FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Finland freelance visa?
The official page asks for: a business registered in Finland with a business ID, a business plan and profit calculations, client contracts or preliminary agreements, proof of financing for the business, degree certificates and work certificates and a trader permit, if you live outside the EEA.
How much money do I need for the Finland freelance visa?
About EUR 15,000 a year after tax, as a general guide used since 1 November 2024. At the start this can come from a job, the company's start-up funding or your own money.
How long can I stay on the Finland freelance visa?
The first permit is for a fixed period, usually one year. Yes, apply for an extension before the permit ends. A new fixed-term permit can last up to four years.
How much does the Finland freelance visa cost?
EUR 750 for an online application or EUR 900 on paper, for a first permit (2026 fees).
Who can apply for the Finland freelance visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. For people from outside the EU who will run their own business in Finland in a leading role, for example as a sole trader or a partner. The business must be registered in Finland and have a business ID. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can already live in Finland without this visa.
What work can I do on the Finland freelance visa?
The permit is for running your own business, and you must work in the company in Finland yourself.
How do I apply?
Apply online in Enter Finland or on paper. From abroad, prove your identity at a Finnish mission or a VFS Global centre. In Finland, go to a Finnish Immigration Service service point.
Sources
- Finland: Residence permit for an entrepreneur (elinvoimakeskus.fi)
- Finland: how to apply (suomi.fi)
- Finland: Residence permit for an entrepreneur (finlex.fi)
- Finland: Residence permit for an entrepreneur (finlex.fi)
- Finland: Ministry of the Interior decree on Finnish Immigration Service fees for 2026 (finlex.fi)
- Finland: Finnish Immigration Service page on the entrepreneur's permit (migri.fi)
- Finland: Enter Finland online application service (enterfinland.fi)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.