Best Residency Programs for Global Entrepreneurs in 2025

Borders are becoming increasingly optional, but savvy entrepreneurs know that where you live still matters when it comes to protecting your wealth and unlocking new opportunities.

The question isn’t if you should move but where you’ll enjoy the best return on your capital, time, freedom and future.

Forget one-size-fits-all advice. The right residency program is personal and should match your ambition, support your business model and open doors – not create friction.

It’s not about escape. It’s about leverage.

For founders, investors, and digital operators, residency is a strategic tool that can reduce tax exposure, simplify compliance, and provide a launchpad for international growth.

But with so many options out there, clarity is essential. You need to find the jurisdiction that best fits your structure, ambitions and risk profile.

Whether you’re drawn to the relaxed pace of a tropical haven, the connectivity of a European capital or the fast-growing economies of Asia, the right residency or visa program can open doors to more than just a better lifestyle.

But this is a complex area, requiring an understanding of everything from visa requirements and tax residency rules to local banking systems, reporting obligations and how your new base interacts with your home country’s tax laws.

It means asking the right questions:

• Do you need global access?
• English-speaking advisors?
• Investor-friendly legal frameworks?
• An established and well-developed expat ecosystem?

Each factor helps define a location that isn’t just liveable but operationally strategic.

You didn’t build your success by settling for less – and you shouldn’t start now. With the right planning, you can live in a country that rewards ambition, respects privacy and gives you the leverage to grow on your own terms.

At Nomad Capitalist, we call that going where you’re treated best.

Choosing Entrepreneur Visas

When it comes to residency programs for entrepreneurs, there’s one thing you can’t overlook: the place where you’ll actually be living. 

A good entrepreneur visa is one that not only lets you run your business but also allows you to enjoy a decent lifestyle, whether it’s access to healthcare, a dynamic expat community or a thriving cultural scene. 

After all, you’re going to spend a lot of time there, so it better be somewhere you’re excited to call home. 

Otherwise, you may as well set your business up in a strategic offshore location and live somewhere else.

Beyond the lifestyle draw, the country should also offer strategic business benefits that make pursuing a residency worthwhile.

Benefits of the Right Entrepreneur Visa

The right visa allows you to access a solid legal framework, favourable tax rates and the stability you need to focus on growing your business. 

There’s more to it than just tax breaks. 

A good entrepreneur visa can offer flexibility, such as the ability to live and operate freely within the region, hire employees and even bring your family along. 

There’s also the potential of citizenship to consider. 

Many residency programs, especially those for entrepreneurs, can eventually lead to citizenship through naturalisation. So, not only are you setting your business up for long-term success, but the right entrepreneur residency program can help you achieve greater personal freedom.

While most residency programs are based on some kind of investment that you may never see returns from, a business residency program offers an exciting chance to build a thriving company in a favourable jurisdiction while gaining a strategic second residence.

10 Best Business Immigration Programs 

From Europe to Asia, here are some of the best residency programs for global entrepreneurs right now.

Ireland 

If you’re building something innovative with real potential, Ireland might just roll out the green carpet for you. 

The country’s Start-up Entrepreneur Program is tailor-made for high-growth businesses. 

The program is open to businesses with €50,000 in funding. Importantly, the business must be classified as a high-potential start-up. 

What makes Ireland shine is its low corporate tax rate, just 12.5%, and a handful of incentives if you reinvest in your next big idea. You’ll still be taxed personally, sure, but if your business is lean, fast and global, Ireland’s setup can work in your favour. 

Unlike post-recent-reform Britain, Ireland also has a favourable non-dom scheme that won’t tax most of your foreign income. 

Belgium 

If you’re serious about setting up shop in the EU, Belgium is one of the more realistic paths to long-term residency. 

The process starts with a D Visa, followed by a Professional Card that proves you’re actually doing business in the country, not just parking money in a shell company. 

The bar’s set high here, but that’s because Belgium can afford to be picky. They want real businesses with real local impact.

However, the taxes aren’t light with corporate tax at 25%, while personal income tax can climb to 50%.

Still, with the right structure, you can isolate Belgian income and avoid tax on your global earnings. Add that to a central European location, solid infrastructure and an easy route to EU citizenship, and Belgium becomes a compelling option. 

Portugal

Portugal has quietly become one of the most accessible EU countries for entrepreneurs who actually want to live somewhere sunny, civilised and connected. 

The D2 Visa, its version of an entrepreneur visa, simply asks for a solid business plan and enough money in the bank to prove you’re serious. There’s no hard investment minimum, but a few thousand euros and a viable concept can get you in the door.

Portugal ticks a lot of boxes – great lifestyle, access to the EU and a reasonable cost of living. 

Even with changes to the golden visa, Portugal still wants smart money and smart people. If you’re an entrepreneur with global ambitions and a love for good food and Atlantic sunsets, this might just be your next move.

