Iranian-born Saber Kordestanchi made history on Finland’s 2023 tax list, becoming the country’s 11th highest earner; this was the highest position ever achieved by an immigrant.

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Saber Kordestanchi38 years old, originally an immigrant from Iran, It was listed last week as one of Finland’s largest taxpayers It earned over €20 million last year through its software company Hostaway for 2023.

Kordestanchi is one of the first immigrants to reach the top of Finland’s tax list, ranking just outside the top 10 highest earners in 11th place.

When asked if he sees himself as a role model, Kordestanchi said, “I’m glad my example inspires other immigrants, but I hesitate to define role models solely by financial success.” he said.

He emphasized that wealth is not celebrated in Finland as much as it is in the United States, but he still feels that financial success overshadows other professions such as healthcare workers and teachers. For him, real role models are people like his parents; Both are social workers dedicated to their communities.

Publicity around his earnings was intense following tax day on Thursday.

“The attention on a personal level is shocking, but on a societal level transparency is a good thing. I wish every country worked similarly,” he said.

Kordestanchi pointed to revelations such as the Panama Papers as evidence of the need for open financial records.

Investing in immigrant startups

As co-founder of Hostaway Mikko Nurminen And Marcus RaderKordestanchi has developed software to help manage short-term rentals like those on Airbnb.

When American venture capital firm PSG Equity invested over 160 million euros in Hostaway last year, the founders made a significant profit by selling some of their shares.

Unlike many high-income earners, Kordestanchi did not spend money on luxury goods. Instead, he said he plans to invest in startups, especially those led by immigrants.

He recalled how difficult it was to find a job, advance his career, and obtain financing in Finland as a foreigner; This was an experience echoed by many of the immigrant entrepreneurs he spoke to.

“A few days ago, I was chatting with a foreign driver in Uber. He said he wanted to start a business, but opportunities were limited,” Kordestanchi told Yle.

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3-month rule may limit entrepreneurial growth

Speaking about his journey, Kordestanchi pointed out that discrimination in hiring and business life can harm both companies and society. While Finland often talks about the “brain drain” or the movement of Finns abroad, he believes that little focus is given to the other side of the issue, namely the contributions that immigrants bring to Finland.

Kordestanchi, who is originally from Iran, noted that the expenses of early education, healthcare and other public services are covered by Iran. By the time he moved to Finland in his mid-20s, he was almost a fully trained professional, contributing to Finland’s workforce.

“It’s surprising that no one is considering this perspective,” he said.

Kordestanchi worries that recent immigration policies could deter foreign talent. New requirements It makes it more difficult for immigrants to gain citizenship in Finland compared to countries such as Germany.

Also proposed “three month rule” aims to link work-related residence permits more closely to employmentIt puts unemployed people who hold such permits at risk of deportation if they do not get a new job within three months.

Kordestanchi said he believes this policy will discourage risk-taking. He recalled a time when he was officially unemployed for about six months while developing Hostaway’s software.

“If the three-month rule had been valid, I wouldn’t have had the courage to quit my job and start the company.”

He also said that this year’s tax payment of 7.2 million euros alone could never exist under such restrictions.

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