Navigating Finnish Work Visas and Immigration: An HR Professional's Guide

Expanding your business operations to Finland requires meticulous attention to immigration compliance. Ensuring your employees obtain the correct Finnish work visas and permits is fundamental to their legal employment and residence in the country. This guide provides a clear overview of the primary pathways.

Primary Categories of Finnish Work Visas

Finland offers several visa routes tailored to different employment scenarios and durations. The main categories include:

Schengen Business Visa
National D-Visa
Seasonal Worker Visa

Schengen Business Visa for Short-Term Assignments

The Schengen Business Visa is designed for short-term business activities, permitting a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. It is ideal for meetings, negotiations, and short-term projects.

Required documentation typically includes:

A fully completed and signed visa application form.
A recent passport-sized color photograph.
A valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond the intended stay.
Travel medical insurance covering the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Supporting documents such as flight itineraries, hotel bookings, and a formal invitation letter from the host company in Finland detailing the visit's purpose and duration.
Proof of sufficient financial means (approximately €50 per day).
For minors, a parental consent letter is required if traveling unaccompanied.

Applicants should be prepared for a potential interview at the Finnish diplomatic mission.

National D-Visa for Long-Term Stays

For long-term employment, a residence permit is mandatory. The National D-Visa facilitates entry while the residence permit application is being processed. It is valid for up to 100 days and must overlap with the residence permit's start date.

Eligibility for a D-Visa is often linked to specific residence permits, including:

Specialist Residence Permit
EU Blue Card
Startup Entrepreneur Permit
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit
Residence Permit for Senior or Middle Management

The application process involves submitting the residence permit and D-Visa applications concurrently, either online via the Enter Finland portal or via paper forms. Fees are €95 for online applications and €120 for paper-based submissions.

Seasonal Worker Visa

For seasonal employment lasting up to 90 days within a six-month period, a specific Seasonal Worker Visa is required. This visa is applied for exclusively at Finnish missions abroad and is marked with "Kausityö." It is governed by the Finnish Seasonal Work Act, which does not apply to wild berry picking, which falls under separate legislation.

Understanding Finnish Residence Permits

Long-term work in Finland necessitates a residence permit. The type of permit depends on the nature of the employment.

Specialist Residence Permit

This permit is for individuals in roles requiring specialized expertise. Key criteria include a monthly salary of at least €3,638 (2024) and relevant higher education or proven professional experience. Permits are typically granted for up to two years, with an option for a fast-track application processed within two weeks.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card targets highly skilled professionals, with similar salary and qualification requirements as the Specialist Permit. It is valid for up to two years and also qualifies for fast-track processing. Certain individuals, such as asylum seekers or those with EU long-term resident status, are ineligible and should apply for the Specialist Permit instead.

Startup Entrepreneur Permit

Aspiring entrepreneurs with a growth-oriented business idea can apply for this permit. A prerequisite is a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland. The initial permit is granted for two years, and applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their stay.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit

This permit facilitates the transfer of managers, specialists, or trainees within a multinational company to its Finnish branch. Permits for experts and managers can last up to three years, while trainee permits are valid for one year. The initial application must be filed from outside the EU.

Residence Permit for Senior or Middle Management

This category is for employees taking on significant managerial roles in sufficiently large companies. A confirmed job offer is required, and the application is eligible for fast-track processing.

Validity, Costs, and Processing Times

Visa and permit validity varies: Schengen visas allow short-term stays, D-Visas are valid for up to 100 days, and residence permits are typically issued for 1-3 years. Seasonal visas are valid for up to 90 days.

Application fees are as follows:

Schengen Visa: ~€90
D-Visa: €95 (online) / €120 (paper)
Residence Permits: Range from €300 to €740, plus potential notarization costs (€50-€160).

Standard processing for visa applications is approximately 15 days, while fast-track residence permits can be secured within two weeks. Applications can be submitted up to six months before the intended travel date.

Streamlining the Process with SailGlobal

Navigating Finland's immigration system can be complex. Partnering with an experienced global HR provider like SailGlobal can simplify the process, ensuring compliance and efficiency for your international assignments. Our experts manage the intricacies of visa and permit applications, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives.

Finnish Work Visas & Residence Permits: A Complete Guide for Employers 2024