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Working in Finland

An alien who intends to take up paid employment in Finland usually needs a residence permit for an employed person. A person engaged in an independent business or profession in Finland must have a residence permit for a self-employed person.

However, there are many exceptions to this rule. For example, citizens of European Union (EU) Member States and equivalent persons do not need a residence permit for an employed person or for a self-employed person.

Member States of the European Union

In addition to Finland, the Member States of the European Union (EU) are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Similar provisions on the right of movement that apply to citizens of EU Member States also apply to citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Webservice "Migrating to Finland?"

The service helps you evaluate whether you require a visa or a residence permit to Finland and what the requirements are.

www.migri.fi/migratingtofinland

Further information

Flowchart: residence permit for an employed person and a self-employed person

Working in Finland? - Information about living and working in Finland
(Publication of Ministry of Employment and the Economy)

Further information on employment and entrepreneurship in Finland

Frequently asked questions: employment

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