Startup Entrepreneur Residence Permit
Finland
Last updated: December 23, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$700-$860
1-3 months
High
About this Visa
Finland offers a residence permit for startup founders outside the EU. You need an innovative business idea with global growth potential. You must work full-time on your startup and have at least 2 co-founders working together. This visa focuses on your business quality and team, not just money. You get 2 years initially, renewable for 4 more years. After 5 years total, you can apply for Finnish citizenship. This permit is special because it emphasizes business innovation and team capability over passive investment. Finland provides access to its world-renowned startup ecosystem and support services.
Key Benefits
- Work your startup full-time
- Work other jobs too if you want
- Bring your spouse and children
- Get Finnish health insurance
- Travel freely across Europe
- Access Business Finland support and mentorship
- Path to permanent residence after 4 years
- Path to Finnish citizenship after 5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- 2 or more co-founders required
- Your team must own 60%+ of the company
- Business idea must be innovative and unique
- Business must target global markets, not just Finland
- All founders must work full-time on the startup
- Company must be a formal Limited Liability Company
- Company must be under 5 years old
- No serious criminal record
- Must have €12,000-29,000+ in personal savings
Financial Requirement
You need €1,030-1,210 per month (about $1,205-1,415 USD). The exact amount depends on where in Finland you live. You must show bank statements proving you have this money saved.
Documents
- Valid passportPhotocopy of main page
- Passport photoPassport-sized photo
- Bank statements3-6 months of history
- Proof of residenceProof of where you will live in Finland
- Team CVsShowing relevant experience for each founder
- Business planDescription of your business idea and market
- Financial planFinancial projections for first year
- Company ownershipBreakdown of who owns what percentage
- Marriage certificateIf bringing spouse (translated if non-EU)
- Children birth certificatesIf bringing children (translated if non-EU)
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.