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Finland Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Finland? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Helsinki

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GMT +2

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Monthly

Employment Cost

19.60%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Finland: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Finland? Navigating Finland’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Finland, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers or EORs must be registered with the Finnish Immigration Service to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process typically takes 1–2 months.

Common work permits include the Employee Residence Permit and the EU Blue Card.

Independent contractors follow a separate process that does not require employer sponsorship.

Work permits are specific to the employer and location; job changes or transfers require additional approval.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Finland

In Finland, non-EU/EEA nationals generally need a residence permit to work legally. EU/EEA nationals do not require a work permit but must register their right to reside if staying longer than 90 days. Certain short-term work or tasks specified in the Aliens Act can be performed with a visa or may be exempt from visa requirements.

Types of Work Visas in Finland

Finland offers various work visas tailored to different employment situations. Selecting the appropriate visa type is essential to ensure legal compliance and alignment with the nature of the employment.

Visa Type	Description
Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL)	For non-EU/EEA nationals with a confirmed job offer in Finland; typically valid for one year and renewable.
Specialist Residence Permit	Designed for highly qualified professionals with significant expertise; offers a streamlined application process and longer validity.
EU Blue Card	For highly skilled non-EU/EEA nationals with a higher education degree and a job offer meeting the salary threshold; provides benefits like easier family reunification.
Residence Permit for an Entrepreneur	For individuals intending to start a business or work as self-employed in Finland; requires proof of business viability and sufficient funds.
Seasonal Work Permit	For employment in sectors like agriculture or tourism during specific seasons; valid up to nine months within a 12-month period.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Finland

When hiring talent in Finland, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Finland. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately 1–2 months on average), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Finland.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Finland

Independent professionals in Finland can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Euro (EUR) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Finland.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Finland

Transferring an existing team member to Finland? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into Europe, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Finland? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Finland

Obtaining a work permit in Finland requires meeting several criteria to ensure compliance with Finnish regulations.

Valid Job Offer: The employee must have a confirmed employment offer from a Finnish employer, with terms that meet Finnish labor standards.
Relevant Qualifications: The employee should possess the necessary skills and experience for the position, supported by appropriate documentation.
Sufficient Salary: The offered salary must comply with Finnish collective agreements or the general salary level in the respective field.
Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Finland is required.
Accommodation: Evidence of suitable accommodation arrangements in Finland must be provided.

Finland Work Permit Application Process

Job Offer Acquisition: Secure a formal employment offer from a Finnish employer.
Application Submission: Complete and submit the residence permit application online via the Enter Finland service, attaching all required documents.
Employer's Role: The employer provides necessary information about the employment and may pay the application fee on behalf of the employee.
Identity Verification: The employee must visit a Finnish embassy or consulate to verify their identity and provide biometric data.
Application Processing: Authorities review the application, including a partial decision by the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office).
Decision Notification: The employee receives the decision; if approved, a residence permit card is issued.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Finland

Employers in Finland play a significant role in sponsoring work visas for international employees. This includes providing detailed information about the employment, ensuring compliance with labor standards, and supporting the employee throughout the application process. Employers may also need to submit an employee announcement to the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office).

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Finland

The fees associated with work permits and visas in Finland vary depending on the type of permit and the application method.

Visa Type	Application Fee
Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL)	€490 (online application)
Specialist Residence Permit	€490 (online application)
EU Blue Card	€610 (online application)
Residence Permit for an Entrepreneur	€610 (online application)
Seasonal Work Permit	€410 (online application)

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Finland

Processing times for work permits in Finland vary based on the permit type and individual circumstances. Standard applications may take several months. However, for permits like the Specialist Residence Permit, a fast-track service enables processing within 14 days.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Finland

If employment continues beyond the current permit’s validity, employees should apply for an extended permit about two months before expiration. The right to work during renewal processing depends on whether the employee's job role changes.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Finland

As of December 2024, Finland does not offer a specific visa category for digital nomads. Individuals who plan to work remotely from Finland typically need to apply for a residence permit based on employment or entrepreneurship.

Residence Permit for an Employed Person: Suitable for individuals with an employment contract from a Finnish employer. Applicants must meet salary and qualification requirements.
Residence Permit for an Entrepreneur: Ideal for individuals intending to establish or operate a business in Finland. Proof of business viability and sufficient financial means is required.

Employers hiring remote workers should ensure they understand the specific requirements for each permit type to stay compliant with Finnish immigration laws.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Finland

Employing international talent in Finland comes with unique challenges. Being aware of these can help employers streamline their hiring process.

Navigating Complex Regulations: Staying up-to-date with Finnish immigration laws and labor regulations is essential to avoid compliance issues.
Processing Delays: Work permit processing times can vary. Planning recruitment timelines to accommodate potential delays is crucial.
Cultural Integration: Supporting international employees with cultural orientation and resources can help them adapt more quickly to the workplace.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Finland

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Finland?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Finland — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Finland, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Finland?

In Finland, a work permit typically refers to a residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country. Unlike some countries, Finland does not issue a separate "work visa"; instead, individuals apply for a residence permit based on employment.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Finland?

Processing times vary depending on the permit type. For example, a Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL) takes approximately 2 months. The Specialist Residence Permit can be processed within 14 days through the fast-track service.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Finland?

Employers must provide a valid job offer, ensure the employee meets qualification and salary requirements, and support the employee during the application process. Employers may also need to submit an employee announcement to the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office).

What types of work permits and visas are available in Finland?

Finland offers several work-related residence permits, including the Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL), Specialist Residence Permit, EU Blue Card, Residence Permit for an Entrepreneur, and the Seasonal Work Permit.