Finland, a small country in Europe, is part of the Schengen Zone. If you have a visa or work permit for Finland, you can travel freely within the Schengen Zone. Finland is known as the happiest country in the world and has earned this title.
Many people wish to live and work in Finland. Finland offers numerous job opportunities for individuals from outside the EU in a variety of job fields.
Let’s explore how to make your dream of living in Finland a reality. What options are available for foreigners to settle in Finland with their families?
Finally, we’ve thoroughly analyzed the job sectors and occupations in Finland that are in high demand, and this valuable information is now available to our readers.
Two main pathways to relocate to Finland.
You can get a Finland Visit Visa and try to get a job offer while you’re visiting. Alternatively, you can accept a job offer from Finland while you’re in your home country and then apply for a work visa.
Let’s discuss the details of both of these options.
Finland Tourist Visa or Visit Visa
Upon arrival in Finland, individuals holding a Visit Visa may have the opportunity to travel to any Schengen nation.
Fees for a Visit to Finland
The fee for a visit visa to Finland is EUR 80 for individuals aged 11 and above. For children between 6 and 11 years old, the visit visa fee is EUR 40. Children under the age of six are exempt from any charges.
How Do I Apply For A Visit Visa To Finland?
You can apply for a visit visa to Finland at the nearest Finland Embassy, VFS Global, or authorized visa application center, depending on your location.
For further details, please visit the website of the Finnish embassy in your area of residence.
Documents Required for a Finland Visit Visa / Tourist Visa:
- Valid passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months)
- Two photographs
- Visa application form
- Proof of income
- Police clearance certificate
- For self-employed individuals:
- Proof of business registration
- Documents from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Any other relevant business documents
- For employed individuals:
- Proof of employment
- Letter from employer detailing job position and holiday approval
- Bank statement indicating a balance of at least 2000 Euros (a daily expense of EURO 50 per person is suggested, but not mandatory)
- Pay slips (for employed individuals)
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Air ticket reservation
- Travel insurance covering a minimum of EURO 30,000
- Travel plan
- Cover letter for the visit visa application (important)
Can a visit visa be changed to a work visa in Finland?
Yes, you can change your visit visa to a work visa in Finland. The main requirement is a Job Offer Letter from a Finnish company.
Let’s consider the second option: acquiring a Finland Work Visa while remaining in your home country.
Work visa for Finland from your home country.
A Job Offer Letter from Finland is an essential document for securing a work visa. Obtaining a Finland Work Visa without a Job Offer Letter is not feasible/
How can I find a job in Finland?
Employers post their job openings on various employment portals in Finland every day. Search for positions relevant to your field and apply with a well-crafted Euro Pass Standard Resume and Cover Letter.
Apply for a Finland Work Visa
To apply for a Work Visa, once you have your job contract or job offer, visit the nearest Finnish embassy. You can find the exact fees for a Finland Work Visa from your country here.
You can use Finland Immigration’s e-services to apply for a work visa. However, in this situation, you must submit the original documents to the nearest Finnish embassy.
Requirements: The necessary documents are as follows:
- Job Offer Letter / Job Contract
- All previously mentioned documents
If you use the e-services, you can pay the Work Visa fees online. If you apply on paper, you can make the payment at the Finnish Embassy.
Finland Work Visa Duration
The typical duration of a Finland work visa is one year, depending on the type of visa you have. If you have a temporary job and require a Type B work permit, your Work Visa will usually be valid for one year
If you have a Permit Type A, also known as a “continuous visa,” the duration could be up to a year, depending on your job offer. It is renewable and can potentially be extended for up to four years.
Can I Change Jobs While in Finland on a Work Visa?
If you obtain your work visa based on a Job Offer Letter from a specific employer, changing jobs is not straightforward. To switch jobs, you need to secure a new job offer and apply for a new work visa.
High Demand Jobs in Finland for NON-EU Nationals:
After the pandemic, Finland, like many other countries, doesn’t have enough workers. Here are some job areas in Finland that need workers from outside the EU the most:
- Housekeepers and Cleaners
- Construction Industry
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Tile fitters
- Roofers
- Carpenters
- Other Woodworking skilled workers
- Workers in Supermarkets and Grocery stores
- Sales Representatives
- Restaurant Workers
- IT professionals
- Healthcare Sector
Benefits of Jobs in Finland Through Work Visa
- Competitive Salary and Benefits:
- Finland offers a high standard of living, and wages typically reflect that. The average yearly income in Finland is over €43,000, which provides a comfortable living for many.
- Additionally, many employers in Finland offer comprehensive benefit packages, including health insurance, paid time off (including around 30 vacation days annually), parental leave, and pension plans.
- Strong Work-Life Balance:
- Finnish work culture emphasizes a healthy work-life balance. The standard workweek is 40 hours, and overtime work usually requires consent and extra compensation.
- Generous paid leave allows for ample time for personal life, hobbies, and family.
- Job Security and Strong Worker Protection:
- Finland boasts robust worker protection laws and strong labor unions, ensuring fair treatment and job security for employees.
- This includes fair dismissal procedures, minimum wage regulations (though not an official minimum wage, collective agreements typically set a baseline), and unemployment benefits.
- Access to High-Quality Education and Healthcare:
- Finland is renowned for its excellent education and healthcare systems, both accessible to residents, including legal immigrants.
- This offers peace of mind regarding access to quality services for yourself and your family.
- Stable and Safe Environment:
- Finland consistently ranks high in terms of safety, social stability, and political freedom.
- This provides a secure and peaceful environment to live and work in.
- Potential for Growth and Development:
- Many Finnish companies offer opportunities for professional development and training for their employees.
- This, combined with the strong work ethic in Finland, can contribute to your professional growth and career advancement.
- Explore a Unique Culture and Beautiful Landscape:
- Working in Finland allows you to immerse yourself in its unique culture, known for its strong sense of community, respect for nature, and emphasis on innovation.
- Finland also offers stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, lakes, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Overall, obtaining a job in Finland through a work visa presents a compelling opportunity for a rewarding career, a healthy work-life balance, and the chance to live in a stable, safe, and beautiful country.
Final Thoughts
Working and living in Europe can be very satisfying. For people who aren’t from the EU, now is a good time to move to Europe with a Finland Work Visa. Besides earning a good salary in Finland, the country offers high-quality living standards, a great quality of life, and good education opportunities for children.
Credit: piggybankng
