Clarify the situation
We review the goal, status, timing, family/work/company context and available documents together.
Build the evidence logic
We explain which documents matter, why they are needed and what each should prove.
Explain the risks
We identify risks linked to missing evidence, income, timing, the wrong route or authority expectations.
Define next steps
We turn the next filing, evidence, strategy or professional-support step into a practical plan.
What do we assess in this service?
Entrepreneur and startup permits are different
A standard entrepreneur residence permit and a startup entrepreneur residence permit are separate routes. The standard entrepreneur route focuses on actual entrepreneurial status, active work in the business, profitability and the applicant's means of support. The startup route is intended for growth-oriented startup teams and requires a positive Business Finland Eligibility Statement before the first residence-permit application.
Who can qualify as an entrepreneur?
For a limited liability company, Migri currently treats a person in a managerial position, such as a Managing Director or board member, as an entrepreneur for this permit route when the person personally owns at least 30% of the share capital or personally controls at least 30% of the votes. Other business forms have their own entrepreneur-status rules.
- Private trader
- Partner in a general partnership
- General partner in a limited partnership
- Co-operative member with unlimited liability where registered
- Managerial shareholder in a limited company meeting the ownership or voting threshold
Business profitability and means of support
The business must be real and economically viable. The applicant's means of support must be secured primarily from the business when the basis of residence is entrepreneurship. A Business ID and Trade Register registration are normally required before the permit can be issued.
Startup permit: Eligibility Statement first
For a first startup residence permit, a positive Business Finland Eligibility Statement is required before submitting the Migri application. Only one person in the startup team needs to apply for the statement and can share it with the other team members. At the time the residence-permit application is submitted, the statement must be no more than four months old.
Startup means of support in 2026
For startup entrepreneurs, Migri's 2026 monthly net income requirement is EUR 1,210 in Espoo, Helsinki, Kauniainen and Vantaa; EUR 1,090 in the listed larger municipalities; and EUR 1,030 in other municipalities. The applicant must have enough accessible funds for at least one year. A first permit can be granted for two years if sufficient funds are shown for that period.
What ENB reviews
- Correct residence-permit route
- Ownership and decision-making position
- Business ID and Trade Register status
- Business model, revenue, costs and liquidity
- Business plan, contracts and customer evidence
- Business Finland Eligibility Statement and validity where relevant
- Means-of-support evidence
- Migri and company-registration document structure
What this service is not
- Company ownership by itself does not create a residence right
- Passive investment is not the same as active entrepreneurship
- ENB does not provide regulated investment advice or promise funding
- No Business Finland or Migri outcome is guaranteed
Detailed guides related to this service
Use ENB's official-source reviewed guides before assessing the consulting scope or while preparing your documents.
Startup Basics in Finland
A basic guide to company structure, team, funding, Business Finland and the distinction between a startup business and the startup residence-permit route in Finland.
Open guideLimited Company (Oy) in Finland
A practical guide to the Oy company form, shareholders, governance, registration, taxation and post-registration duties in Finland.
Open guideYEL Entrepreneur Pension Insurance in Finland
A guide to YEL coverage, the concept of confirmed work income and its social-security effects for entrepreneurs in Finland.
Open guideIf you need a calculator or practical checklist, use the free tools as well.
Open toolsFrequently asked questions
Does owning shares in a Finnish company automatically qualify me for an entrepreneur permit?
No. The applicant must meet the entrepreneur-status rules and actively engage in the business. For an Oy managerial shareholder, Migri currently uses a 30% personal ownership or voting threshold for this route.
How old can the Business Finland Eligibility Statement be?
For the first startup residence-permit application, it must be no more than four months old when the Migri application is submitted.
What is the 2026 startup means-of-support requirement?
The monthly net requirement is EUR 1,210, EUR 1,090 or EUR 1,030 depending on the municipality. Enough accessible funds must be shown for at least one year.
Official sources and content review
Last checked: 2026-08-23- Migri — Finnish Immigration Service
- Business Finland — Finnish Startup Permit
- PRH — Finnish Patent and Registration Office
- Vero — Finnish Tax Administration
ENB Consulting is not a public authority. This page provides general information and explains the consulting scope. Case-specific assessment is separate and final decisions are made by the competent authority. No outcome is guaranteed.