RELOCATION
Plan your move, establish your company, and find a community to build with. Explore the routes and support available.
YOUR MOVE
Your route depends on your citizenship, company, and circumstances. These are the essentials to plan, with local experts to help you along the way.
The Finnish Startup Permit offers eligible international founders a route to living and building in Finland. Business Finland assesses your startup first, then you apply to Migri for a residence permit. Through Migri’s fast track, qualifying applications can receive a decision in 14 days. The first permit is valid for up to two years.
Plan the practical side of your move: housing, registrations, banking, healthcare, and everyday life. Work in Finland provides guidance before and after arrival, while local International Houses help you navigate services in your new city. If you’re moving with family, explore support for your partner’s career and your children’s daycare or schooling early.
Choose a business structure and check the registration requirements with a local business advisor. A Finnish limited liability company, or Oy, can be established without share capital and is registered in the Trade Register maintained by PRH. Plan your banking, accounting, tax registrations, and funding alongside incorporation. Additional requirements may apply if board members or the managing director live outside the EEA.
EU/EEA or Swiss citizen? You don’t need a residence permit: check the registration requirements for your move.
CITIES
Start with the expertise, partners, and community your company needs. Local business teams can help you explore the fit, while newcomer services guide you through settling in.
The capital and home of Slush
Slush, Maria 01, and a broad network of founders and investors make Helsinki a place to build connections throughout the year.
Business Helsinki offers free, confidential advice on starting and growing a company, from refining your business plan to understanding local requirements. International House Helsinki helps you navigate the practical side of settling into the capital region.
Deep tech, close to the source
Aalto University and VTT anchor Espoo’s research ecosystem in Otaniemi, with companies such as ICEYE and IQM showing what can grow from it. Space, quantum technology, and advanced engineering are part of the local landscape.
Enter Espoo helps you find relevant partners, business opportunities, and premises. Its landing services connect international companies with the people and resources needed to establish operations.
A base for industrial technology
Vantaa brings together expertise in semiconductors, measurement technology, and advanced manufacturing, with companies such as Okmetic and Vaisala operating here.
Business Vantaa supports founders with business advice, funding guidance, networking, and soft-landing services. Its startup team can help you explore the local ecosystem and the practical steps to establish your business.
Where industry meets innovation
Tampere combines industrial engineering with expertise in imaging, intelligent machines, and manufacturing. Its company and research networks offer a starting point for founders building technology for the physical world.
Startup.Tampere connects you with local services, programs, and the startup community. Platform6 offers a shared base for founders, while International House Tampere guides newcomers towards entrepreneurship and settling-in services.
Build the next wave of wireless
Oulu’s wireless expertise stretches from today’s networks to the University of Oulu’s 6G Flagship research programme. Health technology and a close-knit startup community add to the city’s technical strengths.
BusinessOulu supports founders from the first idea to international growth, with advice, funding guidance, and introductions to local networks. International House Oulu helps you navigate life in your new city.
Life sciences meet maritime ambition
Turku combines health and life sciences with maritime expertise and a growing focus on the blue economy. Its startup community connects founders with research, industry, and opportunities to develop their businesses.
Turku Startup Hub offers business advice, programs, and connections across the region. International House Turku provides guidance on settling in and finding your way around local services.
WHY FINLAND
Explore the talent, track record, and everyday life that make Finland a place to build your company, and your future.
Tell us what you’re building, where you are today, and how we can help.
