In Finland, people who are not from Europe can get a seasonal work permit if they work in agriculture or tourism and their job is seasonal. We will talk in-depth about how to get a summer work visa for Finland, the different types of permits you can get, and a full list of seasonal jobs. This year, you can work for three to six months, or up to nine months. The pay must be at least €1,399 per month.
For summer work in 2024, the Finnish Immigration Service got 1,894 applications in 2021, 1,289 in 2022, 1,205 in 2023, and 1,894 applications in 2021. Based on the numbers given by the Finnish Immigration Service. You need to get the right work permit as a contract worker. Here is a list of the types of permits and how to apply for them step by step.
Read Also: Finland Work Visa Process – Types of Residence Permits
What is a Seasonal Work Visa?
Some types of work happen in agriculture and tourism at certain times of the year. This is called seasonal work. And if you want to come from another country to do this work, you will only get nine months out of a year. If you choose and get a job in one of the following fields (as listed by the Government of Finland and Minister of Labor Jari Lindstrom as of January 1, 2018), you must apply for a summer work visa:
Types of Finland Seasonal Work Permits:
A “seasonal work permit” can be a seasonal work visa, a certificate for seasonal work, or a permit to live in the country for seasonal work.
The type of seasonal work pass you need depends on how long you will be working.
- Seasonal work visa
- Certificate for seasonal work
- Residence permit for seasonal work
Finland Seasonal Work Visa
You should apply for a seasonal work visa application if you are coming to Finland to work for no more than three months and are from a country that needs a visa to enter Finland.
Certificate for Seasonal Work
Let’s say you are coming from a country where people do not need a visa to come to Finland to work for up to three months. If that’s the case, you should ask the Finnish Immigration Service for a seasonal work certificate.
Residence Permit for Seasonal Work
As a worker, you need to get a residence permit for seasonal work from the Finnish Immigration Service if you want to stay for more than three months and no more than nine months.
Work Duration:
If your boss wants you to work for him for six to nine months, you will need to apply for a work pass at Finish Immigration Service. The application process will be split into two steps: First, the Employment and Economic Development Office makes a ruling that only covers part of the case. After that, the Finnish Immigration Service looks over the application and decides the pass. In this case, you don’t need to do anything because the Finish Immigration Service will give you your work pass right away.
*If you want to stay in Finland for more than 9 months on a work visa, you should apply for a work visa for a hired person (TTOL) with the OLE_TY1 visa. When you ask for a residence permit for more than six months, your employer has to check to see if there are enough workers in Finland or the EU/EEA to do the job.
Benefits of Finland Seasonal Work Permit:
- Employment Opportunities: Seasonal work permits offer access to a diverse range of jobs, particularly in the agriculture, forestry, tourism, and hospitality sectors, which frequently require additional labor during peak seasons.
- Cultural Immersion: Working in Finland provides an opportunity to fully experience Finnish culture, traditions, and lifestyle, resulting in a rich cultural experience.
- Competitive Wages: Finland guarantees a fair income for employees by offering competitive wages for seasonal work, which are frequently higher than those in numerous other countries.
- Legal Employment: The permit guarantees that you are employed legally in Finland, providing protection under Finnish labor laws, such as equitable treatment and appropriate working conditions.
- Work-Life Balance: The Finnish work culture is renowned for its emphasis on the importance of a healthy work-life balance, which guarantees that employees have ample time to relax and appreciate their surroundings.
- Healthcare Accessibility: Healthcare services are frequently accessible to seasonal laborers in Finland, guaranteeing that their medical requirements are satisfied during their tenure.
- Safety and Stability: Finland is renowned for its high standards of living, political stability, and safety, which create a secure environment for workers.
- Beautiful Natural Environment: Finland is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, which include national parks, forests, and lakes, which seasonal workers can enjoy during their leisure time.
