Finland•Europe2 weeks – 2 months
€230–€630 EUR
Varies by filing options
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Employment-based residence permit for specialists in Finland, offering up to 2 years initial validity and a pathway to permanent residency.
The Specialist Residence Permit fast-tracks visas for highly skilled IT, engineering, and R&D professionals with job offers. Applicants need a higher education degree or proven expertise, a binding contract, and a salary of at least EUR 3,937 monthly. Finland waives labor market testing for this category, recognizing specialized talent is inherently global.
Application fees range from EUR 530 (online, first permit) to EUR 630 (paper, first permit), with extensions at EUR 230–430. Permits run up to two years and are renewable; permanent residence is available. Typical processing takes two weeks; exceptional cases extend to two months. Spouses can work without restriction, and dependents qualify for fast-track processing.
This visa is ideal for international specialists with a bachelor's degree and confirmed employment in high-demand fields where Finland seeks talent.
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
FinlandMust have a binding job offer or employment contract with an employer operating in Finland.
The role must be an expert task requiring special expertise (highly skilled worker).
Must possess a higher education degree or have acquired the required special expertise through work experience or other education.
Gross monthly salary must be at least EUR 3,937 (as of 2026).
Fringe benefits are not counted toward the salary threshold.
Education
bachelor or higher
Min. Income
47,244 EUR/yr
Valid passport
Employment contract
Salary documentation
Passport photos
Transfer notification (sponsor)
Company registration (sponsor)
Parent company verification (sponsor)
| Residence permit application for persons employed as a specialist (OLE_TY2) | Fill online |
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