If you’re looking to immigrate to Finland and secure a seasonal work permit, there are specific steps you need to follow. Seasonal work in Finland encompasses various types of permits, including a seasonal work visa, seasonal work certificate, and seasonal work residence permit. The type of permit you need depends on the duration of your employment.
Types of Seasonal Work
Seasonal work in Finland covers a range of industries, including agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and tourism. Here’s an in-depth look at the different types of seasonal work:
- Agriculture: This includes tasks related to farming, such as planting and harvesting crops.
- Horticulture: Horticultural work involves the cultivation and maintenance of plants.
- Forestry: Seasonal forestry work includes tasks like logging and forest management.
- Tourism: Working in the tourism sector, such as as a tour guide or in a related role, can also qualify as seasonal work. For a detailed list of available jobs, check out the official job listings.
The seasonal work law in Finland also applies to temporary agency work.
Family Members
When you’re in Finland on a seasonal work residence permit, your family members cannot be granted residence permits based on family ties.
Who Doesn’t Need a Seasonal Work Permit?
You do not need a seasonal work permit in Finland if:
- You come to Finland from a visa-exempt country to pick wild strawberries for a maximum of 90 days, and it’s not a work-related arrangement. If you choose to work under a labor contract, you will need to apply for a residence permit for an employed person (TTOL).
- You are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. You can work in Finland without needing a residence permit. you stay in Finland for more than three months, you must register your residence.
- If you are a British citizen and had permanent residence in Finland before December 31, 2020. If you arrived in Finland on January 1, 2021, or later, you must apply for a seasonal work permit. For more information on British citizens’ work rights, refer to the Brexit page.
Who Can’t Get a Seasonal Work Permit?
You cannot obtain a seasonal work permit in Finland if:
- work on a piece-rate basis and do not have an employment contract with a company operating in Finland.
- are a permanent resident of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland.
- are a posted worker.
- You are coming to Finland to work in wild berry picking.
- You have an indefinite-term employment contract.
The duration of your employment will determine the type of permit you need to apply for.
Short-Term Workers (Less Than Three Months)
If you plan to work for less than three months:
- you are coming from a country whose citizens require a visa, apply for a seasonal work visa from a Finnish mission (embassy or consulate).
- If you are coming from a visa-exempt country, apply for a seasonal work certificate from the Finnish Immigration Service. The seasonal work certificate verifies your right to work. To ensure your stay in Finland is legal, you also need to have visa-free days available for the entire duration of your certificate’s validity. The seasonal work certificate does not extend your visa-free stay in Finland.
Picking berries
If you plan to work in berry picking, you do not need to apply for a permit. However, you will need an entry visa from a Finnish mission if you are coming from a country whose citizens require a visa.
If you intend to work in berry picking in an employment relationship, you must apply for a residence permit for an employed person (TTOL).
Three to Six Months Workers
If you plan to work for three to six months:
- Apply for a seasonal work residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service. In this case, your application will be processed in two stages. First, the Employment and Economic Development Office issues a partial decision. Then, the Finnish Immigration Service processes the application and makes a decision regarding the permit. The length of your employment will determine the type of permit granted.
Adding a New Employer to Your Permit
If you wish to add a new employer to your existing seasonal work permit, you can apply to do so.
Social Security and Healthcare
As a seasonal worker, you must separately apply to the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) for social security benefits and healthcare coverage.
You do not have automatic access to municipal healthcare in Finland. For more information on the rights of seasonal workers, visit Kela’s website.
Processing Seasonal Work Permit Applications
During the peak season for seasonal work, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the processing start date for your employment also plays a role in determining the timing of your decision. Please be patient while waiting for a decision, as all seasonal work permit applications are considered urgent and expedited processing is not available.
In-Demand Seasonal Professions in Finland 2023
Here is a list of the most in-demand seasonal professions in Finland for 2023, as per the Finnish government’s decision:
- Strawberry Picking
- Dairy Cow Farming and Care
- Pig Farming and Care
- Fur Farm Work
- Forest-related Work, including Forestry and Logging
- Cone Collection for Seed Production
- Housing or Restaurant Work, provided that the company’s activities are seasonal
- Working as a Tour Guide or Wilderness Guide
- Ski Instructor
The following professions are not considered seasonal work in Finland according to the Finnish government’s decision:
- Cone Collection for Ornamental Purposes
- Gathering Berries and Wild Mushrooms
- Building a New Pig Farm
- Renovating a Barn
- Renovating Seasonal Worker Housing
- Work Related to Hunting and Fish Farming
- Building Green Spaces and Landscape Management
- Property Maintenance
- Golf Course Maintenance
- Work Related to the Food Industry
Where to Find Seasonal Work in Finland
You can secure a seasonal work contract in Finland for the purpose of seasonal work in Finland by using online job search websites and by reaching out to companies and employers in Finland for your work permit.
Here’s a list of the top websites to search for jobs in Finland:
Obtaining a seasonal work permit in Finland can be your ticket to experiencing this beautiful country while earning a living. Make sure to follow the specific guidelines and application procedures to ensure a smooth transition into the Finnish workforce.
FAQs
- How long does it take to process a seasonal work permit application in Finland?
- Processing times vary, but during the peak season, decisions are typically made on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Can I bring my family with me on a seasonal work permit in Finland?
- No, family members cannot be granted residence permits based on family ties when you are on a seasonal work permit.
- What are the most in-demand seasonal professions in Finland for 2023?
- Some of the most in-demand professions include strawberry picking, dairy cow farming, and ski instructing.
- Can I add a new employer to my existing seasonal work permit?
- Yes, you can apply to add a new employer to your existing seasonal work permit.
- How can I find seasonal work opportunities in Finland?
- You can search for jobs on various job search websites or contact companies directly to secure a seasonal work contract.
Get started on your journey to seasonal work in Finland today!
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