I. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

The table lists only the principal types covered in this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all Finnish visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Chinese ordinary-passport holders travelling to Finland for short-term tourism or business visits generally need an applicable Schengen Type C visa. Schengen short stays are generally limited to a cumulative 90 days in any 180-day period, counting stays across Schengen countries together.

Visa validity and the number of entries are not the same as the period of stay actually authorized. A short visit does not automatically grant work rights. Even where an activity may be exempt from a work permit, it must meet Finland's specific conditions.

Whether an activity qualifies as a visit depends on the actual duties, not merely the itinerary label or where salary is paid. Installation, repair, training or on-site client services should be checked carefully to determine whether work authorization or a specific exemption is required.

2. Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL)

The TTOL applies to people employed by a genuine Finnish employer in work that does not fall under a specific exemption or specialist category.

The applicant must have confirmed employment and the qualifications required for the role, while employment conditions must comply with the applicable collective agreement. In 2026, combined gross monthly salary from all employment must be at least EUR 1,600.

Pay supplements such as night-shift additions do not count toward that threshold. Eligible benefits in kind are valued for tax purposes and may account for no more than 50% of salary.

The Finnish Immigration Service, Migri, reviews the application directly and may require a labour-market test. A partial decision by the TE Office is no longer used.

The permit duration and authorized occupational scope depend on the approval. A holder may generally change employer within the sector covered by the permit, subject to statutory facilitation such as nationwide labour-shortage sectors. Work outside the permit's scope requires an appropriate new permit.

The unemployment protection period is generally three months. Eligible people, including those who have held a work-based residence permit in Finland for at least two years, may receive six months. Neither period may extend beyond the remaining validity of the existing permit.

3. Specialist Residence Permit

This permit applies to people with special expertise who work in a specialist position in Finland.

The applicant must have a confirmed specialist role and normally higher education, or demonstrate special expertise through education and work experience. The employer must genuinely provide the specialist role, salary and corresponding employment conditions.

In 2026, fixed gross monthly salary must be at least EUR 3,937. Benefits in kind and daily allowances do not count toward this threshold.

The first specialist residence permit is generally valid for up to two years, subject to the employment contract and actual approval. Renewal is available while the specialist role, qualifications, salary and other permit conditions continue to be met.

After changing employment, the new work must continue to satisfy the qualifications, salary and permit conditions for specialist status. The statutory unemployment protection period is generally six months, without exceeding the remaining validity of the existing permit. The protection period does not grant an unconditional right to begin any new work.

4. EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card applies to non-EU nationals performing highly skilled work in Finland for at least six months.

The applicant must have a highly skilled employment contract of at least six months and at least three years of higher education or normally five years of comparable professional experience. In 2026, fixed gross monthly salary must be at least EUR 3,937.

A regulated profession also requires the relevant professional qualification. The employer must provide a genuine highly skilled position and compliant employment conditions.

The first EU Blue Card is valid for up to two years. If the employment contract is shorter, the card is generally approved for the contract term plus three months. It may be renewed while the relevant conditions continue to be met.

Employer changes and intra-EU mobility follow EU Blue Card-specific rules. The unemployment protection period is generally six months, without exceeding the remaining validity of the existing permit, and does not create an unconditional right to begin any new work.

II. Entry, Dependants and Other Arrangements

Visas, work approvals and residence documents should correspond to the person's actual activities, and their validity periods should align. A pending application, employment contract or invitation letter cannot be treated as proof that entry, residence or work has already been authorized.

1. Dependants of TTOL holders: Apply separately based on the family relationship and meet applicable income and other requirements. Work rights depend on the scope of the dependant's own residence permit.
2. Dependants of specialist permit holders: May apply based on the family relationship. Income conditions and work rights depend on the dependant's own permit.
3. Dependants of EU Blue Card holders: Apply under the family relationship or accompanying EU Blue Card rules. Work rights depend on the permit actually granted.
4. Study, transit and other personal statuses: Must independently satisfy their category conditions. The principal applicant's permission cannot be used directly as a dependant's entry or employment document.

III. Renewals, Changes, Termination and Status Maintenance

Before expiry, separately check whether the visa, work authorization, residence document and dependant documents need extension. If the employer, position, work location, employment contract or assignment changes, confirm notification, amendment or reapplication requirements under the actual pathway.

IV. Support sailglobal Can Provide

If a company plans to send personnel to Finland for business visits, local employment or short-term projects, or to arrange accompanying family members, it can contact sailglobal to understand possible pathways and application requirements based on the person's status, duties and itinerary.

Visa, work-permit and residence applications are independently assessed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval or a fixed issuance date.