Starttiraha

Starttiraha is a discretionary grant that supports your personal living costs when you start full-time entrepreneurship, or when you expand a side business into a full-time one. It is paid by your local employment authority (työllisyysalue). It is not a grant for buying equipment.

You must live in Finland and set up the business in Finland. The first decision is usually for six months. You can apply for a continuation. The total period can be at most 12 months.

The application is filed in Työmarkkinatori Asiointi before you start full-time work. If full-time activity has already started, you are normally not eligible for the first period. You may still apply for a continuation if you already receive the grant.

The authority looks at your skills, whether the business can become viable, and whether the grant is needed for your living costs. Other benefits, tax debts and local competition can affect the decision. A person who has moved to Finland needs a residence permit that allows self-employment.

The grant is taxable. Include it when you estimate Ennakkovero. It does not replace YEL or bookkeeping.

Practical advice

Book an adviser and prepare a business plan and calculations first. Many employment areas expect you to submit the plan with the application. File about a month before the planned start date, or earlier if your area publishes a longer processing time.

Do not file the YTJ founding notification until you know how your area treats registration. Some advisers tell you to wait for a positive decision. Ask your employment officer in writing.

Where to seek advice

The best place to start is Työmarkkinatori (starttiraha): https://tyomarkkinatori.fi/lisatietoa-palveluista/starttiraha

This is the official description and the route to the electronic application. For help writing the plan, book Uusyrityskeskus: https://uusyrityskeskus.fi/yrityksen-perustajalle/palvelumme-alkavalle-yrittajalle/ — that service is free.

All the necessary links

tyomarkkinatori.fi — Conditions, application and payment claims.
uusyrityskeskus.fi — Free help with the plan and attachments.
Vero.fi — How the grant is taxed.
Your työllisyysalue — Local extra conditions and processing times.