How to Get a Finnish Visa or Work Permit
For anyone who is preparing to live and work in Finland, one of the first hurdles they meet is the Finnish work visa application process. Unlike many countries, the work permit application itself is only a smaller part of the larger process of obtaining a residence permit. As far as residence and work visas are concerned, the Finnish application process is relatively easy, at least when compared to many from other countries. However, it still requires a certain attention to detail.
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Instructions
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Determine if you need a residence permit to work. While most people will need one, members of the European Union do not need a residence permit for the first three months of work in Finland.
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Obtain at least one travel document that can be used to identify you. Valid documents include an ordinary passport; a diplomatic, Alien's, or official passport; or a refugee's travel documents.
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Take a picture of yourself that meets the specifications laid out in the passport photo guidelines, which can be found in the resources section below.
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Fill out form OLE 1, which is your application for resident in Finland. This form can be found in the resources section.
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Have your Finnish employer fill out form TEM 054, which can also be found in the resources section.
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Submit your two forms, your travel document and your passport photo to the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate, a branch of the Employment and Economic Development Office, or the police. Be aware, though, that it is best to apply for your permit in advance of arriving in Finland.
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Both the Employment and Economic Development office and the Finnish Immigration Office will consider your application. If it is approved, you will receive a one year residence permit, which will allow you to legally work in Finland.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to apply for your residence permit well in advance, in case there are any complications.
