Finland Work Visa – How to Apply Online

Finland is a Nordic country that offers a high quality of life, a stable economy, and a diverse culture. If you are interested in working in Finland, you must obtain a work visa or permit before starting your job. This article will explain the requirements and the process of applying for a Finland work visa online.

What is a Finland Work Visa?

A Finland work visa is a residence permit that allows you to work in Finland for a specific period and a particular employer. Depending on the nature and duration of your work, you may need to apply for different types of work visas, such as:

• Residence permit for an employed person (TTOL): This is for workers with a job offer in a specific professional field, such as restaurant workers, construction workers, cleaners, or childminders. This type of visa requires labour market testing, which means that the employer must prove that there is no suitable labour available in Finland or within the EU/EEA for the job.
• Residence permit for persons employed as a specialist: This is for highly skilled workers with a job offer in Finland that requires particular expertise or qualifications. This type of visa also allows you to apply for an EU Blue Card, a residence, and a work permit for highly qualified workers within the EU.
• Residence permit for seasonal work: This is for workers who have a job offer in Finland within the field of agriculture or tourism and whose employment will last for 3 to 9 months. Examples of seasonal work are jobs in forestry, crop production, or at festivals.
• Residence permit for entrepreneurs: This is for self-employed persons with a business plan and sufficient funds to start and run a business in Finland.
• Residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs: This is for innovative entrepreneurs who have been accepted into a Finnish start-up program or accelerator and have funding from an approved source.
• Residence permit for research work: This is for researchers invited by a Finnish research institution to conduct scientific research in Finland.
• Residence permit for science, culture, or artwork: Workers invited by a Finnish institution or organization to perform artistic, cultural, or scientific activities in Finland.
• Residence permit for athletes, trainers, or coaches: This is for workers invited by a Finnish sports club or association to participate in sports activities in Finland.

What are the Requirements for a Finnish Work Visa?

The requirements for a Finland work visa may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but generally, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A completed and signed application form.
• A passport-sized photo
• A job offer or contract from your employer in Finland
• Proof of your qualifications or skills related to your job
• Proof of your income and financial resources
• Proof of health insurance
• A criminal record certificate
• A fee payment receipt

You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your specific situation, such as:

• A business plan and financial statements if you are applying as an entrepreneur
• A letter of acceptance and funding confirmation if you are using it as a start-up entrepreneur
• A letter of invitation and research plan if you are using as a researcher
• A letter of invitation and work plan if you are using as a worker in science, culture, or arts
• A letter of invitation and sports certificate if you are using as an athlete, trainer, or coach

How to Apply for a Finland Work Visa Online?

You can apply for a Finland work visa online through the Enter Finland e-service portal. The online application process is simpler and faster than using paper. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Create a user account on entering Finland and choose the type of work visa you are applying for.
2. Fill out the application form online and upload the required documents.
3. Pay the application fee online using a credit card or online banking.
4. Submit your application online and wait for confirmation.
5. After you have submitted your application online, your employer must add your terms of employment and other required documents to your application using Enter Finland for Employers.
6. Visit a Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity and submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photos).
7. Wait for the decision on your application online. You can check the status of your application upon entering Finland at any time.
8. You will receive your residence permit card by mail if your application is approved.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa?

The processing time for a Finland work visa may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, the workload of the immigration authorities, and the completeness of your application. However, according to the Finnish Immigration Service, the average processing time for different types of work visas are:

• Residence permit for an employed person (TTOL): 4 months
• Residence permit for persons employed as a specialist: 1 month
• Residence permit for seasonal work: 1 month
• Residence permit for entrepreneurs: 4 months
• Residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs: 1 month
• Residence permit for research work: 1 month
• Residence permit for science, culture, or arts work: 1 month
• Residence permit for athletes, trainers, or coaches: 1 month

You can speed up the processing time by submitting a complete and accurate application online and providing all the required documents.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Finnish Work Visa?

The application fee for a Finland work visa may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and whether you use it online or on paper. However, according to the Finnish Immigration Service, the current fees (as of May 2023) are as follows: