Finland is a Schengen member known for its exceptional quality of life, ranked the happiest country in the world for multiple consecutive years. While Finland does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, remote workers can use the Self-Employment Residence Permit for extended stays. The country offers excellent internet infrastructure, vibrant startup scene in Helsinki, stunning nature with thousands of lakes, and a strong work-life balance culture. Important: Finland's land border with Russia is currently closed indefinitely due to security concerns.
5
Visa Types
62
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of 62 visa-exempt countries can enter Finland and the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From 2026, ETIAS authorization will be required.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€57 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa application required
✓Immediate entry at border
✓Free movement within entire Schengen area (29 countries)
✓No biometric data collection required
✓Multiple entries allowed within 90/180 day limit
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport (minimum 3 months beyond departure, issued within last 10 years)
•Proof of sufficient funds (minimum EUR 50 per day)
•Use the official Schengen calculator to track your 90/180 days
•Keep your passport stamp clear - you may need to prove entry date
•Finland winters are extremely cold (down to -30°C) - pack appropriately
•ETIAS will be required from mid-2026 - apply online before travel
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Self-Employment Residence Permit
The main option for digital nomads and freelancers seeking to stay in Finland long-term. Allows entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals to live and work in Finland for 1-2 years, with path to permanent residence.
365 days
Duration
€490
$532 fee
+€1,465 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $3,000/per_month
Alternative: Proof of profitable business generating sufficient income, or substantial savings. Business plan demonstrating viability required.
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal right to live and work in Finland as entrepreneur
✓Access to Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus)
✓Can open Finnish bank accounts
✓Access to Finnish public healthcare system (Kela)
✓Family members can apply for residence permits
✓Free movement within Schengen area
✓Path to permanent residence after 4 years
✓Path to citizenship after 5 years
✓Access to Finnish social security benefits
📋 Requirements (9)
•Valid passport (valid for entire permit duration)
•Finnish Business ID (Y-tunnus) or business registration documents
•Proof of profitable business or viable business plan
•Proof of sufficient income or financial resources
•Business premises documentation (if applicable)
•Professional qualifications certificates
•Clean criminal record certificate
•Passport photo meeting Finnish police guidelines
•All foreign documents translated to Finnish, Swedish, or English
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 4 months typical, can extend to 6 months in complex cases
1Register your business with Finnish Trade Register (PRH) to obtain Business ID
2Prepare detailed business plan demonstrating profitability
3Create account on Enter Finland portal (enterfinland.fi)
4Complete residence permit application online
5Upload all required documents
6Pay application fee (EUR 490 online)
7Book appointment at Finnish embassy/consulate to prove identity
8Wait for ELY Centre partial decision on business viability
9Wait for Migri final decision (typically 4 months total)
10Receive residence permit card or collect at Finnish mission
Process: Apply for extended permit via Enter Finland before current permit expires. Must demonstrate continued business profitability and income requirements.
Renewal: After 4 years of continuous residence, can apply for permanent residence permit (EUR 240 online). Path to Finnish citizenship after 5 years.
💡 Pro Tips
•Start business registration process 3+ weeks before visa application
•Consult with Finnish tax advisor before establishing business
•Consider Business Finland startup evaluation for faster processing
•Keep detailed financial records from day one
•Join Finnish entrepreneur networks for support
Schengen Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
Short-stay visa for citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter the Schengen area, including India, China, Russia, and South Africa. Allows tourism, business visits, and family visits for up to 90 days.
90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€130 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15 calendar days typical, up to 45 days in complex cases
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application fee (adults)Standard Schengen visa fee, non-refundable
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Visa fee (children 6-11)Reduced fee for minors
€45$49
Visa fee (children under 6)Free for young children
€0<$1
VFS service feeVisa application center service charge varies by location
Paper application feeHigher fee for paper applications
€350$380
Extended permitOnline renewal application
€170$184
D visaTo enter Finland before permit card arrives
€95$103
Required Total
€240$260
+ Additional (estimated)
€615$667
Estimated Total
€855$928
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Employment contract from Finnish employer
•TEM054 form completed by employer
•Proof of qualifications/education
•Passport photo meeting guidelines
•Clean criminal record may be required for certain sectors
📝 Application Steps
1Secure job offer from Finnish employer
2Employer completes TEM054 form
3Create Enter Finland account
4Submit application online with all documents
5Pay application fee (EUR 240)
6Prove identity at Finnish mission
7Wait for TE Office partial decision
8Wait for Migri final decision
9Receive residence permit card
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer initially
•Minimum salary EUR 1,600/month required (2025)
•Changing employers may require new application
•Cannot freelance without separate permit
•Must apply from outside Finland for first permit
•3-month protection period if employment ends (as of June 2025)
💡 Tips
•Check if your profession qualifies for fast-track processing
•IT specialists and healthcare workers often get priority processing
•Consider EU Blue Card for highly-skilled positions
•Register with DVV immediately upon arrival
Residence Permit for Studies
EducationPopular
For international students accepted at Finnish higher education institutions. Finland offers world-class education with many programs taught in English.
