Visas for Finland follow the Schengen framework, and the country’s status as an EU/EEA member state means that EU and EEA nationals can live and work there without a visa or residence permit. Citizens of the USA, Australia, Japan, and some other countries also benefit from visa-free short stays. Non-EU nationals who plan to stay longer than 90 days will generally need a residence permit, and Finland has tightened its immigration requirements in recent years.
After late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) becomes mandatory, and visa-exempt non-EU nationals will need to obtain pre-travel authorisation before visiting any Schengen country, including Finland. Travellers should check the official ETIAS website for the confirmed launch date and requirements.
Tourist visas for Finland
Tourist visas for Finland are not required by nationals of Nordic countries, the USA, Australia, Monaco, and Japan, among others. Those from countries that do not have visa agreements with Finland will need to apply for a tourist visa to enter the country legally.
Tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days during a 180-day period. Those looking to travel to Finland for tourism, business, or family visit purposes must ensure their passport will be valid for at least three months after their intended departure from the Schengen zone. The passport must also have been issued within the previous 10 years. It is also essential to secure travel insurance and provide proof of accommodation, funds and a return ticket.
Some expat visitors may be required to write a cover letter detailing the reason for their visit to Finland. Those invited to Finland by a friend or family member can submit an invitation letter with their Schengen visa application. The letter must include the details of the family member or friend, as well as their residence status in Finland.
Useful links
Business visas for Finland
Business visas for Finland are distinct from standard Schengen tourist visas, which do not permit holders to work or study. Expats must therefore ensure they apply for the correct visa type. The Business Schengen Visa for Finland will allow holders to perform business activities in the country at the invitation of a Finnish company.
New arrivals will need to submit an invitation letter, proof of funds and a letter from their employer stating the reason for their travels to Finland and the intended duration of their stay. The company will be expected to submit additional documents, such as its trade licence, memorandum, and articles of association.
Work permits for Finland
Work permits for Finland are tied to residence permits for non-EU and non-EEA nationals who plan to stay longer than 90 days. It is not possible to secure a work permit before receiving a job offer. Expats must submit their employment contract along with their university qualifications and proof of professional experience.
Only those undertaking seasonal work in Finland will be exempt from the university degree requirement. Seasonal workers from visa-exempt countries who will be in the country for no more than 90 days need a seasonal work certificate rather than a residence permit. Those staying between three and nine months require a residence permit for seasonal work.
Residence permits for Finland
Residence permits for Finland are required by most non-EU expats who wish to work and live in the country. EU nationals have the right to live and work in Finland, so this will not be a necessity for them. There are multiple types of resident permits available for newcomers looking to work in Finland. These include those for specialists, seasonal workers, interns, startup entrepreneurs and media representatives, among others.
Those who are EU Blue Card holders or those coming to Finland to work as specialists, startup entrepreneurs or managers with an ICT residence permit in top or middle management can fast-track their residence permit application.
Holders of these residence permits are eligible for D visas, which allow them to immediately travel to Finland and forego the usual one or two-week wait other expats may be subjected to.
Expats can become eligible for permanent residency status in Finland after holding a continuous residence permit for six years, provided they also demonstrate satisfactory Finnish or Swedish language skills and at least two years of work history. A four-year path is also open to applicants who meet stricter criteria, such as a high annual income or a postgraduate degree recognised in Finland.
Finnish citizenship requires eight years of continuous legal residence in the country, although applicants who demonstrate the required Finnish or Swedish language skills may qualify after five years.
Useful links
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri): Home
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri): Permanent Residence Permit
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.