Pack Your Bags, the Whole Family’s Moving to Finland! (And We’ll Show You How)
Finland not only welcomes skilled workers but also provides a pathway for your loved ones to join you, ensuring that your move is a family affair.
Finding a job in Finland is the first step towards applying for a Finnish work visa and then you will apply for family visas too. Here are the top platforms where you can search for work opportunities in Finland in sectors experiencing labor shortages:
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
Applying for Finnish Work and Family VISA (Step by Step Process)
With a job offer in hand, you can begin the application process by gathering the necessary documents:
- Valid Passports: Ensure that your and all family members’ passports are up to date.
- Job Offer Letter: This must include details such as your job title, salary, and duration of the contract.
- Proof of Qualifications: Educational certificates and any professional licenses relevant to your job.
- Health Insurance: Coverage for the entire period you and your family plan to stay in Finland.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Bank statements demonstrating your ability to support your family.
Step 2: Apply Online via Enter Finland Portal
Finland offers a convenient online portal called Enter Finland where you can submit your work visa application along with applications for your family members. Here’s how:
- Create an Account:https://enterfinland.fi/eServices
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the online application form with all required details. Be meticulous to avoid delays.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload all necessary documents for you and your family members.
- Pay the Application Fee: For the work visa, the fee is €380 if you apply online, but it increases to €480 if you submit a paper application. For family visas, which are residence permits based on family ties, the fee is €160 per family member when applying online, and €240 per family member if you apply on paper.
- Submit the Application: Once everything is in place, submit the application for processing.
Step 3: Visit the Finnish Mission
After submitting the online application, the next step involves visiting a Finnish embassy or consulate:
- 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 the documents and forward your application to the Finnish Immigration Service for final processing.
Step 4: Processing and Decision
Your application will go through two stages:
- Employment and Economic Development Office: They will make an initial decision based on your employment contract and qualifications.
- Finnish Immigration Service: They will finalize your application. This stage also includes assessing the applications for your family members.
Once approved, you will receive a residence permit card. This card allows you to live and work in Finland, and your family members will receive dependent visas, allowing them to join you.
Step 5: Moving to Finland Together
With your work visa and your family’s dependent visas in hand, you are ready to start your new life in Finland. The journey doesn’t end with the visas—this is just the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, safety, and a bright future for you and your family. Finland is known for its welcoming nature, excellent education system, and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place for families to thrive.
