Finland · Entrepreneur route · Open
Finland Start-up Entrepreneur Permit: Requirements and How to Apply
Finland's start-up entrepreneur permit is for founders of innovative, growth-oriented companies. The first step is a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland. With that, and enough money to support yourself for the whole permit period, you can apply for a permit of up to two years, and Migri's fast track aims for a decision in about two weeks.
A first permit costs €450 online or €580 on paper. Read the official Migri page before applying, because the rules and fees change.
At a glance
Finland Start-up Entrepreneur Permit (Startup-yrittajan oleskelulupa)
- Who it’s for
- Founders of innovative, growth-oriented start-ups with a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland
- How it’s calculated
- No fixed figure: you must show sufficient financial resources for the whole permit period (Migri).
- Initial stay
- Up to 2 years
- Renewal
- Yes, while the start-up remains active
- Path to permanent residence
- 4 to 6 years depending on route
- Family can join
- Yes
- Can work for local employers
- Yes
- Health insurance required
- No
- Processing time
- About 2 weeks through the fast track
- Fees
- EUR 450 online or EUR 580 on paper for a first permit; EUR 170 or 430 to extend (Migri).
- Tax
- Company profits and your salary are taxed in Finland; get advice on how to pay yourself.
Key requirements
- Positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland (one team member applies and shares it)
- Running the start-up as your main activity
- Sufficient funds for the whole permit period
- Optional D visa applied for at the same time
Checked against the official page · Last checked Oct 19, 2026. Rule changes. Rules change: confirm with the consulate or a qualified advisor. Not legal advice.
Who qualifies
The permit is for founders whose start-up has growth potential and whose team has been assessed by Business Finland. One team member applies for the eligibility statement and shares it with the others. Running the start-up must be your main activity in Finland. Americans, Canadians, Brits and Australians follow the same process.
Money requirement
There is no fixed income figure. You must show you have enough money to support yourself for the whole permit period, through savings, investment or company funding.
Documents you'll need
- A positive eligibility statement from Business Finland.
- A valid passport and photo.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the permit period.
- Details of your company and your role in it.
Step-by-step application
- Apply to Business Finland for an eligibility statement for your team.
- Once it is positive, apply for the permit in Enter Finland and pay the fee.
- If you need to travel first, you can apply for a D visa at the same time.
- Prove your identity at a Finnish mission.
- Wait for Migri's decision, about two weeks through the fast track.
- Register in Finland to get your personal identity code.
Costs and timeline
A first permit costs €450 online or €580 on paper; an extension costs €170 online or €430 on paper. The fast track aims for about two weeks.
Taxes once you're resident
Your company's profits and your own salary are taxed in Finland. Get advice on how to pay yourself, and see our Finland guide for income tax rates.
Family members
Your spouse or partner and children can apply for permits on the basis of family ties.
Renewal, permanent residence and citizenship
You can renew while your start-up remains active. Permanent residence is possible after 4 to 6 years, depending on the route, and citizenship generally after 8 years.
Alternatives
If you have a job offer instead, look at the specialist permit. For other founder routes in Europe, compare entrepreneur visas in other countries in our visa guides.
| Route | Country | Type | Status | Headline requirement | Initial stay | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start-up Denmark (Entrepreneur Residence Permit) | Denmark | Entrepreneur route | Open | €1,708/mo income | Up to 2 years | 8 years of legal residence, or 4 years … |
| Estonia e-Residency (digital ID - not a visa or residence permit) | Estonia | Entrepreneur route | Open | - | Digital ID card (not a travel document). It confers no righ… | None. e-Residency does not grant reside… |
| Finland Start-up Entrepreneur Permit | Finland | Entrepreneur route | Open | - | Up to 2 years | 4 to 6 years depending on route |
| Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch American Friendship Treaty) | Netherlands | Entrepreneur route | Open | €4,500 investment | Maximum 2 years | Permanent residence after 5 years of re… |
| Spain Entrepreneur Visa | Spain | Entrepreneur route | Open | €600/mo income | Visa valid 1 year; residence authorization up to 3 years | 5 years of legal residence for long-ter… |
Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.
Other entrepreneur & startup routes in Europe
| Route | Country | Type | Status | Headline requirement | Initial stay | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start-up Denmark (Entrepreneur Residence Permit) | Denmark | Entrepreneur route | Open | €1,708/mo income | Up to 2 years | 8 years of legal residence, or 4 years … |
| Estonia e-Residency (digital ID - not a visa or residence permit) | Estonia | Entrepreneur route | Open | - | Digital ID card (not a travel document). It confers no righ… | None. e-Residency does not grant reside… |
| Finland Start-up Entrepreneur Permit | Finland | Entrepreneur route | Open | - | Up to 2 years | 4 to 6 years depending on route |
| Netherlands DAFT Visa (Dutch American Friendship Treaty) | Netherlands | Entrepreneur route | Open | €4,500 investment | Maximum 2 years | Permanent residence after 5 years of re… |
| Spain Entrepreneur Visa | Spain | Entrepreneur route | Open | €600/mo income | Visa valid 1 year; residence authorization up to 3 years | 5 years of legal residence for long-ter… |
Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.
Other ways to live in Finland
Moving to Finland: the complete guide →
Frequently asked questions
What is a Business Finland eligibility statement?
It is Business Finland's assessment of your start-up team and business idea. You need a positive statement before applying for the start-up permit.
How much money do I need for a Finland start-up permit?
No fixed amount is published. You must show enough funds to support yourself for the whole permit period.
How long does the Finland start-up permit take?
Through the fast track, about two weeks after a complete application, according to Migri. The Business Finland assessment comes first and takes its own time.
Can my co-founders get permits too?
Yes. One team member applies for the eligibility statement and shares it, and each founder then applies for their own permit.
Sources and last checked · Oct 19, 2026
Figures are our research estimates from the sources above; rules and prices change. Not legal, tax or immigration advice. Spot something out of date? Tell us.