Startup Residence Permit

The Finnish Startup Residence Permit enables non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs to reside in Finland while building a high-growth startup. Jointly administered by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) and Business Finland, this continuous (A) residence permit targets founders with innovative, internationally scalable business ideas. Introduced in April 2018 and updated under Act 216/2023, it offers fast-track processing (decisions in approximately 2 weeks) and lower fees than the standard entrepreneur permit.

• At least two co-founders with complementary expertise who plan to move to Finland
• The founding team must hold at least 60% of company shares
• A positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland confirming the startup's innovative model and international growth potential
• Net income of at least EUR 1,210/month in the Helsinki metropolitan area, EUR 1,090/month in other large municipalities, or EUR 1,030/month elsewhere (2026 figures)
• Income cannot come from social assistance or basic unemployment benefits
• No specific educational qualifications required — eligibility is based on Business Finland's assessment
• Business Finland excludes non-innovative businesses (restaurants, consultancies, import/distribution, general services) and companies targeting only Finnish markets

• Valid passport with colour copy of identification page
• Passport photo (no older than 6 months)
• Positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland (no more than 4 months old)
• Proof of sufficient financial resources (bank statements, funding decisions, or company accounts)
• Document proving legal stay in the application country (for first permits from abroad)
• For extensions: updated company accounts with current income statement and balance sheet

The first permit is granted for up to 2 years. Extended permits can be granted for up to 4 years if the team and company continue to meet startup criteria and show business growth. The company must be registered as a Finnish limited liability company. A new Eligibility Statement is not required for renewal — Migri requests one from Business Finland if needed. Extension applications must be submitted from within Finland before the current permit expires, no earlier than 3 months before expiry.

Spouses and children under 18 can apply for residence permits based on family ties. Parents and other relatives are not eligible. Each family member applies individually, and income requirements increase with household size. In the Helsinki area, the second adult or first child adds EUR 610/month; in other large municipalities EUR 550/month; elsewhere EUR 520/month. Family members' permits match the main applicant's duration. Free relocation support is available through participating cities including Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and Oulu.

Individuals residing in Finland for more than 6 months become tax residents subject to Finnish income tax on worldwide income. Progressive state income tax rates range from approximately 12.64% to 44% on earned income, plus municipal tax of 4.36%–10.86%. Corporate income tax is 20%. Finland has an extensive double taxation treaty network.

The application follows a two-stage process:

1. Eligibility Statement — The startup team applies through the Enter Finland platform (enterfinland.fi). This free application requires passport copies, CVs, and details about the business idea, plans, and team composition. Processing takes approximately one month.
2. Residence permit — After receiving a positive Eligibility Statement, each team member applies individually via Enter Finland (EUR 650 online / EUR 800 paper as of January 2026). Identity must be verified at a Finnish mission abroad within 5 working days for fast-track processing.

Fast-track decisions are typically made within 2 weeks. Standard processing takes up to 2 months. Upon approval, applicants receive a D-visa allowing entry to Finland before the residence permit card is issued.

Following the January 2026 amendments to the Aliens Act, there are five pathways to permanent residence:

• 6-year path: 6 years continuous residence + satisfactory (B1) Finnish or Swedish + 2 years work history
• 4-year income path: 4 years continuous residence + annual income over EUR 40,000 (no language or work history required)
• 4-year degree path: 4 years continuous residence + recognised master's, licentiate, or doctoral degree + 2 years work history (no language required)
• 4-year language path: 4 years continuous residence + particularly good (C1) Finnish or Swedish + 3 years work history
• Finnish degree path: Bachelor's or higher degree completed in Finland + developing (A2) language skills (no residence period required)

Applicants aged 65+ are exempt from language requirements on the 6-year path.

Since April 2024, Migri conducts automated post-decision monitoring of startup permits. The system checks national registers (Kela, Incomes Register, Population Information System) to verify that permit holders have actually moved to Finland and continue to meet permit conditions. If a potential violation is detected, a specialist assessment is conducted, and the permit holder is given the opportunity to respond before any withdrawal decision.