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Residence permit to look for work or to start a business
FinlandFinland•Europe
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Residence permit to look for work or to start a business

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €1,550

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Overview

Search for work or launch a business in Finland for up to 2 years after completing your studies there.

Finland's residence permit for job seekers is designed for international graduates and researchers who completed studies in Finland and seek to launch careers in the country. It grants unrestricted work authorization for any employment or entrepreneurial venture. Applicants must apply within five years of their previous permit's expiration and demonstrate EUR 9,600 in financial resources.

Valid for up to 2 years per issuance (if split, total span cannot exceed 3 years), this non-renewable permit costs EUR 750–800 and processes in 2–3 months. Spouses may work without restrictions. Holders can transition to standard work-based permits and pursue permanent residence.

This visa is ideal for recent international graduates and researchers who studied in Finland and wish to seek employment or launch a business venture.

Cost Breakdown

Online applicationEUR €750
Paper applicationEUR €800
TotalEUR €1,550

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

TTOL — Residence Permit for an Employed Person (Työntekijän oleskelulupa)
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TTOL — Residence Permit for an Employed Person (Työntekijän oleskelulupa)

Validity1 year
Processing3 weeks – 2 months
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Entrepreneur Residence Permit (Yrittäjän oleskelulupa)
Finland flagFinland

Entrepreneur Residence Permit (Yrittäjän oleskelulupa)

ValidityVaries (Maximum duration for transfer; extensible if transfer continues)
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details
Specialist Residence Permit (Erityisasiantuntijan oleskelulupa)
Finland flagFinland

Specialist Residence Permit (Erityisasiantuntijan oleskelulupa)

Validity2 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details
Startup — Start-up Entrepreneur Residence Permit (Startup-yrittäjän oleskelulupa)
Finland flagFinland

Startup — Start-up Entrepreneur Residence Permit (Startup-yrittäjän oleskelulupa)

Validity2 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have held a residence permit for studies or research in Finland.

Must have completed a degree in Finland, finished research work, or completed a doctoral degree in Finland.

Must not have found a job yet.

Must apply within five years from the date the previous residence permit for studies or research expired.

Must have sufficient financial resources to support oneself during the job-seeking period.

Must be residing legally in Finland if applying for an extended permit.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Income

9,600 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Proof of completed degree or research work in Finland (e.g., diploma, certificate).

Proof of sufficient financial resources (e.g., bank statements).

Completed application form (via Enter Finland or paper form).

Passport photo.

Receipt of payment for the processing fee.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Unrestricted right to work during permit validity—no job offer needed upfront
  • Low financial threshold at EUR 14,520, making it accessible to most recent graduates
  • Spouse can work without restriction, enabling dual-income households
  • Pathway to permanent residence via conversion to other long-term work permits
  • Processing varies by case, keeping visa timeline manageable
  • Up to 2 years total residence with renewal options
  • Covers diverse career fields from technical to creative sectors
  • Dual intent permitted—can plan settlement while job-seeking

Worth Knowing

  • Requires prior residence permit for studies or research in Finland as foundation
  • Must apply within strict five-year window from previous permit expiration
  • Limited to bachelor degree holders or equivalent academic qualification
  • Renewable permit—extension available but requires ongoing job search or business preparation

Application Process

1

Complete the application in Enter Finland.

2

Pay the processing fee.

3

Prove your identity at a Finnish mission or Migri service point.

4

Follow the status of your application online.

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