Founders, investors and business travel
Indicative processing time: 2–8 weeks· varies by case
Overview
Not sure this is the right route? A consultant can review your profile and explain your options.
Check your eligibilityBuild your business. Explore global opportunities. Plan your international future.
Business and investment immigration offers entrepreneurs, business owners and investors opportunities to establish operations, expand into international markets or explore residence pathways linked to qualifying business activities and investments.
Whether you are planning to launch a start-up, acquire or expand a business, invest in an overseas enterprise or explore an investment-based residence programme, the right pathway depends on your financial profile, business experience, investment objectives and long-term plans.
Countries design their business and investment routes around different economic priorities. Some focus on innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs who can develop businesses and create employment. Others offer pathways for experienced business owners or investors who meet specific capital, business activity or investment requirements. Certain countries also provide residence options linked to qualifying investments, subject to their own rules, due diligence and ongoing obligations.
At Ashford Immigration, we help you explore business and investment opportunities across supported destinations, including Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Portugal, the United States, New Zealand, Ireland and other European countries. Our approach begins with understanding your objectives, reviewing your business or financial background, comparing relevant immigration routes and helping you prepare the documentation required for your chosen pathway.
Business and investment immigration rules can change significantly. Some well-known programmes have closed or paused, while others have introduced new eligibility conditions. We focus on explaining which routes are currently available, what they require and where professional or regulated advice may be necessary.
Every international business decision deserves a clear plan. Let Ashford help you understand your options and take your next step with confidence.
Immigration authorities make the final decisions on all applications. Investment returns, business success, residence permits and permanent residence are never guaranteed.
The factors most commonly considered — we assess your profile against them before recommending a route.
Programmes
CACanadaCanada’s business routes for people who invest in, set up or manage a business now run mainly through provincial entrepreneur streams and intra-company transfers, as the federal Start-up Visa is closed to new applications and the Self-Employed Persons Program is paused.
AUAustraliaAustralia closed its Business Innovation and Investment Program in 2024, so experienced business owners and investors now look at the invitation-only National Innovation visa, sponsorship of staff for a new Australian operation or the Business Visitor stream for short trips.
GBUnited KingdomThe UK is a major international business centre, with the Innovator Founder visa for founders of innovative businesses, the UK Expansion Worker visa for staff setting up a UK branch of an overseas company, and visitor visas for meetings and other permitted business activities.
PTPortugalPortugal draws entrepreneurs, start-ups and independent professionals with its location in Europe, its growing start-up community and its quality of life, through the residence visa for independent work or entrepreneurs (D2) and the Startup Visa programme.
Other business destinationsDepending on your investment and business goals, you may also consider the United States, New Zealand, Ireland and other European countries.
Other destinations
We also advise on other countries and routes. Tell us your plans and a consultant will review your options.
Our support
Other services
For qualified professionals planning a move abroad through points-based skilled migration programmes.
Guidance and support with study abroad plans and student visa applications, so your education can open international opportunities.
Guidance and support with work permits for international career opportunities.
Next step
Start with an eligibility assessment, or book a consultation to talk it through with our team.
