Finland : Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa or work permit?

EU nationals do not need a visa or work permit but they should register their right of residence with the local police if staying for longer than three months. Non-EU nationals should check with their embassy about regulations for working in Finland and consult the Employment and Economic Development Office for more information.

How do I apply for a visa?

EU nationals do not need to apply for a visa or work permit. If you plan to stay in Finland for longer than three months to work or study, you should register your right of residence with the local police. A written registration certificate is issued once it has been proven that the preconditions for residence have been met. See the Employment and Economic Development Office for more information.

If you are from a non-EU country, applications may be made from your home country via the Finnish Immigration Service. If you are living in the UK, go to British Embassy Finland.

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Finland.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

An EU citizen automatically has the right to permanent residency in Finland after living there for an uninterrupted period of five years. They may receive a certificate of the right to permanent residence.