Finland — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
5,650,325 people · Capital: Helsinki · Northern Europe
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Finland is located in Northern Europe, with a population of 5,650,325. Its currency is the euro. Our database tracks 56 visa pathways for Finland, each linked to a named source.
See also: Finland country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (56)
Sponsored Employment (15)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant | €1,463/mo | — | — | — |
| Delivery of a machine or a system | €1,463/mo | — | — | — |
| EU Blue Card | €3,937/mo | €530 | 24 mo | 14d |
| Extended permit for an employed person (TTOL) | €1,600/mo | €230 | 48 mo | 38d |
| Fast track for EU Blue Card | €3,937/mo | — | — | 14d |
| Fast track for specialist and manager (ICT) | €3,937/mo | €530 | 24 mo | 14d |
| Fast track for specialists | €3,937/mo | — | — | 5d |
| Fast track for top and middle management | €1,463/mo | €530 | 24 mo | — |
| Intergovernmental agreement | €1,463/mo | — | — | — |
| Internal transfer within a company | €530/mo | €530 | 36 mo | 14d |
| Intra-corporate transfer (Mobile ICT) | — | €530 | 36 mo | — |
| Residence permit application for an employed person (TTOL) | €1,600/mo | €750 | — | 23d |
| Residence permit application for persons employed as a specialist | €3,937/mo | €630 | 24 mo | 14d |
| Residence permit application for work in top or middle management | €1,463/mo | €530 | 24 mo | 14d |
| Residence permit for employment with international organisations and cooperation between states | €1,463/mo | — | — | — |
Entrepreneur & Business (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast track for startup entrepreneur | €1,210/mo | €650 | 24 mo | 14d |
| Residence permit application for a start-up entrepreneur | €1,210/mo | €650 | 24 mo | — |
| Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur | €1,030/mo | — | 24 mo | 14d |
| Residence permit for an entrepreneur | — | €750 | 24 mo | — |
Study (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application for an extended permit on the basis of studies | €800/mo | €230 | — | — |
| Au pair | €340/mo | €530 | 12 mo | — |
| Internship | €1,463/mo | €530 | 18 mo | — |
| Residence permit application for studies | €800/mo | €600 | — | — |
Research & Academia (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research completed in Finland | €1,210/mo | €530 | — | — |
| Residence permit application for a researcher | €1,463/mo | €530 | 24 mo | — |
| Visiting teacher, lecturer or instructor | €1,463/mo | — | — | — |
Working Holiday (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence permit application for Working Holiday | €4,359/mo | €530 | 24 mo | 30d |
Job Seeker (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application for students and researchers: residence permit to look for work | — | €300 | 24 mo | 1d |
| Post-Study Job Search Permit | €800/mo | €750 | 24 mo | — |
Seasonal Work (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate for seasonal work | €1,463/mo | €200 | 3 mo | 90d |
| Residence permit for seasonal work | €1,463/mo | €530 | 9 mo | 90d |
Family Reunification (8)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption | — | — | — | — |
| Cohabiting partner in Finland with a residence permit | €1,210/mo | €750 | 24 mo | — |
| Cohabiting partner is a Finnish citizen | — | — | — | — |
| Extended permit for a family member | — | — | 48 mo | — |
| Fast track for family member | €1,210/mo | €750 | — | 14d |
| Residence permit application for a child whose parent or guardian has a fixed-term residence permit | — | €400 | — | — |
| Residence permit application on the basis of family ties for a guardian whose child lives in Finland | — | €750 | — | — |
| Spouse in Finland with a residence permit | €1,210/mo | €750 | 24 mo | — |
Spouse & Partner (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse is a Finnish citizen | — | — | — | — |
Ancestry & Descent (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship declaration | — | — | — | — |
| Remigration | — | — | — | — |
General Residence (6)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application for an extended permit on the basis of domestic violence | €1,000/mo | — | 12 mo | — |
| D visa for returning to Finland if your residence permit card is lost, stolen, damaged or has expired abroad | — | €120 | — | 28d |
| Extended permit on other grounds | €3,000/mo | €500 | — | — |
| Residence permit application for other grounds | €1,030/mo | €800 | — | — |
| Residence permit application for person with a degree completed in Finland | €1,210/mo | €530 | 24 mo | 60d |
| Residence permit on the basis of remigration | €2,500/mo | €200 | — | — |
Permanent Settlement (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-EU permit | — | €380 | — | — |
| Permanent Residence Permit | €3,333/mo | €380 | — | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship application for adults | — | — | — | — |
Artists & Entertainers (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete, coach or trainer | €1,149/mo | — | — | — |
| Work in the field of culture or arts | €1,463/mo | — | — | — |
Religious Workers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employee of a religious community | €1,463/mo | €300 | — | 360d |
Media & Journalists (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mass Media Work Residence Permit | — | — | — | — |
Cultural Exchange (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volunteering | — | — | 12 mo | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | Finland | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €764 | €1,200 | -36% |
| Rent (3BR) | €1,800 | €2,000 | -10% |
| Groceries | €339 | €350 | -3% |
| Transport | €85 | €80 | +6% |
| Utilities | €180 | €150 | +20% |
| Dining (meal) | €16 | €15 | +7% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €45,000 |
| Education | €39,000 |
| Engineering | €55,000 |
| Finance | €62,000 |
| Healthcare | €38,000 |
| Hospitality | €28,000 |
| IT | €45,000 |
| Retail | €27,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developers (IT)
