Planning to work abroad but are still undecided about the destination, then you should consider working in Finland. Finland is a country with an impressive landscape, about 41 national parks, and beautiful coastlines, and is home to Europe’s largest lake district. Additionally, prominent cities like Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, and Vantaa, are also in this beautiful country.
Additionally, the country has a sustainable economic structure. The citizens have access to the necessities of life and even enjoy more benefits! Food, healthcare, and education amongst other things are accessible. The workers in the country are not also left out. Finland is one of the countries with the highest average salaries globally according to Statista.
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Also, students studying in the country can work for 30 hours per week and earn per hour depending on their chosen industry of specialization. If you’re searching for a country to relocate to, then you might have just stumbled on the right option! In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Finland’s work visa and how to can begin your journey to a better life. But remember to subscribe to our newsletter for more informative updates.
Table of Contents
Do I Need a Visa to Work in Finland?
Any person who is not a citizen of any of the following countries will need a Finland work visa to be eligible to live and work in Finland legally.
- 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.
It is also important to note that the Finland work visa is quite different from other types of visas being that it is a long-term permit that allows its holders to work in the country for more than 90 days.
Read also: How To Get A 5-Year Work Visa For Finland: A Comprehensive Guide
What are the eligibility requirements?
Furthermore, for you to qualify for a work visa in Finland, there are some specific criteria you will have to meet up with. These criteria include:
- Must have a university degree (except for seasonal work).
- Must be law-abiding.
- Must be a professional worker.
- Must be clear of criminal charges.
- Must not have any travel ban from countries in the Schengen Area (Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, etc)
- Welfare and healthcare professionals must be authorized and licensed.
- Applicants for the specialist visa must be highly skilled.
- For religious work, your employer must be a registered association.
- Applicants for the entrepreneur visa must be self-employed in any of the following forms:
- a private entrepreneur.
- a partner in a general partnership.
- a general partner in a limited partnership.
- a member of a cooperative who has unlimited liability for refinancing.
- an entrepreneur in a limited liability company.
- Applicants for the start-up visa must have a financial plan and must be able to demonstrate financial support.
- Applicants for the specialist visa and EU Blue Card must demonstrate competency and have a higher-than-average salary.
- Applicants for the researcher visa must have a valid certificate proving their researcher status.
- For scientific research, applicants must have an invitation to work on a scientific project.
How do I apply for a Finland Work Visa?
Below are the steps for applying for a Finland work visa:
- The first step to applying for a Finland work visa is to source for a job in the country. Applying for and getting a job in Finland is mandatory if you want to access a work visa in the country.
- As soon as you get a job, you can then proceed to apply for a work permit in the country. You can either do this using the e-service which is much cheaper and easier or through paper.
- Afterward, it is expected that you submit all the requested documents including your passport, civil documents, travel insurance, among others a local Finnish diplomatic mission (Finnish embassy) near you. You’ll also need to pay the application fee.
- After that, wait for a reply from the embassy. The Employment and Economic Development Office will process the application for you and make a partial decision. The Finnish Immigration Service Will then finalize your application process. If you applied abroad, you cannot travel until you have gotten your visa but if you applied while in Finland, you can wait for a reply even when your visa has expired.
- Applicants who apply online will receive a response via the service. On the other hand, 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 work visa will be sent to the Finnish embassy in your country, and once you get it, you can begin preparations for your departure.
Read also: Study In Finland: University Of Tampere Masters Scholarships 2024/2025 For International Students
What Is the Duration of a Work Visa for Finland?
Generally, the Finland work visa lasts for about a year. However, the exact duration is dependent on the type of your visa. Holders of the B permit (temporary permit) will be allowed to work for a year, while holders of the A permit can stay in the country for an extended period.
Can I Renew a Finland Work Permit?
Of course. However, there are different durations you can apply for. For the temporary permit, it is required that the holder extends it yearly while the continuous permit is extended every four years.
Additionally, holders should ensure they apply for the permit at least three months before the expiration date. Living with a continuous permit for 5 years makes you eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.
Can I Switch Employers With a Finland Work Visa?
This is dependent on the type of visa you applied for. If you applied for a work permit that allows you to switch if you applied for an employer, then you should not run into problems. Consequently, if you applied for a Finland work permit based on an employer, then you’ll be able to switch employers.
What are the types of Finnish Work Visas Available?
There are different types of work visas available in Finland. Applicants are to apply for the specific visa that they are qualified for. Below is a list of the types of work visas available in Finland:
1. Finnish job seekers visa
The Finnish job seeker visa is available to graduates who have finished their degree program in the country. The visa is valid for one year, and it allows holders to stay in Finland while looking for employment.
EU Blue Card
The Finish EU Blue Card is given to individuals who are highly qualified and wish to work in the country. In addition to the general eligibility requirements stated above, applicants must have a gross income of at least €4,929 per month. Additionally, it allows you to work only in Finland and lasts for two years before renewal.
3. Finland entrepreneur visa
The Finland entrepreneur visa is given to individuals who meet any of the following criteria:
- Is a private entrepreneur.
- Is a partner in a general partnership.
- Is a general partner in a limited partnership.
- Is a member of a cooperative who has unlimited liability for refinancing.
- Is an entrepreneur in a limited liability company?
Also, freelancers or light-entrepreneurs are given this visa too. Additionally, this work permit requires the holder to register their business in the Trade Register maintained by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office.
Read also: 10 Reasons Why Finland Has The Best Education System In The World
4. Finland start-up entrepreneur visa
Individuals who plan on running a startup/business in Finland should apply for this visa. However, applicants must have a positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland.
5. Finland specialist visa
The specialist work visa is given to highly skilled workers who are experts in their fields. As a skilled worker, your salary should be a minimum of €3,000 monthly.
6. Finland religious work visa
People working with religious associations can apply for the Finland religious work visa. However, your employer must be registered in the country, and you must have a valid work contract.
7. Finland Au Pair visa
Young adults between the ages of 17-30 are granted the Finland Au Pair visa. They’re usually assigned to work with a host family in Finland, and the visa helps them to get acquainted with Finnish culture and language.
8. Finland Seasonal work visa
The Finland seasonal work visa is a short-term visa valid for only three months. It’s for those whose work in the country is going to last for a particular time frame.
Can I Bring My Family to Finland if I Have a Work Visa?
Holders of a valid Finland work visa are allowed to bring their family members along to the country.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the Finland work visa ranges from €380 to €740, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. It is important to note that the electronic application is cheaper than the paper application. Also, the work visa renewal costs between €160 to €430.
Read also: 10 Profitable & Popular Jobs In Finland – All You Need To Know
When Can I Apply for Permanent Residence?
You’re eligible to apply for permanent residence in Finland after you have lived for five years in the country with a continuous permit.
In conclusion, if you still desire to know more about the Finnish work visa, visit the official website of the Finland Immigration Services by clicking this link.
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