Posted on March 13 2022

How to apply for Finland work visa?

By
Anshul Singhal
, Editor

Updated October 30 2025

How to apply for a Finland work visa?

To apply for a work visa in Finland, you must secure a valid job offer along with an employment contract from a verified Finnish employer. Once you have a job offer, you can apply online for a residence permit through the official “Enter Finland” website by submitting the required documents, including a valid passport, job contract, and copies of your latest passport-sized photographs. After submitting the visa application online and paying the fees, you can schedule a visa interview at the nearest Finnish embassy or VFS Global centre and complete the biometrics and further processing.

*Want to apply for a Finland work visa? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!

Work visa for Finland from India

To apply for a work visa in Finland, you must obtain a job offer from a registered Finnish company or employer that is willing to sponsor your residence permit. You can then apply online through the “Enter Finland” website, by completing your visa application, paying the visa fees, and visiting the nearest VFS Global centre in India for biometric submission.

Finland work visa application for Indians

You can follow the steps below to apply for a working visa in Finland:

Step 1: Get a job offer

You must apply for jobs in Finland through official job portals, job search platforms, or recruitment agencies. Attend the visa interviews and secure a job offer and an employer contract from a Finnish employer. The employment contract must specify details about your job, including its duration, salary, working hours, and other relevant conditions.

Note: There are currently over 1 lakh job vacancies for skilled foreign workers in the Finland job market.

Step 2: Apply online via Enter Finland

You must create an official account through the official “Enter Finland” website, after which you will have to select the “residence permit for an employed person”. You will now be able to fill out the online application form and submit the Finland work visa requirements that are listed below:

A valid and original passport with at least 6 months of validity
Copies your latest passport-sized photographs
A valid job offer from a Finnish employer
Application form for a “residence permit for an employed person”
Proof of an employment contract in Finland
Proof of educational certificates
Proof of work experience (professional certificates)
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country
Proof of accommodation in Finland
Valid medical insurance
Police clearance certificate (if required)

Finland work visa requirements

Step 3: Schedule a visa interview and submit biometrics

You can now book a visa appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre or Finnish consulate and submit your visa application, along with the Finland work permit requirements, and your biometrics, which mainly include your fingerprints and photographs.

Step 4: Await a visa decision

Once you complete all the above steps, the Employment and Economic Development Office will assess your Finland work visa application, and the Finnish Immigration Service will make a decision. A written notification will be issued to both you and your Finnish employer once the decision is made. Once your Finnish work visa application is approved, you will be issued a residence permit card with a validity of 12 months. The Finland work visa processing time generally takes around 15 days and may even extend to 30-45 days, depending on the complexity of the application and the overall volume of applications. Finland has also announced that it will approve work visas within nine days for highly qualified foreign workers.

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world's No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy, for end-to-end support!

FAQs

What is a Finland work visa?

A Finland work visa is a residence permit for non-EU nationals, allowing them to reside and work in Finland for a specific period of time. The Finnish work visa is typically issued as a residence permit for employment purposes. You can choose the type of permit based on your job type, such as a seasonal work permit, a researcher permit, or a specialist permit. To qualify for a Finland work visa, you must have a valid job offer from a Finnish employer.

What are the eligibility criteria for a Finland work visa?

The eligibility criteria for a Finland work visa include a valid job offer from a Finnish employer, educational qualifications, professional qualifications, and a salary that matches the minimum income threshold for the permit.
To be eligible for a Finland work visa, you must have:

A valid job offer from a Finnish employer
Proof of educational qualifications
Proof of prior work experience
Proof of funds to support your stay in the country
Minimum monthly salary worth EUR 1,331
A valid medical insurance

How do I apply for a Finland work visa from India?

To apply for a Finland work visa from India:

Get a job offer in Finland
Apply online via the official “Enter Finland” portal.
Book an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre and attend the interview
Await a visa decision
Upon approval, you can collect your residence permit card.

What documents are required for a Finland work visa application?

The documents required for a Finland work visa application include:

Visa application form
Original and valid passport
Copies of your latest passport-sized photographs
Proof of employment contract
Evidence of legal status in your home country
Proof of sufficient funds (credit card statements or bank statements)
Proof of education and work experience (degree, work experience certificates)
Criminal clearance certificate
Valid medical insurance

How much does a Finland work visa cost?

The cost of a Finland work visa depends on the application type and the application method.

Factor	Electronic Application Fee (€)	Paper Application Fee (€)
First residence permit for work	590	750
First residence permit (no labour market testing)	380	480
First residence permit for seasonal work (3–6 months)	380	480
First residence permit for seasonal work (6–9 months)	490	740
First residence permit for an entrepreneur	450	580
Residence permit for a minor	270	300

What is the processing time for a Finland work visa?

The average processing time for a Finland work visa is around 15 to 60 days, depending on the type of permit, the overall intake of applications, and the completeness of the application. While the standard processing time for a Finnish work visa may take around 15 to 30 days, specific specialized permits, such as the Start-Up Entrepreneur permit, may take around 14 days (electronic applications), and around 30-45 days for an EU Blue Card.