- Nurses (Healthcare)
- Construction Engineers (Construction)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Helsinki | 110 | 156 | €0 |
| Aalto University | 138 | 189 | €0 |
| University of Turku | 301 | 98 | €0 |
| University of Tampere | 351 | 87 | €0 |
| University of Jyvaskyla | — | 72 | €0 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 60 of the 60 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 84 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- migri.fi · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-21
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-09
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- migri.fi · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-22
- migri.fi · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- migri.fi · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- migri.fi · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- migri.fi · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Residence permit application for work in top or middle management · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee First permit 530 € / extended permit 230 € Paper application fee First permit 630 € / extended permit 430 € [https://migri.fi/top-and-middle-management]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement in your sector or if you will be working part-time, your salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “"Your salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026"” — migri.fi, 2026-07-09
Residence permit for a start-up entrepreneur · 3 verified requirements
Minimum income: “In 2026, your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. See the table on the page Income requirement for persons who apply for a residence permit on the basis of work.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Minimum investment: “Your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. [self-support/subsistence requirement, not an investment/capital requirement]” — migri.fi, 2026-07-07
Savings / proof of funds: “In 2026, your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. See the table on the page Income requirement for persons who apply for a residence permit on the basis of work.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Fast track for startup entrepreneur · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Business Finland statement required; net ≥€1,210/mo (Helsinki tier); fee €650 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “In 2026, your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. See the table on the page Income requirement for persons who apply for a residence permit on the basis of work.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Minimum investment: “Your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. [self-support/subsistence requirement, not an investment/capital requirement]” — migri.fi, 2026-07-07
Au pair · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Age 17–30; pocket money ≥€340/mo; max 12 months; fee €530 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “pocket money of at least 340 euros per month” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “pocket money of at least 340 euros per month” — migri.fi, 2026-07-07
Residence permit application for a researcher · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “first permit: 530 € / extended permit: 230 €” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Minimum income: “Your salary must at least correspond to the salary specified in the collective agreement that applies to your employment relationship. If there is no general collective agreement in your sector, your gross salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “If you are not in an employment relationship, you must have at least EUR 1,210 per month at your disposal for your living costs in Finland.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Application for an extended permit on the basis of studies · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee **230 €** [https://migri.fi/en/application-for-an-extended-permit-on-the-basis-of-studies]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “It is your responsibility to ensure that you have sufficient financial resources for living in Finland. You must have at least EUR 800 at your disposal every month to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “You need to have at least 800 euros per month at your disposal ... If your studies take 1 year or longer, you must have EUR 9,600 in your bank account when you submit the application” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit application for studies · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “≥€800/mo or €9,600 savings (≥1yr program); fee €600 e-app (2026)” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “You need to have at least 800 euros per month at your disposal to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “take 1 year or longer, you must have EUR 9,600 in your bank account when you submit the application.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit application for Working Holiday · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee 530 € [https://migri.fi/working-holiday/en]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “"You have sufficient funds (about EUR 2,450 for the first three months)"” — migri.fi, 2026-07-09
Savings / proof of funds: “You have sufficient funds for the first months of your stay in Finland (approximately EUR 2,450 for the first 3 months).” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit to look for work or to start a business (post-study) · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Online application fee: First permit 750 € / Extended permit 230 € [https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-to-look-for-work]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “You need to have at least 800 euros per month at your disposal to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs. For example, if you apply for the permit for 2 years, you must have at least 19,200 euros at your disposal.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “You need to have at least 800 euros per month at your disposal to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs.” — migri.fi
