Long-stay visas (Type D)
Finnish Residence permit for a specialist
A faster work-permit track for highly qualified specialists on a higher salary, exempt from the labour-market test.
Important information
- Issued by
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)
- Minimum salary (2026)
- At least EUR 3,937 gross per month
- Fringe benefits and daily allowances do not count toward the threshold
- Labour-market test
- Not required
- Fast track
- Available for eligible complete applications
- Migri targets a two-week decision for fast-track specialists
Who it's for
Highly qualified professionals with a higher education degree or comparable special expertise who have a job offer in Finland meeting the specialist salary level.
Requirements
- A job offer for specialist-level work in Finland
- Higher education qualification or otherwise acquired special expertise
- Gross salary of at least EUR 3,937 per month in 2026
- Employer's terms of employment supplied with the application
- A valid passport
What you can do
- Work in Finland as a specialist without a labour-market test
- Use the fast-track service for a quicker decision when the application is complete
- Bring family members via family-ties permits
- Extend the permit and accrue residence toward permanent status
How to apply
Apply in the Enter Finland online service and have the employer complete the terms of employment. Choosing a complete, fast-track-eligible application enables the accelerated processing.
Pay the fee and verify your identity at a Finnish mission abroad (first permit) or a Migri service point (extension).
Documents
- Valid passport
- Specialist residence-permit application
- Proof of higher education degree or special expertise
- Employer's terms of employment showing the specialist salary
- Passport photo meeting Finnish specifications
Frequently asked questions
The specialist route is for highly qualified, higher-paid work: it requires a gross salary of at least EUR 3,937/month in 2026, has no labour-market test, and offers a fast-track option.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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- WORKEU-WIDEHIGHLY QUALIFIEDEU Blue CardThe EU-wide permit for highly qualified employment, for people with higher qualifications, a job of at least six months and a high salary.View visa details
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