Finland Blue Card: Requirements and Application Guide

Key Takeaways:

• Finnish EU Blue Card allows highly skilled non-EU workers to live and work in Finland when EU nationals aren’t available.
• Requirements include a job offer, special qualifications, minimum salary, higher education, and no public threat.
• Application involves meeting criteria, visiting diplomatic missions, gathering documents, paying fees, and awaiting a decision within four weeks.

What is the Finnish EU Blue Card?

The Finnish EU Blue Card is a residence permit given to highly skilled foreign workers with the right qualifications and experience for certain job positions in Finland. The Blue Card is not a visa. Instead, it provides the right to live and work in Finland for its validity period. This Blue Card is issued to non-EU workers when an EU national is not available for the position. With the EU Blue Card, highly skilled workers can contribute to sectors where there is a shortage of staff.

“The Finnish EU Blue Card allows you to work in Finland only.”

What Are the Requirements for an EU Blue Card in Finland?

Before submitting your application, make sure you meet the following requirements:

1. Employment Contract:
   • You must have a signed employment contract or a job offer from a Finnish employer for at least one year.
2. Professional Qualifications:
   • The job you will perform must require special qualifications or expertise.
3. Minimum Salary Threshold:
   • Your gross income must be more than the average salary set by Finland. For instance, in 2022, the salary requirement was at least €5,069 per month or approximately €60,828 per year.
4. Education:
   • You must have a higher education degree recognized in Finland.
5. Security and Health:
   • You must not pose any threat to public health, public order, or security of Finland.
   • You have not been prohibited from entering Finland and do not endanger Finland’s international relations.

What Professions Can You Work in With a Finnish Blue Card?

The Finnish Blue Card is intended for highly qualified individuals in sectors with employee shortages. Some of these professions include:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• Nursing Associate Professional
• Health Care Assistant
• Social Work and Counseling Professional
• Generalist and Specialist Medical Practitioner
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Early Childhood Educator
• Audiologist and Speech Therapist
• Dentist
• Psychologist
• Special Needs Teacher
• Project and Product Manager
• Welder and Flame Cutter
• Contact Center Salesperson

How to Apply for an EU Blue Card in Finland?

Applying from Abroad

1. Ensure Requirements Are Met:
   • Check that you meet all requirements for a Blue Card.
2. Visit Finnish Diplomatic Mission:
   • Visit the nearest Finnish Embassy or Consulate in your country to set up an appointment.
3. Gather Documents:
   • Collect the required documents (detailed below).
4. Fill Out the Application:
   • Complete the EU Blue Card application form.
5. Pay the Fee:
   • Pay the application fee online.
6. Wait for Decision:
   • Await the decision on your application.

Applying from Finland

1. Meet the Requirements:
   • Ensure all criteria for a Finnish Blue Card are fulfilled.
2. Book Appointment:
   • Schedule an appointment with the Finnish Immigration Service.
3. Gather Documents:
   • Assemble necessary documents.
4. Fill Out Application:
   • Complete the application form.
5. Await Decision:
   • Wait for the decision from Finnish Immigration Services.

What Documents Do You Need for an EU Blue Card in Finland?

To support your application, you’ll need:

• EU Blue Card Application Form: Complete with all necessary information and signed.
• Valid Passport: Must be issued within the last ten years and have at least six months of validity.
• Passport-Size Photograph: Taken within the last six months, in passport format (47mm x 36mm).
• Copies of Passport Pages: Include pages with personal data and notes.
• Proof of Education: Documents proving higher education completed in a recognized institution in Finland, which required at least three years of study (e.g., diploma, certificate).
• Proof of Legal Stay: Document showing you are legally residing in Finland, if applying within Finland.

How Much Does it Cost for an EU Blue Card in Finland?

The fees for a Finnish EU Blue Card are:

• Paper Application: €480
• Extension (Paper Application): €430
• Online Application: €380
• Extension (Online Application): €160
• Renewal: €190
• Replacement: €100

Where to Pay the Finland EU Blue Card Fee?

