European Start-up Visa 2025: how can Ukrainians legally develop a business in France, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal?

European countries are opening up new opportunities for Ukrainian entrepreneurs in 2025. Find out how to get a startup visa in France, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal, what conditions the programs impose and how to prepare a business plan for a successful start in the EU

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Europe continues to actively support innovative businesses and attract talent from around the world. That is why Start-up visa programs in 2025 have become one of the most popular ways to legally move to the EU for entrepreneurs. Such visas allow you not only to live in the chosen country, but also to develop your own innovative business in an environment with convenient tax and technological and incubation opportunities.

In this material, we will consider how startup visas work in France, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal, as well as what requirements these countries have for applicants.

How to open a business in Europe if you are not an EU citizen, read in this article.

France: French Tech Visa - a fast track for innovators

French Tech Visa for Founders is one of the most attractive European programs that allows an entrepreneur to obtain a long-term residence permit “Talent Passport”. The main idea of ​​​​the program is to attract startups that are able to strengthen the French tech ecosystem.

The program is available to three key groups of applicants:

- Startup founders – provided that your project is accepted into one of the partner incubators or accelerators;

- Employees of innovative companies – if a French company officially recognized by the Ministry of Economy as innovative invites you to cooperate;

- Investors – if you are ready to invest in French startups or projects and plan to live in France.

Key conditions of the French Tech Visa

- Mandatory support from an incubator or accelerator certified by French Tech;

- The business plan must be truly innovative (a regular service or store will not work);

- The visa can be issued for a period of up to 4 years with subsequent extension.

Important tips for applicants for the French Tech Visa

- Cooperation with a top incubator, such as Station F, significantly speeds up the processing of documents;

- Knowledge of French is not required, but is highly appreciated;

- French commissions like to see not only start-up investments, but also clear prospects for income and development.

Why should an entrepreneur choose France?

- Long term of stay;

- Possibility to take a family;

- Strong technological ecosystem and prestige of the program.

Netherlands: Start-up Visa Netherlands – a country for clear business models

The Netherlands is known for its technological openness and rapid support for new ideas. The program involves cooperation with a “recognized facilitator” – a mentor or incubator that takes on the role of a mentor.

Basic requirements for obtaining a Start-up Visa Netherlands

- The project must be innovative, scalable and with high potential;

- The applicant enters into an agreement with an officially recognized facilitator;

- Proof of living expenses: approximately €1,350 per month;

- The initial permit is issued for 1 year, after which you can switch to a self-employed permit.

Tips for a successful Start-up Visa Netherlands application

- Choose a strong facilitator: YES!Delft, Rockstart is a huge plus;

- The Dutch really value clear financial models and unit economics;

- Submit documents in advance, because sometimes the consideration is delayed beyond the official deadlines.

Why should young investors consider the Netherlands?

- Active support for startups;

- Modern innovation infrastructure;

- Flexibility in the subsequent transition to long-term permits.

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Italy: Italia Start-up Visa – High Requirements and a Strong Brand

Italia Start-up Visa is one of the oldest and most stringent startup visas in Europe. The program was created to attract innovative entrepreneurs who are ready to contribute to the development of the Italian economy.

Requirements and conditions for obtaining Italia Start-up Visa

- Business plan, which is considered by a special commission under the Ministry of Economy;

- Minimum investment of €50,000 (own funds or money from an investor/fund);

- The visa is issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Tips for a successful application for Italia Start-up Visa

When making a decision on Start-up Visa in Italy, the country's leadership pays special attention to:

- Confirmation of the real availability of funds or an agreement with a venture fund;

- The ability of the startup to create jobs;

- The presence of a local partner or co-founder is positively perceived.

Who is the Italia Start-up Visa program suitable for?

- For entrepreneurs with significant investments;

- For those who want to become an EU resident through business;

- For projects focused on the local market or cooperation with local companies.

Portugal: Start-up Visa Portugal – a hub of innovation and digital experts

Portugal is actively building its image as a technology center of Europe. Global tech events are held here every year, and entrepreneurs from dozens of countries use the Start-up Visa program.

Terms of the Start-up Visa Portugal program

- The business plan is evaluated by a certified incubator;

- It is necessary to prove the potential of the project to create jobs or export;

- Minimum living expenses: €9,120 per year;

- The initial visa is issued for 2 years.

Advantages of the Portuguese Start-up Visa program

- Quite loyal requirements;

- The opportunity to use the popular NHR tax program;

- Comfortable climate, cheaper living and a large expat community.

Tips for Start-up Visa applicants

- Choose an incubator that specializes in your field (fintech, green tech, etc.);

- Submit the most structured business plan;

Portugal is often the easiest entry point into the EU - this is actively used by Ukrainian IT specialists and startups.

Which startup visa to choose? A short guide for entrepreneurs planning to enter the EU market

France – for those who want to scale in one of the strongest tech ecosystems in Europe

- Term: up to 4 years

- Finance: investments are welcome, but not required

- Key condition: support of the French Tech incubator

- Advantages: long residence permit, possibility of moving with family

- Difficulties: almost impossible to get through without an official incubator

Suitable for those who plan serious scaling and want access to top accelerators in Europe.

The Netherlands – for startups who value clear financial models and strong mentors

- Term: 1 year with subsequent transition to self-employed

- Finance: ~€1350/month

- Key condition: cooperation with a certified facilitator

- Advantages: flexible program, strong mentoring support

- Difficulties: initial approval is short

A good choice for early-stage projects that require mentoring and structuring.

Italy - for entrepreneurs with serious investments and a desire to obtain EU resident status

- Term: 1 year

- Finance: minimum €50,000

- Key condition: business plan passes evaluation by the commission

- Advantages: prestigious program, opens the door to EU residency

- Difficulties: high financial threshold

A good option if you have an investor or want to integrate into the European market through strategic projects.

Portugal is the most convenient start for Ukrainians who want an innovative business and a comfortable life

- Term: 2 years

- Finances: minimum €9120/year

- Key condition: incubator approval

- Advantages: tax bonuses (including NHR), soft requirements, comfortable living conditions

- Difficulties: high competition in popular incubators

An ideal option for digital entrepreneurs, IT companies and innovative projects on the international market.

Startup visas of European countries in 2025 open up unique opportunities for Ukrainian entrepreneurs. France offers access to one of the most powerful tech ecosystems, the Netherlands - clarity, structure and strong mentors, Italy - the path to EU residency through investment, and Portugal - loyal conditions and comfort for life and business development.

When choosing a program, it is important to evaluate not only the requirements and financial conditions, but also personal goals, the stage of project development and readiness to interact with local incubators or investors. Each country has its own advantages, and the right choice can be a strategic step for scaling your business in the EU.

Consulting a business lawyer will help you safely launch or scale a company without legal risks. A specialist supports business registration, document management, tax issues and work with contracts. A lawyer also resolves disputes with counterparties, organizes notarial procedures and helps with work visas. Entrepreneurs can receive support in remotely launching representative offices and relocating a business abroad.

Order a consultation - and get clear solutions for your business today!

Not sure which consultation format to choose? Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp – they will help you choose the best option for your situation.

As a reminder! Europe remains one of the most attractive regions for starting your own business thanks to a stable economy, clear rules and loyal taxation. We have already told you where it is most profitable to register a company and what are the advantages.

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