Colombia

Colombia might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about global entrepreneurship, but that’s exactly why it should be. 

With under US$35,000, you can launch a business and pick up a temporary residency that doesn’t ask much in return – just a visit every six months. That’s it. No one’s breathing down your neck about job creation or minimum profits.

The country’s start-up scene is booming, fuelled by a young, educated workforce and a refreshingly open business culture. The lifestyle is great, too.

The taxes are manageable, especially with the right structure. And if you’re thinking long-term, five years of light residency and a basic Spanish test can get you a second passport. 

Panama

Panama has long been a favourite with global entrepreneurs who want to mix business with serious tax optimisation. 

The Business Investor Visa is straightforward: invest at least US$160,000 into a local company, your own or someone else’s, and create five jobs for locals. Do that, and you’re on the fast track to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

What makes Panama especially attractive is its territorial tax system. That means if your income is earned outside the country, Panama doesn’t want a slice of it. 

Add in a dollarised economy, a strong banking sector and a growing international business hub in Panama City, and it’s easy to see the appeal. 

Lifestyle-wise, it’s a tropical playground with good infrastructure and no real need to learn perfect Spanish.

Turkey

Turkey isn’t just a bridge between Europe and Asia. It’s also a fast-track route to a second passport for entrepreneurs who know how to scale. 

If you can create 50 jobs for Turkish citizens, you can skip the visa queue entirely and go straight to citizenship. No minimum investment amount is set, but make no mistake: this is for serious operators who want boots on the ground.

The cost of hiring in Turkey is low, which makes it ideal for outsourcing, back-office support or even launching a brand new venture. You don’t need to live there, and your family can come along for the ride. 

Add in access to a decent passport, solid infrastructure and a lifestyle that mixes the Mediterranean with the exotic, and Turkey becomes a smart, strategic move. 

Lithuania

Tucked away in the Baltics, Lithuania offers one of the simplest EU residency options for those willing to set up a real business and play by the rules. 

With a flat 15% corporate tax rate and a government that doesn’t obsessively micromanage your books, Lithuania gives you room to build.

This isn’t the place to open a corner shop, but if you’re running a service-based or global-facing business, it’s a strong play. 

You’ll need to invest some capital, employ locals and prove that your company is legit. But in return, you get a stable EU base, solid infrastructure and a European lifestyle without the crowds or chaos. 

For the right type of business, Lithuania offers an efficient path into the European market.

Cyprus

Cyprus offers a fantastic residency program that’s perfect for entrepreneurs looking for a tax-friendly European base with minimal hassle. 

Its residence-by-investment program allows you to gain residency by purchasing a property or making a business investment of at least €300,000. 

The best part? The permit is permanent, so long as you visit Cyprus every two years, and it’s relatively simple to maintain. 

Whether you invest in real estate or a local company with employees, the process is efficient and often completed in just a few months.

For now, Cyprus has a 12.5% corporate tax rate (which is set to increase to 15% in 2026). It’s still among the lowest in Europe, making it an attractive location for business owners. Plus, the Mediterranean lifestyle and strategic location make it a great place to live. 

Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s most dynamic and business-friendly destinations for global entrepreneurs. 

The EntrePass visa, designed for high-calibre innovators, allows foreign entrepreneurs to set up a new company in Singapore. 

The process is competitive, requiring a strong business track record, substantial funding and a clear competitive edge, such as intellectual property or research collaborations.

Though the country offers attractive program benefits like territorial taxation and a globally respected passport, the cost of entry is high. 

Entrepreneurs must also navigate a rigorous annual renewal process. But, if you can meet the requirements, Singapore offers unrivalled opportunities to scale your business in one of the world’s most entrepreneurial ecosystems.

South Korea

With its booming economy, rich culture and growing global influence, South Korea offers plenty of opportunities to thrive in Asia. 

The D-8 Investor Visa is the key to permanent residency here. You’ll need to invest at least KRW 100 million (around US$70,000) into a profit-generating business. The focus is on practical, operational businesses.

The process isn’t as hard as in some other countries, but don’t expect it to be a free pass. Your business will need to prove it’s making money to keep your residency permit. 

While not ideal for high-tech startups looking for massive scale, South Korea is perfect for entrepreneurs looking for stability and a gateway to Asia.

Best Business Immigration Programs: FAQs

Choosing the Best Entrepreneur Visa for Your Lifestyle

Ultimately, your visa choice should be as much about your personal life as it is about your business. 

A good entrepreneur visa gives you the freedom to scale your business while offering you a secure, comfortable place to call home. 

The right country will offer tax advantages, flexible living options and a solid framework to help you succeed. But it also needs to fit with the lifestyle you want to lead. 

That’s why at Nomad Capitalist, we take a holistic approach when co-creating action plans for our clients. We weigh up all of your personal and business needs to help establish an offshore solution that provides the most benefits for you. 

Ready to get started? Just get in touch.