How to get a work permit in Finland? All you need to know

Finland tops several quality of life rankings and is one of the happiest countries in the world. The breathtaking scenery, progressive society, inclusive culture and work life balance are certainly important reasons for many who want to relocate here.

If you are not an EU citizen and interested in working in Finland, this article provides an overview of the different types of work permits, the application process and other important information related to Finnish work permits.

Types of Work Permits Available in Finland

As a first step, an understanding about the type of work permits available is important as there are different categories of permits based on job types, duration, qualification etc. Below are some work permit options available.

Residence permit for self-employment
Residence permit based on employment
EU Blue card
Seasonal work
Working holiday
Residence Permit for Au Pairs

For a complete overview of the different types of permits, we recommend that you visit the "Work-based residence permits" page on the Finnish Immigration Service website.

How to Apply for a Finnish Work Permit ?

The process of applying for a Finnish work permit is a multi-step process starting from choosing the right permit type to preparing the required documents to selecting the mode of applying ( online or offline ). Below is an overview of the different steps involved during the process.

Selecting the Right Permit Type

The first step in applying for a work permit is identifying the correct type of permit that matches your employment situation. You can refer to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) website for detailed descriptions and eligibility criteria for each permit type.

If you are a first time applicant, you will have to apply for your residence permit before arriving in Finland.

Arrange Documents

It is important that you have the required documents ready when applying for a work visa/work permit. Some of the mandatory documents are your passport, job offer or employment contract, proof of education, health insurance, recent photographs, etc.

Depending on the type of work visa you are applying for, additional documents may be required. We recommend that you visit the website of the Finnish Immigration Service to find out about the latest document requirements.

Application Submission

Once you have all the required documents, you have two options for submitting your application for a Finnish work visa. You can do this online via the Enter Finland web portal or submit your application to your Finnish embassy/consulate. The online option is more efficient as you can track the progress online.

There is also an application fee for the different types of work visas. So make sure you have paid the correct application fee.

Attending a biometric appointment is a standard procedure associated with all applications for a Finnish residence permit. Once you have submitted your application, you must therefore attend a biometric appointment at the Finnish embassy or a designated visa center to provide your fingerprints and recent photographs.

Wait for the Decision

Once you have applied for a Finnish work permit, the decision time may vary and the approval is given in two steps. First a partial approval is given by the Employment and Economic Development Office and then it is referred to the Finnish immigration service for a final decision.

Key Points to Remember

Finland offers different types of work permits, each of which is intended for specific categories of employment and may require different documentation. Choosing the wrong permit type, a late application or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or even rejection

Timing is crucial when applying for a Finnish work permit. Submit your application early, as processing times can vary. This way you can avoid costly delays.
Choose the right application and carefully check the requirements for each type of work permit to make sure you choose the one that best suits your situation.
Gather all the necessary documents in advance to speed up the application process.

Processing Times and Decision

Processing times can vary considerably depending on the specifics of each case. Patience is therefore required while each application for a work permit undergoes a thorough review process.
You can use the Processing Time Checker on migri.fi to obtain an estimate of the processing time for your application.
Notifications will be sent directly to your Enter Finland account if you have applied online, or by email or SMS. Paper applicants will receive the decision by post or will be asked to collect it in person..
After approval, the residence permit card is issued within approximately two to three weeks and sent to the country in which the application was submitted.

Conclusion

The process of applying for a Finnish work permit requires careful preparation in terms of the application procedure and processing times. If you know all the necessary steps, you can make a smooth and timely application.

It is recommended that you visit the Finnish Immigration Service website (migri.fi) regularly for up-to-date information and to stay informed about your application. You can also seek professional advice and guidance by contacting specialized firms such as the Swapp Agency.