No, Finland does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads have several options: (1) Visit visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days under Schengen rules, though remote work is technically not permitted on tourist status; (2) Apply for the Self-Employment Residence Permit if you run your own business or freelance - this requires registering a business in Finland and proving profitability; (3) EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely with registration required after 3 months. The Self-Employment Permit is the most suitable option for long-term digital nomads.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Finland?
This is a gray area. Technically, working (including remote work) is not permitted on a tourist visa or visa-free entry. Finland does not enforce this strictly for short-term visitors, but for extended stays, you should consider the Self-Employment Residence Permit. EU/EEA citizens can work remotely without restrictions but must register for stays over 3 months. Tax implications: If you stay over 183 days in Finland, you become a tax resident and must declare worldwide income. Finland has progressive income tax (up to 44%) plus municipal tax (16.5-23.5%).
How long can I stay in Finland as a tourist?
For visa-free nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.): Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period. This limit applies across the ENTIRE Schengen area (29 countries), not just Finland. Use the official Schengen calculator to track your days. For visa-required nationalities: Up to 90 days with a valid Schengen visa. Extensions are only possible in exceptional circumstances (force majeure, humanitarian reasons).
Is the Finland-Russia border open?
No. ALL land border crossings between Finland and Russia have been CLOSED indefinitely since late 2023 due to security concerns. Additionally, Finland restricts non-essential travel by Russian citizens since September 2022. Russian citizens can only enter Finland by air or sea (not from Russia directly) and must have valid reasons such as family reunification, work permit, or humanitarian grounds. This situation is ongoing with no announced reopening date.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Finland?
Helsinki: Capital city with best coworking options (€150-400/month), vibrant startup scene, excellent public transport. Cost: €1,700-2,100/month. Popular neighborhoods: Kallio, Punavuori, Kamppi. Tampere: Second largest city, 90 minutes from Helsinki, more affordable. Cost: €1,400-1,700/month. Growing tech scene. Turku: Historic former capital, student city with good amenities. Cost: €1,300-1,600/month. Oulu: Northern tech hub, most affordable. Cost: €1,200-1,500/month. Excellent for experiencing Finnish nature.
What is the cost of living in Finland for digital nomads?
Monthly estimates: Helsinki: €1,700-2,100 (rent €800-1,300 for one-bedroom, food €300-400, transport €60, utilities €120-150, coworking €150-400). Other cities: €1,300-1,700/month. Key costs: Rent is the biggest expense. Groceries are reasonable at supermarkets like Lidl, K-Market, S-Market. Eating out is expensive (€15-35 per meal). Public transport is efficient and affordable. Healthcare is accessible through Kela for residents. Finland is more expensive than most of Europe but offers excellent quality of life.
Can I open a bank account in Finland as a foreigner?
Yes, but requirements vary: You need a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). Since 2014, banks must accept foreign ID documents. Residents with permits can open full accounts at Nordea, OP, Danske Bank, Aktia. Non-residents may be limited to international accounts with restricted services. Digital alternatives: N26, Wise, or Revolut work well in Finland and are easier to open. Tips: Book appointment in advance, bring passport, proof of address, and residence permit if applicable.
What about ETIAS for visiting Finland?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required starting mid-2026 for citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) visiting the Schengen area including Finland. Cost: €7, valid for 3 years. Application: Online only, approval typically within minutes. It is NOT a visa - just a pre-travel authorization linked to your passport. Current visa-free travelers do not need ETIAS until the system launches.
How do I get the Self-Employment Residence Permit for Finland?
Step-by-step process: (1) Register business with Finnish Trade Register (PRH) to get Business ID (Y-tunnus) - takes about 3 weeks; (2) Prepare business plan showing profitability; (3) Apply online via Enter Finland portal; (4) Pay fee (€490 online, €640 paper); (5) Book embassy appointment to prove identity; (6) Wait for ELY Centre partial decision on business viability; (7) Wait for Migri final decision - total processing ~4 months. Requirements: Profitable business, minimum ~€3,000/month income capability, passport valid for permit duration, clean criminal record.
What are the tax implications of staying in Finland long-term?
Tax residency: 183+ days in Finland makes you a tax resident, subject to tax on worldwide income. Finnish tax rates are among the highest in the world: National income tax: Progressive 0-44% depending on income; Municipal tax: 16.5-23.5% depending on municipality; Church tax (if applicable): 1-2%; Healthcare contribution: ~1%. Self-employed: YEL pension insurance mandatory (24.1% of income in 2025). VAT registration required if turnover exceeds €20,000/year. Finland has double taxation treaties with many countries. Consult a Finnish tax advisor before establishing tax residency.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025