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.

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)

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?
What are the eligibility criteria for a Finland work visa?
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?
- 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?
- 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?
| 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?
Can I apply for a Finland work visa without a job offer?
What are the different types of work visas for Finland?
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?
Can I bring my family to Finland on a work visa?
Can I extend my Finland work visa or apply for permanent residence later?
What are the top in-demand jobs in Finland for foreigners?
| 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?
How can I convert my Finland work visa into a residence permit?
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?
What are the common reasons for Finland work visa rejection?
- 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?
Is there a point-based system for Finland work visas?
How can Y-Axis help me apply for a Finland work visa successfully?
- Assessing and arranging the documents required for the visa
- Expert guidance in application filing
- Timely updates at every step of the application process
- Job search services to help you find the right job in Finland
- Complete assistance with the immigration process
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Step 1: Get a job offer in Finland
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Step 4: Await a visa decision
Step 5: Upon approval, you can collect your residence permit card."
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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"
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• 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"
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "How much does a Finland work visa cost?",
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"text": "The cost of a Finland work visa varies depending on the type of application and the method used for submission.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Finland work visa fees:
First residence permit for work
Electronic application: €590
Paper application: €750
First residence permit (no labour market testing)
Electronic application: €380
Paper application: €480
First residence permit for seasonal work (3–6 months)
Electronic application: €380
Paper application: €480
First residence permit for seasonal work (6–9 months)
Electronic application: €490
Paper application: €740
First residence permit for an entrepreneur
Electronic application: €450
Paper application: €580
Residence permit for a minor
Electronic application: €270
Paper application: €300"
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"name": "What is the processing time for a Finland work visa?",
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"@type": "Answer",
"text": "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."
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"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "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."
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"@type": "Question",
"name": "What are the different types of work visas for Finland?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "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"
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"text": "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."
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"acceptedAnswer": {
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"text": "The top in-demand jobs in Finland for foreigners are mainly in the IT, healthcare, and engineering sectors.
Below is a list of the most in-demand occupations in Finland, along with their average annual salaries:
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"
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