Entrepreneur Residence Permit Finland
An entrepreneur residence permit in Finland requires that the applicant runs a business in Finland, the business is viable or realistically viable, and the applicant has sufficient funds to support themselves and finance the business. Migri assesses the business plan, funding, and the applicant's experience. The Supreme Administrative Court ruled on 27 August 2026 (KHO:2026:63) on how entrepreneurial income is assessed for permanent residence permits. A&Co. Legal helps with entrepreneur permit applications and appeals.
An entrepreneur residence permit requires a viable business, sufficient funding, and relevant experience. The Supreme Administrative Court ruled on 27 August 2026 (KHO:2026:63) on how entrepreneurial income is assessed for permanent residence.
What does an entrepreneur residence permit require?
An entrepreneur residence permit is granted under the Aliens Act to a person who runs a business in Finland. The requirements are: the business must be viable or realistically viable, the applicant must have sufficient funds to support themselves and finance the business, and the applicant must have experience or expertise in the relevant field. Migri assesses the business plan, funding plan, the applicant's merits and experience, and the realism of the business. A plan on paper alone, without funding and expertise, is not enough. The permit is typically granted for one to two years and can be extended.
How does Migri assess business viability?
Migri assesses business viability based on the business plan, funding plan, and market analysis. Migri considers: the scope and target group of the business, the competitive situation, the applicant's experience in the field, the adequacy of funding (own funds, loans, investors), and the expected ratio of revenue to costs. Migri does not require that the business is already profitable — it is enough that it is realistically viable. However, the applicant must show that they have funds to live in Finland until the business starts generating income. A well-prepared business plan with realistic financial projections and evidence of funding is essential for a successful application.
KHO:2026:63 – entrepreneur income requirement for permanent residence
On 27 August 2026, the Supreme Administrative Court issued ruling KHO:2026:63, which addressed how the income requirement (toimeentuloedellytys) for a permanent residence permit should be assessed when the applicant is an entrepreneur. The ruling clarified that variable or uncertain entrepreneurial income cannot automatically be grounds for rejecting the income requirement — the assessment must take into account the actual and projected profitability of the business. This is significant for entrepreneurs applying for a P-permit: if Migri rejected your application based on variable income, KHO:2026:63 may open grounds for an appeal. The ruling means that Migri must assess the business's real economic situation, not just the income figure for a single year. A lawyer can assess how the ruling affects your application or appeal.
What happens if the entrepreneur permit application is denied?
If the entrepreneur residence permit application is denied, you can appeal to the administrative court. The applicable deadline and appeal procedure must always be verified from the appeal instructions provided with the decision. Common grounds for denial are: lack of business viability, lack of funding, lack of the applicant's experience, or suspicion that the business is a means to obtain a residence permit rather than a genuine business. The appeal can argue that Migri assessed the business plan incorrectly, failed to consider all the evidence, or misapplied the law. A lawyer can assess the decision, supplement the business plan, and draft the appeal. Entrepreneur permit appeals can succeed when the viability assessment is properly challenged and additional evidence of funding, experience, or market potential is presented.
How much does an entrepreneur residence permit application cost?
The Migri processing fee for an entrepreneur residence permit application is 350 EUR for online applications and 470 EUR for paper applications (first application, as of 2026). Legal fees depend on complexity: business plan review and application drafting typically cost 800–2,000 EUR, and a more complex case (e.g., prior refusal, complex funding, or KHO appeal) costs more. If the application is denied and an appeal is needed, the appeal is billed separately. We always provide a written cost estimate before starting any work.
Permanent Residence Permit Finland
An entrepreneur residence permit is the first step toward a permanent residence permit. KHO:2026:63 clarified how entrepreneurial income is assessed for permanent residence. See our Permanent Residence Permit Finland page for details.
Learn about permanent residence permitsRelated pages
Sources
- Aliens Act (301/2004) – Finlex (English translation)
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) – English
- Migri – Permanent residence permit
- Migri – Application for a permanent residence permit
- Migri – Amendments to Aliens Act 2026 (permanent residence permits)
- Migri – Period of residence requirement
- Supreme Administrative Court (KHO) – decisions
- EU Return Directive (2008/115/EC) – EUR-Lex
Content reviewed by: Pezhman Ahmadi, OTM — Immigration Law
Updated: September 26, 2026
Applying for an entrepreneur residence permit?
Presenting the business plan and funding correctly is decisive. Contact us — we help with application drafting and appeals.