Visa Types
Finland Work Visa Complete Guide
Apply to work in Finland, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
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What Is Schengen Visa?
The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to visit and travel within the Schengen Area, which is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that a person with a Schengen Visa can move freely between these countries without having to go through immigration checks at the border.
To obtain a Schengen Visa, applicants need to apply at the embassy or consulate of the country they intend to visit or spend most of their time in. The visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period and can be used for tourism, business, or other purposes. However, the visa does not grant the holder the right to work or study in the Schengen Area. -
Here Are The Schengen Area Countries As Of March 2024:
Schengen Area signifies a zone where 29 European countries abolished their internal borders(countries of Schengen agreement). Here is the list of the countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia , Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries apply common policies in terms of short-term visas.
Key Points for Finland Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Finland?
To visit Finland, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Finland visa application is made online or offline?
To apply for a visa, you have the option to either fill out the form online or download and print it for submission at the Visa Application Centre.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Finland visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Finland?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
|
Service |
Price (€) |
|
Residence permit for work |
740 |
|
First Residence permit for work, electronic application |
540 |
|
First residence permit, no labour market testing (other work, specialist, researcher, athlete, coach or trainer) |
480 |
|
First residence permit, no labour market testing (other work, specialist, researcher, athlete, coach or trainer), electronic application |
380 |
|
First residence permit for an entrepreneur, start-up entrepreneur |
480 |
|
First residence permit for an entrepreneur, start-up entrepreneur, electronic application |
400 |
|
First residence permit for an entrepreneur; other entrepreneur |
690 |
|
First residence permit for an entrepreneur; other entrepreneur, electronic application |
490 |
|
First residence permit for seasonal work for 3–6 months, no labour market testing |
480 |
|
First residence permit for seasonal work for 3–6 months, no labour market testing, electronic application |
380 |
|
First residence permit for seasonal work for 6–9 months (requires a partial decision) |
740 |
|
First residence permit for seasonal work for 6–9 months (requires a partial decision), electronic application |
540 |
To obtain more information, click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- To start, figure out the visa type you require and check if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Find out the necessary documents to submit, the estimated application processing time, and the fees involved.
- Make sure your application follows the guidelines specific to your visa category.
- If you intend to work in Finland for a period longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit.
- The residence permit is a document that allows you to legally reside in Finland for the purpose of work
- When you're prepared to apply for a visa, complete the visa application form and organize your application documents according to the accompanying checklist provided with the online
- Alternatively, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print the completed form, and bring it to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- After completing your visa form, it's important to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for the collection of biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
- Upon booking, you will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
- For families or groups, individual appointments need to be booked for each member.
- At the Visa Application Centre, you will need to submit your completed visa application form along with the required supporting documents.
- Here's what typically happens at the Visa Application Centre.
- After submitting your visa application, the next step is to pay the visa application fee.
- The fee amount and payment methods can vary depending on the country and type of visa you are applying.
- You have the option to track the status of your visa application online. Simply utilize the Reference Number indicated on the invoice/receipt provided by the Visa Application Centre, along with your date of birth, to access this tracking service.
- When you submit your visa application, it is important to inquire about the available options for passport collection from the Visa Application Centre. The specific procedures may vary, but here are some general guidelines:
5. In-person Collection: If you are required to collect your passport in person, make sure to bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, bring a valid form of government identification, such as your passport or driver's license.
6. Collection by Authorized Representative: If permitted, you may authorize someone else to collect your passport on your behalf. In such cases, the authorized person should present their official identification, the original invoice/receipt, and a power of attorney form. The power of attorney may need to be notarized in accordance with local legislation.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa to Finland from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended duration of stay in Finland. It should also have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the visa application form accurately. You can obtain the form from the official website of the Finnish embassy or consulate.
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs: Provide recent, color photographs that meet the specifications set by the embassy or consulate. Usually, two photographs are required.
- Employment Contract or Job Offer: Include the original employment contract or job offer letter from a Finnish employer. The contract should clearly state the terms and conditions of employment, including job position, salary, working hours, and duration of employment.
- Educational Qualifications: Submit educational documents that support your qualifications and expertise relevant to the job. This may include copies of degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
- Work Experience Documents: Provide documents that demonstrate your work experience in the field, such as employment certificates, reference letters, or work contracts from previous employers.
- Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Finland. This can be done through bank statements for the past six months, showing regular income or savings. If the employer provides financial support, a letter from the employer guaranteeing financial responsibility may be required.
- Health Insurance: Obtain health insurance coverage that is valid in Finland for the duration of your stay. The insurance should provide comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Ensure it meets the minimum requirements set by the embassy or consulate.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide evidence of accommodation arrangements in Finland. This can be in the form of a rental agreement, a letter from the employer providing accommodation, or a hotel reservation.
- Travel Itinerary: Include a travel itinerary indicating your intended dates of travel, including the arrival and departure details.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Depending on the requirements of the embassy or consulate, you may need to provide a police clearance certificate or a certificate of good conduct from the relevant authorities in India.
- Visa Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee and provide proof of payment. The fee amount may vary, so it is important to check the embassy or consulate website for the current fee.
- Additional Documents: Be prepared to provide any additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate. This may include a statement of purpose explaining the purpose of your visit, references from previous employers, or proof of language proficiency.
Note: It is important to note that the above document checklist serves as a general guideline, and the specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the discretion of the embassy or consulate. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Finnish embassy or consulate in India for detailed and up-to-date information regarding the work visa application process.
Temporary Residence Permit for Employment:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for a temporary residence permit
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Job offer letter from a Finnish employer specifying the employment details and duration
- Employment contract or agreement
- Educational qualifications and professional certificates
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
EU Blue Card:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for an EU Blue Card
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Job offer letter from a Finnish employer meeting the salary requirements
- Employment contract or agreement
- Educational qualifications and professional certificates
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Language proficiency certificate (Finnish, Swedish, or English)
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Continuous Residence Permit for Employment:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for a continuous residence permit
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of continuous employment in Finland for at least four years
- Employment contracts or certificates from previous employers in Finland
- Educational qualifications and professional certificates
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Seasonal Work Permit:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for a seasonal work permit
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Job offer or employment contract specifying the seasonal employment details and duration
- Proof of employment in a seasonal industry, such as agriculture, tourism, or forestry
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Startup Entrepreneur Visa:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for a startup entrepreneur visa
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Business plan outlining the startup venture and its viability
- Proof of sufficient funds to support the startup business in Finland
- Educational qualifications and professional certificates
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Intra-Company Transfer Permit:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for an intra-company transfer permit
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Employment contract or transfer letter from the multinational company specifying the transfer details and duration
- Proof of employment in the multinational company
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Scientific Researcher Permit:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for a scientific researcher permit
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Employment contract or agreement from a recognized research institution, university, or educational organization in Finland
- Proof of academic qualifications and research experience
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Artist Visa:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- Completed and signed application form for an artist visa
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Portfolio or evidence of artistic work and achievements
- Proof of employment or invitation from a recognized cultural or artistic institution in Finland
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Finland
- Health insurance coverage valid in Finland
- Proof of accommodation arrangements in Finland
- Police clearance certificate or equivalent document from your home country
- Additional documents as per the specific requirements of the Finnish immigration authorities
Note: Please note that the document checklists provided serve as general guidelines. The specific requirements and additional documents may vary based on individual circumstances and the discretion of the Finnish immigration authorities. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Finnish immigration authorities or seek professional advice for detailed and up-to-date information regarding the specific work visa/permit category you are interested in.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
National Visa Category (D) visa form:
If you plan to Work in Finland for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is a document that allows you to legally live in Finland for Work.
You have two options to apply for a residence permit:
Option 1. Applying at Enter Finland e-service:
Option 2. Applying with paper application:
Option 2. Applying with paper application:
Note: It is important to acknowledge that visa requirements and procedures are subject to change. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the official website of the Embassy of Finland in India or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for a Finnish Work (Type D) visa from India.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Finnish work visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain a job offer: Secure a job offer from a Finnish employer. The employer must provide you with a written job contract or an invitation letter stating the terms of employment.
- Gather the required documents: Prepare the necessary documents for your work visa application. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of employment and the requirements of the Finnish Immigration Service.