Can I apply for a Finland work visa without a job offer?

No, you cannot apply for a Finland work visa without a valid job offer, as having a job offer is one of the requirements for a Finland work visa. To successfully apply for a Finland work visa, you will require a valid employment offer from a Finnish employer, who will provide documents such as the employment letter, contract, and evidence that the company aligns with the financial and legal obligations. To obtain a residence permit successfully, the applicant must submit proof of employment.

What are the different types of work visas for Finland?

The different types of Finland work visas include Permits for employees and Permits for self-employment and entrepreneurship. The complete list of Finland work visas is as follows:
Permits for employees:

Employed Person's Residence Permit
Specialist's Residence Permit
EU Blue Card
Seasonal Work Permit
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit
Research and Cultural Work Permits

Permits for self-employment and entrepreneurship:

Entrepreneur's Permit
Start-up Entrepreneur's Permit

Others:

D visa
Au Pair
Religious Work Permit

How long is a Finland work visa valid for?

A Finland work visa issued for the first time generally comes with a validity of 12 months, which can be renewed for a longer period. An extended permit, once issued, is valid for up to 4 years, with renewals for a maximum of 4 years. The resident permit issued to highly qualified specialists is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed for a maximum of 4 years.

Can I bring my family to Finland on a work visa?

Yes, you can bring your family to Finland on a work visa by applying for a separate residence permit for family members. To qualify, you must have sufficient funds to support your family in Finland. The family members will also be required to submit their own applications and fulfill certain criteria, such as a valid passport, proof of relationship, sufficient funds, and proof of identity.

Can I extend my Finland work visa or apply for permanent residence later?

Yes, you can extend your Finland work visa or apply for permanent residence later. To extend your current Finnish work visa, you must apply for an extended permit before the expiry of your current permit, or at least three months in advance of its expiry. To apply for permanent residence, you must, however, fulfil the residency requirements by living in Finland for at least four continuous years on a Type A residence permit.

What are the top in-demand jobs in Finland for foreigners?

The top in-demand jobs in Finland for foreigners are in the IT, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

Occupation	Average annual salary
IT and Software	€ 64,162
Engineering	€ 45,600
Accounting and Finance	€ 58,533
Human Resource Management	€ 75,450
Hospitality	€ 44,321
Sales and Marketing	€ 46,200
Healthcare	€ 45,684
STEM	€ 41,000
Teaching	€ 48,000
Nursing	€ 72,000

Do I need to speak Finnish to get a job in Finland?

No, speaking the Finnish language is not mandatory to get a job in Finland, especially in the IT and tech sectors, and in Multinational companies that majorly operate in English. However, knowing the Finnish language can improve your chances of getting a job in the country and be beneficial while applying for government jobs, or jobs in customer service, or the healthcare sector.

How can I convert my Finland work visa into a residence permit?

To convert your Finland work visa into a residence permit, you would be required to apply for a “residence permit for an employed person”. The entire conversion process involves getting a valid job offer from a Finnish employer, applying online via the “Enter Finland portal, paying the fee, attending the visa interview at the nearest Finnish embassy, and submitting the required documentation.
You can follow the simple steps given below to convert your Finland work visa into a residence permit:

Get a job offer in Finland
Apply online through the “Enter Finland” website.
Arrange and attend the visa interview at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate.
Await a decision
Upon approval, apply for a residence permit

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

While both the work visa and residence permit allow you to live and work in Finland legally, the major difference between the two is their purpose. A Finnish work visa is issued for short-term entry, allowing you to stay employed for up to 90 days. A residence permit allows you to live and work in the country for more than 90 days. A residence permit is issued based on the type of job you secure.

What are the common reasons for Finland work visa rejection?

Some of the most common reasons for Finland work visa rejections are:

Incomplete application
Incorrect documentation
Lack of funds
Forged or false documents
Proof of a criminal record
Lack of travel insurance
Insufficient evidence of return to your native country

Can I change employers in Finland while on a work visa?

Yes, you can change employers in Finland while on a work visa, but the process varies depending on the type of permit you currently hold. Suppose you currently hold a residence permit for employment purposes. In that case, you must apply to update your current permit to a new employer, as it is typically associated with a specific employer or job. However, your new job must be listed in one of the qualifying fields that are covered by your current permit. Individuals with a permit for a highly-qualified worker are allowed to change jobs within that particular sector.

Is there a point-based system for Finland work visas?

No, there is no points-based system for Finland work visas. The application process for a Finnish work visa involves securing a job offer from a Finnish employer and fulfilling the requirements for the residence permit you are applying for, such as an EU Blue Card. While Finland does not maintain a points-based system, it considers your skills, qualifications, income, and sometimes a minimum monthly income requirement to assess your eligibility for specific permits, such as the EU Blue Card.

How can Y-Axis help me apply for a Finland work visa successfully?

Y-Axis, with over 25 years of experience in offering immigration and visa assistance, can provide expert guidance with your Finland work visa application. Y-Axis can help you with the following: