Talent Mobility

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are facing a rapidly evolving global landscape, with talent mobility at the cutting edge of change. The ability to seek talent internationally has the potential to reshape business growth, economic development and investment flows. Meanwhile, new entrepreneurial hubs, which cluster around talent, are redefining the mainstream ways of locating a business. The promise of this increasingly borderless environment is reflected by governments, which are introducing specialized visa programs, tax incentives and startup-friendly policies to attract entrepreneurs and skilled professionals from abroad.
Against this dynamic backdrop, many businesses are setting their sights on talent mobility, which can fuel entrepreneurial success and impact global innovation. Those businesses that adapt and navigate strategically the shift to a borderless talent economy will position themselves as leaders that attract the best talent.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the key factors driving entrepreneurial talent mobility in 2025:

It’s no longer enough to passively expect talent to reach your shores. Nations are instead actively competing to attract the best talent—and this comes in many forms. Specialized visas, tax incentives and simplified immigration pathways are offered by those countries that seek to attract skilled professionals.

Portugal’s Startup Visa, Spain’s Highly Qualified Professionals Visa and France’s Talent Passport are examples of how countries are designing programs to lure global founders. Faster residency approvals, easier access to startup funding and business-friendly regulatory environments all allow entrepreneurs to establish and expand their operations internationally.

The geopolitical climate is keenly felt by entrepreneurs: They seek locations that offer long-term economic growth, political stability and regulatory clarity. Therefore, countries with strong legal frameworks, business-friendly policies and access to capital tend to attract and retain world-class founders. Those struggling to find this in the U.S., potentially due to political uncertainty and restrictive immigration laws, are increasingly exploring opportunities in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The shift toward remote work matters. As businesses lean into remote-first work environments, enabling employees to work from around the world, founders are no longer compelled to be physically present in traditional hubs like Silicon Valley or London. So, it’s not surprising to see them move their companies to jurisdictions with lower taxes and reduced regulatory burdens, whilst continuing to enjoy access to global markets.

But what does this pivot to talent mobility really mean for businesses? There are three key reasons linking talent mobility to entrepreneurial success:

Mobility allows entrepreneurs to strategically expand into business-friendly ecosystems: Strong infrastructure, investor networks and policy support are part of the appeal. Similarly, emerging hubs with mobility programs mean that founders can enter and scale quickly with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. Startup-friendly policies and tax incentives work to attract talent.

Talent mobility sits at the intersection of both human and financial capital. Investors tend to follow talent, and startup ecosystems thrive when financial and human capital converge. When entrepreneurs expand their footprint globally, they bring along networks of venture capitalists, angel investors and business partners. This drives new investment into emerging hubs. For instance, in Portugal, where my company is based, the tech scene's increased startup activity has led to a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) and venture funding.

Talent mobility also fuels innovation because it synthesizes perspectives, expertise and problem-solving approaches from across the world. Entrepreneurs integrating into new markets often blend their own strategies with local industry knowledge, and this creates novel solutions. Companies that embrace talent mobility gain access to a richer pool of ideas and foster innovation at speed.

Talent mobility is expanding entrepreneurial opportunity and innovation, with various countries rightly seeking to capitalize on the trend. Business leaders should, however, be mindful of the following challenges:

Entrepreneurs expanding internationally must navigate complex legal and tax structures, with countries often having unique residency requirements, corporate tax regulations and business registration processes. Thorough due diligence, as well as an ear for local expertise, will ensure founders meet compliance whilst optimizing their operational structures. Strategic planning in areas such as tax residency, intellectual property protection and regulatory reporting is crucial for long-term success and to avoid complications down the line.

Attracting talent is just the first step; retaining it is another matter. Entrepreneurs and businesses must create environments where global talent can thrive. If they are to be successful in the long term, they need to understand cultural differences and ensure employees feel supported in their new location. Hiring local talent is another crucial factor. Ultimately, companies that implement strong onboarding, mentorship and cultural integration programs will retain top talent and maintain a competitive edge.

Looking ahead, the future of entrepreneurship is increasingly defined by mobility, which gives superior access to markets, knowledge and capital. The potential this represents for businesses is manifest—those that adapt to a borderless talent economy will gain access to the best minds, the most dynamic markets and the newest investment opportunities.
But these advantages don’t come freely. In order to remain competitive, it is crucial that businesses strategically engage with global mobility trends, whilst working hard to attract and retain the best talent. So, in an entrepreneurial ecosystem where borders matter less and less, it is increasingly the businesses that proactively engage with talent mobility that stand to gain.

Entering a new market requires integration into the local business ecosystem. To gain credibility and access to funding, it is key that entrepreneurs establish relationships with local investors, government agencies and industry stakeholders. Networking events, accelerator programs and strategic partnerships with local universities and institutions can significantly boost business growth in a new region.