AFS' Remarks on the EU Visa Policy Strategy and the Commission Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation

Allied For Startups (AFS) welcomes the adoption of the EU Visa Policy Strategy and the accompanying Commission Recommendation on attracting talent for innovation. This is an important step in aligning Europe’s migration framework with its innovation and competitiveness goals.

For the first time, the European Commission positions visa policy not just as a migration tool, but as a strategic lever for economic growth and global competitiveness. Startups and scaleups rely on predictable, fast, and accessible access to talent, and fragmented admission procedures have long hindered their growth.

The Strategy and Recommendation explicitly prioritise startup founders, innovative entrepreneurs, researchers, and highly skilled workers. They introduce practical improvements, including:

• Recognition of founders and innovative entrepreneurs as a priority group.

• Simplified, digitalised long-stay visa procedures, with remote submission, reduced documentation, and English-language acceptance.

• Fast-track processing within 30 days for founders, researchers, and participants in EU innovation programmes.

• Enhanced intra-EU mobility and extension of the Blue Carpet/Choose Europe framework, including access to EURAXESS.

AFS particularly welcomes the recognition of founders as company creators who generate innovation, jobs, and investment. The reforms bridge Europe’s innovation funding instruments with admission frameworks, making it easier to build and scale startups across the continent.

While the direction is positive, challenges remain. The Recommendation is non-binding, meaning implementation may vary across Member States, and access to fast-track pathways must be inclusive to avoid creating new barriers. Visa improvements must also be complemented by progress on cross-border company law, stock options, and taxation to ensure talent can truly scale within Europe.

Looking ahead, the Commission will monitor implementation from 2026 and consider legislative adjustments if gaps persist. AFS stands ready to support evidence-based improvements, helping Europe translate these policy signals into tangible benefits for startups and the innovation economy.