Finland

Work Assignment

(rather short-term, ie some months to three years, contract and social security as far as possible abroad and intended return to origin)

ICT-Card

An employee may apply for a residence permit for intra-corporate transfer (Mobile ICT) if they are transferred internally to Finland within a company or group of companies. It is required that the employee works as a manager, specialist or trainee and holds a competence or education required for the job.

The salary must also correspond to the salary specified in the collective agreement that applies to the employment relationship or if there is no applicable collective agreement, the gross salary must correspond to the salary level observed for similar work at the host company. If there is no one performing similar work at the host company, the salary must at least be customary and fair. Applying via fast-track is possible for specialists and managers (decision in two weeks).

In case an ICT residence permit has been issued by another EU country, an employee is allowed to work in Finland up to 90 days (short-term mobility). An employee is allowed to start working as soon as a complete application for long-term mobility has been submitted to the Finnish Immigration Service.

Residence permit on the basis of work

Please see under “Employment Immigration”.

Employment Immigration

(rather long-term or indefinite, local contract and social security)

EU Blue Card

Preconditions for EU Blue Card:

• A signed employment contract or a binding job offer;
• Work is highly qualified employment;
• Higher educational degree that takes at least three years to complete;
• Salary higher than average: gross minimum salary of EUR 5,457 per month (fringe benefits or daily allowances not counted towards this sum); and
• Work in Finland will last at least for one year.

An EU Blue Card is issued for a maximum period of two years at a time. An employee is allowed to work only in Finland with an EU Blue Card, but the permit is not bound to a certain employer. If an employee has been granted an EU Blue Card by Finland, they may move to another EU country and if such country does not grant an EU Blue Card, an employee may return to Finland. Applying via fast-track is possible (decision in two weeks).

If EU Blue Card requirements are not met, it is still possible to apply for a residence permit for a specialist or a regular residence permit on the basis of work (please see below).

Residence permit on the basis of work

It is also possible to apply for a regular or specialist residence permit on the basis of work. As a general rule, the residence permit on the basis of work is required from day one.

Specialist

Requirements that must be met:

• A signed employment contract or a binding job offer;
• Task requires special expertise;
• Salary higher than average (at least EUR 3,638 per month, fringe benefits or daily allowances not counted towards this sum);
• Higher education degree or otherwise verified special expertise required in their work through work experience or other education

Applying via fast-track is possible (decision in two weeks).