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5 programs for Finland. Explore the options and get an expert assessment.
The EU-harmonised highly skilled worker permit, using the same salary threshold as Finland's specialist permit but adding intra-EU mobility rights after 18 months. No labour-market test applies.
Permit for managers, specialists and trainees transferred within a company from a non-EU entity to a Finnish entity, valid up to three years (one year for trainees), with short-term EU mobility. Fast-track is available for specialists and managers.
Permit for non-EU researchers and doctoral candidates with a hosting agreement from a Finnish research organisation. It can be issued under the EU Directive (master's holders, with research mobility) or as a national permit, with no labour-market test.
Finland's fast-track work permit for highly skilled non-EU experts — most often IT professionals and engineers — with a confirmed specialist job. No labour-market test applies, and most applicants get a decision within about two weeks.
The standard work permit for non-EU workers whose role does not meet specialist or Blue Card criteria. It is subject to an availability consideration (partial labour-market test), so the employer must show no suitable worker was available in Finland or the EU/EEA.
The TTOL is Finland's standard work permit for non-EU workers whose role does not meet specialist or Blue Card criteria. It has a lower minimum income limit but involves a partial labour-market test and a higher application fee.
The Yrittaja permit is for non-EU nationals establishing or running a traditional (non-startup) business in Finland and personally working in it. Profitability is assessed by the regional Economic Development Centre.
This permit is for non-EU founders of a scalable, growth-oriented startup. It uniquely requires a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland before you file the immigration application, and it qualifies for fast-track processing.
The EU Blue Card is the EU-harmonised highly skilled worker permit, using the same salary threshold as Finland's specialist permit but adding intra-EU mobility rights after 18 months. No labour-market test applies.
For specialists, EU Blue Card holders, ICT specialists/managers and startup entrepreneurs, Migri targets a decision in about two weeks when you apply online and meet the fast-track conditions.
Since 8 January 2026, the unconditional four-year route is gone. You can still get permanent residence after four years, but only if you meet an added condition (such as high income, an advanced degree plus work history, or strong language skills); otherwise the standard path is six years.
The student permit is for non-EU students accepted onto a Finnish degree or qualification programme, issued for the duration of studies for degree students. You may work on average 30 hours a week, and a post-study permit gives up to two years to find work.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a great option for workers whose jobs are exempt from a labour market test, including intra-company transfers and treaty-based professionals.
Take the assessment or ask Acey, our immigration assistant.
Work abroad — Finland