Internship · 3 verified requirements
Requirement: “Min gross €1,463/mo if no CBA applies (2026); max 18 months; fee €530 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement in your sector, your gross salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “your gross salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026. This sum meets the condition regarding previous employment (in Finnish: tyossaoloehto) under the Unemployment Security Act.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Fast track for family member · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Family of fast-track applicant; sponsor net ≥€1,210/mo (Helsinki tier); fee €750 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “Place of residence: 1. Helsinki metropolitan area Euro 1,210 /month (net)” — migri.fi, 2026-07-09
Residence permit application for person with a degree completed in Finland · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “FI institution degree; net ≥€1,210/mo (Helsinki)/€1,090/€1,030; fee €530 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “In 2026, your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. See the table on the page Income requirement.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit application for an employed person (TTOL) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee First permit 750 € / extended permit 230 € [https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-for-an-employed-person]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “Your total gross salary must be at least EUR 1,600 per month in 2026. You may earn your income from several employment relationships.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit for an entrepreneur · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Business must be profitable; no fixed income floor; fee €750 e-app (2026)” — migri.fi
Minimum investment: “Proof of financial resources (a bank statement, for example). [...] Attach bank statements from your own bank account from the past three months if you have funds of your own for the initial operating stage of your company or for supporting yourself.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-07
Residence permit application on the basis of family ties for a guardian whose child lives in Finland · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee 750 € [https://migri.fi/en/child-in-finland-with-a-residence-permit]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “Income requirement. The income requirement (requirement for sufficient financial resources) must be met. The income requirement can be proven by submitting evidence of your guardian's salary or income from business activities, for example. (a página confirma que há requisito de…” — migri.fi
Residence permit for seasonal work · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee first permit: 530 € / extended permit: 230 € [https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-for-seasonal-work]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement for the job, your gross wages must be at least 1,463 euros per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit application for other grounds · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Paper application fee First permit 800 € / child 430 € [https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-on-other-grounds]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “"You must have at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month at your disposal, depending on which city or town you live in."” — migri.fi, 2026-07-09
Spouse in Finland with a residence permit · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Sponsor net ≥€1,210/mo (Helsinki)/€1,090 (large city)/€1,030 (other); fee €750 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “Required income: Income thresholds for families as of 1 November 2024 ... 1 adult | 1,210 (EUR/month net) | 14,520 (EUR/year net). (Helsinki metropolitan area; other municipalities 1,090 and 1,030 EUR/month for 1 adult.)” — migri.fi
Permanent Residence Permit · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “4yr path: €40k/yr income or FI degree (A2 lang); 6yr path: B1 lang; fee €380 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “You have lived in Finland for at least 4 years under a continuous residence permit (A permit) or a Brexit permit, and your annual income is more than EUR 40,000.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
EU Blue Card · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee First permit 530 € / extended permit 230 € [https://migri.fi/en/eu-blue-card]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “5. Your gross salary is at least EUR 3,937 per month.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Fast track for specialist and manager (ICT) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Min gross €3,937/mo (2026); higher education required; fee €530 e-app; job offer req” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “3. Your gross salary must be at least EUR 3,937 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Fast track for top and middle management · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “electronic application EUR 530 first permit (paper 630) — migri.fi” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement in your sector or if you will be working part-time, your salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Extended permit for an employed person (TTOL) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic application fee First permit 750 € / extended permit 230 € Paper application fee First permit 950 € / extended permit 430 € [https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-for-an-employed-person]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “Your total gross salary must be at least EUR 1,600 per month in 2026. You may earn your income from several employment relationships.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Application for students and researchers: residence permit to look for work · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “First permit 750 € / Extended permit 230 €” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Savings / proof of funds: “You need to have at least 800 euros per month at your disposal to be able to pay for your accommodation, food and other needs.” — migri.fi
