Migrating under entrepreneur programs can be big plus for SMEs

26 Jul 2018

As an Indian entrepreneur, establishing a new business abroad can be an exciting as well as challenging. There are many owners of budding small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who dream of migrating to developed (and at times not so developed) countries, but only a few of them can actually make it happen. There is much evidence that investing abroad is a significant factor for an entrepreneur to be successful in the long run. In fact, it is often considered a necessity due to its remarkable outcomes both on professional and personal fronts.

There are many reasons why entrepreneurs should consider pursuing entrepreneurship as a migrant in a foreign country. Some of them are described below:
Leveraging untapped markets through migration
By migrating abroad, small to medium-sized corporations can reap the benefits of expanding their businesses in overseas markets. With the availability of new possibilities, these businesses can offer more appealing services and products that are not present in the existing foreign market, hence create a new customer base. What’s more, the nation’s government may also provide certain incentives or benefits for the business establishment as it will boost the local economy and generate employment.
Enjoying ease of doing business through migration
One of the biggest advantages of going global is that a new country will offer a supportive business environment to conduct a business. In India, there are certain restrictions in terms of government policies, construction permits, and stringent tax systems as well as other regulatory policies that pose some challenges for the business owners. Hence, it makes sense to shift the business to or at least open up a branch or subsidiary office - through migration - in a country that doesn’t curb its ability to generate profits, even while offering advantages in the form of competitive tax systems, favorable economic climate, better quality of products and a highly skilled workforce. 
Earn better profit margins by migrating overseas
Migrating through the entrepreneur route means business diversity, which leads to better profit margins. Expanding your business in a foreign country puts less pressure in terms of pricing, thus making it easier to maintain margins. Overseas companies avoid delay in payments, making it the safest and most efficient way to conduct the business. Also, margins are greater when the demand for products and services is high, technology is young, and learning opportunities are available. Entrepreneurs with greater financial capital and competitive advantage are way beyond what is available to international competitors and result in a major business success abroad.
Benefit of immigration status through investment
Many countries offer unconditional visas or permanent residency status to high net worth individuals, once they invest a specific amount of money. The money can be invested in government bonds, projects, property, or given to some authorities, which in turn give the entrepreneur residency rights which can be upgraded to citizenship after a few years. Most Indian entrepreneurs opt for these programs for the benefit of their children as the top-notch facilities offered by these countries are crucial for their kids’ education and professional career.
Hedging business risks through diversification via immigration
If a company’s business operation is only limited to one or two areas, what would happen to the company’s bottomline during unforeseen events or natural disasters? Diversifying a company’s assets through international operations can balance the negative outcomes in one market by successfully operating in another. Also, a company can introduce unique product and services, which further enhances the revenue for the organization.
Promoting international exposure and expansion via immigration
Another big benefit of migrating through entrepreneur programs is the opportunity to have international exposure that can facilitate even more expansion in future. Having a business overseas also gives a major boost to brand recognition, credibility, and respect among the potential customers both in domestic and international market.
Supportive business climate
There are times when business owners face difficulties in running operations in their home country. That is why more and more entrepreneurs are moving abroad where they don’t have to deal with complicated legal formalities or bureaucracy to seamlessly conduct their business. Having a favorable business environment plays a pivotal role in getting rid of too much of paperwork that comes when setting up a new business in a foreign land. Once the citizenship is granted, one can easily enjoy the unconditional rights to run a business without worrying about the cumbersome formalities involved.
To sum up
Expanding business to other global markets has its own distinct advantages; however, the decision should be taken with a lot of consideration and homework. One needs to have a clear understanding of immigration rules and other visa formalities that need to be completed while going through the process. Also, one needs to gain an in-depth knowledge of rules and regulations of conducting a business of the chosen country.
Apart from this, a prospective entrepreneur must gather knowledge about the local culture and work on unique ideas to make the most of this opportunity and ensure that the international move is rewarded with great returns. If things are not clear, it would be advisable to consult a immigration consultant who will guide one on what needs to be done to confirm your immigrant entrepreneur status as also assist in related areas.