Finland · Startup Visa
Finland Startup Visa: The Startup Permit
Finland admits founding teams through the Startup Permit, a residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs that depends on a favorable eligibility statement from Business Finland. Founders of conventional businesses use the separate entrepreneur's residence permit.
- Startup route
- Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur (Startup Permit)
- Minimum capital
- No fixed amount; funding must fit the first-year plan
- Permanent residence
- 4 or 6 years on a continuous (A) permit, by route
- Citizenship
- 5 or 8 years of residence, depending on the case
Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur (Startup Permit)
The Startup Permit is a residence permit for non-EU founders building an internationally growth-oriented company in Finland. Business Finland first assesses whether the business model, team and resources show potential for rapid international growth. A positive result is an eligibility statement, valid for two months, which is attached to each founder's permit application to the Finnish Immigration Service. The permit is issued for a maximum of two years and can be renewed. It brings no investment or financial support. The legal basis is sections 80 and 80a of the Aliens Act, added in 2018 and modified in 2023, and there is no quota.
- Validity
- Up to 2 years, renewable
- Team
- At least 2 founders, usually 2–5
- Ownership
- Founding team holds at least 60%
- Statement review
- Business Finland average: up to one month
- Fast track
- Decision within 2 weeks if eligible
- Government fee
- Varies; confirm with Migri
- Quota
- None
Requirements
- An innovative, scalable business idea with an international competitive advantage.
- A team of at least two founders who move to Finland and work full-time in the company.
- A combined founder holding of at least 60% of the company.
- A business idea validated with potential customers and a realistic first-year plan.
- Funding for early-stage development and secure personal means of support.
- A plan to incorporate a Finnish limited liability company rather than a sole proprietorship.
How to apply
- The team's main contact submits the eligibility statement application via Enter Finland.
- After a positive statement, each founder applies individually to Migri while the statement is valid.
- Founders using the fast track verify their identity at a Finnish mission within five working days.
- Move to Finland and incorporate the limited liability company.
Residence permit for an entrepreneur
Founders whose business does not fit the startup criteria, such as restaurants, consultancies, import and distribution firms or companies aimed only at the Finnish market, use the entrepreneur's residence permit. It covers sole proprietors, partners in general and limited partnerships, cooperative members with unlimited liability and limited company entrepreneurs. The company must be in the Trade Register before the application, except for a sole proprietor's first application made from abroad. The business must be profitable and support the entrepreneur, who must work in it in Finland. A regional authority first assesses profitability, and Migri then decides.
- Who it suits
- Founders of conventional businesses
- Registration
- Company in the Trade Register before applying
- Key test
- Profitable business that supports the founder
- Assessment
- Profitability review first, then Migri decides
- Government fee
- Varies; confirm with Migri
Requirements
- A company registered in the Trade Register, or a business ID for sole proprietors already in Finland.
- A business plan and financing that show profitability.
- Income from the business, or other income while there is no turnover, that covers living costs.
- Personal work for the company in Finland, since ownership alone is not enough.
How to apply
- Register the company and prepare the business plan and financing documents.
- Apply via Enter Finland, where the profitability assessment comes first.
- Migri decides on the permit after the assessment.
Who the Startup Permit is designed for
Business Finland looks for teams aiming at millions of euros in revenue on global markets. The idea must be innovative and distinct from existing solutions, customers must be willing to pay, and the product must not cause harm to people or the environment. A company already operating abroad can relocate only if it moves to Finland with its intellectual property and headquarters; a branch or subsidiary does not qualify, and relocating businesses must generally be less than five years old.
The eligibility application covers eight areas: the business idea and need, approach, benefit, competition, team plan, current status, the first 12 months and initial funding. A pitch deck of five to ten slides is recommended. Consultants may help but are not required, and they cannot promise a positive statement or use Business Finland's logo. Listed team members must be genuine co-founders rather than paid outsiders.
Questions and answers
Can a solo founder apply for Finland's Startup Permit?
The current Business Finland criteria call for a startup team of at least two founders, usually two to five, who all have a significant role and move to Finland. A single founder whose business does not meet these criteria can look at the entrepreneur's residence permit instead.
Does the Startup Permit come with funding?
No. The permit does not include investment or financial support. Business Finland does not support incorporation or first steps, although a running startup can later apply for its services, and cities and regions offer free relocation and entrepreneurship services.
How fast can a founder get the permit?
Business Finland's average processing time for the eligibility statement is up to one month, with possible delays in July. On the Migri side, the fast track gives a decision within two weeks for applications filed online through Enter Finland, provided identity is verified at a Finnish mission within five working days.
Can a founder travel before the residence permit card arrives?
Yes. Once the permit is approved, the founder can travel even before the card is delivered. A founder who needs a visa can apply for a D visa together with the permit via Enter Finland, for a fee; it is attached to the passport when the permit is issued and is valid for 100 days.
Official sources
- How do I get the Startup Permit? - Business Finlandwww.startupinfinland.com
- Startup Permit application instructions - Business Finlandwww.startupinfinland.com
- FAQ Startup Permit - Business Finlandwww.startupinfinland.com
- Entrepreneur in Finland - InfoFinlandinfofinland.fi
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Finland.
Startup visa
Business Finland eligibility statement, then a Migri start-up permit
02Temporary residence
Permit for up to 2 years, extended through Migri while the criteria hold
03Permanent residence
4 or 6 years on an A permit plus income, work or language conditions
04Citizenship
5 or 8 years of residence, YKI level 3 language; dual citizenship allowed