Start-up grant (starttiraha) 2026: amount, duration and conditions
The start-up grant is a taxable benefit from the TE Services for a new full-time entrepreneur. In 2026 it equals the basic amount, i.e. €37.21 per day, paid for about 21.5 days per month — in practice about €800 per month gross. The former increased component has been abolished, so everyone gets the same basic amount.
You can receive it for up to 12 months, typically in two periods (first 6 months, then a further 6 by a follow-up application). The key point: you must apply before starting the business, as it is not granted retroactively.
- €37.21
- basic amount / day
- €800.02
- gross/month (×21.5 d)
- 12 mo
- maximum duration
- 20–30%
- set aside for tax
Who gets the start-up grant?
The conditions are full-time entrepreneurship, sufficient capabilities (such as entrepreneurial experience or training) and an assessment of a profitable business. It is not granted retroactively: the application must be submitted to the TE Services (Työmarkkinatori) before you start the business. It is not paid if the business has already started.
How much and for how long?
The grant equals the basic amount, €37.21/day, paid for about 21.5 days per month. There is no longer an increased component. The first period is at most 6 months, and an extension is applied for separately — up to 12 months in total. It is paid in arrears each month.
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Amount | €37.21/day (basic amount) |
| Monthly gross | about €800 (×21.5 d) |
| Maximum duration | 12 months (typically 6 + 6) |
| Taxation | taxable earned income |
| Application | before starting (TE Services) |
Tax and paid work
The start-up grant is taxable earned income with prepayment withheld — set aside typically 20–30% for tax. It is not paid for days on which you receive salary or another benefit, and the entrepreneurship must be full-time. Any small side activity is worth clarifying with the TE Services in advance.
Calculators for this topic
FAQ
How much is the start-up grant in 2026?
The basic amount, i.e. €37.21 per day for about 21.5 payment days per month — in practice about €800 per month gross. There is no longer an increased component, so everyone gets the same amount.
For how long can you receive it?
Up to 12 months, typically in two periods: first up to 6 months and then, by a follow-up application, a further up to 6 months.
Is the start-up grant taxable?
Yes. It is taxable earned income with prepayment withheld. Set aside typically 20–30% of the amount for tax.
When must you apply for it?
Before starting the business. It is not granted retroactively, so the application is submitted to the TE Services (Työmarkkinatori) before the first entrepreneurial income or the start of the business.
Can you do paid work while receiving it?
The entrepreneurship must be full-time. The grant is not paid for days on which you receive salary or another benefit, and too much other work can block it. Small side activity is worth clarifying in advance.