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Employee Residence Permit (TTOL)

The Employee residence permit is Finland’s main route for those hired by a Finnish employer. Since the 2024 reform, all work-based residence permits are handled directly by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) — there is no separate TE-office step. Decisions focus on whether your job, salary and working hours meet Finnish employment standards.
For 2025, the typical minimum for a full-time role is around €1 600 gross / month. Most sectors follow collective agreements (TES) which can set higher pay. Hours must generally reach 30 per week or more. Your employer must be duly registered and insured in Finland, and the offer must reflect a real, continuous job – not on-call or “zero-hour” arrangements.
Legally.fi’s lawyers audit every contract before submission. We verify the TES classification, cross-check employer compliance through YTJ and Vero, and prepare a concise Finnish-language justification letter that helps Migri confirm the job’s legitimacy. For smaller companies, we include a financial-capacity summary so the case officer immediately sees that the position is sustainable.
Our service covers the complete Enter Finland filing, all attachments, and any requests for additional information. We communicate with Migri on your behalf until the decision is issued and assist with registration and tax setup after approval. Typical processing time for a complete file is 1–3 months.

Included in our service

  • Review of employment contract, salary, and TES alignment.
  • Preparation of application and supporting documents in Enter Finland.
  • Communication with Migri through authorised representation.
  • Advice on tax, insurance and registration steps after approval.
    • Start TTOL Application →
    Processing: ≈ 1–3 months · Validity: up to 2 years · Renewable for continuous residence after 4 years.

    Documents needed

  • Signed employment contract showing salary and hours.
  • Employer Business ID and insurance confirmation.
  • Passport and photo meeting Migri requirements.
  • Proof of housing and valid health insurance.

    • Specialist Permit (Fast-Track)

    The Specialist permit is designed for highly qualified professionals, senior experts, researchers, or ICT transferees who bring recognised competence to Finland. Decisions are made directly by Migri under the fast-track procedure with target times of around two weeks once biometrics are given.
    To qualify in 2025 your gross salary must be at least €3 827 per month, and the role must require specialist knowledge or a higher degree. The employment may be permanent or fixed-term but must be full-time. Spouses and children can apply simultaneously and are also eligible for fast-track processing.
    Legally.fi coordinates the entire fast-track process — from validating the employer’s registration to drafting a specialist qualification summary that shows how your duties meet Migri’s expert-level definition. We also ensure your employment terms align with the Employment Contracts Act and that benefits or stock options are correctly presented in the salary calculation.
    For start-ups and technology companies, we assist in linking the application to Business Finland’s startup endorsement when needed. We prepare the full package for Enter Finland and respond immediately to any requests for clarification, preventing delays that often happen with incomplete documents.
  • Salary verification and employer registration check.
  • Specialist role assessment and degree validation.
  • Preparation of fast-track attachments and family applications.
  • Post-decision support for tax and digital ID setup in Finland.
    • Apply via Fast-Track →
    Processing: ≈ 2 weeks after biometrics · Validity: up to 2 years · Renewable if employment continues.

    Documents needed

  • Employment contract stating gross salary ≥ €3 827.
  • Degree certificate or proof of specialist skills.
  • Employer’s business registration and tax info.
  • Passport and biometric appointment confirmation.

    • Entrepreneur / Startup Residence Permit

    This permit is for founders, self-employed professionals and small-business owners operating in Finland. Migri evaluates the company’s viability and the entrepreneur’s ability to support themselves through business income. All decisions are based on financial evidence, not just plans or intentions.
    You must be registered as a sole trader (toiminimi) or partner/shareholder in a Finnish company listed in the Trade Register and able to show steady income that covers living costs — normally about €1 200 net per month after tax and expenses. New startups supported by Business Finland or a recognized accelerator can qualify under the Startup category.
    Legally.fi prepares a robust business evidence package: financial statements, VAT and YEL records, customer contracts, bank statements, and a clear income summary in Migri’s format. We also rectify common errors in bookkeeping and ensure the figures match the tax declarations viewed by the authority. This accuracy is critical — nearly half of rejections result from accounting inconsistencies.
  • Verification of YTJ registration and ownership structure.
  • Financial statement and bank data review for consistency.
  • Preparation of legally compliant business summary for Migri.
  • Ongoing support for renewals and compliance inspections.
    • Get Entrepreneur Support →
    Processing: ≈ 1–3 months · Validity: 1–2 years · Renewal requires proven income and clean accounts.

    Documents needed

  • PRH/YTJ registration extract and company details.
  • Financial reports and accountant letter (English or Finnish).
  • Customer contracts or invoices showing ongoing activity.
  • Bank statements for latest 3–6 months.

