Guidance

Travel to Finland for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Finland and how to get one if you do.

• From: Department for Business and Trade
• Published: 22 June 2021
• Last updated: 15 April 2024 — See all updates

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Finland’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Finland to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Finland is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Finnish authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Finland’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Finland. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Finland’s embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Finland, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Finland’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Finland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

• attending job interviews
• attending trade fairs or conferences
• attending board meetings
• meeting clients or customers for strategic planning of business development
• speaking or presenting at a conference (paid or unpaid)
• team-building activities

Or for the following types of training, so long as it’s for the same company or group:

• classroom-based training

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip or confirmation that your employer will cover your expenses
• an invitation letter explaining your trip
• proof of UK residence

Check Finland’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

The following may not require a visa or permit in Finland if they’re for up to 90 days and require special expertise:

• specialists
• interpreters
• teachers
• sport judges or referees
• professional artists, coaches or athletes
• film workers whose employers do not have an office in Finland
• sailors working on a ship listed in the Register of Merchant Vessels
• tour guides for package tours where Finland is a destination
• goods transporters

These also need to meet minimum income requirements – check with Finland’s authorities on the amount as it may change over time.

Goods transporters

You may not need a visa or permit for up to 90 days if you’re the driver or personnel of a goods vehicle owned or controlled by a company outside Finland. You qualify if either of the following apply:

• you drive a vehicle to transport a load across the border that is to be delivered to or retrieved from a certain destination
• operation in Finland is related to regular service between municipalities, at least one of which is located outside Finland

You must not live in Finland.

EU intra-company transfer permits from other countries

If you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit from another country you can work in Finland for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Your employer has to notify the Finnish authorities of where you will be working.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment letter
• an employment confirmation letter
• a contract
• an invitation letter from the Finnish company detailing the purpose of the stay and duration of the visit
• proof of required qualifications, such as a degree or professional certificate
• CV

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Finland’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Finland’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you. It depends on the type of permit you have.

Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

Long-term residence permits

You need a residence permit even for short work trips if you’re:

• transferring from a UK company to a branch in Finland (on assignment)
• employed by a company in Finland on a Finnish contract (local hire)
• providing services to a client in Finland for a UK company

If you are transferring to your company’s branch in Finland, you can apply for an intra-company transfer (ICT) permit.

You need to apply for a residence permit if you’re in Finland because you’re:

• working as a visiting consultant or instructor
• carrying out highly skilled or specialist work
• carrying out work that doesn’t require a higher education (‘employed workers’)
• working as an entrepreneur
• working as a start-up entrepreneur
• conducting research work
• working in science, or arts and culture
• working as an athlete, trainer or coach

These can be used for:

• transferring to a Finnish branch from a UK company
• employment at a company in Finland
• providing services to a client in Finland

Residence permits are valid for up to 2 years depending on which one you need.

Intra-company transfer (ICT) permit

You need an intra-company transfer (ICT) residence permit if your UK-based company moves you temporarily to a branch in Finland to work for:

• up to 3 years
• 1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have a bachelor’s level degree (compulsory for trainees), or relevant work experience
• have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months
• keep your UK employment contract

The ICT permit takes 4 weeks to get. You cannot extend it beyond 3 years or 1 year for trainees. You can apply for a new ICT or a different type of permit once you’ve lived outside of Finland for 3 months.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for an ICT residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an identification appointment at the Finnish Embassy in the UK

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• passport photo
• UK passport for your and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• Terms of employment , which has been completed by your employer
• degree or qualification certificate if you’re a trainee
• job description
• signed employment contract with your UK employer showing you’ve been employed by them for at least 3 months
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• signed assignment letter from the UK or Finnish company confirming the exact terms of the assignment
• proof that the UK and Finnish companies belong to the same group of companies
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates for any children, if applying with family

Visiting teacher, lecturer or instructor

You need a residence permit for visiting teachers, lectures or instructors if you’re working in Finland for up to a year.

