Political System: Republic
Capital City: Helsinki
Total Area: 338,145 km2
Population: 5.3m
Currency: Euro
Introduction
Finland’s neighbours in northern Europe are Sweden, Russia and Norway. The country is largely lowland oriented at only 175m above sea level, the only exception being a small highland area in the northwest of the country. The population density is low and as a result the country contains many quiet and unspoiled areas with beautiful marshland as well as thousands of lakes and rivers’.
Historically Finland’s economy was focused on agrarian business activities; it has transformed itself to a high tech economy where over 50% of its exports are generated through technology based businesses. Finland’s economy performed extremely well over a number of years but in 2009 it was affected by the global downturn which impacted exports as well as domestic demand. Improvement during 2010 has had a positive impact and Finland still possesses a strong and competitive manufacturing base in telecommunications, electronics, wood and metal industries.
Services
We offer the following services in Finland for non-EU citizens:-
- Worker’s residence permit
- Residence permit
- Highly skilled work visa's
- Self-employment permit/starting a company
- Intra-company transfer
Both are applied for from the applicants home country before entering Finland, both are valid for a maximum one year initially, and then for the duration of the assignment/work. Both have a similar application process, except the worker’s residence permit requires the approval of the Finnish labour authorities, which is achieved by completing and attaching a special form to the application. The process for the worker’s residence permit takes slightly longer, 1 -2 weeks, than a residence permit.
In both instances the applicant must complete the application form, and provide proof of his/her livelihood in Finland and the reason for coming here (work contract, assignment contract, invitation letter, family ties etc).
Workers Residence Permit (Click here for more information)
A work permit gives the holder the right to work in Finland; it is issued for a maximum of 1 year when first applied for, then for the duration of the assignment if it's shorter and a fixed term. A work permit needs to be applied for before entering Finland though the closest Finnish mission abroad (Finnish embassy or consulate in the home country or country of residence). The applicant must provide a carefully completed application document together with the required attachments such as educational diplomas, assignment contract, employment contract or similar, providing information on the work or assignment in Finland, as well as the salary and duration.
Our Service
- Supplying a checklist for any and all documents to be submitted
- Confirmation of the office where documents must be submitted
- Assistance in filling the permit application document properly
- Handling immigration questions received from the authorities and applicants
- General advice/instruction during the application process
- Expediting the process where required due to urgency
The fees and other required attachments vary from country to country and from embassy to embassy, and they must be checked every time with the embassy/consulate in question.
Residence Permits (both short and long term) (Click here for more information)
A Residence Permit is issued for a maximum initial period of 1 year, and after 5 years, one can secure a permanent Residence Permit. The Residence Permit should be applied for prior to entering the country, which is exactly the same as a work permit. Under special circumstances this can be applied for in country, but the process is longer, requires more paperwork and is also more expensive, so we do not recommended. It takes 6-8 weeks from the time the application arrives to Finland.
Our Service
- Supplying a checklist for any and all documents to be submitted
- Confirmation of the office where documents must be submitted
- Assistance in filling the permit application document properly
- Handling immigration questions received from the authorities and applicants
- General advice/instruction during the application process
- Expediting the process where required due to urgency
The fees and other required attachments vary from country to country and from embassy to embassy, and they must be checked every time with the embassy/consulate in question.
Highly Skilled Work Visas (Click here for more information)
This type of visa, though not uncommon in other EU countries is not a specific visa type in Finland (though plans exist for Finland to implement the EU Blue card scheme for skilled workers). The closest case is if an individual meets certain educational, income and job description details he/she doesn't require a work permit, only a residence permit is required. The applicant should have income higher than EUR 3000,-/month) and university degree, and the job position requires "special expertise". (Usually IT sector or middle-high management).
Our Service
- Supplying a checklist for any and all documents to be submitted
- Confirmation of the office where documents must be submitted
- Assistance in filling the permit application document properly
- Handling immigration questions received from the authorities and applicants.
- General advice/instruction during the application process
- Expediting the process where required due to urgency
The fees and other required attachments vary from country to country and from embassy to embassy, and they must be checked every time with the embassy/consulate in question.
Self-Employment Permit / Starting A Company (Click here for more information)
Non-EU citizens need a residence permit for a self-employed person in order to engage in business activities in Finland. In order to be issued with a permit, the applicant's business activity must be profitable. The profitability of the business activity is estimated on the basis of various reports that are obtained in advance, such as the business plan or binding preliminary contracts and funding agreements. The deliberation is conducted by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.
Our Service
- Supplying a checklist for any and all documents to be submitted
- Confirmation of the office where documents must be submitted
- Assistance in filling the permit application document properly
- Handling immigration questions received from the authorities and applicants
- General advice/instruction during the application process
- Expediting the process where required due to urgency
The fees and other required attachments vary from country to country and from embassy to embassy, and they must be checked every time with the embassy/consulate in question.
Intra-Company Transfer (Click here for more information)
Contact us to speak to one of our immigration specialists.