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How to get a work visa in Finland as a Vietnamese citizen

Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.

3
Visa pathways
4-16
Processing (weeks)
€740
Application fee
€47,244/yr
Lowest salary req.
Elena Müller
European Immigration Correspondent··8 min read

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Finland offers Vietnamese workers 3 distinct visa pathways to live and work legally. Vietnamese citizens are valued for a young, fast-upskilling workforce and strong manufacturing and technical training. Applications are made at the Finland diplomatic mission serving Hanoi.

Phù hợp nhất cho ai

  • IT and technology specialists (Specialist permit)
  • Startup founders and entrepreneurs
  • Game developers and creative-tech talent
  • Cleantech and engineering professionals
  • Professionals prioritising stability and family policy

Available visa pathways

Specialist Residence Permit

Erityisasiantuntijan oleskelulupa

The Finnish Specialist Residence Permit is designed for highly skilled professionals taking up employment in Finland. It is one of the most popular work permit categories and benefits from a streamlined processing track. For 2026, the minimum gross monthly salary requirement is EUR 3,937 (approximately EUR 47,244 annually), which must be met before the application is approved. Applications are submitted through the Enter Finland online portal, which is the central hub for all Finnish immigration applications.

Min salary
€47,244/yr
Duration
2 years
Processing
4-16 weeks
PR pathway
4 years
Family allowed

Blue Card Finland

EU:n sininen kortti

Recommended

The Finnish Blue Card implements the EU Blue Card directive for highly qualified workers with a university degree. It requires a job offer in Finland with a salary that meets the Blue Card threshold, which is set higher than the Specialist permit minimum. The card is designed for senior professionals, researchers, and specialists who bring high-level expertise to the Finnish economy.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
4-12 weeks
PR pathway
Yes
Degree requiredFamily allowed

Employed Person Residence Permit

Työntekijän oleskelulupa

The Finnish Employed Person Residence Permit is the general work authorization for foreign nationals who do not qualify for the Specialist track. It covers a broad range of occupations and has a lower salary threshold than the Specialist permit, making it accessible to a wider pool of workers. This permit is suitable for skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, and other sectors where Finland faces labor shortages.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
8-16 weeks
PR pathway
Yes
Family allowed

💡 route.tipFor: Have your Hanoi police clearance certificate ready, and check whether your degree and supporting documents need to be apostilled or legalised for use in Finland.

Application timeline for Finland

Employer creates job listing

Your employer posts the position. The job terms must meet Finnish collective agreement standards.

Varies

Apply via Enter Finland portal

Submit your residence permit application through the Enter Finland online portal with all supporting documents.

1 day

TE Office partial decision

The local TE (Employment and Economic Development) Office issues a partial decision on labour market availability and employment conditions.

2-4 weeks

Migri decision

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) makes the final decision on your residence permit.

1-4 months

Collect residence permit card

Once approved, collect your residence permit card at a Finnish embassy or service point.

1-2 weeks

Travel and register with DVV

Travel to Finland and register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).

1-2 weeks

Common required documents

Documents commonly required for a Finland work visa for Vietnamese citizens:

Valid passport - at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with 2+ blank pages. Renew at the Hanoi passport office first if needed.
Passport-sized photographs meeting Finland specifications (dimensions and background colour vary by country).
Completed visa application form with the fee payment receipt.
University degree certificate - original plus a certified translation if not in English or the destination language.
Professional licences or trade certificates relevant to your occupation.
An up-to-date CV or resume in English or the destination language.
A signed employment contract or job offer letter from a Finland employer.
The employer's registration or sponsorship licence details.
Bank statements covering 3-6 months and showing sufficient funds (in VND).
Proof of accommodation in Finland - a rental agreement or employer-provided housing letter.
Police clearance certificate from Hanoi.
Medical examination report from an approved physician, where required.
Health insurance valid in Finland from your arrival date.
Marriage and birth certificates if dependants are joining you.

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ItemAmountIn VND
route.cost.visaFee€740₫20,108,696
route.cost.minSalary€47,244₫1,283,804,348/yr

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Apply at the Finland diplomatic mission serving Hanoi. Check the official embassy or visa application centre website for appointment booking, fees and current document requirements.

Hướng dẫn liên quan

Làm việc và sinh sống tại Finland

Các ngành tuyển dụng chính

Finland's international hiring is led by technology (a heritage from Nokia and a strong gaming industry including Supercell and Rovio), cleantech, forestry and bioeconomy, and engineering.

Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống

Helsinki one-bedroom rents are around €1,200 a month, with other cities cheaper. Finland offers free education, comprehensive healthcare and a strong social safety net, and it consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world.

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Frequently asked questions

What salary is needed for a Specialist Residence Permit in Finland?

The minimum salary is €47,244 per year.

How long does it take to get a work visa in Finland?

Processing times range from 4 to 16 weeks.

Can I bring my family on a Finland work visa?

Yes. 3 of 3 visa types allow dependants.

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route.faq.pathToPR

route.faq.pathToPRAnswerYes

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What are the top industries hiring in Finland?

Finland's international hiring is led by technology (a heritage from Nokia and a strong gaming industry including Supercell and Rovio), cleantech, forestry and bioeconomy, and engineering.

Other nationalities applying to Finland