You qualify if you are

• transferring from a UK-based company or education institution to a Finnish-based company or education institution. You must have an invitation or agreement from the Finnish company or institution
• working for a company in Finland
• providing services to a client in Finland for a UK company
• meet monthly income requirements

This permit takes up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year and you cannot extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for a residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an appointment to prove your identity

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• employment contract or consultancy agreement including employment conditions
• service agreement, work order, or invitation letter from a Finnish client, if you’re providing services to a client in Finland
• certificate of any fringe benefits from the employer or client
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Highly skilled work

You can apply for an EU Blue Card or a residence permit for specialists if you’re in Finland because you’re:

• transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Finland
• employed by a company in Finland
• providing services to a client in Finland for a UK company

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card you must:

• have an employment or assignment offer for at least 1 year from a sponsoring organisation in Finland
• have completed a higher education qualification (such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree) that takes at least three years to complete
• be coming to Finland for highly qualified employment
• meet minimum monthly income requirements

This permit takes 4 weeks to get. It’s usually valid for 1 or 2 years. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for an EU Blue Card residence permit or submit a paper form  Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an appointment to prove your identity

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• degree or other qualification certificate
• job description
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Residence permit for specialists

To qualify for a residence permit for specialists your work must require special expertise. You must also:

• meet minimum monthly income requirements
• have completed a higher education qualification (such as a diploma or a degree)
• perform duties that require special expertise

You could be:

• transferring from a UK company to a branch in Finland
• employed by a company in Finland
• providing services to a client in Finland for a UK company

This permit takes 2 weeks to get. It’s usually valid for 1 or 2 years. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an appointment to prove your identity

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• degree or qualification certificate
• job description
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Residence Permit for an employed person (TTOL)

You can apply for a residence permit for an employed person if you are coming to Finland to work and you do not fulfil the requirements of the other work-based residence permit types

You could be:

• transferring from a UK company to a branch in Finland
• employed by a company in Finland
• providing services to a client in Finland for a UK company

To qualify you must:

• have an employment or assignment offer from a sponsoring organisation in Finland
• have the professional skills required for the job
• meet minimum monthly income requirements

Finland’s authorities will usually carry out a labour market test to check that there are no suitable candidates in Finland or the EU/EEA for the role.

The worker residence permit takes 2 months to get. It’s usually valid for 1 or 2 years. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for a residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an appointment to prove your identity

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family
• certificate of paid taxes or certificate of tax debts (no more than 3 months old) from your employer
• report on the number of employees in the company, with a breakdown of full and part-time workers – from your employer
• report on recruitment of workers from labour markets in Finland, the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – from your employer

They also usually need certificates of your Finnish employer’s statutory insurance premiums:

• insurance company certificate for TyEL insurance (employer’s pension insurance)
• accident insurance
• employment fund certificate for unemployment insurance (no more than 3 months old)

Entrepreneurs

You’re classed as an entrepreneur in Finland if any of the following apply. You’re:

• a private entrepreneur who has an individually-owned business
• a freelancer
• a partner in a general corporation
• a general partner in a limited corporation (not a silent partner)
• a member of a cooperative with unlimited liability for refinancing (the unlimited obligation to contribute has to be registered in the trade register)
• a shareholder in a managerial position for a limited liability company (LLC), such as a managing director or member of the board of directors
• in a managerial position at a company that’s not a LLC if you own at least 30% of the company’s share capital, or have at least 30% of votes produced by the company’s shares – if not you must have a similar level of authority

To qualify for a residence permit for an entrepreneur you must:

• have registered your business with the Trade Register at the Finnish Patent and Registration Office, unless you’re a private trader
• earn your living primarily from your business

If you’re a private trader you can set up your individually-owned business after you arrive.

