Finland Self-Employment Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you're a non-EU citizen with a vision for a successful business or freelance career and you want to experience everything Finland has to offer, the Finland Self-Employment Visa could be your pathway to just that.

This visa is tailored for individuals who want to work independently in Finland, whether as a freelancer, sole proprietor, or in a managerial position within their own company.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Finland Self-Employment Visa?

To qualify for the Finland Self-Employment Visa, you must meet specific criteria demonstrating your ability to establish and run a successful business or freelance activity in Finland.

Entrepreneur definition

The Finnish Immigration Service defines an entrepreneur as someone who:

• Is a private entrepreneur with an individually-owned business.
• Is a partner in a general partnership.
• Is a general partner in a limited partnership (not a silent partner).
• Is a cooperative member with unlimited liability for refinancing, with the obligation registered in the trade register.
• Is a shareholder in a managerial position in a limited-liability company or a person working in another type of company in a managerial position, and:
  • Personally owns at least 30% of the company's share capital.
  • Personally has at least 30% of the number of votes produced by the company's shares.

Work requirement

• You must actively work in the company in Finland. Simply owning a company is not enough to qualify for this visa.

Profitability

• Your business or self-employed activity must be profitable and generate a regular income above the collective agreement that applies to your employment. If there's no collective agreement in your sector, your salary must be at least €1,399 per month (as of September 2024).
• The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) will evaluate the profitability of your business based on your business plan, contracts, qualifications, and financing agreements.

General requirements

If you meet the above criteria, you're off to a great start! You just have a few more general things to take care of before you apply:

• Travel documents: Make sure you have a valid passport or travel document
• Criminal records: You'll need to have a clean criminal record, and can't have any bans on entering the Schengen area (which includes Finland).
• Intentions in Finland: You cannot be engaged in any activities that deem you a risk to public safety, health, or Finland's relationship with other countries.

These are just the basics, and there may be other requirements for entry into the country. It's always a good idea to check the latest official requirements before you travel.

Meeting these criteria shows you have the entrepreneurial skills, financial resources, and commitment to establish a sustainable business or freelance practice in Finland.

What documentation is needed for the Finland Self-Employment Visa?

Here's a breakdown of the key documents required for your application.

General documents

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Finland. You'll need to present it when you submit your residence permit application, either in person at a Finnish embassy or consulate or at a Migri service point if you're already in Finland.
• Passport photo: Provide a passport photo that complies with the photo guidelines issued by the Finnish police.
• Passport copies: Include colour copies of the passport page containing your personal data and all passport pages with any notes or stamps.
• Proof of legal stay: If applying from outside Finland, submit a document proving you are legally staying in the country where you're submitting your application.

Company documents

• Company registration documents (if not registered in Finland): Depending on your company type, you'll need the relevant founding documents (memorandum/articles of association, shareholder register, etc.).
• Proof of share acquisition (if applicable): Evidence that you have acquired a share of the company.

Business operation documents

• Business plan: Outline your business activities and goals, especially important for first-time or changed business activity applications
• Proof of business premises (if applicable): If you have a physical business location, provide proof of ownership or a rental agreement
• Proof of qualifications and experience: Demonstrate your skills and expertise in your field of business
• Proof of financial resources: Show evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and your business, such as bank statements
• Financial forecast: Provide a financial projection for the next two years, particularly for first-time or changed business activity applications.
• Additional financial documents (if applicable): Include proof of funding, change of ownership, loan agreement, or debt repayment agreements, if relevant to your situation
• Financial statements: Submit your most recent financial statements, including income statements and balance sheets
• Customer agreements (if any): If you have contracts with clients, provide copies

Sector-specific documents

• Food delivery:
  • If using a car, you must provide your driver's licence and vehicle registration
  • If partnering with another company, provide a copy of the contract
• Tourism: Include copies of any required licences for operating in the tourism industry

If you're already in Finland and applying for a first residence permit, fill in and sign this form.

Remember to double-check the specific document requirements on the official Finland Migration website, which might vary depending on your circumstances.

All documents must be translated and legalised in Finnish, Swedish or English. These translations should be included, and the original copies not in place of them.

What is the application process for the Finland Self-Employment Visa?

1. Confirm your eligibility: First things first, make sure you qualify. Do you meet the requirements? Tick all the boxes before moving forward.
2. Gather your documents: Gather your personal documents and any documents related to your company and its operations. If your business is in a specific sector, there might be additional requirements.
3. Submit your application: The online route through EnterFinland is usually faster and more convenient. Fill out the application, upload your documents, and pay the fee online. If you prefer, you can download a paper application and submit it in person at a Finnish embassy, along with the processing fee.
4. Verify your identity: Depending on your situation, you might need to prove your identity in person. If you're abroad, book an appointment at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate. If you're in Finland, schedule one at a Finnish Immigration Service point. If you're applying for an extension and used the online service with Finnish banking credentials, you might be able to skip this step.
5. Await the decision: You can check the progress of your application here on the EnterFinland portal or use their processing time checker to get an idea of when you might hear back. It should take about two months for your application to go through, and you'll be notified if there are any issues with your application.

Start early, double-check everything, and use online services whenever possible for a smooth and quick process. The official Finnish Immigration Service website is a valuable resource for further information and updates.

What is the duration of the Finland Self-Employment Visa?

Upon successful application, you'll receive a residence permit valid for one year. This is a trial period to establish your business or freelance activities in Finland.

Renewal

If work is thriving and you want to continue living and working in Finland after the first year, you can apply for an extension of your residence permit. To be eligible for renewal, you'll need to meet a few key criteria:

• Continued fulfilment of original requirements: You must still meet all the eligibility criteria that were required when your initial residence permit was granted. This means demonstrating that your business or freelance activity remains profitable, you're generating sufficient income (above the minimum wage), and you have a clean criminal record.
• Timely application: Submit your extension application well in advance of your current residence permit's expiration date.

What are the application costs of the Finland Self-Employment Visa?

Applying for the Finland Self-Employment Visa involves a processing fee, which varies depending on whether you submit your application online or on paper.

• Online application processing fee: €490
• Paper application processing fee: €690

Important note: Always consult the official Finnish Immigration Service website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on application fees, as they are subject to change.

Other information you need to know

• Renewal: Apply for an extension before your permit expires. You must still meet the original requirements.
• Changing your business: You can't do other work while on this visa. Big changes to your business might require a new permit.
• Permanent residency: If you have a temporary permit and live in Finland for two years straight, you might qualify for a continuous permit. After four years, you can apply for permanent residency.
• Bringing your family: You might be able to bring your spouse, partner, or minor children. They'll get a permit for the same duration as yours.
• Long-term residence: After five years of continuous legal residence, you might get an EC residence permit, giving you similar rights to EU citizens.

This visa is an excellent option for those who want to start their own business or freelance in Finland. But the process can seem a bit complex, with financial requirements and the need to prove your business idea will work.

An immigration consultant can be a huge help. They'll guide you through the application, make things easier, and help you overcome any challenges.

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