Finland · Temporary Residence
Finland Startup Permit: Holding and Renewal
The Startup Permit runs for up to two years at a time. Renewal goes through Migri's entrepreneur extension application, where the startup must still look innovative, scalable and capable of turning a profit.
- 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
Extended permit for an entrepreneur (OLE_YRI)
Founders renew through the Finnish Immigration Service using the application for an extended permit for an entrepreneur, coded OLE_YRI. A new eligibility statement is not needed, because Migri requests one from Business Finland if necessary. At renewal the headquarters must be a Finnish limited liability company, the business idea must remain innovative, scalable and close to the approved idea, and operations must have developed; for the first extension, commercial activity must have started or be about to start. The founder must focus primarily on the startup, live in Finland, hold a Finnish personal identity code and have secure means of support.
- Validity
- Up to 2 years per permit
- Application
- Extended permit for an entrepreneur (OLE_YRI)
- New statement
- Not needed; Migri asks Business Finland
- First renewal
- Commercial activity started or imminent
- Monitoring
- Automated checks after the decision
- Government fee
- Varies; confirm with Migri
Requirements
- A Finnish limited liability company as headquarters.
- A business idea that remains innovative, scalable and close to the original.
- Developed operations, with commercial activity started or about to start at the first extension.
- A team with the expertise and resources to continue, and a company able to become profitable.
- Bookkeeping and tax obligations met.
- Residence in Finland, a Finnish personal identity code and secure means of support.
How to apply
- Apply through Enter Finland before the current permit expires.
- Provide evidence of company development, accounts and personal means of support.
- Answer any information requests from Migri or Business Finland.
Residence permit on the basis of family ties
A founder's spouse and children under 18 can apply for residence permits on the basis of family ties with the entrepreneur, subject to income requirements. Parents and other relatives are not treated as family members for residence permit purposes. When family members apply at the same time as the founder, they can also use the fast track, with its two-week decision target and identity check at a Finnish mission. Applications are filed through Enter Finland, and travel is possible once the permits are approved, with a D visa available for those who need one.
- Eligible
- Spouse and children under 18
- Not eligible
- Parents and other relatives
- Condition
- Income requirement applies
- Fast track
- Available when applying with the founder
- Government fee
- Varies; confirm with Migri
Requirements
- Marriage to the founder, or being the founder's child under 18.
- Sufficient income for the family, as Migri requires.
- A valid travel document for each applicant.
- A simultaneous application with the founder to use the fast track.
How to apply
- Each family member applies through Enter Finland, ideally together with the founder.
- Verify identity at a Finnish mission within five working days when using the fast track.
- Travel after approval, requesting a D visa alongside the permit if one is needed.
Staying compliant during the permit period
Startup Permit holders do not file progress reports unless asked, but they must meet the criteria for the whole permit period, and Migri runs automated monitoring after its decisions. Applications and attachments must be in English, Finnish or Swedish, and the team needs sufficient written and spoken English. There is no quota, so renewal depends on the company's progress rather than on the number of places available.
The renewal test is forward-looking. Business Finland expects the startup to have moved beyond the original plan, with a Finnish limited liability company as headquarters and real commercial activity by the first extension. Founders who are drifting into a different line of business should note that the idea must stay the same as, or similar to, the one originally approved, otherwise a different permit may fit better.
Questions and answers
How long does Finland's Startup Permit last?
Each permit is issued for a maximum of two years and can be renewed while the criteria are met. Renewal uses the extended permit for an entrepreneur application, and Migri may ask Business Finland for a fresh assessment of the company.
What does Business Finland look for at renewal?
A Finnish limited liability company as headquarters, an idea that is still innovative and scalable, developed operations and, at the first extension, commercial activity that has started or is close to starting. The team must also show it can reach profitability and keep up with bookkeeping and taxes.
Can parents join a founder in Finland?
No. Only a spouse and children under 18 can apply on the basis of family ties with the entrepreneur, and income requirements apply. Parents and other relatives are not considered family members for residence permit purposes under this route.
Does a founder have to report progress during the permit?
Regular reports are not required unless Migri or Business Finland asks for them. Founders must still meet the permit criteria for its whole duration, and Migri monitors decisions automatically after they are made, so records of company activity should be kept up to date.
Official sources
- FAQ Startup Permit - Business Finlandwww.startupinfinland.com
- How do I get the 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