Finland Work Visa Process 2024 (Types of Residence Permits)

Finland is a European Union country and has a population of roughly 5.5 million (as of 26th March 2024). Companies in Finland are always looking for foreign workers. If you wish to engage in work or business-related activities in Finland for more than 90 days, you always need a Residence Permit. There are different types of residence permits are available for different types of work and occupations. In this article, we will tell you about the Finland Work Visa Process, the requirements for residence permits, and the types.

In 2021, Finland has issued 15,012 Residence Permits for work. In 2022, 20,960 residence permits for work. In 2023, 16,999 residence permits for work. In 2024 (as of 26th March 2024) 2,733 work permits have been issued to foreign nationals. According to the Statistics given by the Finish Immigration Service. The step-by-step application process for the Finland work visa and the types of work permits are given below.

Types of Finland Residence Permits for Work

There are different residence permit applications for different types of work. You will find each permit’s requirements and application process on the link.

1) Residence permit for an employed person (TTOL)

This is the most common type of work permit. You are coming to Finland to work in a specific field, for example as a restaurant worker, construction worker, cleaner, or childminder. You will work for a Finnish employer. You must have received an employment offer.

This permit involves Labour Market Testing, which means your employer must first verify if suitable labor is available in Finland or the European Economic Area (EEA) for the position within a reasonable timeframe.

After assessing the labour market testing the Employment and Economic Development Office will issue a partial decision. After that, the Finnish Immigration Service decides on your application.

• For the Requirements and Online Application: Visit Here

2) Residence Permit application for Specialist

You can apply for this permit if you are a specialist, and you want to apply for the EU Blue Card. You are a Highly Qualified Worker. You have been offered a salary of EUR 3,638 per month in 2024 and you have a higher education degree.

3) Residence Permit for Seasonal Work

You are coming to Finland to perform seasonal activities in the field of agriculture or tourism, Jobs in forestry, crop production, or festivals. The seasonal work permit can be granted for 3 to 9 months.

• For the Requirements and Online Application: Visit Here

4) Residence Permit Application for Internship

If you want to do an internship, volunteer work, or take part in a Working Holiday.

• For the Requirements and Online Application: Visit Here

5) Residence Permit for Researcher

You are a researcher. You are coming to Finland to conduct scientific research, study for a licentiate degree, or prepare a doctoral dissertation.

6) Residence Permit for AU Pair

An au pair is a young person, typically between 18 and 30 years old, who travels to a foreign country to live with a host family for a set period. It’s a cultural exchange program. Au pairs are not housekeeping staff. To work as home help, apply for a residence permit for an employed person

• For the Requirements and Online Application: Visit Here

7) Residence permit application for an Entrepreneur

You are an Entrepreneur and you want to start your own business in Finland.

8) Residence permit for Startup Entrepreneur

You are a startup entrepreneur and you want to open a start-up company in Finland.

9) Residence permit for an Athlete or a coach

You can apply for this type of permit if you are coming to Finland as a professional athlete, coach, or referee. You must have a job before you apply for a residence permit.

10) Job Seeker Permit (Residence Permit to look for Work or to start a business)

This permit allows applicants to look for Jobs in Finland. Applicants who have completed their studies in Finland in the last five years can apply.

If None of the above Permits are suitable for You. Then there are other Permits based on other employment.

Note: As a rule, if there is no specific residence permit application for your work, you must apply for a residence permit for an employed person.

Who Needs a Visa to Work in Finland?

Citizens of these countries can enter and work in Finland without a Visa:

• The Schengen Area and the EEA/EU.
• The Nordic countries.
• The US, New Zealand, Australia, San Marino, the Vatican, the Republic of Andorra, and Japan.

Those who don’t need a visa to work in Finland can only work for 90 days, afterward, they have to register as a working resident in Finland.

How to Apply for the Finland Work Visa?

The step-by-step Application process when you are applying for your first residence permit based on work:

1. The applicant has found a Job in Finland.
2. The applicant will apply for a residence permit. They will need to submit an application e-service Enter Finland or fill in a paper form Enterfinland.fi. Your employer cannot apply for a residence permit on your behalf. You need to apply yourself.
3. The applicant will visit a Finland Embassy or a Finland Visa service provider such as VFS to prove his or her identity, give biometrics, and submit all the documents, and visa application forms.
4. The Finnish Immigration Service processes the application and decides on it. Your employer will also be informed of the decision. If you get a positive decision, you will get a residence permit card.
5. The applicant can now travel to Finland and start working.

Websites to Find Jobs in Finland

Remember: It’s always best to consult the official Migri website or contact them directly for the latest information. Use the official resources below.

Helpful Resources

If you are not sure which application you should submit, you can use the Application Finder to find out.

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