Finland Residency

Finland presents itself as an attractive choice for international investors seeking to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in a new cultural environment. Situated in Europe, Finland shares borders with Russia, Sweden, Norway, and Estonia. Despite its proximity to larger neighboring countries, Finland stands out as a prime destination for potential investors due to its remarkable performance in various aspects such as per capita income, education, living standards, and economic development. As the eighth-largest nation in Europe, Finland offers a promising opportunity for those looking to expand their ventures.

HOW CAN I INVEST IN FINLAND TO GET RESIDENCY?

Self-employed individuals from abroad have the option to seek a visa for the purpose of relocating to Finland. In order to engage in business activities within the country,
self-employed foreigners are required to obtain a residence visa. An individual is classified as a self-employed professional if they are the owner of their own business or hold a general partnership in a limited partnership.

It is essential to highlight that an individual cannot apply for a residence permit on behalf of a company if they solely possess shares in the organization; they must also act as a representative of the company and carry out operations in Finland.

The visa application should include necessary supporting documents, financial details, and a business plan for the economic venture. The process involves two stages: initially, the application is reviewed by the Centre for Economic Growth, Transportation, and Sustainability to assess the viability of the business to sustain the foreign national in Finland. Subsequently, upon receiving temporary approval from the Center, the application is forwarded to the Finnish Immigration Service for the final decision.

Upon being granted a permanent resident visa for self-employed individuals (A-permit), one is allowed to work for another employer while their business is still in its initial stages and not generating a substantial income. Conversely, a travel visa for self-employed professionals restricts them from working for another entity. Therefore, it is imperative to apply for a residency permit to engage in work activities in the country.

ACTIVITIES TO BECOME A CITIZEN OF FINLAND

The naturalisation process in Finland grants citizenship to investors who have resided in the country for five years. Fluency in Finnish or Swedish, a clean criminal record, and meeting financial obligations such as student loans and medical bills are also necessary. Once these criteria are met and the naturalisation request is approved, the investor will become a resident of Finland.