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EU citizens right to work in Finland

EU citizens and citizens of Liechtenstein and Switzerland can freely work in Finland if the work lasts for a maximum of three months. After that, they must register their right to reside in Finland, but they do not need a special residence permit.

Citizens of the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland) are registered at a Register Office if they stay in Finland longer than six (6) months.

EU citizens may reside in Finland as jobseekers for a reasonable time after a three-month period without registering their right of residence, if they continue to look for employment and if they have a real chance of finding employment.

How is the right to reside in Finland registered?

The employee must go to the local police department to register his or her right to reside in Finland. The police register the right of residence of an employed person in the Register of Aliens and issue a registration certificate verifying the registration. When necessary, the employee must also present a doctor's statement testifying to his or her state of health.

For how long is the right to reside in Finland valid?

Unless it is withdrawn, registration by a person with the right to reside in Finland is valid until further notice. After five years of residence in Finland, the employee can be granted a permanent right of residence.

Registration of EU citizens’ and family members’ residence cards

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