Finland booming innovation sectors and high quality of life make it a top destination for skilled professionals. If you’ve secured a job offer from a Finnish employer and plan to move in 2025, this guide walks you through every stage of the Residence Permit for Employment process—from eligibility to final approval.
Who Needs a Finland Work Visa?
Non-EU/EEA nationals planning to work in Finland for over 90 days must apply for a residence permit for employed persons (the “work visa”). Short visits under 90 days can use a Schengen visa, but full-time employment requires this long-term permit.
Main Permit Categories
Choose the category that matches your situation:
- Specialist Permit – Highly skilled professionals with an employment contract meeting market-level salary.
- EU Blue Card – University graduates with a binding one-year job offer and salary ≥ 1.5 × average gross annual salary.
- Seasonal Worker Permit – Temporary roles in agriculture, hospitality, or tourism (max 6 months/year).
- Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) – Employees transferred to a Finnish branch of a multinational.
- Researcher Permit – Scientists or academics working on a recognized research project.
Eligibility Criteria
Regardless of category, you must satisfy:
- Valid Job Offer
- Signed employment contract or official letter of intent from your Finnish employer.
- Salary Requirements
- Meets Finnish market-level salary minimums (e.g., EU Blue Card ≥ €46 000 gross/year).
- Qualifications
- University degree or equivalent professional credentials (for Specialist, EU Blue Card, Researcher).
- Clean Record
- Police certificate(s) showing no disqualifying convictions.
- Health Insurance
- Coverage valid in Finland for at least the first year (often arranged by the employer).
- Sufficient Means
- Proof you can support yourself (and any dependants) until your first paycheque.
Document Checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport Copy | Valid ≥ 1 year beyond planned stay |
| Employment Contract / Offer Letter | Detailing role, salary, start date, and duration |
| Degree Certificates | Translated to English/Finnish if required |
| CV / Résumé | Highlighting relevant experience |
| Police Clearance | From all countries of residence in the past 5 years |
| Health Insurance Proof | Employer-provided or private policy |
| Proof of Accommodation | Lease agreement or employer confirmation |
| Application Fee Receipt | Paid via Enter Finland portal |
Fees & Processing Times
| Permit Type | Fee (EUR) | Processing Target |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist / Key Employee | 450 | 1–3 months |
| EU Blue Card | 450 | 1–2 months |
| Seasonal Worker | 350 | 1–2 months |
| ICT Transfer | 450 | 1–3 months |
| Researcher | 450 | 1–2 months |
| Family Member | 100 | Concurrent processing |
Apply at least 3 months before your intended start date to accommodate variations by embassy.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an Enter Finland Account
- Go to https://migri.fi/en/enter-finland and register.
- Choose Your Permit Type
- Select “Employment” on the portal, then your specific category.
- Complete the Online Application
- Fill in personal and employment details, upload scanned documents.
- Pay the Application Fee
- Fees vary by permit type—pay securely through the portal.
- Book and Attend Embassy Appointment
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest Finnish mission to submit originals and biometrics.
- Wait for a Decision
- Monitor your application status in your Enter Finland account.
- Receive Your Residence Permit Decision
- If approved, pick up your residence permit card at the Finnish mission or have it delivered to your Finnish address.
- Register in Finland
- Within 7 days of arrival, register your address and apply for a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus).
