Finland EU Blue Card

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you have exceptional qualifications and experience in a sought-after field, the Finland EU Blue Card could be your way to a rewarding career and a fulfilling life in the country.

This residence permit, designed in accordance with EU standards, offers a streamlined pathway for non-EU citizens to live and work in Finland.

With its focus on attracting top talent, the Blue Card not only grants you the right to work in Finland but also opens doors to potential permanent residency and the freedom to move within the European Union.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Finland EU Blue Card?

The Finland EU Blue Card is designed to attract the best talent outside the EU. To qualify, you'll need to demonstrate exceptional skills and meet specific criteria:

• Minimum gross annual remuneration: Your job offer in Finland must guarantee a minimum gross salary of €3,638 per month as of January 1, 2024. This threshold ensures you can comfortably support yourself in Finland and contribute to the economy.
• Employment contract: You must have a binding employment contract for at least one year to demonstrate the stability and long-term nature of your employment in Finland.
• Higher professional qualifications: You must hold a higher education degree that requires at least three years of study, showcasing your advanced academic qualifications and specialised knowledge in your field.
• Alternatively, if you work in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) or as a service manager, you'll qualify with at least five years of relevant professional experience. This experience must still be comparable to a three-year university degree and acquired within the last seven years before your application.
• Other requirements: In addition to these specific criteria, you must also fulfil the general requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Finland. These may include providing a clean criminal record, proof of health insurance, and demonstrating sufficient financial means to support yourself during your initial stay.
• If you're already in Finland and applying for a first residence permit, fill in and sign this form.

Remember to double-check the specific document requirements on the official Finland Migration website, as they might vary depending on your circumstances.

All documents must be translated and legalised in Finnish, Swedish or English. These translations should be included, and the original copies not in place of them.

Exclusions:

The EU Blue Card does not apply to specific categories of workers, including:

• Seconded workers
• Long-term residents
• Researchers
• Persons under temporary protection
• Asylum seekers
• Seasonal workers

If you don't meet all the eligibility criteria for the Blue Card, you might still be able to apply for a residence permit under the "specialist" category.

Meeting these requirements will make you a highly desirable candidate for the Finland EU Blue Card and open doors to many professional opportunities.

What is the application process for the Finland EU Blue Card?

Applying for the Finland EU Blue Card involves a multi-step process that should be completed both online and in-person. It can seem a little daunting at first, but we've outlined the step-by-step process below to simplify it.

Preparation

1. Meet the requirements: Ensure you fulfil all the eligibility criteria for the Blue Card, including having a valid job offer, meeting the minimum salary threshold, and possessing the required qualifications or experience.
2. Gather documents: Collect all the necessary supporting documents, including your passport, passport photo, proof of education or professional experience, employment contract, and proof of health insurance.
3. Translations and legislations: If any of your documents are not in Finnish, Swedish, or English, have them translated and legalised as required.

Filling in the application

You have two options for submitting your application:

1. Online application: This is the preferred and most efficient method.
   • Access the Enter Finland portal here and complete the online application form.
   • Attach all required documents electronically.
   • Pay the processing fee of €380 using a credit card or Finnish online banking.
2. Paper application:
   • If you can't use the online service, fill out a paper application. You can download it here.
   • Submit the completed form and all supporting documents to the Finnish diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country of origin or residence.

Employer supplement

• After you submit your application, your employer must supplement it by stating your terms of employment. They can do this online through the Enter Finland for Employers portal or by using a paper form.

Proving your identity

• If applying from abroad, book an appointment at a Finnish embassy or consulate to prove your identity, present original documents, and have your fingerprints taken.
• If applying from within Finland, book an appointment at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service to prove your identity, present original documents, and have your fingerprints taken.

Waiting for the decision

• You can check the progress of your application here on the Enter Finland portal or use their processing time checker to get an idea of when you might hear back. It should take about a month for your application to go through, and you'll be notified if there are any issues with your application.

Receiving the residence permit

• If you're approved, you will receive a residence permit card stating "EU Blue Card." This card is proof of your legal residency in Finland and contains your photograph and fingerprints. You may need to visit an embassy/consulate or service point to provide your biometrics if you haven't already done so.

If you start the process early, double-check everything, and use online services whenever possible, you'll have a smooth and hopefully quick process. The official Finnish Immigration Service website is a great help for further information and updates.

What is the valid duration of the Finland EU Blue Card?

The Finland EU Blue Card offers a period of residency and work authorisation, with the potential for extension and even a pathway to permanent residency.

Initial validity

The Blue Card is initially granted for a period aligned with your employment contract, up to a maximum of two years. If your contract is for less than two years, the Blue Card will be issued for the duration of the contract plus an additional three months.

This initial validity allows you to establish yourself in Finland and contribute your skills to the workforce.

Extension

After the initial period, you can apply for an extension of your Blue Card, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

For employment contracts lasting longer than one year, your employer will be asked to provide specific documents annually to demonstrate that you still meet the requirements and that your salary remains above the minimum threshold.

Permanent residence

After holding an EU Blue Card and living in Finland for five years, you will be able to apply for a permanent residence permit.

It's important to note that only the time spent living in Finland with an EU Blue Card counts toward this five-year requirement. Time spent in other EU member states with a Blue Card doesn't contribute to eligibility.

What are the application costs and fees of the Finland EU Blue Card?

Applying for the Finland EU Blue Card involves specific fees that you or your employer will need to cover:

Electronic application fees

• First permit: €380
• Extended permit: €170

Paper application fees

• First permit: €480
• Extended permit: €430

It's best to apply electronically via the Enter Finland platform, as it offers a lower processing fee and potentially a faster processing time.,

Talk to a visa consultant

The guide above should be enough to guide you through the process of acquiring an EU Blue Card for Finland, but with everything else going on in your life, it can be stressful due to so many moving parts. Enlisting in the help and guidance of a visa consultant could be your answer to simplify the journey and maximise your chances of success.

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