Finnish Startup Permit
The Finnish Startup Permit makes it possible for international growth entrepreneurs to build a startup company in Finland and to become part of Finland's vibrant startup ecosystem. The permit is meant for innovative startup founders coming from countries outside the European Union.
Before sending your Startup Permit application to the Finnish Immigration Service, you must get a favorable assessment from Business Finland. Business Finland evaluates whether your business model, team and resources show potential for rapid international growth. After the assessment you will receive an Eligibility Statement to be attached to the Startup Permit application.
The permit can initially be issued for max. two years, after which it can be renewed. The permit does not involve investments or financial support.
If you have not been an entrepreneur before, we strongly recommend to take the free online Starting Up course. There are higher changes that your application is accepted if business idea validation and plans are done according to the principles taught at the course.
When we evaluate the business plan, the team and the resources, we would like to see that:
Please check residence permit for entrepreneur. The requirements differ from startup entrepreneur’s residence permit.
Before submitting the application to the Finnish Immigration Service, you must ask for an Eligibility Statement from Business Finland. There are no set deadlines for submitting the request.
If you receive a positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland, you can submit your application for the Finnish Startup Permit to Finnish Immigration Service. The Eligibility Statement is valid for 2 months. You need to submit the Eligibility Statement as an attachment to your residence permit application.
After founding your company in Finland you can benefit from the versatile services of the Finnish startup ecosystem. You can, for example, apply for Business Finland's Tempo funding. To be eligible for Tempo funding, we expect a 30.000€ equity investment by third party or entrepreneurs.
If you want to continue living in Finland after your first residence permit expires, you need to apply for an extension. Extended Startup Permit can be applied directly from Finnish Immigration Service. You do not need to apply for a new eligibility statement from Business Finland. Finnish Immigration Service will request statement from Business Finland directly if needed. In case further information is required, you will be contacted.
To be eligible for extension, you need to have a limited liability company up and running in Finland, proceeded with the plans and have capabilities for growing the business internationally. Residence permit can be extended only if you are living in Finland and have travelled abroad less than half of the duration of residence permit.
It is recommended to send the application about 3 months before the residence permit is going to expire.