Finland Entrepreneur Visa
Start your business in one of the world’s most stable and innovative economies. Migrate Way guides non-EU entrepreneurs through Finland’s residence permit for an entrepreneur, from your business plan to the day your residence card arrives.
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For Founders and Self-Employed Professionals
Finland issues a residence permit for an entrepreneur to non-EU nationals who want to run a business or work as a self-employed professional in the country. You must actually work in your company, because owning shares alone is not enough.
If you have a viable business idea, a realistic plan and the means to support yourself while it grows, this permit gives you a legal base in the Nordic region and the EU.
Why Start a Business in Finland?
A stable, transparent country with strong public services and a supportive start-up scene.
A Stable, Trusted System
Finland is known for clear rules, strong institutions and low corruption, which makes it a dependable place to build a company.
Start-Up Permit Route
Founders of innovative, scalable companies can apply through a dedicated start-up route, supported by a Business Finland eligibility statement.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can apply for their own residence permits based on your status.
Education and Public Services
Finland’s schools and public services are among the most respected in the world, subject to the usual eligibility rules.
EU Market Access
Operate from Finland and trade across the EU single market and the wider Nordic region.
A Route to Permanent Residence
Years of continuous residence can lead to permanent residence, which may be possible after around four years.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions set by the Finnish Immigration Service and the ELY Centre.
A Viable Business
Your business must be profitable, and your livelihood must be secured by the income it generates. The ELY Centre assesses this.
You Must Work in It
You cannot obtain a permit only because you own a company. You must also work in the business in Finland.
Business ID
You generally need a Business ID. Private traders can apply for a first permit without one if they apply before arriving in Finland.
Means of Support
On the start-up route, you need net income of at least €1,210, €1,090 or €1,030 a month in 2026, depending on where you live, with funds available for at least a year.
Contracts and Qualifications
Customer contracts, financial forecasts and relevant qualifications that support your business plan.
Pension and Insurance
Self-employed people in Finland must usually take out pension insurance under the YEL system.
Fees, Review Stages and Permit Length
The application goes through two stages, and planning for both helps you avoid delays.
- The ELY Centre first gives a partial decision on your business plan and profitability
- The Finnish Immigration Service then reviews the rest of the application
- The 2026 online fee for a first entrepreneur permit is around €750, and the start-up route is around €650
- Paper applications cost more, and we confirm the current fees for you
- Extended permits for start-up entrepreneurs can be valid for up to four years
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Strategy and Business Planning
We review your idea and help you build a detailed business plan and financial projections.
ELY Centre Review
Your application goes to the ELY Centre, which issues a partial decision on whether your business is viable and profitable.
Residence Permit Application
We prepare and file your application on the official Enter Finland portal, including documents for your family members.
Biometrics and Decision
You give your fingerprints at the nearest Finnish mission or service point, and the Immigration Service issues its decision.
Arrival and Business Setup
After you arrive, we guide you through tax registration, pension insurance and the first steps of operating in Finland.
What We Handle for You
Business immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your chances before you spend money on fees.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on building a plan that meets the ELY Centre’s expectations.
Company Setup Guidance
Help with your Business ID, registration and early compliance steps.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents and translations for you and your family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Approval Support
Help with tax, pension insurance and settling in.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Finland entrepreneur visa.
Who can apply for the Finland entrepreneur visa?
Non-EU nationals who want to run a business or work as a self-employed professional in Finland can apply, provided they will work in the company themselves and the business is viable and profitable.
What is the ELY Centre’s role in my application?
The ELY Centre assesses your business plan, contracts, finances and profitability, and gives a partial decision. Without a positive partial decision, the Immigration Service cannot grant your permit.
What is the difference between the standard and start-up routes?
The start-up route is for innovative, scalable companies and begins with a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland. It has a lower fee and its own conditions, while the standard route suits other kinds of business.
Can I own a company without working in it?
No. Owning a company alone does not qualify you for the permit. You must also work in the business in Finland.
What happens to my family after the permit is approved?
Your spouse and children can apply for their own residence permits based on your status. We prepare the family applications together with yours.
How much does it cost?
For 2026, the online fee for a first entrepreneur permit is around €750 and the start-up route is around €650, with higher fees for paper applications. Fees are updated regularly, so we confirm the current amounts before you apply.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Finnish authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
Ready to Start Your Business in Finland?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.