Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur
Founders of an innovative, scalable startup with a positive Business Finland eligibility statement.
The Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur is a Finnish business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€650 online (~€800 on paper)) and processing time (~2 weeks after the Business Finland statement), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur is for
Founders of an innovative, scalable startup with a positive Business Finland eligibility statement.
Continuous residence builds towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur - eligibility criteria
- Positive eligibility statement from Business Finland
- Innovative business with potential for rapid growth
- Sufficient funds to support yourself in Finland
- Genuine founding role in the company
Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur (Finland) is ~€650 online (~€800 on paper), with an indicative processing time of ~2 weeks after the Business Finland statement. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside or inside Finland (online via Enter Finland) |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years |
| Work rights | Build and run the startup |
| Study rights | Studying allowed |
| Government fee | ~€650 online (~€800 on paper) |
| Processing time | ~2 weeks after the Business Finland statement |
| Route to PR | Continuous residence builds towards a permanent permit after 4 years. |
Pathway & next steps
Continuous residence builds towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Many applicants also compare Entrepreneur · Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment), Specialist · Residence permit for a person employed as a specialist, Own Means · Residence permit for a person of independent means. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Finnish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur pitfalls we fix
Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur cost?
The Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur government fee is ~€650 online (~€800 on paper). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2 weeks after the Business Finland statement. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur lead to permanent residence?
Continuous residence builds towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Can I work on the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur?
Work rights: Build and run the startup.
Who can apply for the Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur?
Founders of an innovative, scalable startup with a positive Business Finland eligibility statement.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Finland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) - official Finland immigration authority