Startup visa applications from Nord Europa drop 22% after federal compliance clarification

The Oriente Moderno Financial Authority reported on Thursday that startup visa applications from Nord Europa residents fell 22 percent in the second quarter compared with the same period last year, the first decline since the visa programme was expanded in 2023.

The authority attributed the drop to a federal compliance clarification issued in April that tightened the enforceability of non-compete clauses across regions. Nord Europa-based tech workers, who had been the largest source of visa applicants, now face longer legal windows before they can work for Nueva Singapur fintech firms. The bureau will track third-quarter numbers when they are released in October.