"Startup" used to mean a "business that is starting up"... somehow it became a very narrow definition meaning "businesses that get venture funding".
I guess a "startup visa" under the narrow definition is an improvement, but it isn't really what countries should be doing.
Frankly, there's nothing any country has that is going to be lost by letting immigrants in. Every country benefits from immigrants.
But if you're going to encourage entrepreneur immigrants, you should be open to anyone with a business plan, and enough experience and minimal personal assets necessary to make the business a success.
Since this is difficult to determine, don't try to determine it. Let people just apply and take them.
If, a year later, they've gotten in trouble with the law then send them packing... but otherwise, that's what a real "startup visa" would look like, in my opinion.
Fortunately there are countries who take this kind of approach.
Chile wants you to be able to support yourself and have a clean record with the local police.
Panama wants you to form a corporation and put $5,000 in the bank.
For americans, the Netherlands wants you to form a corporation and put $11,000-$15,000 into the bank. (via the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
I'm sure other countries have similar programs. For instance, Equador is reasonably open to americans who want to live there.
I don't see Chile, Panama or the Netherlands being overrun with problematic immigrants.
I guess a "startup visa" under the narrow definition is an improvement, but it isn't really what countries should be doing.
Frankly, there's nothing any country has that is going to be lost by letting immigrants in. Every country benefits from immigrants.
But if you're going to encourage entrepreneur immigrants, you should be open to anyone with a business plan, and enough experience and minimal personal assets necessary to make the business a success.
Since this is difficult to determine, don't try to determine it. Let people just apply and take them.
If, a year later, they've gotten in trouble with the law then send them packing... but otherwise, that's what a real "startup visa" would look like, in my opinion.
Fortunately there are countries who take this kind of approach.
Chile wants you to be able to support yourself and have a clean record with the local police.
Panama wants you to form a corporation and put $5,000 in the bank.
For americans, the Netherlands wants you to form a corporation and put $11,000-$15,000 into the bank. (via the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty)
I'm sure other countries have similar programs. For instance, Equador is reasonably open to americans who want to live there.
I don't see Chile, Panama or the Netherlands being overrun with problematic immigrants.