Finland

Innovate in a state of Happiness

Business Finland is scouting high-potential international startups who want to build, relocate, or set up their international headquarters in Finland and use Finland as a testbed and as a base for accessing the Europe and global markets.

Express Interest
Finland
Innovate in a state of Happiness
Business Finland is scouting high-potential international startups who want to build, relocate, or set up their international headquarters in Finland and use Finland as a testbed and as a base for accessing the Europe and global markets.
Express Interest

About Finland

Ranked among the world’s top 10 most innovative countries, Finland fosters cutting-edge development and offers a stable business environment ideal for startups, particularly as a testbed for new technologies. 

In Finland, you have everything you need: A highly educated and tech-savvy population, robust infrastructure for testing, and leading-edge knowledge in digital technologies. The country is at the forefront of emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, 5G networks, sustainable energy innovations, and advanced biotechnologies, making it an exceptional hub for cutting-edge technological development. 

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Why Choose Finland?

Ranked among the top 10 most innovative countries, Finland offers:

Strategic Location:

A gateway to Europe, the Nordics, and global markets.

World-Class Talent:

A highly educated workforce and robust talent attraction programs.

Innovation & Technology Leadership:

A hub for AI, 5G, sustainable energy, biotech, and digital solutions.

Extensive Funding Opportunities:

Grants, loans, and R&D support through Business Finland.

Supportive Business Environment:

Strong public-private partnerships and a stable economy.

Sustainability Commitment:

A focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #1.

Key Benefits of Expanding to Finland

Access to Funding & Grants:

Leverage Business Finland’s financial support, including grants, loans, and R&D funding.

Strategic Location:

Use Finland as a gateway to European, Nordic, and global markets.

Startup Visa Program:

Finland’s startup permit allows international founders to establish and scale their businesses with ease.

Supportive Government & Funding Landscape:

Strong public-private partnerships that help startups thrive.

Commitment to Sustainability:

A strong dedication to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #1.

Public & Private Funding Availability:

Startups in Finland benefit from extensive funding sources, including Business Finland’s financial instruments.

Why Choose Finland?

Strategic Location:

Use Finland as a testbed and gateway to European, Nordic, and global markets. A product validated in Finland is effectively validated for EU-scale deployment.

Startup Permit Program:

Finland’s startup permit allows international founders to relocate and establish their businesses with ease.

Public & Private Funding Availability:

Startups in Finland benefit from extensive public and private funding sources, including Business Finland's financial instruments for companies with a Finnish business ID and headquarters in Finland.

Commitment to Sustainability:

Finland strongly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #1.

Who Should Apply for the startup permit?

Finland welcomes:

  • Startups and scaleups looking to establish and relocate their headquarters in Finland and expand from there. (If the team has already established a company somewhere else, the headquarters of the company needs to be moved to Finland with IPRs. A branch office or a daughter company in Finland is not enough.)
  • The team has to have at least 60% holding in the company.
  • Innovation-driven businesses with scalable and international potential with at least two founders.
  • The business idea needs to have competitive advantages compared to other solutions in the market.
  • Companies with access to sufficient resources and funding for the company's early-stage development as well as secure financial means for personal support
  • Startups who are looking for advice and support in their relocation process.
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Finland’s Startup Scene

Finland offers one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the world, attracting entrepreneurs with its:

Slush – The World's Leading Startup Event:

Held annually in Helsinki, Slush connects startups with top investors and mentors.

Global Expansion Support:

Business Finland offers advisory services and funding to help startups scale internationally. See more information about Business Finland´s funding instruments for Finland-based startups: Funding services

Incubators & Accelerators:

Finland hosts leading programs like Kiuas, and Red Brick, offering mentorship.

Soft-Landing Services:

Finnish cities provide free support for company setup, funding guidance, accommodation, and family relocation, along with sparring for your business plan and support throughout the Startup Permit application process.

Access to Top-Tier Talent

Finland’s education system and global talent attraction programs provide startups with world-class expertise.

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Key Startup Hubs in Finland

Capital region

Discover soft-landing services in the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.

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Turku

Supporting biotech, health, and business innovation.

 

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Tampere

Finland’s innovation hub for AI, digital solutions, and smart industries.

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Oulu

Advancing 5G, IoT, and deep-tech for a smarter future.

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The Startup Permit

The Startup Permit is a residence permit for innovative startup entrepreneurs coming outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to move and establish a startup company in Finland. The Startup Permit is issued for a maximum of two years and can be renewed. 

Read More about Finnish Startup Permit
Read More About the Startup Ecosystem of Finland

Business Finland Programs for International Startups

Startup Accelerator Programs

Fast-track your growth with tailored acceleration initiatives. Gain access to mentorship, funding, and corporate partnerships while scaling operations into European markets.

Internationalization & Export Services

Expand your business globally with Business Finland’s support. Benefit from trade missions, networking opportunities, regulatory guidance, and market research insights.

R&D and Innovation Support

Secure grants and financial aid for technology and product innovation. Collaborate with Finnish research institutions, participate in pilot projects, and access advanced testing environments.

Talent Boost Program

Attract world-class talent with support for hiring, team relocation, work permits, and legal processes. Partner with universities and access Finland’s skilled workforce.

