With about 5.5 million people, Finland is a beautiful country in the European Union that is known for its good quality of life, safety, and job opportunities. Thousands of pros and workers from other countries move to Finland every year for work, school, or business.
You need a Residence Permit to work in Finland for more than 90 days. What kind of pass you need depends on your job or why you want to stay. Read this guide to get a work visa for Finland. It will teach you about the different types of residence permits, who can get them, what their benefits are, and how to apply step-by-step.
Details of Finland Work Visa Process 2025:
The Finnish Immigration Service says that each year they give out thousands of permits. As an example:
- Already 15,012 work-related residence passes have been given out.
- It is planned to give out 20,960 work-related residence passes.
- For jobs, 2,733 passes were given to people from other countries.
Check Also: Jobs in Finland For Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship
Types of Finland Residence Permits for Work:
Finland offers different residence permits depending on your occupation and purpose of stay. Below are the main categories:
Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL):
The type most people know. If you have a job offer in Finland, like as a waiter, building worker, cleaner, or babysitter, you can apply.
- Your boss needs to check out the local job market first.
- The application is looked at by the Employment and Economic Development Office.
- The Finnish Immigration Service finally makes the choice.
Residence Permit for Specialist / EU Blue Card:
For workers with a college degree and a lot of experience.
- At least €3,638 a month must be your pay.
- Eligible for the EU Blue Card, which makes traveling within the EU easy.
3. Residence Permit for Seasonal Work
For jobs in tourism, agriculture, forestry, and events.
- Valid for 3 to 9 months.
4. Residence Permit for Internship
To get a job, do volunteer work, or go on a working holiday program.
5. Residence Permit for Researcher
For people in Finland who are doing academic work, doctoral studies, or scientific study.
6. Residence Permit for Au Pair
For teens and young adults (18–30) who want to live with a host family and learn about other cultures.
7. Residence Permit for Entrepreneur
For people in Finland who want to start or run their own business.
8. Residence Permit for Startup Entrepreneur
For people who want to start a new business and make it innovative in Finland.
9. Residence Permit for Athlete or Coach
For skilled athletes, coaches, or referees who have a job lined up in Finland.
10. Job Seeker Permit
For Finnish college graduates who graduated in the last five years and want to find work or start their own business.
Other Work Permits Include:
- Religious community workers
- Cultural professionals
- Journalists
- Internal company transfers (ICT permit)
- Visiting teachers/lecturers
- Consultants or top-level management
Who Needs a Visa to Work in Finland?
You do not need a visa if you are from:
- The Schengen Area, EU/EEA, or Nordic countries
- USA, New Zealand, Australia, San Marino, Vatican, Andorra, or Japan
People from every other country must apply for a work-based residence pass.
Duration of a Finland Work Visa:
- Temporary Permit (B Permit): Valid for 1 year.
- Continuous Permit (A Permit): Valid for 4 years or as long as your work continues.
- After 5 years of continuous stay, you can apply for a Permanent Residence Permit.
Can I Extend a Finland Work Permit?
- Temporary permits (B) need to be updated every year.
- It takes 4 years to renew a continuous pass (A).
- At least three months before the end date, ask for an extension.
- After 5 years, you can apply to stay in the country permanently.
Benefits of a Finland Work Visa:
- Legal Work & Residence: Secure employment and peace of mind.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Eligible after 4–5 years of continuous stay.
- High Quality of Life: World-class healthcare, safety, and education.
- Flexible Visa Options: Seasonal, specialist, business, and research permits.
- Competitive Salaries & Rights: Strong worker protections, paid leave, and health coverage.
- Family Reunification: Bring your family while you work in Finland.
- Educational Opportunities: Access to Finland’s top universities and vocational schools.
How to Apply for a Finland Work Visa?
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Secure a job offer from a Finnish employer.
- Apply online via Enter Finland or submit a paper application.
- Visit the Finnish Embassy or VFS Global to:
- Prove your identity
- Provide biometrics
- Submit documents
- Review of your application by the Finnish Immigration Service; the result is sent to your boss as well.
- Get your residence permit card if you are accepted.
- Get to Finland and get to work.
Conclusion:
There are several ways for skilled professionals, seasonal workers, entrepreneurs, and experts to get a work visa for Finland in 2025. Finland gives you clear visa choices that fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a job, want to start a business, or want to keep studying and researching.
With legal jobs, the chance to live with your family again, the chance to become a permanent resident, and a high quality of life, Finland is still one of the most popular places for talented people from around the world to move to.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I get a Finland work visa in 2025?
You need a job offer from a Finnish employer, then apply online through Enter Finland or via the embassy. Once approved, you’ll receive your residence permit card.
Do I need a visa to work in Finland?
If you’re from the EU/EEA, Schengen, or Nordic countries, or from countries like the USA, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, you don’t need a visa. Others require a residence permit.
What types of Finland work visas are available?
Finland offers permits for employed persons, specialists, seasonal workers, researchers, entrepreneurs, au pairs, athletes, and job seekers. The type depends on your occupation and purpose of stay.
