Whether your dream is to work, study, or reunite with family, the process can be exciting — but also demanding if you don’t prepare well. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips and clear steps based on what worked for me and many Filipinos I know. Let’s dive in!
1. Work Route: Start with a Job Offer
Key Visa: Residence Permit for Employment
To move to Finland for work, you must have a job offer first — before applying for your visa.
Main Requirements
✔ Valid passport
✔ Job offer from a Finnish employer
✔ Verified education certificates (translated & attested)
✔ Work contract
✔ Proof you can financially support yourself
✔ Health insurance
Skills and Qualifications
Here are skills and professions often in demand:
🎓 IT & Software Development
🛠 Engineering & Construction
🧑⚕️ Healthcare workers & caregivers
📊 Business, management & finance
🚗 Skilled trades (electricians, mechanics)
📦 Logistics & warehousing staff
Tip: Finnish employers value work experience and Finnish or English proficiency. A résumé in European format (CV) helps.
2. Study Route: Higher Education
Study Visa: Student Residence Permit
If you want to study in Finland you can do so provided you meet the requirements. For foreign students, there is no need to study Finnish language when you choose to study degree programs in English. English is widely spoken in schools or universities, however, if you want to integrate deeper into the Finnish lifestyle and culture, learning Finnish is a plus, and it is most of the time FREE.
Language Requirements
English Pathways: Some university or college programs allow English studies, so an IELTS Academic score of 7.0 is required. You can take IELTS in advance as it takes time to get the result. Allow at least 1 month for preparation, test and result to happen. I took the IELTS exam at home called ONLINE IELTS and it is perfectly okay for most universities, however, you will need to check directly with the university you are applying with, the exact requirement so as not to waste your time , money and effort.
The application for English programs in Finnish Universities happen once a year only. Check the documents and be prepared to submit them exactly as they are required on time.
Documents needed:
✔ Acceptance letter from school
✔ Proof of finances — bank statements proving you can support €50 per day (finland requires living cost proof when applying)
✔ Older statements showing consistent funds for at least 3 months (longer is better)
✔ Valid passport
✔ Health insurance
Do I Need to Speak Finnish?
Even if a program is in English, daily life in Finland — from healthcare to job hunts — will be easier if you speak Finnish. So it’s great to start learning early! In the situation where you might find a part-time job, you will definitely have an edge if you know some Finnish.
3. Family Route: Reunification
Visa Type: Residence Permit for Family Ties
If you have a spouse, parent, or child who is a Finnish resident or citizen, you may apply to join them. You can always check out the updated and official information from the Finnish Immigration website.
Basic Requirements
✔ Proof of relationship
✔ Evidence of ability to financially support your family
✔ Valid passport
✔ Health insurance
Please note that this post contains an overview of moving to Finland via different visa categories, but it is a must that you check with the concerned authority or a legal and official website to get the correct, updated and detailed information.
Discover more from Moving to Finland
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.