A complete guide to obtaining a Finland work visa!

Finland is a country of mesmerizing natural beauty, with over 180,000 islands and over 188,000 lakes. It is home to the Midnight Sun, a perpetual sunrise that occurs in June and July in the northernmost parts of the country. When you look at Finland from a job perspective, you’ll be delighted to know that it has various opportunities to choose from. The IT industry is majorly dominated by Nokia. Finland also offers excellent roles in the manufacturing and export sectors!

Looking to work in Finland? If so, this blog will help you with detailed information about work permits in Finland!

Citizens of which countries need a permit to work in Finland?

Citizens of countries other than the European Union (EU), Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, will need to apply for a residence permit before working in Finland. The type of permit the employees will require is determined by the nature of their profession in an organization.

You might want to have a look at the types of work permits in Finland

Business visa

A business visa allows you to stay in Finland for up to 90 days. However, this visa does not allow you to engage in any work. A business visa permits you to attend conferences and seminars. This visa may be necessary during the onboarding process for individuals who will not be remaining in Finland to work.

Residence permit for self-employment

You can get a permit if you are a private entrepreneur, a general partner (not a silent partner), or a cooperative member. You will need to register your business with the Trade Register at the National Board of Patents and Registration prior to the permit being issued.

Residence permit for an employed person

This is the most common type of permit, and most businesses will need to be familiar with it in order to expand operations in Finland. 

This category is divided into three types-

• Continuous 
• Temporary
• permanent 

Employees seeking to reside in Finland for the first time should apply for a temporary permit.

In June 2022, Finland introduced a fast-tracked D Visa for specialists, start-up entrepreneurs, and their family members.

EU blue card

The EU Blue Card can be granted to you if you have a  higher education degree and your current salary is at least €4,929 per month. 

This type of Finnish work permit allows you to work only in Finland and not in other Schengen countries. This permit is usually valid for two years and must be renewed every two years as long as you have a job.

Finland specialist work permit

You should apply for this permit if you are a highly skilled worker who can work as an expert in any field in Finland. In order to be eligible for this permit, you should have a salary of at least €3,000 per month.

What are the eligibility requirements for a work permit in Finland?

When in Finland, do as the Finnish! Follow the eligibility criteria mentioned below, to work in Finland with ease.

• You need to have a valid work contract 
• You need a university degree (except for seasonal work such as ski resorts)
• You need to be a thorough professional in your field of work
• There should be no criminal charges on your record.
• You need to strictly follow all Finnish laws
• You should not be subjected to any travel bans in the Schengen area

To obtain a work permit in Finland, you must have the following documents-

• An employment contract with proof
• A valid passport and a passport photo
• A residence permit for an employed person application
• Medical certificates

What is the application process for a work permit in Finland?

The first step is to apply for a job-

Your priority is to find a job in Finland and present a solid work contract for your work visa application. Without a job, it is impossible to apply for a work permit in Finland.

Apply for your work permit

Once you have secured a job in Finland, you are all set to apply for a work permit. You can apply for a permit through the e-service online or submit an offline application by printing a form from the Finnish Immigration Service website. The e-services applications are said to be much easier and quicker.

Visit the Finnish embassy

Before coming to Finland, you will need to apply for a residence permit. It can be done online through the ‘Enter Finland’ service. Within three months of submitting the application, you must visit a Finnish embassy and present original copies of the application, including fingerprints and supporting documents. 

Wait until you get your approval

Your application will be processed within two days. First, you need to visit the Employment and Economic Development office that will go through your application and check your details. The Finnish Immigration Service, or Migri, will make the final decision after ensuring that you meet all the prerequisites for a residence permit. The decision will be communicated to the employee and the employer via mail.

When approved, the employee will receive a residence permit card from the Finnish embassy. The first permit is valid only for one year and can be renewed at any Finnish police station.

Key takeaways

• The most important parts of applying for a work permit in Finland are a valid workplace and the proof of contract by the employer.
• When speaking of work permits, the resident permit for an employed person is the most commonly applied application in Finland for work. 
• The Finnish Immigration Service has the final authority to accept or reject your work permit application, depending on the requirements fulfilled by you.

Did you find the blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on work permits in Finland. We would be happy to assist you with your queries!

Liked this blog? Read next: Study in Finland | 5 Things you need to know before studying here!

FAQs

Q1. What jobs pay well in Finland?

Answer- Surgeons, lawyers, and college professors are some of the jobs that are well paid in Finland.

Q2. Is education free in Finland?

Answer- Yes, education is free in Finland, except for some master’s courses that charge fees to non-EU/EEA (European Economic Area) students.

Q3. Do people speak English in Finland?

Answer- The English language is spoken by most Finnish people. According to reports, 70% of Finns speak English.