The aim of this EMN Study was to provide an analysis and further understanding of the policies and specific conditions in place in EU Member States that regulate the admission for business purposes of:
– Non-EU investors who are not yet present/resident in any Member State (admitted on a long-stay visa or residence permit for the purpose of making a (substantial) financial investment either in financial products or in a business but without involving in the day to day operations or in the management of business);
– Non-EU business owners who are not yet present/resident in any Member State (admitted on long-stay visa or residence permit to the Member State to i) set up a business and be involved in its management; ii) take over the running of a business or businesses and be involved in its management; iii) or for self-employment;
– Other third-country nationals who travel to the EU for business reasons (“other business persons”), including (but are not limited to) the six pre-defined categories of “natural persons” providing services, under the specific commitments of the (GATS) and EU free-trade agreements.
The study also sought to compare the ways, and extent to which, EU Member States’ existing legal and policy measures are used to facilitate the admission and stay of third-country nationals for business purposes whilst safeguarding against misuse.
This Study contributes to the wider debate on increasing EU competiteveness, attracting investors and business owners (entrepreneurs), while addressing the mobility of international workers.