Finland has great work opportunities. It was rated as the eighth richest country in Europe, and a great number of people would like the opportunity to work in this country. But to freely work in Finland, third-country nationals need a Finland work permit.
The work permit is slightly different from other permits because it’s a long-term permit that allows the holder to stay for a longer period than the regular 90-day limit. Keep reading as we discuss the requirements, application process, and some in-demand jobs in Finland.
Requirements for Finland Work Permit
To get a work permit in Finland, you’ll need to meet several requirements, including:
- Employment contract: You must have a valid employment contract in Finland.
- Residence permit: You’ll usually need a residence permit to work in Finland. You can apply for a residence permit online using the Enter Finland website.
Documents
- You’ll need to provide:
- A valid passport and passport photo
- A copy of your passport’s bio page
- Proof that you’re legally staying in the country where you’re applying
- Proof of financial stability
Income
- Your salary must meet the minimum requirements for the type of work you’re doing:
- If your main source of income is paid employment, your salary must be at least the minimum specified in the relevant collective agreement.
- If there is no collective agreement or if you will be working part-time, your salary must be at least EUR 1,399 per month in 2024.
Other requirements
- You must:
- Be clear of any criminal charges
- Not be a danger to Finland
- Uphold all Finnish laws
- Not be subjected to any travel bans in the Schengen Area
You can check your residence permit card and the residence permit decision to see if you have the right to work in Finland. The Finnish government aims to process work-related visas within one month. You can speed up the process by providing all the required documentation.
Eligibility Requirements for a Finland Work Visa
To qualify for a work visa in Finland, you need to meet some specific criteria:
- You must have a valid work contract in Finland.
- You must have a university degree (except for seasonal work).
- You must work professionally in your field.
- You must be clear of any criminal charges.
- You must not be a danger to Finland.
- You must uphold all Finnish laws.
- You must not be subjected to any travel bans in the Schengen Area.
- For a specialist visa, You must qualify as a highly skilled worker.
- For welfare and healthcare, You must be authorized to practice your profession.
- For an entrepreneur visa: You are self-employed in the form of a:
- Private entrepreneur.
- Partner in a general partnership.
- General partner in a limited partnership
- Member of a cooperative who has unlimited liability for refinancing
- Entrepreneur in a limited liability company
- For a start-up visa, you must have a business plan and financial support.
- For a specialist visa and EU Blue Card, you must have a salary higher than average and be highly competent in completing the required work.
- For a researcher visa, you must hold a valid certificate proving your researcher status.
- For scientific research: You must have an invitation to work on a scientific project.
- For religious work: Your employer must be a registered association.
- For au pair work: You must be between the ages of 17-30.
Application Process for Finland Work Permit
- Find a job: Before you apply for your work visa, you must find a job in Finland. It’s obligatory to present a valid work contract with the rest of the application. Without work, you won’t be receiving a positive answer regarding your visa.
- Apply for a work permit: Once you have secured a job in Finland, then you can apply for a work permit. You can apply for the permit through the e-service online, or you can apply on paper. The e-services applications are easier to go through.
- Visit a local Finnish Mission: Here, you must submit the original documents that you attached to your application in the e-service (passport, civil documents, travel insurance, and so on). You will also be asked to submit your fingerprints. You also need to pay the application fee for the e-service when you apply. If by any chance you applied in Finland, then you need to visit a service point in Finland the Immigration Service. If you applied on paper then bring your application with you alongside all your required documents, and pay for the fee when you hand in your application.
- Wait for an answer: You should know that your application will be processed in two ways. Firstly, an Employment and Economic Development Office will process the application for you and make a partial decision. Afterward, the Finnish Immigration Service will finalize your application process, and a decision will be made. If you apply abroad, you cannot travel to Finland and wait for a decision. If you were in Finland then you can wait for the decision even if your visa expires. You will be notified of the decision through the e-service if you apply online; if you apply on paper, the Immigration Office in Finland will send the decision to your local Finnish mission in your country of residence, which in turn will let you know, either by email or post. Your residence permit, based on employment, will be sent to the embassy in your country; once it arrives, you can pick it up and head over to Finland.
- Go to Finland: Once your residence card has been issued, your info will automatically be recorded in the Finnish Population Information System. When you arrive in Finland, you can start working as soon as you want.
In-demand Jobs in Finland
Some in-demand jobs in Finland include:
- Nursing: There is a shortage of nurses in Finland due to the country’s aging population.
- Daycare teachers: To apply for this job, you must have a bachelor’s degree in education and at least 60 credits in early childhood education and care.
- Healthcare professionals: Finland’s public healthcare system is available to all citizens, and there are also private healthcare facilities.
- Marketing managers: The average salary for marketing managers in Finland is between €70,000 and €90,000 per year.
- Accountants: The need for accountants is increasing due to the rise of start-up companies in Finland. The average salary for accountants in Finland can be over €4,830 per month.
- Project managers: This role is in demand in industries such as e-commerce, entertainment, and media.
- Software developers: Software developers design computer applications and software. They are sometimes called software engineers.
Other top industries in Finland include maritime technology, education and research, and manufacturing.
What is the Duration of a Work Visa for Finland?
Typically, a work visa issued by Finnish authorities lasts about a year. However, the duration will vary depending on your type of visa. If you have a B permit, otherwise known as a temporary permit, it will be valid only for a year.
If you have an A permit, also known as a continuous permit, it will be valid for as long as you have worked in Finland.
Can I Extend a Finland Work Permit?
Yes, you can. Depending on the type of your permit, you can either apply for an extension every year or every four years. A temporary permit requires an extension every year, while a continuous permit requires an extension after four years.
You should apply for an extension at least three months before your permit expires. After you’ve lived with a continuous permit for about 5 years, you may apply for a residence permit, which is valid indefinitely unless there is ground to revoke your residence.
Switching Employers With a Finland Work Visa
If you applied for a work permit based on a specific employer, you can’t switch employers. However, if you want to change employers, you must apply for a new work permit.
If you applied for a work permit that allows you to switch work as you wish, you should have no problems, but make sure you check beforehand the right to work based on the permit when you apply.
If you want to work for multiple employers, you must add the ‘several employers’ option to your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family to Finland if I have a work visa?
Yes, your family members can apply for a residence permit based on family ties as long as you have a valid work visa.
How much does a Finnish work visa cost?
If you apply through the electronic service, then the payment fee is €490; however, if you apply on paper, that’s more expensive: €690.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
After you’ve lived for five years with a continuous permit, you can apply for permanent residence.
When can I apply for Finland citizenship?
You can apply for Finnish citizenship after you’ve lived in Finland uninterrupted for 5 years. You must be the holder of a continuous permit to qualify for citizenship.