Finnish Startup Permit
Are you an international growth entrepreneur from outside the EU looking to build a startup in Finland? You might qualify for the Finnish Startup Permit. But first, our team at Business Finland will need to evaluate whether your business model, team, and resources show potential for rapid international growth. If it does, you will receive a positive Eligibility Statement, to be attached to your Startup Permit application.
The Startup Permit is issued for a maximum of two years and can be renewed. It does not include investments or financial support.
Please note that we are receiving a high number of Eligibility Statement applications at the moment and the processing is taking longer than expected. At the moment the average processing time is two to three months. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.
To be eligible to apply for the Startup Permit, you need
Team
Startup team with at least two founders with versatile expertise and who are planning to move to Finland.
Resources
Access to sufficient resources and funding for the company's early-stage development as well as secure financial means for personal support.
Business plan
Concrete business plan and commitment to the business idea.
Significant holding
The team has to have at least 60% holding in the company.
Innovation
The business idea must be innovative and distinct from existing solutions in global markets.
Working full-time
Working full-time at the company
Don't meet the criteria for the startup permit?
Please note that the following business ideas ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE STARTUP PERMIT
> A business without an innovative competitive advantage, such as restaurants, consultancies, import and distribution businesses, and other service businesses.
> A Finnish subsidiary or a branch office of a foreign enterprise
> A company aimed solely at Finnish markets
In such cases, please explore the residence permit for entrepreneurs, which has different requirements.
FAQ
Please take a look at frequently asked questions about the Finnish Startup Permit and familiarise yourself with the application and what is required from the applicants when applying the eligibility statement from Business Finland.
To the FAQ FAQ
Please take a look at frequently asked questions about the Finnish Startup Permit and familiarise yourself with the application and what is required from the applicants when applying the eligibility statement from Business Finland.
To the FAQ
Starting up in Finland is simple – follow these steps
Submit your Eligibility Statement application to Business Finland
Business Finland will evaluate whether your business plan and the team meet the criteria for fast growth startup business. This must be submitted on behalf of a team, with one team member designated as the main point of contact. Submit the Eligibility Statement application through the Enter Finland Platform and attach passport copies and CVs of all team members.
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Complete your residence permit application to the Finnish immigration service
If you have received a positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland, you can then apply for a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service. Each team member needs to submit their application individually through the Enter Finland Platform. The main point of contact will be responsible for sharing the statement with all team members.
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Establish a company in Finland
Once you have established your company in Finland, you can benefit from a wide range of services and resources. Business Guide is an extensive package on everything one should know before establishing a business in Finland.
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Renew your startup permit
When your residence permit is about to expire and you want to continue running your startup in Finland, you need to apply for an extension. To extend the residence permit, you need to live in Finland and fulfil Startup Permit criteria. You can apply for your extended Startup Permit directly from the Finnish Immigration Service through Enter Finland. In case more information is needed you'll be contacted by Immigration Service and/or Business Finland.
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