Finland Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

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.

Work Permit Application Process in Finland (Step-by-step)

Finland’s work-based residence permit process is largely online and coordinated through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), with some categories involving an assessment by the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office). Employers and employees both have defined responsibilities throughout the process.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms that it meets Finnish labor standards. This includes preparing a detailed job description, confirming that the salary meets at least the applicable collective agreement or minimum industry standard, and ensuring the role is suitable for a foreign hire.
• Step 2: Where required, the employer considers local recruitment and labor market needs. For the residence permit for an employed person (TTOL), the TE Office may assess whether suitable labor is available in Finland or the EU/EEA before supporting the application.
• Step 3: The employee gathers personal documentation and submits an online application via Enter Finland.
• Step 4: The employee books an appointment at a Finnish mission abroad or a Migri service point in Finland to verify their identity and present original documents. Biometric data is collected, and the application is formally lodged.
• Step 5: The employer completes their section in Enter Finland for Employers. They provide details of the company, the employment contract, salary information, and confirmation that the terms comply with Finnish law and collective agreements.
• Step 6: The TE Office, where applicable, issues a partial decision on labor market conditions. This partial decision is then forwarded to Migri, which makes the final decision on the residence permit.
• Step 7: Migri reviews the application, conducts any necessary checks, and issues a decision. If approved, the employee receives a residence permit card, which allows entry into Finland and work for the specified employer and role.
• Step 8: After arrival, the employee registers their address and, where applicable, applies for a Finnish personal identity code and tax card. The employer must ensure correct payroll setup, social security registrations, and ongoing compliance with immigration and employment rules.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a Finnish work-based residence permit depends on the type of permit, the nature of the job, and the employee’s qualifications. Both the employer and the employee must meet specific criteria.

Common requirments inlcude:

• A valid job offer with compliant terms and conditions. The employment contract must specify duties, salary, working hours, and duration, and it must meet or exceed the relevant collective agreement or standard industry pay.
• Relevant qualifications and experience for the role. Migri may review degrees, professional licenses, and work history to ensure the employee can perform the job as described.
• A sufficient and regular income level. For most permits, the salary must be high enough to cover living costs in Finland without recourse to social assistance, and some categories, such as specialists or EU Blue Card holders, have higher salary thresholds.
• A valid passport and clean immigration record. The employee must hold a passport that is valid for the intended permit period and must not be subject to entry bans or serious immigration violations in the Schengen area.
• Health insurance where required. For some categories, particularly if the employee is not yet covered by the Finnish social security system, comprehensive health insurance may be required for the duration of the stay.
• Employer’s good standing and ability to pay wages. Authorities may check that the company is properly registered, financially sound, and compliant with tax and social security obligations.

Work Permit Processing Time in Finland

Processing times in Finland depend on the permit category, the completeness of the application, and whether the case is handled on a fast-track basis. Digital applications with all documents in order are usually processed faster.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Finland can vary depending on whether it is a specialist permit, an employed person (TTOL) permit, an EU Blue Card, or another category, as well as seasonal workload at Migri and the TE Office. The use of fast-track channels, biometric appointments, and how quickly employers respond to information requests also affect timing. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Approximately 1 to 4 months after all required documents have been submitted and any TE Office assessment is complete, with specialist and EU Blue Card applications often on the shorter end.
• Permanent Residence: Around 4 to 10 months or longer, depending on background checks, length of prior residence, and the completeness of the supporting documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 2 to 4 weeks after submission, assuming a straightforward case for business meetings, training, or short assignments within Schengen visa rules.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines vary, it is useful to think of the process as a shared project with parallel tasks for the employer and employee.

• Week 1: Employer finalizes the job offer and employment contract while the employee gathers core documents such as passport copies, CV, and diplomas.
• Week 2: Employee submits the online residence permit application in Enter Finland and books an appointment for identity verification; employer prepares to complete their online section.
• Week 3: Employee attends the appointment at a Finnish mission or Migri service point for biometrics and document checks; employer submits company and employment details in Enter Finland for Employers.
• Week 4: Authorities review the file, and the TE Office, where applicable, issues a partial decision; both parties respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
• Weeks 5–8: Migri continues processing and issues a decision; if approved, the residence permit card is produced and delivered, and travel arrangements to Finland are finalized.
• Weeks 9–12: Employee arrives in Finland, registers locally, and obtains a tax card, while the employer completes payroll, social security, and onboarding formalities.

Who Does What During Finland Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, ensuring the salary and conditions meet Finnish law and collective agreements, completing the employer section in Enter Finland, and providing accurate company documentation. They must also monitor permit validity, support renewals where appropriate, and comply with all labor, tax, and immigration obligations.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, submitting the online application, and attending any required appointments for biometrics or interviews. They must also maintain a valid passport and residence permit, respect the specific terms of the permit, and keep authorities informed of major changes such as employer or role changes.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Finland

Most Finnish work-based residence permits are initially granted for 1–2 years and can be renewed if the employment continues under similar or improved conditions. Renewal applications are usually submitted online through Enter Finland, and it is advisable to apply several months before the current permit expires to avoid gaps in status.

Authorities will review whether the job, salary, and employer still meet the relevant criteria and whether the employee has complied with Finnish laws and permit conditions. Practice may vary by permit type and individual circumstances, so your company and the employee should always check the latest guidance from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) and, where necessary, seek local legal advice.

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 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.

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