In addition to this, candidates must also meet some general Finland Residence Permit requirements:
Those who meet the eligibility requirements must collect their supporting documents in the prescribed format, and attach these to the filled out Finland residence permit application.
The application fee can be paid online via Enter Finland, at the Finnish Immigration Service point, or a Finnish embassy or consulate. Candidates can submit the application electronically at Enter Finland or submit a paper application by booking an appointment at the Finnish embassy or consulate in their current country of residence. They must also visit the embassy/consulate to prove their identity.
The application is processed at two stages. First, a partial decision is made by the ELY Centre. Then, the Finnish Immigration Services processes the application and announces the final decision online, or via post, or through the embassy/consulate. Following a positive decision, the candidate can travel to Finland start their business. Later, they may choose to apply for an extended permit or a Finland permanent residence permit.
To submit an application electronically, the entrepreneur/freelancer/self-employed person must pay €490 for the first permit, and €260 for extended permits.
To submit a paper application, the entrepreneur/freelancer/self-employed person must pay €640 for the first permit, and €260 for extended permits.
Both electronic and paper-based applications for the first permit are typically processed within four months. Applications for extended permits are also processed within four months.