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This is the case in pretty much every western country, afaik. The $250k limit is also held by Germany. Other countries have floors of (I hope you're sitting) 1 million currency units (pounds, etc.). Personally, I think they are all misguided. But try to explain that to border control. In this vein, you may find this post by Max Klein of interest: http://maxkle.in/giving-up-on-europe/

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Could you link to an article where is says the minimum amount you need to invest for the countries you mention? I live in Ireland and I've never heard of these limits for the countries you mention.

Here's a link showing the minimum capital requirements for different nations:

http://doingbusiness.org/documents/Simulator_2010.xls (Excel Spreadsheet)

Some Examples:

  China - Overall Ease of Doing Business: 87th - Min. Capital to Start a Business(% income per capita): 130.9%
  Germany - Overall Ease of Doing Business: 25th - Min. Capital to Start a Business(% income per capita): 0%
  Ireland - Overall Ease of Doing Business: 7th - Min. Capital to Start a Business(% income per capita): 0%
  Singapore - Overall Ease of Doing Business: 1st - Min. Capital to Start a Business(% income per capita): 0%
  United Kingdom - Overall Ease of Doing Business: 5th - Min. Capital to Start a Business(% income per capita): 0%
  United States - Overall Ease of Doing Business: 4th - Min. Capital to Start a Business(% income per capita): 0%

Granted, the rules may be (somewhat/drastically) different for non-citizens, but imposing extremely high minimum capital limits (if it's true) is very stupid economically.

I'm from Ireland myself, and it is indeed different for non-nationals; eg Ireland requires E300,000 a credible business plan, and ability to hire at least 2 people. http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/WP09000012

It is sort of stupid economically, but then the other side of the coin is that government don't want to be accused of selling visas or try to evaluate micro-businesses proposed by people who might or might not be actual entrepreneurs. Protip: being a professional writer or artist of any standing makes living in Ireland much, much easier.

I had no idea of the 300k limit...that's crazy high. I guess most people who immigrate are from within the EU so it's less of an issue.

"being a professional writer or artist of any standing makes living in Ireland much, much easier." - unless you are U2!

ps. there is a Ruby Ireland meetup in Cork in 2 days if you are in the area...no prerequisites, very informal, all welcome ;-)

http://www.hackernewsers.com/meetups/2.html

Yes. Procuring a student visa would be far easier and more affordable for startup founders interested in working in Ireland, as far as I can tell.

re. meetup, I live in the US now, and unfortunately my relatives in Ireland aren't programmers - but thanks for the invite!

That's funny, I'm trying to land a job Stateside, so I can secure a H1-B, hopefully progress to a Green Card so I can do a startup! Small world! There's certainly much less opportunities and talent over here. Most young smart people don't see startups as a viable and rewarding career opportunity....which is a real shame.

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