Self-sponsoring immigration has become extremely popular in recent years. It is particularly suitable for persons who have a high skill set and are high achievers in their respective fields, investors, entrepreneurs, and IT specialists. This visa makes it possible to pursue their career and passion that aligns with the economic interests of that particular country.  Without any employer sponsorship, you can live and work in that country while continuing your profession or interest. Many European countries offer this visa, each having its own set of requirements. Each country offers different benefits and opportunities under this category. The most attractive countries for immigrants under this visa are the United Kingdom (UK), Portugal, and the Czech Republic.

This article will provide you with a comparison of each of the above three countries regarding self-sponsorship. It will include the benefits and differences under each category. If you are a highly skilled professional, an entrepreneur, a freelancer or someone who wants to earn passive income, this article will provide you with the necessary information that will make the decision making process easier for you.  

1. Self-Sponsoring Immigration in the UK:-

The UK has a strong economy and has a status of global financial hub, so it provides many opportunities for entrepreneurs. Hence, the UK is a famous destination for immigrants under a self-sponsorship visa. There are several visa options available in the UK including the Global Talent Visa, Start-up Visa, and Innovator Visa.

Global Talent Visa:

This visa category is meant for exceptionally skilled professionals from fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), arts, and digital technology. Applicants may either be backed by an endorsing body relevant to the program or must show proof of outstanding talent in their respective professions. It is the most competitive and most flexible visa option, as it encourages interpretation into self-employment or affiliation with an organization, and there are no restrictions on what a person can do. 

• Eligibility: an approved endorsement from a body, for example, Tech Nation for digital technology professionals.
• Requirements: evidence of exceptional talent or promise in the particular field.
• Benefits: Freedom of not being affiliated with a specific employer, being able to change between employers, working on projects, or setting up a new business. 

Start-up Visa: 

This will help self-sponsors immigrate to the UK as an entrepreneur intending to start a new business. Applicants must have an exciting idea that can be scalable and have a growth potential. The idea should be backed up by a licensed UK-authorized organization. 

• Eligibility: Should be endorsed by a UK organization.
• Requirements: Business idea and its potential, available funding, and endorsement letter. 
• Benefits: Australia does not require providing the largest investment and gives everyone flexible pathways through which starting a company in the UK can be possible.

Innovator Visa:

This Innovator visa is ideal for seasoned entrepreneurs who want to set up or run a business in the UK. The level of investment and experience in business that the applicant must possess is higher compared to that of the Start-up visa.  It would help a person in the long term if he has the abilities of an entrepreneur. 

• Eligibility: Endorsement of business organization. 
• Requirements: It requires a business plan, investment of at least £50,000 and proof of funds available.
• Benefits: This offers the opportunity of long term Residency and to run various businesses at the same time.

2. Self-Sponsoring Immigration in Portugal:-

Portugal is one of the most attractive self-sponsoring countries in Europe. Apart from having a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and a very low cost of living, Portugal offers a number of self-sponsoring visas. The more popular visas include the D7 Visa for passive income holders and the Entrepreneur Visa for business founders.

D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

The D7 Visa was designed for persons who can demonstrate that they have enough passive income to sustain themselves and their dependents. The D7 Visa is most useful for retirees and people who work from home and entrepreneurs who make their money from stock investments, pensions, or some other source, not dependent on active employment in Portugal. Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold that is lower than that of many other European countries.

• Eligibility: It requires proof of sufficient passive income (from rent, dividends, pensions, etc.). 
• Requirements: Bank statements or contracts are required to show proof of income.
• Benefits: It allows family reunification and access to Portuguese healthcare. After five years of living on this visa, one can apply for permanent residence. 

Entrepreneur Visa

This visa is appropriate for self-sponsoring people who are planning to start a business and can prove that their venture will provide jobs for local nationals. So, this visa is suitable for businessman immigrants who want to establish a business in a developing ecosystem in Portugal suitable for startups.

• Eligibility: Applicants must show that the business will create jobs and contribute to the Portuguese economy. 
• Requirements: Requirements include a solid business plan and evidence of funds for business (personal savings or investment). 
• Benefits: It provides benefits for startups related to taxation, as well as accessibility to live and work in Portugal. It also provides an opportunity to explore Portugal’s EU market.

3. Self-Sponsoring Immigration to the Czech Republic:-

The Czech Republic is also becoming popular among self-sponsoring immigrants.  Its business-friendly environment, low living costs, and high quality of life entice people to self-sponsor. The country has launched several visa options for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors, the most notable being the Czech Business Visa and the Freelancers Visa.

Czech Business Visa

The Czech Business Visa is for self-employed persons or those who want to establish and run their own business in the Czech Republic. Applicants need to present a precise business plan and demonstrate that their business will be financially feasible. This visa is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs wishing to explore Europe.

• Conditions: Prove that the business will not only bear fruit for you but also benefit the Czech economy and create job opportunities for the local community.
• Requirements: A business plan, evidence of funds available, and company registration documents are required.
• Benefits: It allows you to establish a business in the Czech Republic, contribute to flexible living arrangements, and enter into the EU market.

Freelancer Visa

For freelancers and remote workers, the Czech Freelancer Visa provides an opportunity to reside and work in the Czech Republic while rendering their services to clients located abroad. The visa verification proof requires evidence of income from professional contracts with foreign clients or stable freelance contract work.

• Eligibility: You have to show proof of income from international clients.
• Requirements: Income statements or contracts, proof of health insurance, and accommodation are required.
• Benefits: This visa provides an opportunity for remote workers and freelancers to live in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities like Prague. It offers a simple application procedure.

Key Comparisons: UK, Portugal, and the Czech Republic:-

Cost of Living

• United Kingdom: It is costly when it comes to living here, especially in major cities such as London which has high housing and utilities along with other expenses.
• Portugal: It is relatively cheaper than other European countries. Lisbon and Porto are still affordable cities and their popularity is increasing recently.
• Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is famous for low prices mainly in cities like Prague. Here, housing, food, and utilities are significantly cheaper than in larger European cities.

Easy Immigration

United Kingdom: The UK provides various self-sponsoring visas, but the process of application is complicated for skilled professionals who want an easy route.

Portugal: It has one of the most valued and easiest self-sponsoring immigration, the D7 visa of Portugal. It requires low-income thresholds and simple application procedures.

Czech Republic: The Czech Republic also has a less complicated application process for entrepreneurs and freelancers and has clear specifications for income, business plans, and evidence of financial independence of applicants.

Business Opportunities

United Kingdom: The UK acts as a global financial hub with many opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. The fields of finance, technology, and creative industries are highly demanded.

Portugal: It has an increasingly startup-friendly ecosystem and business-friendly tax incentives. Hence, Portugal is an attractive destination for any entrepreneur. The government supports innovation and creativity and helps grow startups.

Czech Republic: It has a sustainable business environment with low taxes for entrepreneurs and a robust local market for certain industries such as technology and manufacturing.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Pathway for Your Self-Sponsoring Immigration Journey

The UK, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, all offer different advantages for self-sponsoring immigrants. For instance, the UK offers a very flexible competitive environment: the Global Talent Visa and the Start-up Visa are both great routes for highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Portugal is a top choice with its D7 Visa for people with passive money in the bank, as well as the Entrepreneur Visa for business founders looking to explore the European market. The Czech Republic is gaining popularity for its cost-effective and business-friendly environment. It offers a low cost of living and plenty of opportunities for freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Your decision depends on your situation, business goals, and lifestyle preferences. All these countries have opportunities for growth for self-sponsored immigrants and offer promising future in Europe.