How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Finland (2025 Edition)

Finland’s innovation hubs and digital expertise draw companies seeking global growth, and accessing Finnish markets or remote talent can unlock rapid scaling and business resilience in a stable EU jurisdiction. But moving to or relocating employees to Finland isn’t without its challenges.

Visa uncertainty, sponsorship bottlenecks, and ever-changing compliance rules can make working in Finland daunting. Each permit category has its quirks, local authorities require accurate submissions, and any misstep risks costly delays, fines, or failed hires. These barriers not only slow down international onboarding but can also expose your business or personal plans to significant legal risk.

That’s where Deel Immigration changes the game. We handle entity sponsorship, compliance tracking, and document logistics—turning what used to take months into a seamless, trackable workflow. With Deel, you can shift from chasing paperwork to welcoming your new Finnish team or starting your move to Finland for free, confident in both speed and compliance. Empower your business or personal relocation to go global, minus the friction.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Finland?

Finland offers a transparent online application system and generally straightforward criteria, but processing can vary by nationality and permit type.

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Finland?

Each pathway has distinct eligibility and duration, spanning from days to years, depending on the category.

• Business Visa (Schengen Business Visa): This visa is for professionals attending meetings, conferences, or short-term assignments in Norway for up to 90 days within 180 days. It requires an invitation letter, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and funds, does not permit formal employment, and typically processes in under 15 days.

• Skilled Worker Permit: This permit is for professionals with vocational or higher-education credentials and a valid job offer in Norway, earning at least NOK 312,000 annually. It is valid for up to 3 years, renewable with continuous employment, and can lead to permanent residence after 3 years.

• Family Immigration Permit: This permit allows spouses, registered partners, and minor children of primary permit holders to join them in Norway. It requires proof of relationship, housing, and adequate income, matches the main permit’s duration, and grants dependents the right to work and study.

• Dependent Visa: This visa allows spouses and minor children of primary visa holders in Norway to join them for short-term stays of up to 90 days. It requires proof of family relationship, sufficient funds, and travel insurance, but does not grant work rights during the visit.

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Finland visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Finland visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employer sponsorship duties: Sponsoring employers must be registered Finnish entities with a valid business ID and provide a local employment contract. Companies of any size can sponsor as long as they hold a Finnish business ID and demonstrate financial stability. In practice, sponsors submit the residence permit application on the employee’s behalf and vouch for their salary, role, and accommodation. They must ensure compliance with labour-market testing when required and handle all reporting to Migri.

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies these obligations. An Employer of Record (EOR) takes on legal employer status, manages payroll, tax withholdings, and statutory reporting in Finland. The EOR files the work-permit application, secures labour-market confirmations, and serves as the official sponsor—freeing your company from entity setup and ongoing HR admin. The Deel platform automates documentation collection and status updates, reducing manual follow-up.

Deel Immigration, a G2-leader in Employer of Record services across 150+ countries, sponsors employees under 200+ visa and permit categories in 40+ countries. Our dedicated Finland team handles high-volume caseloads with rapid turnaround times—accelerating permit approval and minimizing compliance risk. We also deliver partner discounts for relocation services and provide dedicated spouse and child visa support for dependents.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Finland work-permit application process

Step-by-step application process: Work permit processing times range from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the permit type and applicant’s nationality. Follow this five-step roadmap to secure approval efficiently.

Step one: Collect and prepare required documentation

Employers coordinate the collection of all necessary documentation, including a valid passport, a signed employment contract, and proof of qualifications from the prospective employee. Certified translations are required if documents are not in English or Finnish. Deel’s platform helps validate file formats and flags any missing or incomplete submissions.

Tip: Deel’s document checklist can be used to verify completeness before the application process begins.

Step two: Submit the application via Migri portal

Applications are submitted online through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) portal. The sponsoring employer logs in with Suomi.fi e-identification to complete the employer sections. Deel automates much of the data entry by pulling information directly from existing HR records, reducing manual work.

Tip: Cross-check names and dates against passport copies to avoid data discrepancies.

Step three: Pay government residence permit fees

Applicable government fees must be paid to process the residence permit application. Accepted payment methods include credit card, bank transfer, and e-payment. Deel consolidates reminders and provides guidance on preferred payment options to keep the process on schedule.

Tip: Retaining the payment receipt is recommended, as Migri may request proof of payment.

Step four: Coordinate interviews and biometric appointments

If required, applicants attend interviews or provide biometric data at a Migri service point. These appointments cover fingerprinting and photo capture for the residence permit card. Deel’s automated reminders and scheduling tools help minimize missed appointments.

Tip: Bringing original documents and arriving slightly early can help speed up the appointment process.

Step five: Track decision and finalize residence card issuance

Migri typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to issue a decision. Once approved, instructions for collecting the residence card are provided. Deel’s real-time tracking keeps both employer and employee informed of the application status and any next steps needed to finalize the process.

Tip: Deel’s in-app tracker provides instant updates, reducing the need for manual status checks.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Finland?

Fees vary by permit type and applicant nationality, and extra surcharges may apply for visa amendments, expedited service, or biometric appointments.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Finland?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration offers a seamless, compliant, and efficient solution for companies hiring employees in Finland, no matter the work-permit category. With deep expertise in navigating Finland’s complex immigration rules, Deel ensures faster approvals and reduces administrative burdens for employers and employees alike.

• End-to-end immigration management tailored to Finland’s main residence permit categories
• Fast, free visa assessments providing eligibility clarity within 48 hours
• Personalized expert support guiding you through every step of the application process
• Real-time application tracking with automated status updates and renewal reminders
• Dedicated dependent visa support and exclusive relocation discounts to ease employee transitions

Partnering with Deel means you can focus on growing your team while we handle the complexities of Finnish immigration compliance.

Hire employees in Finland faster with Deel Immigration

Hiring in Finland can be time-consuming without the right support. Deel Immigration accelerates your hiring process by managing every detail—from document collection to submitting applications and monitoring approvals. Our end-to-end immigration management means you never miss a deadline or requirement, and our platform empowers you with real-time visibility into your cases.

Book a free consultation today to experience Deel’s personalized expert support, ensuring your Finnish work permits are filed accurately and swiftly.