Embarking on a journey to Finland is an exciting adventure not just for you, but for your entire family. Finland is known for welcoming skilled workers and offering a pathway for your loved ones to join you, making your move a true family affair.
Forget about solo backpacking trips—Finland is calling, and it’s a family event! Imagine landing your dream job in the land of saunas and the Northern Lights, with your family by your side for the adventure. Finland isn’t just about work-life balance and happy citizens; it’s about making sure your move includes everyone you care about.
With competitive salaries, a robust social safety net, and an immigration process that encourages family reunification, Finland makes it easy to bring your loved ones along. So, how do you turn this Nordic dream into reality? Let’s dive into the visa process, from finding job opportunities to securing family visas, all with a touch of Finnish charm.
Where to Find Job Opportunities in Finland
The first step toward moving to Finland is securing a job, which will then allow you to apply for a Finnish work visa and family visas. Here are the top platforms where you can search for job opportunities in sectors experiencing labor shortages in Finland:
- TE-palvelut – Website
- Jobs in Finland – Website
- Job Market Finland – Website
- EURES – European Job Mobility Portal – Website
- Duunitori – Website
- Monster Finland – Website
- LinkedIn – Website
- Oikotie – Website
- Academic Work Finland – Website
- Occupation Mismatch List for Finland – Website
After securing a job offer, you’ll need to choose the appropriate work visa from the options below:
Types of Work Visas Available in Finland
Finland offers various work visas depending on your profession and qualifications. These include:
- 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 entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Finland.
- Seasonal Work Permit: For those working in agriculture or tourism, typically during peak seasons.
Once you’ve decided on the type of visa, follow the steps below to apply for both your work and family visas.
How to Apply for Finnish Work and Family Visas: A Step-by-Step Guide
With a job offer in hand, you can begin the application process by gathering the necessary documents:
- Valid Passports: Ensure that your passport and those of all family members are up to date.
- Job Offer Letter: This should include your job title, salary, and contract duration.
- Proof of Qualifications: Include educational certificates and any relevant professional licenses.
- Health Insurance: Coverage must be provided for the entire duration of your stay in Finland.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements that show your ability to support your family.
Step 2: Apply Online via the Enter Finland Portal
Finland’s online portal, Enter Finland, allows you to submit your work visa application along with applications for your family members. Here’s how:
- Create an Account: Enter Finland
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the online form with all required details. Be thorough to avoid delays.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload all necessary documents for yourself and your family members.
- Pay the Application Fee: The fee is €380 for the work visa if applying online (€480 for paper applications). For family visas, the fee is €160 per family member when applying online (€240 for paper applications).
- Submit the Application: Once everything is in order, submit your application for processing.
Step 3: Visit the Finnish Mission
After submitting your online application, you’ll need to visit a Finnish embassy or consulate to complete the process:
- Submit Original Documents: Present the original copies of all uploaded documents.
- Provide Biometrics: Fingerprints and photographs will be taken as part of the process.
- 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 undergo two stages:
- Employment and Economic Development Office: They will review your employment contract and qualifications.
- Finnish Immigration Service: They will finalize your application and assess the applications for your family members.
Once approved, you’ll receive a residence permit card, allowing you to live and work in Finland. Your family members will receive dependent visas, enabling them to join you.
Step 5: Moving to Finland Together
With your work visa and your family’s dependent visas in hand, you’re ready to start your new life in Finland. This marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, safety, and a bright future for you and your loved ones. Finland is renowned for its welcoming nature, excellent education system, and high quality of life, making it the perfect place for families to thrive.