Creatives database
Unemployment Benefits of an Artist Entrepreneur

As an entrepreneur in Finland, you are entitled to unemployment benefits similar to those available to wage earners. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for earnings-related allowance, basic unemployment allowance, or labor market subsidy. If you work during your unemployment period, you might also receive an adjusted unemployment benefit. The employment services will assess your eligibility on a case-by-case basis. You can apply for unemployment allowance through an unemployment fund for entrepreneurs or Kela.


Types of Unemployment Benefits Available for Entrepreneurs

If your business ceases operations or experiences a significant downturn, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits, which include earnings-related unemployment allowance, basic unemployment allowance, and labor market subsidy.

To qualify for unemployment allowance, you must meet the employment requirement for entrepreneurs. This means having worked as an entrepreneur for at least 15 months within the four years preceding your unemployment, with a pension insurance income of at least €15,128 annually in 2025.

If you’re a member of an unemployment fund for entrepreneurs, you may receive a higher earnings-related allowance. Non-members can receive the basic daily allowance from Kela. If deemed an entrepreneur by employment services, you might be eligible for an adjusted unemployment benefit, which is a daily allowance reduced by your entrepreneurial income. Typically, unemployment allowance is available for up to 400 days. If you don’t meet the employment condition, you can apply for the labour market subsidy from Kela.


Receiving Unemployment Benefits After Terminating Business Activities

If you terminate all business activities, you should register immediately as an unemployed jobseeker with employment services. You must provide documentation proving the cessation of your business, such as:

Other valid reasons for termination include bankruptcy, liquidation, or a partners’ agreement to dissolve the company. Unemployment begins on the day you register as an unemployed jobseeker.

Employment services will issue a statement to your unemployment fund or Kela regarding your eligibility for unemployment allowances. You must apply for the allowance within three months of becoming unemployed. Benefits commence after a seven-day waiting period.


Receiving Unemployment Allowance When Business Activities Are Significantly Reduced

If your business activity diminishes to the point where it no longer provides a livelihood, consult employment services about your eligibility for unemployment benefits. They will determine whether you are an entrepreneur under the Unemployment Security Act and assess whether you are a full-time or part-time entrepreneur.

  • Full-time entrepreneurs are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • Part-time entrepreneurs may qualify for an adjusted unemployment allowance.


Receiving Unemployment Allowance as a Part-Time Entrepreneur After Main Employment Ends

If you are a part-time entrepreneur and your primary employment ends, you should register as an unemployed jobseeker with employment services. They will evaluate whether you are an entrepreneur under the Unemployment Security Act and determine if you are a full-time or part-time entrepreneur.


Receiving Unemployment Allowance as a Part-Time Company Owner

If you become unemployed and partially own a company, employment services will assess whether your ownership classifies you as an entrepreneur. Generally, you are considered an entrepreneur if:

  • You hold a leading role in the company and own at least 15% of it.
  • Together with your family, you own at least 30% of the company.
  • You work in the company and own at least 50% (or together with family own at least 50%).

Employment services will then determine whether you are a full-time or part-time entrepreneur:

For more details, check the official guidelines on Unemployment Benefits for Entrepreneurs.