- Begin your application: When you’re prepared to apply for a visa, complete the visa application form and organize your application documents according to the accompanying checklist provided with the onlineAlternatively, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print the completed form, and bring it to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- Schedule an appointment: Use the online appointment system provided by the visa application center to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application. Make sure to choose a date and time that works for you.
- Submit the application: Visit the Finnish visa application centre(VFS )in India for applying for a study visa. Submit your visa application along with the required documents.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the applicable visa application fee at the time of application submission. The fee can vary, so check the embassy’s website or consulate for the exact fee and accepted payment methods.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for work visas or residence permits can vary, but it typically takes several weeks to a few months. During this time, your application will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be requested if necessary.
- Collect your visa or residence permit: Once a decision is made on your application, you will be notified to collect your visa or residence permit. If approved, make arrangements to travel to Finland within the specified timeframe. If your application is rejected, you will receive an explanation for the decision.
Temporary Residence Permit for Employment:
- This permit allows you to work in Finland for a specific job or employer.
- It is usually issued for a fixed term, typically up to two years.
- To apply for this permit, you need to have a job offer from a Finnish employer.
- You must demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications and skills required for the job.
- The employer may need to prove that they have made efforts to recruit from within the EU/EEA before offering the job to a non-EU/EEA national.
EU Blue Card:
- The EU Blue Card is a residence permit that allows highly skilled non-EU/EEA workers to work and live in Finland.
- To be eligible for the EU Blue Card, you must have a higher education degree or equivalent qualifications and a job offer in Finland with a certain minimum salary level.
- The minimum salary requirement is reviewed annually and is typically higher than that for the Temporary Residence Permit.
- The EU Blue Card offers advantages such as easier mobility within the EU and the possibility of a faster path to permanent residence.
Continuous Residence Permit for Employment:
- This permit is for individuals who have already been residing and working in Finland under a temporary residence permit and wish to continue working in the country.
- It provides a longer-term permit for employment, typically granted for a maximum of two years.
- To be eligible, you must have a valid employment contract and fulfill the requirements for continued employment.
- This permit allows you to continue working without the need to apply for a new temporary residence permit for each employment term.
Seasonal Work Permit:
- The Seasonal Work Permit is specifically for individuals seeking temporary employment in Finland for seasonal work, such as agriculture, forestry, or tourism-related activities.
- It is typically issued for a limited period, aligned with the seasonal nature of the job.
- The employer in Finland must demonstrate that they have a need for seasonal workers and that the positions cannot be filled by domestic or EU/EEA workforce.
- This permit is usually valid for up to nine months within a twelve-month period.
Startup Entrepreneur Visa:
- The Startup Entrepreneur Visa is for individuals who want to establish and operate an innovative startup business in Finland.
- To be eligible, you must have a viable business plan, which includes innovation, scalability, and growth potential.
- You also need support from an approved Finnish startup incubator, accelerator, or a similar organization.
- The startup must have the potential to create jobs, promote economic growth, and contribute to the Finnish startup ecosystem.
Intra-Company Transfer Permit:
- The Intra-Company Transfer Permit is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred from a foreign branch to the company’s Finnish branch.
- This permit allows skilled workers to work in Finland temporarily within their company.
- To be eligible, you must have been employed by the company for a certain period (often at least six months) and possess specialized knowledge or managerial skills.
- The purpose of the transfer should be to perform work tasks in Finland that require your expertise.
Scientific Researcher Permit:
- The Scientific Researcher Permit is for researchers and scientists who have been offered a research position in Finland.
- To be eligible, you must have a research position with a Finnish research institution, university, or other recognized organization.
- The research project should be of importance to the scientific community and contribute to research and development in Finland.
- You need to demonstrate your qualifications, research experience, and the significance of your research project.
Artist Visa:
- The Artist Visa is for professional artists, such as musicians, dancers, actors, or visual artists, who have been invited to Finland to perform or participate in artistic events.
- To be eligible, you must have a confirmed invitation or contract from a recognized Finnish cultural institution, organization, or event.
- The visa allows you to work in your respective artistic field for a temporary period, typically up to three months.
- You may need to provide evidence of your professional status, artistic achievements, and the nature of your artistic work.
Note: It’s important to note that each type of work visa has specific eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes. For detailed information and specific requirements, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service or consult with the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country.