Business · start-up grant 2026
Start-up grant (starttiraha) in Finland 2026 — new entrepreneur
The start-up grant (starttiraha) is a taxable benefit from TE Services for a new full-time entrepreneur. In 2026 it equals the basic amount, €37.21 per day, paid for about 21.5 days a month — roughly €800 a month gross. The former increased component has been abolished, so everyone gets the same basic amount.
The grant can be received for a maximum of 12 months, typically in two periods (first 6 months, then a further 6 by continuation application). The calculator shows the gross and estimated net at your chosen withholding rate. The grant is taxable income, so set aside typically 20–30% for taxes. It must be applied for before starting the business.
Calculate your start-up grant
Up to 12 months (first 6, then a further 6 by continuation application).
The grant is taxable income. Typically 20–30%.
Net (estimate)
€3,600total
€800 €/month · Gross per month
| Basic amount per day | €37 |
| Payment days per month | 21.5 |
| Gross / month | €800 |
| Months | 6 |
| Gross total | €4,800 |
| – Withholding | €1,200 |
| Net total | €3,600 |
Periods
1st period: 6 months
The start-up grant in 2026 equals the basic amount, €37.21/day, paid for about 21.5 days a month. The former increased component has been abolished. The grant is taxable income, and the final tax depends on your full-year income — the net estimate depends on the withholding you choose. The grant is discretionary and is not paid if you receive, for the same period, e.g. unemployment or parental allowance. Apply before starting the business.
How much start-up grant can you get in 2026?
In 2026 the start-up grant equals the basic unemployment allowance (peruspäiväraha), i.e. €37.21 per day. It is paid for five days a week, about 21.5 payment days a month, giving a gross of about €800 a month. The previously granted increased component has been abolished, so all applicants get the same basic amount. The grant can be received for a maximum of 12 months: typically first for six months and the remaining six by a separate continuation application, which does not start automatically. The grant is taxable income with withholding applied per your tax card, so the amount paid to your account is less than gross — set aside typically 20–30% for taxes. Apply at TE Services before starting the business; it is not granted retroactively.
Who gets the start-up grant and how to apply
The grant is meant to secure the entrepreneur’s livelihood during the start-up and establishment phase of the business. The conditions are full-time entrepreneurship, sufficient readiness (for example entrepreneurial experience or training) and an assessment of a viable business. It is not granted retroactively: the application must be filed with TE Services (Job Market Finland) before you start the business. The grant is not paid if the business has already begun.
The grant is paid in arrears for each month and is taxable earned income subject to withholding. It is not paid for days on which you receive, for example, wages or another benefit. The first period is a maximum of 6 months, and a continuation is applied for separately — 12 months in total at most.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the start-up grant in 2026?
The basic amount, €37.21 per day, for about 21.5 payment days a month — roughly €800 a month gross. There is no longer an increased component, so everyone gets the same amount.
How long can the start-up grant be received?
For a maximum of 12 months, typically in two periods: first up to 6 months, then up to a further 6 months by continuation application.
Is the start-up grant taxable?
Yes. The start-up grant is taxable earned income subject to withholding. Set aside typically 20–30% of the amount for taxes.
When must the grant be applied for?
Before starting the business. It is not granted retroactively, so the application is filed with TE Services (Job Market Finland) before your first business income or the start of operations.
Can you do paid work while on the grant?
The entrepreneurship must be full-time. The grant is not paid for days on which you receive wages or another benefit, and too much other work can bar the grant. Small-scale side activity is worth clearing with TE Services in advance.