Finland Work Visa Process 2023 – If you ever plan to visit Finland or get an opportunity to work there, this post might be helpful because we have gathered some application process and other related information regarding the Finland work visa. Those candidates who get a chance to travel to the country must require a visa that suits their plans. Otherwise, your entry is not allowed and is considered illegal.
Moreover, Finland is considered the happiest country in Europe, with 75% of its area covered with forest. You may find great career opportunities there. So, if you have a job offer from any employer in Finland, then visit any nearby embassy and apply for a visa. If you are unfamiliar with the application procedure, don’t worry; in this post, you will find every little detail. Please continue reading to get a clearer idea.
- Country: Finland
- Eligible Countries: International Applicants
- Category: Work Visa
Who needs a Finland Work Visa?
Few countries don’t require a work visa if they wish to work there. These countries include;
- The Schengen Area and the EEA/EU
- The Nordic countries
- The US
- New Zealand
- Australia
- San Marino
- the Vatican
- Republic of Andorra
- Japan
Finland has a visa facilitation agreement with other countries too. But other than these, countries must apply for a work visa in Finland before traveling there.
The countries exempted from work visas can only work in Finland for 90 days after that period; they will need to register their existence with the authorities.
Eligibility Criteria
There is a certain criteria one must follow before applying for a work visa in Finland, such as;
- Those applicants who hold a work contract in Finland are eligible to apply for a work visa.
- Applicants must hold a university degree for any work visa except a seasonal visa.
- Applicants must be professional in their fields.
- Applicants must have a clean criminal background.
- Applicants must not be of any danger to the nationals of Finland.
- Applicants must accept all Finnish Laws.
- Applicants must not have any travel bans to Schengen areas.
- For a specialist visa: applicants must qualify as highly skilled workers.
- For welfare and healthcare: applicants must have the authorization to practice their profession.
- For an entrepreneur visa: applicants must be self-employed, for example, in:
- Private entrepreneur.
- A general partner in a limited partnership.
- An entrepreneur in a limited liability company.
- Partner in a general partnership.
- For a start-up visa: Applicants must have a start-up plan and financial support.
- For specialist visa and EU Blue Card:
- Applicants must have a salary higher than average.
- Applicants must have high competence in the respected field.
- For a researcher visa: applicants must hold a valid certificate proving their researcher status.
- For scientific research: applicants must have the invitation to work on a scientific project.
- For religious work: the applicant’s employer must be a registered association.
- For au pair work, the applicant must be between 17 and 30 years old.
Validity of a Finland Work Visa
The validity of a Finland work visa is about one year. The duration also depends on the work visa you are applying for.
There are two types of work permits, such as;
- B Permit – valid for only one year.
- A Permit – is valid for as long as the work contract lasts.
Can I Extend my Finland Work Permit?
Yes, all applicants can extend their work permits of type A and B. This can be done yearly (B) or after every four years (A). Apply for the extension at least three months before the expiry date.
Those applicants who have spent five years on a continuous permit can now apply for a permanent residence permit and live indefinitely.
Cost of Finland Work Visa.
The cost of a Finland work visa is €490 through online application, whereas on paper, application for a visa has a total cost of €690.
Can you bring your Family Members to Finland on a work visa?
Yes, as long as you have a valid work visa, you can bring your family members to Finland and apply for a residence permit based on family ties in Finland.
How to apply for Finland Work Visa?
There is a ways you must follow if you want to apply for a Finland Work Visa, such as;
- FIND A JOB – you must have a job offer if you want to work in Finland. You must present your work contract.
- APPLY FOR A PERMIT – after getting a job offer, you can now apply for a work permit which can be done through e-service online.
- VISIT A LOCAL FINNISH MISSION – the local Finnish mission is an office where you submit your documents and application for any work visa. You will also need to give your biometrics. Applicants must also pay all the charges of the application and visa. All documents must be translated, if not in Finnish, English, or Swedish.
- WAIT FOR AN ANSWER – your application will be processed through the Employment and Economic Development Office to make a partial decision. Afterward, the Finnish Immigration Service will finalize your application process and make a decision. Applicants must wait for the decision before traveling to Finland; if they are already there, they can wait even after the expiry date. You will be notified through email or post, depending on your application process.
- GO TO FINLAND – after clearing every step, you will be handed over a resident card, and now you are ready to go to Finland and start your work.
For more information and details, visit the official link given below;