- Skill Development: Seasonal employment in Finland can offer valuable skills and experience, particularly in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and hospitality, which can improve future employment opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Working in Finland provides an opportunity to establish a network of contacts and meet new people, which can be advantageous for both your professional and personal lives.
- Language Skills: The opportunity to acquire or enhance Finnish or Swedish language skills is exceptional when residing and working in Finland, as it can be beneficial for future career opportunities.
- Travel Opportunities: Finland’s geographic location in Northern Europe offers the chance to explore the cultures and countries of the surrounding region.
- Supportive Work Environment: Finnish employers frequently cultivate inclusive and supportive work environments that encourage mutual respect and teamwork among their employees.
- Seasonal Flexibility: The permit is intended for temporary employment, enabling individuals to return to their home country at the conclusion of the season. This provides a degree of flexibility for those who are not interested in a long-term relocation.
- Economic Benefits: Seasonal employment can offer a substantial financial boost, with potential earnings that are higher than those of comparable positions in other countries. This can assist in the support of oneself or one’s family back home.
- Services Accessibility: Seasonal employees frequently have access to a variety of services and support networks that are specifically designed to help foreign workers, such as information and advice on living and working in Finland.
- Contribution to the Local Economy: Your employment in Finland makes a significant contribution to the local economy, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on seasonal labor, thereby promoting the overall economic well-being of the region.
- Work Experience: Acquiring work experience in Finland can be a valuable addition to your resume, as it demonstrates your capacity to adjust to a variety of work environments and cultures.
- Environmental Awareness: Working in Finland, particularly in agriculture and forestry, can enhance your understanding of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
- Pathway to Extended Stay: For those interested, seasonal work can sometimes be a stepping stone to other employment opportunities in Finland or even to longer-term residency options.
What Counts as a Seasonal Worker?
Branches of Agriculture: farming crops and animals and related service activities, but not hunting and related service activities; also, forest farming and other forestry activities.
Branches of Tourism: Accommodation and food service, ski resorts, tour operator services, other reservation services, and related services, like tour guide services, activities in amusement parks and theme parks, activities that support the performing arts, coastal passenger water transport, and inland passenger water transport.
Things that can be done as holiday work
- Getting berries from the yard.
- Farming and taking care of dairy cows.
- Get a job on a fur farm.
- Work that has to do with forests and silviculture.
- Getting cones together to make seeds.
- Work that has to do with hotels or restaurants, as long as the business’s activities are seasonal.
- Work as a forest or tourist guide.
- work as a ski teacher.
Requirements:
- In general, anyone who works in agriculture or tourism can apply for this home pass.
- Applications are welcome from people of all countries.
- There are no special language skills or requirements.
- Certain requirements can be changed:
Extention of a Permit:
The good news is that you can renew your work permit from inside Finland when your residence permit runs out. You can get an Extended pass if you want to work during the summer.
Job Requirement:
- For Seasonal Work Visa: For 3 months, you DO NOT need a job offer. It is possible to get a Schengen ticket.
- Certificate for Seasonal Work: A confirmed Job offer is required.
- Residence Permit for Seasonal Work: A confirmed Job offer is required.
How To Apply For Finland Seasonal Work Permit?
Each type of seasonal work permit has its application process and requirements. The Links are given below.
- For Seasonal Work Visa: The Finnish diplomatic mission or embassy is where you can apply for a Schengen visa.
- Certificate for Seasonal Work: Check the application process and the fee.
- Residence Permit for Seasonal Work: Send your application for a residence pass to the Finnish Immigration Service. Check out the steps for applying.
Please click on the links below to learn more about Finland’s seasonal work permits.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a residence permit for seasonal work?
You may think you need a residence pass, but that’s not always true. You can get a short work visa instead if your job lasts less than three months.
Can I extend my seasonal work visa beyond 9 months?
You can’t get a summer work visa for more than 9 months in a row. You might need to apply for a different kind of pass or visa if you want to keep working in Finland after this time.
How do I get a seasonal work permit 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 pose a threat to Finland.
