Self-employment visa for Finland

Get ready

Check that you have all the necessary attachments and information before you begin. You must have at least:

• a valid passport
• clarifications concerning your business
• documents about your entrepreneurship (such as a limited company’s instrument of incorporation and up-to-date shareholders' register) with the help of which the authority can evaluate the nature and profitability of the entrepreneurship
• documents on income and funds which secure your means of support.

If other attachments are required, this will be indicated in the application.

Complete the application and select your service point

Complete the application form and attach all the required documents. Select your service point. The service point is where you prove your identity. You will find more information at migri.fi/en/identification. If you are applying for a permit abroad, visit a Finnish embassy or consulate. If you are applying in Finland, visit a Migri service point. Please take into account that the service points can be very busy. If you are in Finland, you can book an appointment before submitting an application in Migri's appointments system. If you are abroad, contact the embassy or consulate directly.

Pay and submit your application

The processing of an application is subject to a fee. You can pay the processing fee with most credit cards, or use the online banking services provided by Finnish banks. You can also pay the processing fee at the embassy or at the Migri service point during your visit to prove your identity.

Visit the selected authority to identify yourself

When you have submitted your application via the e-service, you must visit the service point you selected in order to prove your identity, to present the original copies of the attachments required for your application and to have your fingerprints taken. Remember to take a passport photo with you. Passport photo guidelines can be found on the website of the Finnish Police.

Follow the processing of your application

The processing of an application takes on an average nine months, but the processing of an application of a startup entrepreneur only takes about one month. You can follow the processing of your application in the e-service.

The application is processed in two stages:

1. The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment makes a partial decision on the application (except for startup entrepreneurs). It evaluates the profitability of the business and the sufficiency of income to cover living expenses. The profitability of the business is evaluated on the basis of documents such as the company’s business plan, binding preliminary agreements, and financing. The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment may ask further clarification from you if the documents accompanying your application are not sufficient.
2. When the partial decision has been made, the Finnish Immigration Service will process the application and make a decision on it. In some cases, you may be interviewed before the final decision, in writing or orally.

The application for a Finnish Startup Permit is directly decided on by the Finnish Immigration Service.

If further information or documents are required for your application, we will send you a request through the e-service. You will receive a notification when a decision has been made and can be read online.