Short answer. Founder visas in Europe test different things. Germany's self-employment permit needs an economic interest and secured financing, with no fixed amount. Ireland's STEP needs €50,000. Austria needs €30,000 of capital and 50 points. The Netherlands and Portugal need a mentor or incubator; Estonia, its Startup Committee's approval.
The checklist
Life-stage movesPick a country. You'll see the official criteria for its founder route, as the government publishes them, with the money, who decides, how long it lasts and the fees. Tick what you already have documented. The ticks stay on this page and go nowhere.
| Country | Money | First permit | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | No fixed amount; financing secured | Up to 3 years | €75 visa + €100 permit |
| Netherlands | Funds for the year (IND income rule) | 1 year, then self-employed permit | €423 |
| Ireland | €50,000 (first founder) | 2 years | €350 |
| France | SMIC-level means (business creators: plus €30,000 invested) | Up to 4 years | €350 card |
| Austria | €30,000 capital, 50%+ equity | Up to 24 months | €218 |
| Estonia | €880 a month (visa) | Visa up to 365 days; permit up to 5 years | €120 visa; €350–380 permit |
| Portugal | €6,445.56 own means | 4-month visa, then a residence permit | Ask the consulate |
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How to read these routes
The methodFounder visas look alike from far away. Up close they test different things. Germany asks whether the business serves an economic interest and is properly financed, with no fixed amount. Ireland and Austria put a number on the money. The Netherlands and Portugal make you work through a mentor or incubator. Estonia hands the call to a committee of startup people.
We list only what each government publishes. Where a figure isn't official, like a typical processing time, we leave it out rather than guess. And every route ends with a decision someone else makes. That's why this page counts what you've documented and stops there.
Get the sheet
FreeFounder-visa checklist sheet
The sources
Last verified 21 Oct 2026Each country's card links to its official pages. We re-check them every quarter and log any change on our corrections page.
| Country | Official source |
|---|
Questions people ask
Life-stage movesHow much money do I need for a startup visa in Germany?
There's no fixed amount. The law asks that financing be secured by your own capital or a loan commitment, and the authority weighs the capital invested along with the business idea and your experience. Source: Aufenthaltsgesetz §21.
How much funding does Ireland's STEP visa need?
€50,000 for the first founder and €30,000 for each additional founder, from your own money, a loan, angel or VC funding, or a State agency grant. The fee is €350. Source: Irish Immigration Service, STEP Guidelines (September 2023).
Does the Netherlands startup visa need a facilitator?
Yes. You need a signed contract with a facilitator (mentor) on RVO's list, and RVO assesses your plan. The permit lasts one year and can't be extended; after it you can apply for the self-employed permit. Source: IND, Start-up.
What does Estonia's startup visa require?
Approval from the Startup Committee that your business is a technology-based, innovative startup with global growth potential, plus at least €880 a month for the visa and travel medical insurance. The D visa fee is €120. Source: Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, long-stay D visa.
Does meeting every criterion guarantee a founder visa?
No. Each authority weighs the whole application and has discretion, and rules and fees change. Use a checklist to prepare, then confirm with the official page or mission.
Known limits
Read these first- Seven countries, one founder route each (two for the Netherlands and France, where they connect). Other routes exist, like investor or digital-nomad permits.
- Processing times are left out unless the government publishes them.
- Fees change, often each January. Check the official page on the day you apply.
- Portugal's D2 entrepreneur visa isn't listed: we couldn't confirm its amounts and fees on an official page.
- Not legal advice. For a real application, speak to the mission or a licensed adviser in that country.
Every criterion checked against the official pages on 21 October 2026; data tested for completeness and official sources (v1.0).
Education only. This newsletter is for education only. It is not investment, tax or legal advice and does not recommend any security or product. Do your own research or consult a registered professional.