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Work&LifeFinland

Work permits & residence status

Learn about residence permits, right of residence, and working legally in Finland.

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Work permits overview

Your path to working legally in Finland depends on your nationality. EU/EEA citizens have the right to work freely and only need to register their residence. Non-EU/EEA citizens must obtain a residence permit through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) before starting work. Understanding the correct process for your situation is essential.

EU/EEA citizens can work freely with registration
Non-EU/EEA citizens need residence permit from Migri
Processing takes 2-6 months depending on permit type

EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland have the right to work in Finland without a permit.

No work permit required — free movement
Register residence with DVV after 3 months
Apply for Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus)
Same employment rights as Finnish citizens
Nordic citizens have even simpler process

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Non-EU/EEA citizens need a residence permit for work through Migri (Finnish Immigration Service).

Residence permit for employed person (requires job offer)
Specialist permit for highly skilled workers
Startup permit for entrepreneurs
Salary must meet sector minimums (usually €1,399/month)
Employer must provide employment contract details

Application process

Apply through Migri's Enter Finland online service or at a Finnish embassy.

Create account on Enter Finland (enterfinland.fi)
Complete application and upload documents
Pay application fee (€490-740 depending on type)
Visit embassy or Migri office for identity verification
Processing time: 2-6 months (specialist permits faster)

After arrival

Essential steps to complete when you arrive in Finland with your permit.

Register address with DVV (Digital and Population Data Services)
Receive Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus)
Get tax card from Vero (Finnish Tax Administration)
Open Finnish bank account
Apply for Kela card if eligible for social security

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Important considerations

Apply well in advance — processing can take months
Have documents apostilled or legalized if required
Keep copies of all submitted documents
Your permit may allow bringing family members
First permit is usually temporary (1-4 years)
Plan for healthcare coverage during waiting period