Tourism & Creative Industries Program

Grow in Finland’s thriving tourism, gaming, and creative sectors. Leverage business development support, marketing strategies, and funding opportunities to scale internationally.

Sustainable Growth Program

Receive funding and strategic support for sustainability-driven businesses. Get expert guidance on regulatory compliance and scale your eco-friendly solutions effectively.

Focus Areas

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AI & Digital Technologies
 

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5G & Telecommunications

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Sustainable Energy & Cleantech

content gen

Biotech & Healthtech
 

service desk

Gaming & Creative Industries

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Deep-Tech & Industrial Innovation

Webinar Series

Innovating in Finland: Circular Economy

Innovating in Finland: Healthtech

Innovating in Finland: AI Landsape

Innovate in Finland: What Finland Offers for Startups and Professionals

Blogs

From New Delhi to the Frozen North: How Vicharak Took India's Innovation Story to the World Stage
Vicharak, a Gujarat-based deep-tech startup, secured third place at the global Polar Bear Pitching event in Oulu, Finland, after winning the India Satellite Event in New Delhi. Supported by T-Hub, their journey highlights India’s growing presence on the global innovation stage and the strengthening collaboration between Indian and Finnish startup ecosystems, creating new opportunities for international expansion and partnerships.
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Finland – where startups can innovate in the state of happiness
Imagine a place where innovation meets opportunity, where startups don’t just survive but thrive on a global scale. A place that offers seamless access to international markets, a highly skilled workforce, and a government that actively fuels entrepreneurial ambitions. Finland—Europe’s best-kept secret is for startups looking to scale beyond borders.
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How Finland’s Startup Ecosystem is Empowering AgriTech Innovation: The Nutty Village Story
In the agricultural heartlands of India, a quiet revolution is taking root. Nutty Village, a purpose-driven startup founded by Aman Kumar, is creating meaningful change by building India’s first groundnut-based agricultural cluster in Uttar Pradesh. The company’s mission is twofold: to uplift rural farmers by enhancing cultivation practices and increasing their incomes, and to introduce nutritious, high-value peanut-based products to the market. 
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From Ambition to Action: How Finland Gave Indian Climate Startup Cero Hero a Global Edge
The climate crisis demands urgent action. For startups in this space, the pressure to move fast is immense. Cero Hero, a mission-driven company founded by Indian entrepreneur Sai Teja, understands this urgency well. The startup is tackling one of climate tech’s toughest challenges: changing human behaviour to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Know More

Testimonials

How to Express Your Interest

The interest exploration forms are reviewed on a rolling basis. Startups that are interested in relocating or establishing in Finland can apply through the link, outlining their business goals, innovation potential, and expansion strategy.

Submit Your Interest

Provide details on your startup, business model, and  goals.

Evaluation & Selection

Forms are assessed based on innovation, market fit, and growth potential.

Enrollment

Selected startups receive advice and support in their process of relocating/establishing in Finland

FAQs

The initiative is a collaboration between T-Hub and Business Finland, designed to help startups interested in relocating to Finland by providing support and advice in their relocation process.

Startups and scaleups that:

  • Have an innovative business idea with global scalability and competitive advantages. 
  • Are looking to relocate/establish their startup operations in Finland.
  • Seek advice and support to their relocation process 

Finland offers a Startup Permit, allowing non-European Economic Area (EEA) entrepreneurs to establish or relocate their startups in the country. The Finnish government also provides support through funding, sector-specific programs, advice services, networking, and business development initiatives. There are also free-of-charge softlanding services available for international startup founders.

The Startup Permit is a residence permit for non-EEA entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative startup in Finland. It is valid for up to two years and can be renewed.

Yes, the initiative is open to startups from various regions looking to relocate or establish a company to Finland.

You can reach us via email at vedika.vaity@t-hub.co

The program is a collaboration between T-Hub and Business Finland, designed to help startups expand into Finland by providing funding, market access, mentorship, and strategic support.

Startups and scaleups that:

  • Have an innovative business model with global scalability.
  • Are looking to establish operations in Finland.
  • Seek funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to expand.

Startups can access:

  • Grants and loans for research, development, and innovation.
  • Business Finland’s R&D support for product development.
  • Public and private funding opportunities tailored for startups.

Finland offers a Startup Permit, allowing non-European Economic Area (EEA) entrepreneurs to establish and operate startups in the country. The Finnish government also provides extensive support through funding, networking, and business development initiatives.

The Startup Permit is a residence permit for non-EEA entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative startup in Finland. It is valid for up to two years and can be renewed.

The Talent Boost Program helps startups attract world-class talent by supporting hiring, work permits, relocation, and partnerships with universities to access skilled professionals.

Yes, the program is open to startups from various regions looking to expand into Finland.

You can reach us via email at ankitha.vaddeswarapu@t-hub.co

Start Your Journey in Finland Today!

Seize the opportunity to grow your business in one of the world’s most innovation-driven economies.

Express Interest

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Raidurgam panmaktha,
Knowledge City, Serilingampally, Hyderabad,
Telangana 500081.

Contact Us

Email: vedika.vaity@t-hub.co

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