Finland is an amazing country that offers job opportunities for skilled professionals and a good standard of living. But how does one navigate the process of working there? Many wonders; is Finland is work visa free? To get the answer, it is essential to understand the country's visa policies and global talent attraction strategies.
Securing a Finland work visa allows a person to live a balanced life, enjoy many social benefits, and explore a great career in an advanced nation. Finland welcomes all skilled workers in technology, healthcare, education, and even engineering. By exploring its streamlined visa process, you can take the first step toward building a rewarding career in one of the happiest countries in the world.
Who Needs a Work Visa to Work in Finland?
A work visa is not required for EU nationals to remain in Finland, including those from the Nordic nations, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. However, if they intend to stay in Finland for longer than three months at a time, you will need to apply for European Union registration. On the other hand, non-EU citizens need a work visa if they plan to work or conduct business in Finland.
Finland Work Visa Eligibility
Before wondering ‘is Finland work visa free'? , you should know the eligibility criteria for the work visa. To be eligible for a work visa in Finland, you must fulfill certain visa requirements:
- You must have a valid Finland employment contract.
- Have a university degree, except you're coming for seasonal work.
- You must have a valid passport.
- You have to be a professional in your field.
- You must not be facing any criminal charges.
- You must not pose a threat to Finland.
- You must uphold all Finnish laws.
Types of Finland Work Visas
There are various kinds of Finnish work visas; some depend on the type of employment for which you are eligible, while others depend on how long you plan to stay.
Job Seekers Visa
You can apply for a job-seeker visa if you have finished a degree program in Finland. The Finnish government permits you to remain in Finland for a year with this visa while you search for work. You can apply for a continuous permit or a temporary permit if you have a valid work contract.
Finland Entrepreneur Visa
If you wish to work as a freelancer or a small business owner, this is the permit for you. If you work for many contractors independently and do not have a fixed employment status, you are considered a freelancer. A light entrepreneur, on the other hand, is someone who works for themselves and engages in entrepreneurial activity. To obtain a work permit, your business must be lucrative; an ELY Centre will determine whether or not your business fits these criteria.
Specialist Visa
If you fall within the category of a highly skilled worker who is capable of working in Finland as an expert in any area, you can apply for this visa. In order to be eligible for this permit, your monthly salary must be at least €3,000.
Au Pair Visa
This kind of permit is typically granted to young people between the ages of 17 and 30 to help them become familiar with the Finnish language and culture through employment with a host family in Finland.
Start-up Entrepreneur Visa
You are eligible for this kind of permit if your business is just getting started. However, remember that you need a valid Eligibility Statement from Business Finland before you can apply for this permission.
Religious Work Visa
If you work for a religious organization, you are eligible to apply for this work visa. However, you must have a valid employment contract, and the organization must be a registered group.
Seasonal Work Visa
You must apply for a seasonal work permit if you are working during certain seasons (i.e., a seasonal worker). Typically, this type of visa has a three-month validity period.
EU Blue Card
Highly qualified people who want to work in Finland are given the Finish EU Blue Card. You must meet the general criteria, have a higher education degree, and earn more than the average salary. You must make at least €4,929 a month in gross income. With this kind of Finnish permit, you can only work in Finland and not in any other Schengen nation. This visa must be renewed every two years as long as you are employed, and it typically lasts for two years.
Travel Documents Required to Apply for a Finland Work Visa
Is Finland work visa-free? No, and as a result, foreign nationals will need to submit relevant documents. To get a working visa in Finland, workers need:
- An employment contract
- A valid passport
- Two passport photo
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Criminal records
- Proof of medical insurance
- A residence permit
- Color copies of passport pages, including contact details
- Proof that the applicant is lawfully residing in the nation where they filed the application
How to Apply for a Finland Work Visa
Here are the steps to take when applying for a work visa in Finland:
Find a Job
You need to find employment in Finland before you can apply for a work visa. You must include a legal job contract with your application. If you are unemployed, you will not receive a good response to your visa application.
Apply for Work Permit
After you have found a job in Finland, you can apply for your work permit. You have two options for applying for the permit: online using the e-service or paper application. The e-services applications are easy to navigate.
Visit a Local Finnish Mission
Here, you have to turn in the original documents (passport, civil documents, travel insurance, etc.) that you included with your application in the e-service. You will be required to provide your fingerprints as well. The application cost for the e-service must also be paid at the time of application. If you applied in Finland, you must go to an Immigration Service service location there. If you applied on paper, please bring your application and all necessary supporting documentation. You will also need to pay the fee at the time of application submission.
Wait for an Answer
The processing time takes about 30 to 45 days. You should be aware that your application will be handled in two ways. First, an Employment and Economic Development Office will review your application and make a preliminary decision. After that, the Finnish Immigration Service will complete your application and make a decision. If you apply from another country, you cannot come to Finland to await a decision. However, if you were in Finland, you can continue to wait for the decision even if your visa has expired.
If you made an online application, you will be informed of the outcome via the e-service; if you applied on paper, the Finnish Immigration Office will forward the decision to your local Finnish mission in your home country, which will then notify you via email or postal mail. Once it is delivered to the embassy in your nation, you can pick up your residence permit card and enter Finland.
Go to Finland
Your personal information will be immediately entered into the Finnish Population Information System as soon as your residency card is issued. You are free to begin working as soon as you get to Finland.
Is Finland Work Visa Free?
No. Finland's work visa isn't free. However, Finland is still among the cheapest work visa countries. The application fee is €490 ($518) if you use the electronic service; it is €690 ($729)if you apply on paper.
What Is the Duration of a Finland Work Visa?
The typical duration of a valid work visa granted by Finnish authorities is one year. However, the period will change depending on the kind of visa you have. The validity of a B permit, also referred to as a temporary permit, is limited to one year. An A permit( continuous permit) is good for as long as you are employed in Finland.
Can I Extend My Work Permit for Finland?
You may request an extension annually or every four years, depending on the permit you have. While a continuous permit must be renewed after four years, a temporary permit must be renewed annually. Applying for an extension should be done at least three months prior to the expiration of your permit. After living with a continuous permit for 5 years, you can apply for a residence permit that is valid forever unless there is reason to withdraw it.
Can I Change My Employer?
Foreign workers cannot change employers if they apply for a work permit based on a particular employer. You must apply for a new work permit if you wish to switch employers. Moreover, you shouldn't have any issues if you apply for a work permit that lets you change jobs whenever you want, but be sure to confirm your eligibility to work based on the permit when applying. You must include the “several employers” option on your application if you wish to work for more than one company.
Having Problems at Your Work Place?
Work done in Finland is subject to the laws of Finland and any international agreements that bind the country. Usually, a collective labor agreement is also applicable. These agreements establish the minimum wage and other rights and obligations connected to the workplace.
The agreements are in place to safeguard employees. No worker should endure hazardous working conditions, excessive workdays, improper treatment, or inadequate compensation. Check out this website for assistance if you run across issues at work. You may apply for a certificate of expanded right to work if your employer has taken advantage of you while you hold a residence visa in Finland.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Finland work visa provides a unique opportunity to experience the Nordic country's innovative work culture, stunning natural beauty, and high standard of living. While the answer to “Is Finland work visa free” is generally no, the benefits of working in Finland make the process worthwhile for many applicants.