Certificate for seasonal work · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Electronic processing fee **200 €** [https://migri.fi/en/seasonal-work-certificate]” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement for the job, your gross wages must be at least 1,463 euros per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Residence permit application for a child whose parent or guardian has a fixed-term residence permit · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “electronic application EUR 400 (paper 430) — migri.fi” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “The income requirement (requirement for sufficient financial resources) must be met. You can prove that the income requirement is met by submitting evidence of, for example, salary or income from business activities... [specific figure is on the linked 'Income requirement for…” — migri.fi
Cohabiting partner in Finland with a residence permit · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Sponsor net ≥€1,210/mo (Helsinki)/€1,090 (large city)/€1,030 (other); fee €750 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “Required income: Income thresholds for families as of 1 November 2024 — 1. Helsinki metropolitan area: 1 adult | 1,210 €/month (net) | 14,520 €/year (net)” — migri.fi
Residence permit application for persons employed as a specialist · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “First permit 630 € / extended permit 430 €” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Minimum income: “3. Your gross salary must be at least EUR 3,937 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Research completed in Finland · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Net ≥€1,210/mo (Helsinki)/€1,090/€1,030; research done in FI; fee €530 e-app” — migri.fi
Minimum income: “In 2026, your net income must be at least EUR 1,210 / 1,090 / 1,030 per month, depending on where you live. See the table on the page Income requirement.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Application for an extended permit on the basis of domestic violence · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Paper application fee 0 € [https://migri.fi/en/extended-permit-on-the-basis-of-domestic-violence]” — migri.fi
Intergovernmental agreement · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “"your salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026"” — migri.fi, 2026-07-09
P-EU permit · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “5 yrs residence; B2 Finnish/Swedish required; fee €380 e-app (2026)” — migri.fi
D visa for returning to Finland if your residence permit card is lost, stolen, damaged or has expired abroad · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “The processing fee for a paper application is 120 euros. [https://migri.fi/en/d-visa-for-returning-to-finland]” — migri.fi
Athlete, coach or trainer · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “If your income comes from pursuing a trade or business, or from a combination of paid employment and pursuing a trade or business, your gross income from sports must be at least EUR 1,149 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Intra-corporate transfer (Mobile ICT) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Salary per collective agreement; fee €530 e-app; max 3 yrs managers/specialists” — migri.fi
Delivery of a machine or a system · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement in your sector or if you will be working part-time, your salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Work in the field of culture or arts · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “If there is no collective agreement in your sector or if you will be working part-time, your salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Fast track for specialists · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “3. Your gross salary must be at least EUR 3,937 per month in 2026.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Fast track for EU Blue Card · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “If your salary is less than EUR 3,937 per month, you cannot be granted an EU Blue Card.” — migri.fi, 2026-07-06
Internal transfer within a company · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Salary per collective agreement; fee €530 e-app; max 3 yrs managers/specialists” — migri.fi
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Finland have?
Our database tracks 56 visa pathways for Finland across 17 categories, the largest being Sponsored Employment, Family Reunification, General Residence. Each entry links to a named source; we're still tracking down the direct government page for this country.
What is the minimum income for the Application for an extended permit on the basis of domestic violence?
The Application for an extended permit on the basis of domestic violence lists a minimum income of EUR 1,000 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-23).
What is the average salary in Finland?
The average gross salary in Finland is EUR 4,587 per month.
How much does rent cost in Finland?
A one-bedroom apartment in Finland averages EUR 764 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 1,800 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Finland?
The top personal income tax rate in Finland is 52%. The standard VAT rate is 25.5%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Finland?
Among the pathways we track, the Spouse is a Finnish citizen lists 5 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
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