Indian Founders in High Demand as Countries Compete for Global Talent

For Indian entrepreneurs, securing residency abroad has become more complex than simply investing in a country's economy. Gone are the days of golden visas and passive capital; countries are now competing for active contributors who can establish businesses, create jobs, and drive economic growth.

Countries like Europe and the UAE are shifting their focus from wealth-based immigration to activity-linked residency, where governments prioritize entrepreneurs who can demonstrate genuine business activity and economic contribution. This shift is driven by the recognition that Indian founders bring unique value to foreign markets, including a large customer network, operational teams, and supply chains.

According to Saif Nawaz, founder of OnDemand International, 'Indian promoters arriving in Amsterdam or Barcelona bring four things at once: equity, an operating team, a supply chain back home, and a customer network across the diaspora.'

The changing immigration landscape requires Indian founders to rethink their approach. Rather than focusing solely on securing residency, entrepreneurs should start by assessing their business model and identifying which countries offer the most suitable environment for growth.