Work Permits in Finland — Official Guide
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen planning to work in Finland longer than 90 days, you generally need a residence permit on the basis of work — often called a work permit. This section explains everything you need to know with official links and the latest details. (EU Immigration Portal)
Where to Apply
All work-based residence permit applications must be submitted through the official online portal:
➡️ Enter Finland (official application service) — https://enterfinland.fi/ (enterfinland.fi)
This service handles both new applications and extensions. After submission, you may need to prove your identity and provide biometrics at a Finnish mission or service point. (EU Immigration Portal)
Types of Work-Based Residence Permits
The main work permit options include the following:
1. Residence Permit for an Employed Person
This is the standard work permit for people hired by a Finnish company or employer. — Official: https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-for-an-employed-person (migri.fi)
✔ Requires a job contract from a Finnish employer
✔ Employer must meet legal obligations such as registration and insurance
✔ Salary must usually meet minimum income and industry standards (STT Info)
Minimum Income Requirement (from 1.1.2025): At least €1,600/month gross for most employed person permits.
2. Residence Permit for a Specialist
This is for highly skilled professionals, experts, and senior specialists.
✔ Higher minimum salary requirement than basic work permits
✔ Can include researchers and specialist roles with advanced qualifications
✔ Sometimes processed faster than regular employed-person permits (Legally.fi)
Official info: https://migri.fi/en/residence-permits-on-the-basis-of-work (migri.fi)
3. EU Blue Card (for Highly Skilled Workers)
Offers a fast-track option for high-earning, highly qualified workers, and often comes with greater mobility in the EU.
➡️ More info: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/employed-worker-finland_en
4. Seasonal Work Permit
This permit is for work that lasts a shorter period (often fruit picking, farming, festivals).
➡️ Apply through EnterFinland, but specific seasonal rules may apply (STT Info)
Important Legal Updates (2025)
Centralized Processing:
Since 1 January 2025, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) is fully responsible for all work-based residence permits, including employed person and seasonal permits, replacing previous TE Office procedures.
Protection Period if Unemployed:
If your employment ends, you generally have 3 months to find a new job if you hold a work-based permit. Specialists and long-term permit holders may have 6 months. Employers must notify Migri if employment ends early. (STT Info)
Who Needs a Work Permit?
✔ Non-EU/EEA citizens who plan to work in Finland longer than 90 days
✔ You must apply before starting long-term work (unless exceptions apply) (InfoFinland)
Some short-term situations (e.g., invited interpreters, sports referees ≤ 3 months) may not require a full work permit.
Application Steps (General)
Prepare your documents: passport, job contract, salary proof, insurance, etc.
Submit online via EnterFinland — https://enterfinland.fi/
Attend identity verification if required.
Wait for decision: track status in EnterFinland.
Receive permit decision: if approved, you can travel and start work.
Rights & Work Rules
✔ Once a work-based permit is granted, you can legally work for the employer and job listed in the permit.
✔ Your permit type may limit job changes — check Migri’s guidelines.
✔ If your job ends, you must either find a new job within the allowed protection period or change your permit basis.
Official Work-Permit Links
| Topic | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Finnish Immigration Service – Work Permits | https://migri.fi/en/residence-permits-on-the-basis-of-work (migri.fi) |
| Residence Permit for Employed Person | https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-for-an-employed-person (migri.fi) |
| Enter Finland – Apply Online | https://enterfinland.fi/ (enterfinland.fi) |
| EU Immigration Portal – Employed Worker Finland | https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/eu-immigration-portal/employed-worker-finland_en |
| InfoFinland – Right to Work Info | https://www.infofinland.fi/fi/work-and-enterprise/finnish-working-life/right-to-work-in-finland (infofinland.fi) |
Tips for Work Permit Applicants
✔ Apply as early as possible — processing times vary
✔ Provide clear documents (signed contract, salary details, insurance)
✔ Make sure your salary meets official minimums
✔ Always use official sites (EnterFinland and Migri) — avoid third-party services
✔ Double-check all details because laws and requirements can change
⚠️ Important Reminder
Rules, income requirements, and processes can change often. Always verify all information on the official Migri and EnterFinland sites before applying. Translation tools might slightly change meanings — check the original English source if possible. If you find outdated info on this page, please report it to us so we can update it promptly.