Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant permit types, national differences, and what business owners should expect in 2025.

The entrepreneur visa

Many European countries offer special “entrepreneur” or “startup” visas designed for founders who want to launch a business in the local market. These are typically available to third-country nationals (i.e., non-EU/EEA nationals).

Common requirements include:

a viable business plan;

proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and the business;

economic benefit to the country (e.g., job creation, innovation).

Self-employment visas for freelancers & consultants

In addition to entrepreneur visas, several European countries issue permits for self-employment. These are suitable for solo consultants, creatives, or small business owners who provide services.

These visas generally require:

signed contracts or proof of clients;

minimum income levels;

proof of accommodation and insurance.

Digital nomad visas 

Several EU countries now offer digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to stay legally for extended periods. However, while appealing for lifestyle reasons, they usually do not permit running a local business or hiring staff.

Examples:

Estonia, Croatia, Portugal, and Greece all offer digital nomad schemes. These visas are often valid for 6–12 months, with extensions possible. Typically, your business must remain registered abroad and generate foreign income.

Entrepreneurs interested in fully entering the local economy should opt for business-oriented permits instead.

Residency through company formation

Some countries allow non-EU nationals to obtain residency by forming and running a company, particularly if it employs local workers or makes a capital investment.

Examples:

Cyprus. Company owner residence permits are available for non-EU directors of companies with physical presence and employees in Cyprus.

Malta. Offers residency options tied to investment or ownership of Maltese-registered businesses.

Hungary. While it doesn’t offer a formal entrepreneur visa, business owners who employ locals and pay taxes can often regularize their stay via residence permits.

In these cases, immigration approval is often discretionary and tied to economic substance.

EU blue card and intra-corporate transfers 

While often mentioned, these permit types do not apply to company founders. The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled employees, and ICT permits are for multinational employees transferred within the same group.

Business owners should focus on entrepreneur, investor, or self-employment visas.

Brexit and the UK

If you’re looking to set up in the United Kingdom, post-Brexit rules now treat EU and non-EU nationals alike. 

The UK offers:

Innovator Founder Visa (replacing the old Tier 1 system), for those starting innovative businesses;

Startup Visa, for early-stage founders (though being phased out).

Both require endorsement by a licensed UK organization and strict eligibility criteria.

EU nationals now also need a visa to work or run a business in the UK, unless they already have settled status.

Conclusion

Registering a company in Europe does not automatically entitle you to reside or work in that country. Immigration and company law are separate frameworks.

At Manimama Law Firm, we help business owners:

Choose the best EU country for relocation and company setup.

Structure visa applications alongside business formation.

Ensure immigration compliance as your business scales.

Our contacts

If you would like to become our client or partner, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@manimama.eu.

Alternatively, you can use our Telegram account (@manimama_sales), and we will respond to your inquiry.

We also invite you to visit our website: https://manimama.eu/.

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Manimama Law Firm provides a gateway for the companies operating as the virtual asset wallet and exchange providers allowing to enter to the markets legally. We are ready to offer an appropriate support in obtaining a license with lower founding and operating costs. We offer KYC/AML launch, support in risk assessment, legal services, legal opinions, advice on general data protection provisions, contracts and all necessary legal and business tools to start business of virtual asset service provider.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter, not to be considered as a legal consultation.