Finland Work VISA and Family Members VISA Application Process

Starting a new life in Finland is an adventure not just for you but for your entire family. Finland doesn’t just welcome skilled workers; it also opens doors for your loved ones to join you, making your move a family journey.

Forget about solo trips—this time, it’s about you landing your dream job in a country known for its saunas and Northern Lights, with your family right there beside you. Finland is more than just a place of work-life balance and happy citizens; it’s a place where the whole family can thrive.

With competitive salaries, a robust social safety net, and an immigration process that encourages your family to join you, the Nordic dream is within reach. But how do you turn this dream into reality? Let’s dive into the visa process, from finding work opportunities to securing family reunification, sprinkled with a few fun Finnish facts along the way.

Where to Find Skill Shortage and Seasonal Work Visa Opportunities in Finland?

Your first step towards applying for a Finnish work visa is finding a job. Fortunately, Finland has several platforms where you can search for work opportunities, especially in sectors with labor shortages. Here’s a list of top resources:

• TE-palvelut: https://toimistot.te-palvelut.fi/en/frequently-asked-questions/work-in-finland
• Jobs in Finland: https://www.workinfinland.com/en/open-jobs/
• Job Market Finland: https://tyomarkkinatori.fi
• EURES – European Job Mobility Portal: https://ec.europa.eu/eures
• Duunitori: https://www.duunitori.fi
• Monster Finland: https://www.monster.fi
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs
• Oikotie: https://tyopaikat.oikotie.fi
• Academic Work Finland: https://www.academicwork.fi
• Occupation Mismatch List for Finland: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/data-insights/finland-mismatch-priority-occupations

After you’ve found and applied for jobs using these platforms, and secured an offer, you’ll need to choose the right type of Finnish work visa. Here’s a quick guide:

Types of Work Visas Available for Finland Based on Your Profession

Finland offers several types of work visas depending on your qualifications and the type of work you’ll be doing:

• Residence Permit for an Employed Person: The standard work visa for most professionals.
• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled workers with a higher education degree and a minimum salary of €5,209 per month.
• Specialist Visa: For high-skilled professionals in management or technical roles.
• Start-up Entrepreneur Visa: For those planning to start a business in Finland.
• Seasonal Work Permit: For work in agriculture or tourism during peak seasons.

Once you’ve decided on the type of visa, it’s time to move on to the application process for both the work and family visas through the Enter Finland portal.

Applying for Finnish Work and Family Visa (Step-by-Step Process)

With your job offer secured, the next step is gathering the necessary documents to start the visa application process:

1. Valid Passports: Make sure all family members’ passports are up to date.
2. Job Offer Letter: This should include your job title, salary, and contract duration.
3. Proof of Qualifications: Include your educational certificates and any relevant professional licenses.
4. Health Insurance: Coverage for the entire period you and your family plan to stay in Finland.
5. Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements that show you can support your family.

Step 2: Apply Online via Enter Finland Portal

Finland has made the application process easier with its online portal, Enter Finland. Here’s how to navigate it:

• Create an Account: https://enterfinland.fi/eServices
• Fill Out the Application: Make sure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
• Upload Documents: Scan and upload all the required documents for yourself and your family members.
• Pay the Application Fee: The fee is €380 if you apply online, but it increases to €480 for paper applications. For family visas, the fee is €160 per family member online, and €240 on paper.
• Submit the Application: Once everything is in place, submit it for processing.

Step 3: Visit the Finnish Mission

After submitting your application online, you’ll need to visit a Finnish embassy or consulate:

• Submit Original Documents: Present the originals of all uploaded documents.
• Provide Biometrics: Fingerprints and photographs will be taken.
• Verification: The embassy will verify your documents and forward your application to the Finnish Immigration Service for final processing.

Step 4: Processing and Decision

Your application will go through two main stages:

• Employment and Economic Development Office: They will make an initial decision based on your job contract and qualifications.
• Finnish Immigration Service: They finalize your application and assess the family visa applications.

Once approved, you’ll receive a residence permit card, and your family members will get dependent visas, allowing them to join you.

Step 5: Moving to Finland Together

With your work visa and your family’s dependent visas, you’re all set to begin your new life in Finland. The visas are just the start—what follows is a chapter full of opportunities, safety, and a bright future. Finland’s excellent education system and high quality of life make it a perfect place for families.

FAQs:

1. What is the processing time for a Finnish work visa?
   The processing time can vary but typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of your application.
2. Can my family members work in Finland on a dependent visa?
   Yes, your spouse and children are allowed to work and study in Finland on a dependent visa.
3. What happens if my work contract ends before my visa expires?
   If your work contract ends, you must inform the Finnish Immigration Service. You may need to find a new job or apply for a different visa type to stay in Finland legally.