In English

Checklist for Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Finland

Make sure you meet the requirements for entrepreneurship

Check that you have the right to run a business in Finland and review the conditions of your residence permit.
Make sure you have access to strong electronic identification, such as online banking credentials.
Check that your official address and personal details are correct in the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) records.
Find out whether your line of business requires any permits or professional qualifications.

Plan your business and use business advisory services

Define your business idea, customers and market.
Assess your skills, language skills and need for professional networks.
Book an appointment with Mikkeli Region Enterprise Agency.
Prepare a business plan as well as profitability and financing calculations.
Find out about available business grants and, if necessary, apply for a start-up grant before starting your business.

Set up your business

Choose a suitable form of business and find out how it affects taxation, liabilities and accounting.
Register your business and register with the necessary tax registers.

Take care of practical business matters

Open a business bank account and choose invoicing and payment systems.
Arrange your accounting.
Take out the necessary insurance and find out whether you need YEL pension insurance for self-employed persons.

Start and develop your business

Find customers and build your online and social media presence.
Build professional networks and collect customer feedback.
If you employ workers, make sure you meet your employer obligations, prepare employment contracts and arrange occupational health care.

Remember: Starting a business often involves dealing with public authorities and official procedures. Allow enough time for preparation and use business advisory services before making important decisions.

Business Advisory Services for Starting a Business

Have you been thinking about starting your own business?
Do you have a business idea you would like to try but are unsure about the practical aspects?
Are you planning to transition from part-time to full-time entrepreneurship?
Have you considered continuing an existing business through a company acquisition or generational change?
Mikkelin seudun Uusyrityskeskus offers you confidential and free expert advice during the planning and starting phase of your business operations.

The advisory service can include, among other things:

Sparring for business ideas and business plans
Assessment of business conditions
Information of different financial options
Comparison of business forms
Comparison of trading methods when buying a business
Startup grant and application instructions
Advice on taxation, insurances, permits, and registration related to starting a business

Our Service area

Hirvensalmi, Juva, Kangasniemi, Mikkeli, Mäntyharju and Puumala

Contact information

Book a business advisory session by calling or sending us an email.

We provide services in Finnish and English. If you need an interpreter, you are welcome to bring one with you. Please note that we do not provide interpreting services.

Mikkelin Seudun Uusyrityskeskus ry
Maaherrankatu 9-11
50100 Mikkeli

mikkeli@uusyrityskeskus.fi

Heli Tavasti
Head of Unit, Business advisor
tel. 050 350 2055
heli.tavasti(a)uusyrityskeskus.fi

Sanna Paavilainen
Business advisor
tel. 050 412 9009
sanna.paavilainen(a)uusyrityskeskus.fi

Miia Korja
Business advisor
tel. 050 355 7177
miia.korja(a)uusyrityskeskus.fi

Contact information

Material bank