Starttiraha (Startup Grant)
A grant from municipal employment services for new entrepreneurs in Finland to support their income during the early stages of starting a business.
Detailed explanation
The startup grant is designed to encourage entrepreneurship by reducing the financial risk of leaving employment or unemployment to start a business. It is paid for a maximum of 12 months, split into two periods: an initial period of up to 6 months, with a possible extension of another 6 months based on your business progress.
To qualify, you must apply before starting your business. Your business plan must be assessed as viable, and you must have adequate skills or training for the planned business activity. the municipal employment services evaluates each application individually. The grant cannot be combined with certain other benefits like unemployment allowance.
How it affects expats
- Available to residents: International residents with valid work permits that allow self-employment can apply
- Apply before starting: You must apply and receive approval before registering your business or beginning operations
- Business plan required: A credible business plan is essential for approval
- Municipal employment services or an Enterprise Agency (uusyrityskeskus) can help
- Language support: Enterprise Agencies in major cities often provide guidance in English
- Residence permit: Ensure your residence permit type allows self-employment
- some permit categories restrict this
Key details
- Amount: Approximately €37/day (about the same as the general social security benefit, yleistuki), paid for days you work on the business
- Duration: Up to 6 + 6 months (12 months maximum)
- Application: Through the municipal employment services (Job Market Finland, https://tyomarkkinatori.fi/en)
- must be submitted before starting the business
- Requirements: Viable business plan, adequate skills, full-time entrepreneurship
- Taxable: Starttiraha is counted as taxable income
Related terms
- TE Services: municipal employment services
- Palkkatuki (Wage Subsidy): employer wage support from the municipal employment services
- Business ID (Y-tunnus): Finnish business identifier