An entrepreneur permit takes up to 2 months to get. It’s usually valid for 1 year. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for a residence permit for an entrepreneur or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an identification appointment at the Finnish Embassy in the UK

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• Trade Register extract (or explanation of why the company has not been registered)
• business idea description
• information about your business premises
• report on the number of employees
• professional qualification certificates
• proof of assets and other income
• most recent financial statements if you’re already in business
• recent updated accounts if you’re already in business
• calculation of profitability for the next 2 years if you’re not yet in business
• copies of signed agreements with customers and partners (if you have any)
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Start-up entrepreneurs

To qualify for a residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur you must:

• either own a recently founded start-up company that aims for growth or are about to establish a start-up company
• have a positive eligibility statement from Business Finland
• have enough money to cover your living costs in Finland

The start-up entrepreneur permit takes up to 2 weeks to get. It’s usually valid for 2 years. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You must obtain a positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland

2. You apply online for a residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

3. You book an identification appointment at the Finnish Embassy in the UK

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• eligibility statement from Business Finland – up to 2 months old from the date of applying if it’s your first time applying for this permit type
• recent financial statements
• recent updated accounts (income statement and balance sheet)
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Research work

You qualify for a residence permit for a researcher if you’re in Finland for any of these reasons:

• carrying out research
• studying for a licentiate degree
• working on your doctoral dissertation

You must also:

• have a signed hosting agreement or employment contract with an authorised research organisation in Finland
• have either a doctoral, master’s or a bachelor’s degree certificate
• meet monthly income requirements
• have enough money to cover your living costs in Finland if you do not have an employment relationship

The researcher residence permit takes up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 or 2 years. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for a residence permit for research or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an identification appointment at the Finnish Embassy in the UK

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• signed hosting agreement or employment contract with the research organisation in Finland
• doctoral, master’s or bachelor’s degree certificate
• proof of income if there’s no legal relationship between the research organisation and you, the researcher
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Culture or arts work

You need to apply for a residence permit if you’re working in, culture or the arts.

To qualify you must:

• have an employment contract or agreement with an employer in Finland
• work professionally in culture or the arts
• have a bachelor’s degree, other relevant professional qualifications, or belong to a professional association
• meet income requirements

This permit takes up to 8 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 1 year. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an identification appointment at the Finnish Embassy in the UK

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• work experience references from your previous employers – in, culture or the arts
• degree certificate
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Athletes, coaches and referees

You need to apply for a  residence permit if you’re working in Finland as an athlete, coach or referee.

You don’t need a visa or permit if working for up to 90 days.

To qualify you must:

• be a professional athlete, coach or referee
• be employed by a sports club or employer based in Finland
• have a Finnish employment contract
• meet income requirements

This permit takes up to 8 weeks to get. It’s usually valid for 1 or 2 years. You can extend it if you meet the required conditions. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about moving to Finland to be with a family member.

How it works

You need to check with Finland’s embassy on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

Before arrival:

1. You apply online for a residence permit or submit a paper form to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. You book an identification appointment at the Finnish Embassy in the UK.

After arrival into Finland:

1. You register at the Digital and Population Data Service Agency (DVV) in Finland.

2. You register with Finland’s tax authorities and get a tax-withholding card or advance tax payment slips, if paying taxes in Finland.

Application documents

Finland’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Documents can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Usually they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• MP1 form if you’re already in Finland and applying for your first residence permit
• Terms of employment form, which has been completed by your employer
• passport photo
• UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for the duration of your stay
• proof that you’re legally living in the country you’re applying from if it’s not the UK
• marriage certificate, if applying with family
• birth certificates of any children, if applying with family

Finnish government guidance

Read official Finnish government information on visas, work permits and residence permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check foreign travel advice for Finland for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Published 22 June 2021
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates

1. 15 April 2024

   Amendments to rules and regulations in 2023 for most visas and permits meant names, definitions and requirements changed, most notably for: Visiting teacher, lecturer or instructor; Intra-company transfer permit; Highly skilled work; Residence permit for an employed person; Start-up entrepreneurs; Culture or arts work

2. 27 September 2023

   Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

3. 23 August 2023

   Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023.)

4. 6 April 2023

   Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

5. 26 January 2023

   Updated the 'Residence permit for specialists' section. It now takes 2 weeks to get a residence permit for specialists. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

6. 30 November 2022

   Updated the list of activities that do not require a visa or permit and the processing time for applications. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

7. 8 March 2022

   Visas and permits now require a passport photo. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

8. 23 November 2021

   Added more information on transporting goods.

9. 22 June 2021

   First published.