The difference between student visa, work visa, and investment or entrepreneurship visa: Migration to other countries for various reasons, including student visa, work visa, and investment visa, has become a major and popular topic. Each of these reasons has its specific features and conditions that applicants must be fully aware of. This article will examine the differences and benefits of student visas, work visas, and investment or entrepreneurship visas.
The student visa is for those who wish to continue their education at universities and educational institutions abroad. This type of visa allows students to study in a new environment with different cultures and gain new experiences. On the other hand, the work visa is for individuals looking for job opportunities in other countries. This visa allows applicants to work in international environments, expand their skills and experiences, and achieve a suitable income.
Finally, the investment or entrepreneurship visa is for those who wish to contribute to the economies of other countries by investing in businesses or starting new companies. This visa enables applicants to create job opportunities and economic development in the host country using their financial and managerial skills. Each of these visas has its advantages and challenges, which will be discussed in detail.
Difference Between a Student Visa, Work Visa, and Investment or Entrepreneurship Visa

Student Visa

- Purpose: Pursuing education in a foreign country.
- Requirements: Admission from a recognized educational institution, proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses, and in some cases, a language certificate.
- Benefits: Ability to study at reputable universities, the possibility to work part-time in some countries, and in some cases, the option to convert to a work visa after graduation.
For more information, refer to the student visa guide in Iran.
Work Visa

- Purpose: Working in a foreign country.
- Requirements: Job offer from a reputable employer, proof of relevant skills and work experience, and in some cases, a language certificate.
- Benefits: Ability to work and earn income, potential for long-term residency, and in some cases, the option to convert to permanent residency.
Investment or Entrepreneurship Visa

- Purpose: Investing or starting a business in a foreign country.
- Requirements: Proof of financial ability for investment, providing a business plan, and in some cases, management experience.
- Benefits: Ability to live long-term, earn income from investment or business, and in some cases, the option to convert to permanent residency.
Comparison Table of Student Visa, Work Visa, and Investment or Entrepreneurship Visa
Characteristics | Student Visa | Work Visa | Investment or Entrepreneurship Visa |
Purpose | Continuing education | Work | Investment or starting a business |
Main conditions | Academic admission, financial ability, language proficiency | Job offer, skills, language proficiency | financial ability, business plan, managerial experience |
Duration | Duration of study (usually 1-4 years) | depending on the work contract (usually 1-3 years) | depending on the type of investment (usually 1-5 years) |
Work possibility | Yes, part-time | Yes, full-time | Yes, full-time |
Permanent residency possibility | In some countries after graduation | Yes, after a few years of work | Yes, after a successful investment |
Advantages | Studying at reputable universities, a new cultural experience | Earning income, international work experience | Earning income, creating job opportunities, helping the destination country’s economy |
Challenges | Tuition and living costs need for language proficiency | Need for a job offer, high competition | Need for significant initial investment, business risks |
This table gives you a better understanding of the differences and benefits of each visa, allowing for better decision-making.