Degree Completed in Finland Work Permit (Oleskelulupa Suomessa suoritetun tutkinnon perusteella)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €1,820

Stay Duration

6-9 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Work permit for graduates of Finnish institutions, waiving labor market testing and offering a pathway to permanent residency.

The Degree Completed in Finland Work Permit allows graduates of Finnish institutions to work based on employment matching their qualifications. This permit streamlines the transition from study to work by waiving typical labor market testing. Employment must meet collective labor agreement salary standards; applicants need sufficient financial resources and health insurance.

This permit is renewable and counts toward permanent residency qualification. Processing typically takes 1 month, occasionally extending to 2 months. Application fees are EUR 530 (electronic) or EUR 630 (paper); renewals cost EUR 230–430 depending on submission method. Spouses may work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for recent graduates of Finnish universities seeking to launch careers in professional roles aligned with their degree.

Cost Breakdown

First permit – electronic applicationEUR €530

First permit – paper applicationEUR €630

Extended permit – electronic applicationEUR €230

Extended permit – paper applicationEUR €430

TotalEUR €1,820

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have completed a degree in Finland.

Must have a signed employment contract or a binding job offer from a Finnish employer.

The salary must meet the requirements of the applicable collective labor agreement.

Must have sufficient financial resources.

Can be applied for regardless of the previous residence permit type held during studies.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

17,556 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Employment contract

Housing confirmation

Passport photos

Employment contract (sponsor)

Employer documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Clear pathway to permanent residency for Finnish graduates seeking work
Spouse can work without restriction or additional permits
Renewable permit with time counting toward permanent residency qualification
No labor market testing required—graduates bypass standard requirements
Dual intent permitted—can apply while maintaining intent to stay long-term
Accessible entry-level salary threshold of EUR 17,556 annually
Fast processing: most decisions within 1 month

Worth Knowing

Employment must directly match degree and qualifications—no career pivots
Fees vary by application method: EUR 530 (electronic) to EUR 630 (paper) for first permit
Health insurance and stable accommodation required before application
Remote work not permitted—must work on-site in Finland
Only available to applicants who completed a degree at a Finnish institution