Finland Offers Startup Permits to Indian Entrepreneurs

A promising destination for Indians abroad, Finland is ideal for startup founders aiming to establish or relocate their businesses in the technology market. As the 14th most promising emerging ecosystem for startups (Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024), Work in Finland invites international talent, including Indians, to explore opportunities within its borders.

 

Ranked sixth globally for its conducive innovation environment (Global Innovation Index - GII 2023), Finland remains ambitious in its goal to become even more competitive. The country actively seeks to attract innovative Indian startups to bolster its dynamic ecosystem.

Finland offers various incentives to support companies embarking on their journey in the technology sector. This includes for example financing for research and development of products and solutions, particularly targeting small and medium-sized companies. This funding is available for companies established and based in Finland.

 

“Indian startup founders find Finland's ecosystem interesting because the business environment is stable, society is safe and transparent, with a relatively low level of bureaucracy. This positions the country as one of the most business-friendly places in the world", says Hanna Riski, Senior Advisor, Startup Attraction, Business Finland.

 

India is considered one of the priority countries for the Finnish talent attraction strategy, and the Business Finland office in New Delhi has implemented many initiatives to attract Indian startups to Finland.

Finland is offering the Startup Permit process, granting residence permits to startup teams with innovative and scalable business ideas. Since 2018, about 45 Indian startups have received permits to operate from Finland, with more expressing interest in the country’s proactive programmes.

 

Laura Lindeman, Senior Director of Business Finland states, “With Finland's focus on the renewable energy, food, bioeconomy, quantum computing, defense, telecommunications, healthcare and electronic gaming markets, the country is poised to be the next step for startups looking to mature and explore the international markets.”

 

Hanna Riski advises aspiring entrepreneurs to research Finland thoroughly, familiarising themselves with the startup ecosystem and the opportunities it offers. "Finland offers a vibrant ecosystem packed

 

with strong technological presence, public funding opportunities and numerous co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators supporting start-up growth. The high level of trust, transparency, and good governance attracts reputable global investors and partners to the country. There are also various public support services available for international startup founders. For example, Finnish cities organise various startup programs, enabling startups to visit and familiarise themselves with the Finnish startup ecosystem", concludes Senior Advisor, Startup Attraction, Business Finland.

Finland, crowned the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year, offers a unique combination of work-life balance, a robust ecosystem of IT innovation, and a thriving community of tech companies. The country's exceptional quality of life and support for startups make it a prime destination for Indian entrepreneurs. Finland's strategic focus on sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, and telecommunications further aligns with the growth trajectories of many Indian startups, positioning the country as the land of opportunity for these burgeoning enterprises.