Finland Work Permit 2027: Requirements and Steps

Why Work in Finland

Finland is known for its high quality of life, excellent work-life balance, clean nature and some of the happiest people in the world. If you are not from the EU or EEA, you usually need a residence permit for an employed person, often called a Finland work permit, before you start working there. A confirmed job offer from an employer in Finland is the starting point, because the permit cannot be granted without one. Citizens of EU and EEA countries don’t need a work permit, but they must register if they stay longer.

Requirements for a Finland Work Permit

Your employer must confirm your terms of employment and check that you have the right professional skills for the job. Some professions, such as doctors and nurses, also need a practice permit from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira). In some jobs, the employer may also need to show that no suitable worker could be found in Finland or the EU within a reasonable time. The rules can differ by occupation, so check the official Migri page for your job.

Salary Rules

Your total salary must be at least EUR 1,600 a month before tax (2026 level), and it can come from more than one part-time job. Zero-hour or on-call contracts don’t count, and neither do extra payments like evening or night work supplements. Benefits such as a company car or meals can make up no more than half of your salary. Migri reviews this limit regularly, so check the current amount when you apply.

How to Apply Step by Step

First, find a job, for example on Job Market Finland, EURES or Work in Finland, and check whether your profession needs a recognised qualification or licence. Next, apply for your first permit online in Migri’s Enter Finland service, which has a lower fee than a paper application, while your employer adds your terms of employment in its own service. Then book an appointment at a Finnish embassy, consulate or visa centre to prove your identity and give your fingerprints. If your employer is certified by Migri, you can also apply for a D visa at the same time, so you can travel as soon as your permit is approved. After you arrive, register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to get your Finnish personal identity code.

Extending Your Permit and Long-Term Residence

You apply for an extended permit in Finland, and you must have earned an average of at least EUR 1,600 a month during your previous permit. Only time on a continuous residence permit, called an A permit, generally counts toward long-term residence. Most permanent residence paths also require Finnish or Swedish language skills, so start learning early. A work permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence, and each path has its own conditions.

Check if you qualify for a Finnish work permit →