Payment can be made through:

• The “Enter Finland” online service.
• At a Finnish Embassy or Consulate.
• At a Finnish Immigration Service point.

Visit the Finnish Immigration Service for more detailed information.

What Is the Processing Time for an EU Blue Card?

The average processing time for both electronic and paper applications is around four weeks. However, it may take up to 90 days if the application is not completed correctly.

“If you have applied through the e-service, you will receive an email or text message once the decision has been made.”

Can You Bring Your Family to Finland with a Blue Card?

Yes, the EU Blue Card allows you to bring your spouse and children under 18 years to Finland. They have the same rights as you and can accompany you to other EU countries, provided they obtain a residence permit in those countries.

What Is the Duration of an EU Blue Card?

The Finnish Blue Card is generally issued for two years. However, if your employment contract is shorter than two years, the card’s validity will match the duration of your employment contract plus an additional three months.

Can You Use Your Finnish Blue Card to Work in Another EU Country?

While the Finnish Blue Card allows you free movement within the EU for travel purposes, it cannot be used to work in another EU country. You must apply for a separate EU Blue Card in that country. If your application is not granted, you can return to Finland for another three months.

“You cannot seek employment in another EU country without spending 18 months in Finland on an EU Blue Card.”

What Are the Benefits of the EU Blue Card?

Working in Finland with an EU Blue Card offers several benefits:

• Equal treatment with Finnish nationals.
• Free access to Finnish territory and other EU countries.
• Regulated working hours (Maximum 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week).
• Overtime work up to 138 hours within four months, and up to 250 hours yearly with compensation.
• Paid leave including two rest days a week, 11 public holidays, and five weeks of annual vacation.
• Maternity leave for 30 weekdays before childbirth and 105 weekdays after birth.
• Paternity leave from 6 to 12 days.
• Sick leave after one month of employment.
• Access to Finland’s healthcare services.
• Access to free education and public services.
• Eligibility to bring family members to live with you.

What Happens if You Lose Your Job While Working on a Blue Card in Finland?

If you lose your job, you can stay in Finland for an additional three months to find new employment. If the job search lasts longer than three months, you will need to leave Finland.

Can Your Finnish EU Blue Card Be Refused?

Yes, Finnish authorities can refuse a Blue Card if you do not meet the requirements. Reasons for refusal can include providing false documents or acquiring submitted documents fraudulently. In case of refusal, you will be notified by the Finnish Immigration Services in line with Finnish National Law.

Is There a Faster Way to Get a Blue Card for Finland?

Yes, there is a fast-track service for first-time applicants seeking a residence permit for a shorter period, such as two weeks. For more information on applying via the fast track service, visit the Finnish Immigration Service’s official website.

In summary, the Finnish EU Blue Card is a fantastic opportunity for highly skilled workers to live and work in Finland. Following the outlined requirements and properly preparing your application can significantly ease the process of obtaining this valuable Finnish residence permit.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

1. EU Blue Card:
   
   A residence permit designed for highly skilled non-EU workers, enabling them to live and work in an EU country such as Finland for the duration of their employment.
2. Minimum Salary Threshold:
   
   The minimum salary requirement set by a country, which applicants must meet or exceed to qualify for the EU Blue Card. For Finland, this was €5,069 per month in 2022.
3. Employment Contract:
   
   A signed agreement between an employer and employee, specifying the terms of employment including duration, and required for the EU Blue Card application.
4. Professional Qualifications:
   
   Special skills or expertise required for certain job positions, which applicants must possess to be eligible for the EU Blue Card.
5. Finnish Immigration Service:
   
   The authority responsible for processing immigration applications and issuing residence permits like the EU Blue Card in Finland.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Finnish EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly skilled non-EU workers, enabling them to live and work in Finland. It requires specific qualifications, a job offer, and a minimum salary threshold, aimed at filling gaps in sectors with labor shortages, like IT, healthcare, and engineering.
— By VisaVerge.com

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