Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment)
People running their own business or working as a self-employed/light entrepreneur in Finland.
The Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) is a Finnish business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€550 online (~€700 on paper)) and processing time (~1 month (up to 2 months)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) is for
People running their own business or working as a self-employed/light entrepreneur in Finland.
Continuous entrepreneur permits count towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) - eligibility criteria
- Registered business or genuine plan to operate one in Finland
- Profitable business with secure income for you
- Necessary licences, registrations and accounting in order
- Sufficient means of support from the business
Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) (Finland) is ~€550 online (~€700 on paper), with an indicative processing time of ~1 month (up to 2 months). 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 | Usually 1 year, then renewable |
| Work rights | Run and work in your own business |
| Study rights | Studying allowed |
| Government fee | ~€550 online (~€700 on paper) |
| Processing time | ~1 month (up to 2 months) |
| Route to PR | Continuous entrepreneur permits count towards a permanent permit after 4 years. |
Pathway & next steps
Continuous entrepreneur permits count towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Many applicants also compare Startup · Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur, Own Means · Residence permit for a person of independent means, TTOL · Residence permit for an employed person (TTOL). 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 an entrepreneur (self-employment) pitfalls we fix
Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) cost?
The Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) government fee is ~€550 online (~€700 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 an entrepreneur (self-employment) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1 month (up to 2 months). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment) lead to permanent residence?
Continuous entrepreneur permits count towards a permanent permit after 4 years.
Can I work on the Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment)?
Work rights: Run and work in your own business.
Who can apply for the Residence permit for an entrepreneur (self-employment)?
People running their own business or working as a self-employed/light entrepreneur in Finland.
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