Eligibility & suitability
Who can qualify
- Founder with a positive, still-current Business Finland Eligibility Statement.
- Personal resources meeting the municipality-dependent requirement for the relevant period.
- A plan to carry on the startup activity in Finland and meet the general permit conditions.
Restrictions & unsuitable cases
- Passive ownership presented as active startup entrepreneurship.
- Using an Eligibility Statement more than four months old without renewal.
- Treating the personal maintenance amount as the entire business setup budget.
From eligibility to a functioning Finnish base
Preparation, identity verification, authority assessment and relocation are separate stages. Current processing estimates must be checked for the actual application.
01Prepare the startup caseBefore the immigration application
02Check statement validity and personal resourcesBefore submission; statement at most four months old
Reconcile the intended municipality, period and personal funds with the current requirements.
Documents & evidence
- Eligibility Statement
- Bank/income evidence
- Confusing inaccessible company capital with personal maintenance.
03File and verify identityFollow the route’s filing/appointment instructions
04Put the permission into practiceAfter the required approval and throughout the stay
Complete address, tax, insurance and bank arrangements; retain the decision conditions and review changes before renewal.
Documents & evidence
- Permit decision
- Work/business records
- Tax and registration records
- An approval is not a bank guarantee or a tax-residence determination.
Document checklist
Track your preparation in this browser. Final requirements depend on the route and filing authority.
Business eligibility comes before the permit
Obtain a positive Business Finland Eligibility Statement before submitting the residence application. The startup assessment and Migri’s immigration decision are separate. If the business cannot obtain the statement, evaluate the ordinary entrepreneur route rather than assume a generic company registration can replace it.
Money for the founder and money for the business
The 2026 monthly net maintenance figure is EUR 1,210, 1,090 or 1,030 according to municipality. Check which band applies to the intended address. The money must be available for personal support for the required permit period; budget the company’s operating needs separately.
Evidence can include accessible savings or qualifying continuing income/funding. A promising valuation or a future fundraising plan does not show that living costs are funded now.
Validity, fee and continuing activity
| Point | Requirement or planning limit |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Statement | No more than four months old when submitting the residence application |
| First-permit fee in 2026 | EUR 650 electronic / EUR 800 paper |
| Main activity after approval | Startup entrepreneurship remains the basis of the stay |
| Family | Separate applications and the relevant household resources; do not use a single-adult budget |
| Authority timing | Use current Migri estimates; the Business Finland stage is additional |
What to prepare for the business assessment
Make the proposal specific enough for the reviewing authority to understand the customer problem, product, competitive position, international growth plan, team and funding. Keep ownership and the founder’s role consistent across business and immigration documents. These are preparation questions, not a promise that any one business will qualify.
From residence to an operating business
Tax registration, founder remuneration, payroll and banking must follow the actual operating model. Money used to support the person and money belonging to a company should remain clearly documented.
Sources & research notes7 references
Sources supporting this guide. Research draft awaiting editorial review.