Europe

Startup Visa

Finland
The Finnish Startup Permit makes it possible for international growth entrepreneurs to build a startup company in Finland and to become part of Finland's vibrant startup ecosystem. The permit is meant for innovative startup founders coming from countries outside the European Union.

✌️WHO CAN APPLY?

TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE FINNISH STARTUP PERMIT, YOU SHOULD HAVE: 

  • a startup team – at least 2 founders - with versatile expertise planning to move to Finland
  • an intention of founding a fast growth company in Finland
  • an innovative business plan
  • commitment to the business idea and working full-time in the company
  • significant holding in the company (For example the team applying for the permit, has a holding of not less than 60% of the company.)
  • access to sufficient resources and funding for the company's early stage development
  • secure financial means for support 

If you have not been an entrepreneur before, we strongly recommend to take the free online Starting Up course. There are higher changes that your application is accepted if business idea validation and plans are done according to the principles taught at the course.


🚀 BUSINESS FINLAND'S EVALUATION CRITERIA FOR THE ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT:

When we evaluate the business plan, the team and the resources, we would like to see that:

  • the team understands what need the product or service idea meets 
  • the team shares a vision to grow company to reach at least tens of millions revenue at global markets
  • the business idea has a competitive advantage 
  • the team has identified a potential customer base and earnings model 
  • the business model is scalable internationally
  • the team has estimated the size and business potential of the target market
  • the team has versatile expertise
  • the value created in the new company accumulates in the Finnish economy (salaries paid, export revenues) and the company is headquartered in Finland

👉 There is no expectation the startup team to have confirmed financing at the time of application, however, in the application process an adequate level of financial means has to be shown.


If you don’t meet criteria for Startup Permit e.g. you are establishing:

✅ Finnish subsidiary or a branch office of a foreign enterprise

✅ Company aiming solely to Finnish markets

✅ Business without an innovative competitive advantage (e.g. restaurant, consulting, import or distribution business or other service business without an innovative business model)


Please check residence permit for entrepreneur. The requirements differ from startup entrepreneur’s residence permit 🥳