To work in Finland, foreigners must adhere to the criteria outlined by the Finnish Immigration Service, which can differ based on the type of work sought. Understanding these requirements is crucial for individuals planning to work in Finland, as it impacts the application process, eligibility, and duration of stay.
Work permit in Finland for foreigners in 2023: requirements
In order to qualify for a work visa in Finland, you need to meet some specific criteria:
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:
For a start-up visa
You must have a start-up plan and financial support.
For specialist visa and EU Blue Card
You must have a salary higher than average and high competence 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.
- 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;
- 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.
For a start-up visa
You must have a start-up plan and financial support.
For specialist visa and EU Blue Card
You must have a salary higher than average and high competence 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.
How to apply for work permit in Finland?
Here is a list of the steps you need to take when you apply for a Finland work visa:
- 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 the 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 applied. If by any chance you applied in Finland, then you need to visit a service point in Finland of 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. *Please make sure that the necessary documents are translated if they are not in English, Finnish or Swedish, and legalized if required.
- 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 applied 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 applied online, if you applied 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 personal 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.
Post study work permit in Finland: nuances
Finland offers a promising post-study work permit program, allowing international students to extend their stay after graduation and explore career opportunities in the country. The Finnish system provides a grace period to seek employment, typically granting a one-year permit for graduates. However, some nuances exist. The duration of the permit may vary based on the level of completed studies. Master's degree holders might receive a more extended permit duration compared to those with a bachelor's degree. Additionally, the process involves meeting specific criteria, including securing a job relevant to your field of study or demonstrating sufficient means to support oneself during the job search period. Proficiency in Finnish or Swedish might be advantageous in certain job sectors, but is not always a requirement.
Converting study visa into work permit in Finland
Converting a study visa into a work permit in Finland is a feasible option for international students seeking employment opportunities after completing their studies. To transition from a study visa to a work permit, certain conditions and processes need to be followed. Upon graduation, students with a valid residence permit for studies in Finland can typically apply for a residence permit extension for job searching or employment purposes. The conversion process involves obtaining a job offer relevant to the individual's field of study or qualifications.
Converting study visa into work permit in Finland
Converting a study visa into a work permit in Finland is a feasible option for international students seeking employment opportunities after completing their studies. To transition from a study visa to a work permit, certain conditions and processes need to be followed. Upon graduation, students with a valid residence permit for studies in Finland can typically apply for a residence permit extension for job searching or employment purposes. The conversion process involves obtaining a job offer relevant to the individual's field of study or qualifications.
How do I get a seasonal work visa in Finland?
Finland offers seasonal work permits for individuals seeking temporary employment in various seasonal industries. These permits cater to the needs of sectors such as agriculture, forestry, tourism, and hospitality, which often require additional labor during peak seasons.
To apply for a seasonal work permit in Finland, prospective employees need a job offer from an employer based in the country. The employer might need to demonstrate the need for seasonal workers due to increased workload during specific periods.
Applicants should meet certain criteria, including valid travel documents, health insurance, and sufficient means to support themselves during their stay in Finland. Additionally, specific regulations might apply depending on the nature and duration of the seasonal work.
Seasonal work permits typically have a limited duration, typically ranging from a few months to a maximum of 9 months in a calendar year. Renewal or extension of seasonal work permits may be possible under certain conditions, and individuals are expected to comply with Finnish immigration laws throughout their stay.
To apply for a seasonal work permit in Finland, prospective employees need a job offer from an employer based in the country. The employer might need to demonstrate the need for seasonal workers due to increased workload during specific periods.
Applicants should meet certain criteria, including valid travel documents, health insurance, and sufficient means to support themselves during their stay in Finland. Additionally, specific regulations might apply depending on the nature and duration of the seasonal work.
Seasonal work permits typically have a limited duration, typically ranging from a few months to a maximum of 9 months in a calendar year. Renewal or extension of seasonal work permits may be possible under certain conditions, and individuals are expected to comply with Finnish immigration laws throughout their stay.
Work permit in Finland for Indian
Indian nationals interested in working in Finland can apply for a work permit to legally work in the country. The process involves several steps, including obtaining a job offer from a Finnish employer. The employer typically needs to show that there are no suitable candidates available within the EU/EEA area or from among the Finnish workforce.
To apply for a work permit in Finland, Indians must:
The Finnish Immigration Service assesses the applications and issues residence permits for employment based on various factors, including the nature of the job, qualifications of the applicant, and the labor market situation. Work permits in Finland are usually granted for a specific job and employer.
It's essential to note that Indian nationals seeking work in Finland must fulfill certain criteria, including holding valid travel documents, having adequate health insurance, and proving sufficient means to support themselves during their stay.
To apply for a work permit in Finland, Indians must:
- secure a job offer that meets specific requirements set by Finnish immigration authorities;
- to apply for a residence permit for employment purposes.
The Finnish Immigration Service assesses the applications and issues residence permits for employment based on various factors, including the nature of the job, qualifications of the applicant, and the labor market situation. Work permits in Finland are usually granted for a specific job and employer.
It's essential to note that Indian nationals seeking work in Finland must fulfill certain criteria, including holding valid travel documents, having adequate health insurance, and proving sufficient means to support themselves during their stay.
Work permit in Finland: price and processing time
Generally, the fee for a work permit application is around €500. However, this fee may vary depending on the type of work permit being applied for and the specific circumstances of the applicant.
As for the processing time, it can also fluctuate. Typically, the Finnish Immigration Service strives to process work permit applications within a few months from the date of submission. However, this duration may differ based on various factors, such as the volume of applications received, the completeness of the submitted documents, and the type of work permit being applied for.
As for the processing time, it can also fluctuate. Typically, the Finnish Immigration Service strives to process work permit applications within a few months from the date of submission. However, this duration may differ based on various factors, such as the volume of applications received, the completeness of the submitted documents, and the type of work permit being applied for.
Can you work while waiting for job seeking permit in Finland?
In Finland, individuals awaiting the processing of their job-seeking residence permit can work legally, provided they have submitted their residence permit application before their previous permit expired. However, the ability to work depends on the terms and conditions of their previous residence permit or visa.
