelancers and self-employed professionals building a life around a business in Europe
An entrepreneur visa lets a non-EU national move to an EU or EEA country to launch, run or grow their own business — whether that’s a tech start-up, a franchise, a consultancy or a freelance operation. Most countries run a dedicated start-up or self-employment route, each with its own expectations around a credible business plan, start-up capital, proof that the venture will create local value or jobs, and evidence that you can support yourself while it gets off the ground. The standards are rarely published as a simple checklist: assessors judge innovation, viability and economic benefit case by case, and their expectations shift from one country to the next. Founders who prepare alone often learn too late that their plan, structure or funding evidence does not match what the local authority actually looks for.
Why founders get stuck
Entrepreneur visa applications rarely fail on the idea.
They fail on how the idea is presented.
Each country judges viability, innovation and economic benefit differently — and the bar is rarely written down.
A business plan that misses the local bar
Assessors across Europe expect more than a good idea — they want credible financial projections, a defined market and evidence the venture adds local value. A generic plan drafted for one country is often judged unconvincing in another.
Funding and capital proof that looks wrong
Most countries require proof you can fund the business and support yourself, but the accepted forms of evidence vary widely. Understated savings or informal investor arrangements are a common, avoidable cause of refusal.
Unclear self-employment versus start-up status
Freelancers, founders and investors are often channelled into different routes with different requirements. Choosing the wrong one can stall an application for months or send you back to the drawing board.
What you get
An entrepreneur visa lawyer who builds the case with you
We only match you with immigration lawyers who regularly handle start-up, self-employment and founder applications in your target country.
Business plan review
Your lawyer checks that your plan, financials and market analysis actually meet what the local authority looks for, and flags gaps before they become grounds for refusal.
Right route, confirmed
Start-up, self-employed or investor — your lawyer confirms which visa route fits your situation and structure, so you don’t lose time on the wrong application.
Funding evidence prepared
Get a clear, country-specific list of the capital and income proof you need to demonstrate, with every bank statement, sponsor letter and income document reviewed line by line before you submit anything.
Appeals handled
Already been refused? Your lawyer reads the decision, identifies the exact grounds, fixes the underlying problem in your file and represents you through the appeal or a stronger, corrected fresh application.
Coverage
Entrepreneur visa lawyers across Europe
Entrepreneur visa schemes are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who works with your target country’s authority and its specific expectations for founders. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Entrepreneur visas — common questions
What is an entrepreneur visa?
An entrepreneur visa authorises a non-EU national to live in a country to establish or run their own business. Requirements vary by country, but most look at the credibility of your business plan, your start-up capital and whether the venture is expected to benefit the local economy.
Do I need a detailed business plan to apply?
In most countries, yes — a credible business plan is typically a core requirement. Assessors look for realistic financial projections, market understanding and evidence of viability. A lawyer can help you shape the plan to match what your target country actually expects.
What is the difference between an entrepreneur visa and an investor visa?
An entrepreneur visa usually requires you to actively run the business you establish, while an investor visa generally requires a capital investment in an existing company or fund, often without day-to-day management. The exact distinction and thresholds vary by country.
How much capital do I need to show?
There is no single European figure — each country sets its own thresholds for start-up capital and proof of funds, and some judge viability instead of demanding a fixed amount. Your lawyer will confirm the current requirement for your specific route and country.
Can my family join me on an entrepreneur visa?
In many countries, a successful entrepreneur visa holder can bring a spouse and dependants through family reunification, subject to additional requirements such as income and accommodation. Your lawyer will confirm whether this applies to your case.
Can I appeal if my entrepreneur visa is refused?
Yes. A refusal is not final — most countries allow an appeal or a fresh application within defined limits. An immigration lawyer can review the refusal grounds, correct the underlying problem and represent you in the appeal.
Free case review
Build your business case before you file
Tell us about your business and we’ll connect you with an immigration lawyer who prepares entrepreneur visa applications in your target country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.