This article outlines the steps and requirements for applying for a work visa in Finland, depending on your nationality, profession, and duration of stay. You will find information about the documents and fees that you need to prepare for your application.
First things first, there is no official ‘work permit’ or ‘work visa’ in the Finnish immigration system. Officially, it is called a residence permit, and it can be applied based on being employed in Finland.
The ways of getting to work in Finland differ based on the citizenship of the person who wants to work in Finland.
To work in Finland, you must register your right to live there or apply for a residence permit. For EU member states and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you must register your right of residence. The Finnish Immigration Service website has more information about registering for the right to live in Finland. The cost of the application is 54€.
Applying for a residence permit in Finland outside of EU
If you come to Finland from outside the EU to work, you must apply for a residence permit. In order to apply for a residence permit to Finland, you should first find a job in Finland.
When you have a job, you can apply for a residence permit. To work in Finland, you usually need a residence permit for an employed person or another type of residence permit that allows you to work. The type of permit you need depends on the kind of work you’ll be doing.
You will need a residence permit for an employed person (tyontekijän oleskelulupa) if you are not allowed to work based on your current residence permit or don’t have one. Not all jobs require a residence permit for people who are working. On the Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) website, you can find out what kind of residence permit you need.
Income requirements for a residence permit in Finland
Finland is famous for taking care of the people living there. This is why, in most cases, you must be able to prove that you can earn enough money from your work to support yourself while living in Finland with the residence permit.
The Finnish Immigration Services reviews the income requirements each year, so the minimum salary requirements may change. Check Migri’s website to view the income requirements.
Residence permit costs in Finland
The expense for residence permits for employees vary depending on if you apply for the residence permit with an electronic application or a paper application. Also, the type of employment affects the cost of the permit.
Below are the costs of residence permits for employees in Finland (updated 2023). Please visit Migri’s website to view the most recent processing fees for residence permits in Finland. You can also find a more detailed list on the same website.
- First residence permit for work: 490 € for an electronic application and 740 for a paper application.
- First residence permit without labor market testing (specialists, blue card holders, researchers etc.: 380 for an electronic application and 480 € for a paper application.
- Seasonal work for three to six months: 380 € for an electronic application and 480 € for a paper application.
- Seasonal work for six to nine months: 490€ for an electronic application and 740 €for a paper application
Fast-track residence permits to Finland
Finland has a separate residence permit for employees coming to Finland to work in specific professions and roles. You are eligible to apply for a fast-track residence permit to Finland if you are coming to Finland to work:
- as a specialist or manager with an ICT residence permit
- as a specialist
- top or middle management positions in a company
- with an EU Blue card
- as a startup entrepreneur
The fast-track residence permit also applies to your spouse and children, so they can apply for the same permit at the same time. Please note that your employer must add the employment terms to your application when you’re applying for a residence permit as a specialist or for an EU Blue card.
Help with residence permits for employees in Finland
Are you confused by all the different residence permit options and unsure which you need to apply for? When you are selected for a job in Finland through Barona, our immigration experts will help you apply for the right permit and help you along the way. We offer our candidates hands-on help and instructions on their path to working in Finland.
So, if you’re interested in working in Finland, check out our open jobs and apply for a job through Barona and get the help you need.