When you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly which permit fits your venture, how to prove you meet Finland’s requirements, and the steps to submit a winning application—whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or part of a high-growth startup team.

What Is the Entrepreneur Residence Permit?

Finland’s Entrepreneur Residence Permit lets non-EU/EEA nationals live here while running their own business or acting as a partner in certain company forms. You can apply online or at a Finnish mission abroad. Once granted, you’ll get an initial permit valid for up to two years and the right to extend it, provided your business remains viable. Refer to the Finnish Immigration Service’s guide to the Entrepreneur Residence Permit for full details.

Who Qualifies

• You must run the company as your main occupation and live in Finland. Owning shares without active work here isn’t enough.
• Your business needs a realistic plan, proof of sufficient funding and financial resources to cover both operations and living expenses.
• If you apply as a partner in a general or limited partnership, you must show equal commitment.

Documents You’ll Need

• A detailed business plan outlining market research, forecasting and growth strategy.
• Proof of funds: bank statements, investment agreements or grant decisions.
• Passport copy, passport-style photo and, if requested, criminal background checks.
• Completed application form and required attachments.
• Biometrics (fingerprints, photo) submitted in person at a Finnish embassy, consulate or service point.

How to Apply and What to Expect

You can start your application on Migri’s e-service platform. After submission:
1. Pay the application fee (€380 for an initial permit, €280 for extensions).
2. Book an appointment to give fingerprints and photo.
3. Wait for a decision, typically 4–6 months for standard entrepreneurs.

Processing times vary by mission, and an initial permit normally covers two years. When it’s time to extend, you must prove your company has stayed profitable (or shows clear progress) and that you still meet the income threshold.

Satisfying Finland’s Business Requirements

Finland wants companies that grow sustainably and contribute to the economy. You’ll need:

• A profitable or clearly scalable operation
• Proof of financial resources to run your venture plus personal living costs
• A minimum monthly income at Finland’s subsistence level—currently €1 210 per month, according to the Statistics Finland 2023 report.
• A realistic timetable for product development, marketing and revenue goals

The Startup Visa: For Ambitious, High-Growth Teams

If your aim is rapid international scaling, consider Finland’s Startup Visa, administered by Business Finland. It’s tailored for innovation-driven teams and comes with faster decisions—just 14 days for electronic applications. For specific details on eligibility criteria, decision times and income thresholds, see the Business Finland Startup Visa page.

Key Differences from the Standard Entrepreneur Permit

• You need a Business Finland Eligibility Statement, confirming your idea has global potential.
• Your team must include at least two founders, each bringing diverse expertise, holding together at least 60 % of company shares.
• Each founder must commit full-time to the startup.
• Minimum personal income requirement is €1 000 per month per founder.

How to Secure the Eligibility Statement

1. Submit a lean pitch deck and answer a few questions on Business Finland’s portal.
2. If approved, you’ll get the Eligibility Statement by email within two weeks.
3. Use that statement in your Migri application to prove your venture’s innovative edge.

Bringing Your Family and Other Permits

Your spouse and under-18 children can apply for residence permits as your family members. They’ll need proof of relationship and enough housing space.
Don’t forget: depending on your field, you may need additional permits or licenses—such as environmental approvals or professional credentials—to actually operate.

Expert Insight

“Merely owning a stake in a Finnish company won’t meet the permit criteria—active, on-the-ground work is essential,” says migration expert Liisa Virtanen.

Next Steps on Your Entrepreneurial Journey

By now, you understand which permit aligns with your vision, how to document your finances and business plan, and the distinctive rules for high-growth startups. Take these actions now:
1. Draft or refine your business plan.
2. Calculate your personal and business funding needs against Finland’s thresholds.
3. If you’re a startup team, apply for the Business Finland Eligibility Statement.
4. Begin your Migri application online, prepare your documents and schedule your biometrics appointment.

With these steps, you’re on your way to launching your Finnish venture. Good luck!

Sources:
1. Finnish Immigration Service: https://migri.fi/en/entrepreneur-residence-permit
2. Statistics Finland: https://www.stat.fi/til/tjt/2022/tjt_2022_2023-10-23_tie_001_en.html
3. Business Finland: https://www.businessfinland.fi/en/for-finnish-customers/services/programs/startup-finland/the-startup-visa/