    • Seasonal Work Permit (up to 9 months)

    A Seasonal work permit allows non-EU citizens to work in Finland for up to nine months within any twelve-month period in agriculture, forestry, tourism or other approved seasonal sectors. Applications and decisions are handled fully by Migri, usually within about 90 days.
    Employers must pay the lawful sectoral wage and ensure safe working and housing conditions. If total employment exceeds six months, you must apply for a residence permit (not just a visa). A new permit can be issued each year provided the total work time stays under nine months in any twelve-month window.
    Legally.fi assists both employers and workers by checking contracts, preparing the necessary proof of accommodation and insurance, and filing complete applications that pass Migri’s document inspection on the first attempt. We also arrange digital submission for returning workers who re-enter Finland each season.
  • Verification that the role qualifies as seasonal work.
  • Correct wage and housing documentation.
  • Online submission and case monitoring until decision.
  • Renewal coordination for annual return workers.
    • Ask About Seasonal Permits →
    Processing: ≈ 1–3 months · Validity: Up to 9 months per 12-month period.

    Documents needed

  • Employment contract specifying pay, hours and period.
  • Employer registration and insurance proof.
  • Accommodation confirmation and health insurance.
  • Passport valid for full duration of employment.

    • Extension / Renewal of Work Permit

    If you already hold a Finnish work-based residence permit and your employment continues, you must renew your permit before it expires. Renewal is done entirely online in Enter Finland and can often be processed automatically when the job, employer and salary remain unchanged.
    Apply about three months before expiry. Your right to work continues during processing as long as you submit before the old permit ends. Ensure that taxes, insurances and YEL or pension payments are up to date — Migri now cross-checks this automatically with other authorities.
    Legally.fi prepares a renewal package that clearly demonstrates employment continuity: updated contract or payslips, tax data, and insurance certificates. For entrepreneurs we attach fresh accounting summaries showing stable income and zero tax debt. Clean, consistent documentation is the key to fast renewals.
  • Verification of unchanged employment or business conditions.
  • Preparation and upload of new payslips and insurance proofs.
  • Monitoring of decision and response to any requests.
  • Advisory for transition to continuous or permanent permit after four years.
    • Renew My Permit →
    Processing: Often automatic for same employer · Validity: 1–2 years · Apply before expiry to retain right to work.

    Documents needed

  • Updated contract or payslips (latest 3–6 months).
  • Tax data and pension/YEL insurance proof.
  • Passport valid for entire renewal period.
  • Address and insurance confirmation.
    • Work Permits

    Finnish Work Permits & Residence by Employment

    Whether you are an employee, entrepreneur, or specialist, Legally.fi ensures your residence permit is filed correctly, defended professionally, and handled on time. We bridge the gap between your offer and a legal right to work in Finland.
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    Work permits handled

    Talk to a Lawyer

    Multilingual service in English, Finnish, Arabic, French & Russian.
    Phone / WhatsApp: +358 44 979 3978
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    Our Legal Process

  • 1. Assessment

    We review your role, salary and eligibility.

  • 2. Documentation

    Employment or business evidence prepared and verified.

  • 3. Application

    We file in Enter Finland and handle any requests.

  • 4. Decision

    You receive the decision; we guide next steps or appeals.

  • 5. After Approval

    We assist with registration, tax and renewal planning.

    • Why Choose Legally.fi

  • Complete handling from contract review to decision.
  • Accurate alignment with Migri and labour-law requirements.
  • Legally accountable representation — not a broker.
  • Fixed-fee pricing and transparent timelines.
  • Multilingual communication and fast response times.

    • Typical Fees for Work-Permit Cases

    Transparent pricing — complex or appeal cases are quoted individually.
    Consultation €250
    Full Application from €790
    Entrepreneur Permit from €950
    Appeal Support – Custom Quote
    View Full Pricing

    Common Questions About Work Permits

    How long does a work-permit decision take in 2025?

    Most employee and specialist permits are issued within 1–3 months when the file is complete. Fast-track specialists often receive a decision in about two weeks.

    Can I work while waiting for a renewal decision?

    Yes — if you apply before your current permit expires, your right to work continues during processing.

    Can I change employer after approval?

    Some permits are employer-specific. We review your decision letter and advise if a new permit is required before switching.

    What if Migri refuses my application?

    You can appeal within 30 days. Legally.fi prepares the appeal and represents you before the Administrative Court when grounds exist.

    Need Help With Your Work Permit?

    Our legal team will evaluate your eligibility and handle your application from start to finish.

    Prefer to Talk?

    Phone / WhatsApp: +358 44 979 3978
    Book a Call Online →
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