10/15/2026
Do you really need big capital to start your startup in Europe?
You might be surprised: out of 17 European startup visa routes, 11 countries need no upfront capital at all!
The real costs are living money (your cost of living there) and processing fees.
👉In these zero-capital countries, your business idea and your incubator’s support matter more than showing money in your bank. Here are the countries:
- UK: £0 capital. But you must show £1,270 in living funds. But, with endorsement, visa and health surcharge together make the starting cost £5,400+.
- Spain & Portugal: No capital needed. In Spain you must show €7,200/year in living funds, and in Portugal €6,445. Both are great for startup founders.
- Estonia: €0 on the startup visa (a normal business permit needs €65,000). Living funds are €880 per month.
- France: €0 capital on the French Tech Visa. But it has the highest living funds (around €22,404).
👉 Want to move to Europe with your startup but invest less capital? Then Austria or Slovakia could be your next destination.
- Austria needs €30,000 in capital. But the biggest benefit is that there is no living fund test here. This is totally unique on this list.
- Slovakia needs the lowest capital of the two. Only €11,808.
👉 And if you have a good budget, like €50,000 or more, you can try Italy, Ireland or Bulgaria.
- Whether you apply to Italy or Ireland, you will need at least €50,000 in capital.
- But in Ireland, the business plan bar is very high (you must create 10 jobs and €1M in sales within 3 years).
- Bulgaria needs at least around €51,000 in capital.
➡️One thing keep in mind. UK has £0 capital, but its fees are the highest. And France or the Netherlands have £0 capital too, but their living funds are €21,000+!
So don’t be fooled by “Zero Capital” alone.
Is your startup idea ready for Europe? Which country do you think is best for you? Tell us in the comments! 👇