Startup visa for Finland
Everything about the Finnish startup residence permit, including eligibility, the Business Finland evaluation, and what happens after approval.
Startup visa overview
Finland's startup residence permit is designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to build an innovative, growth-oriented business in Finland. The process involves an evaluation by Business Finland, which assesses the business idea's scalability and innovation potential before the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) issues the permit.
- Business Finland evaluates your business plan before Migri processes the permit
- The permit is initially granted for 2 years and is renewable
- Your business must demonstrate innovation and growth potential
Eligibility requirements
The startup permit has specific criteria focused on innovation, scalability, and the team's capability.
- You must be a non-EU/EEA citizen (EU citizens have free right to establish businesses)
- Your business idea must be innovative and have international growth potential
- You need net means of EUR 1,210, 1,090 or 1,030 per month (2026 levels, depending on where you live) for the whole permit period (at least 1 year; 2 years for a 2-year permit), held in your own account
- At least 2 founders must move to Finland, together own at least 60% of the company and work in it full-time. Not eligible: restaurants, consultancies, import businesses, Finnish subsidiaries, and businesses that only serve the Finnish market
Application process
The startup permit follows a two-step process: Business Finland evaluation, then Migri residence permit application.
- Apply for a Business Finland Eligibility Statement in Enter Finland (one founder applies for the whole team)
- The statement is valid for 4 months; Business Finland processes it in about one month on average
- With a positive evaluation, apply for the residence permit through Migri (Enter Finland portal)
- Total processing time varies, see Migri's processing times page (migri.fi/en/processing-times)
Preparing your business plan
A strong business plan is critical for a positive Business Finland evaluation.
- Clearly articulate what makes your solution innovative compared to existing offerings
- Show a credible path to international markets, Finland alone is rarely sufficient
- Include realistic financial projections and a clear use-of-funds plan
- Demonstrate the team's relevant expertise and commitment to the venture
After approval
Once your startup permit is approved, there are important steps to get established in Finland.
- Register your company with PRH and the Tax Administration (via YTJ)
- Apply for a Finnish personal identity code and register in the Population Information System
- Open a business bank account and set up your accounting
- Connect with the startup ecosystem, Slush, Maria 01, and local accelerators
Key considerations
Important points for startup visa applicants.
- Start the Business Finland evaluation process well before you plan to move
- Have sufficient personal savings: the startup permit does not come with financial support
- Network with the Finnish startup community before and after arrival
- The permit is renewable, but you must show business progress at renewal
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