EUR 750 for the online application, a minimum salary of EUR 1,600 per month, and another EUR 300-500 for document translations - that’s just the baseline for a standard work permit. Go for the EU Blue Card and the salary threshold jumps to EUR 3,937. One Ukrainian on the FinUA forum shared: “I submitted my documents to Migri, and two weeks later got a request for an additional diploma translation - turns out my translation wasn’t done by an authorized translator. Another month of delay and EUR 80 on top.” Let’s break down what work permits exist in Finland, which documents need translation, and how to avoid wasting money on mistakes.
Who can work in Finland¶
Before diving into permits - a quick overview of who actually has the right to work.
Temporary protection (tilapäinen suojelu)¶
If you came to Finland because of the war and received temporary protection - you have full right to work. No additional permits needed. Your right to work kicks in the moment you apply for temporary protection, even before the decision comes through.
Temporary protection has been extended until March 4, 2027. According to Migri, residence permits based on temporary protection have been automatically extended - no new biometrics, fees, or separate applications required. According to Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, over 48% of Ukrainians under temporary protection are already employed - one of the highest rates among EU countries.
But here’s the thing: temporary protection isn’t permanent. What happens after March 2027 is still unclear. If you want stability and long-term prospects, it’s worth thinking about switching to a work-based residence permit.
Work-based residence permit (oleskelulupa työntekoon perusteella)¶
If you don’t have temporary protection or want to change your basis of stay - you need a residence permit for work. That’s what this article is about. Finland offers several types, each with its own document and salary requirements.
EU/EEA citizens¶
If you hold citizenship of any EU or EEA country - no work permit needed. Register your right of residence and you’re good to go. But this is rare among Ukrainians, so let’s focus on those who do need a permit.
Types of work permits: which one fits¶
Finland has several work-based residence permit types. Each one targets a specific situation.
Residence permit for an employed person (TTOL - työntekijän oleskelulupa)¶
The most common type. Covers most regular jobs - from cooks to welders, cleaners to drivers.
Key requirements:
- Minimum salary: EUR 1,600 per month (gross, before deductions) in 2026. Evening and night work supplements don’t count
- Confirmed employment - you need a signed employment contract before applying
- Your employer must fill in their part of the application through Enter Finland or a paper form
- Permit is granted for up to 2 years, then renewable
Since January 1, 2025, the process has been simplified: the TE Office (employment office) partial decision is no longer required - Migri handles everything. But the labour market test still applies for TTOL - your employer must prove they couldn’t find a suitable worker among EU residents.
Specialist permit (erityisasiantuntija)¶
For highly skilled professionals: IT developers, engineers, financial experts, researchers.
Requirements:
- Minimum salary: EUR 3,937 per month in 2026 (raised from the previous year). Fringe benefits don’t count
- Higher education degree or equivalent work experience (special expertise proven through practice)
- Confirmed employment in expert-level positions
- Permit granted for up to 2 years
The big advantage - fast-track processing. Specialist applications are typically processed in 2-4 weeks.
EU Blue Card (Euroopan unionin sininen kortti)¶
For highly qualified professionals with higher education.
Requirements:
- Minimum salary: EUR 3,937 per month in 2026 (same as the specialist permit)
- Higher education - a degree from a program lasting at least 3 years. Or 5 years of proven professional experience at a level comparable to higher education
- Employment contract for at least 6 months
- Permit granted for the contract duration plus 3 months, up to 2 years max
Blue Card’s advantage is EU mobility. After 12 months of working in Finland, you can move to another EU country through a simplified procedure. More details in the article about Blue Card for Ukrainians.
Seasonal work permit (kausityö)¶
For agriculture, forestry, tourism, and hospitality.
- Maximum duration: 9 months within a 12-month period
- Minimum salary: EUR 1,463 per month (if no collective agreement applies)
- Employer must provide adequate housing
- Decision within 90 days
Startup Permit¶
For those launching innovative businesses in Finland. Requires a positive assessment from Business Finland. Processing from 2 weeks. More about business registration in a separate article.
Permit comparison¶
| Permit type | Min. salary (2026) | Fee (online) | For whom | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTOL (employed person) | €1,600/month | €750 | Most professions | up to 2 years |
| Specialist | €3,937/month | €750 | IT, engineering, research | up to 2 years |
| EU Blue Card | €3,937/month | €750 | Highly educated professionals | up to 2 years |
| Seasonal work | €1,463/month | separate rate | Agriculture, tourism | up to 9 months |
| Startup Permit | no fixed minimum | €750 | Innovative startups | up to 2 years |
What documents you need and which ones require translation¶
Now for the main part - documents. Each permit type has its own package, but the basics are similar.
Documents for TTOL (employed person)¶
| Document | Translation needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (colour copies of data pages) | Yes | Authorized translation, or into English |
| Signed employment contract | No (if in English/Finnish) | If in Ukrainian - translation needed |
| Diploma or qualification certificate | Yes | Authorized translation + apostille |
| Criminal record certificate | Yes | Authorized translation + apostille |
| Passport photo | No | Standard 47x36 mm |
| Proof of legal stay | No | If applying from a country where you legally reside |
| Health insurance | No | Finnish employer provides it |
Documents for specialist and EU Blue Card¶
Everything above, plus:
| Document | Translation needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education diploma | Yes | Authorized translation + apostille. Mandatory |
| Diploma supplement (transcript) | Yes | Authorized translation |
| Proof of work experience (if instead of diploma) | Yes | Reference letters, employment certificates |
| Employment record book (trudova knyzhka) | Yes | If used as proof of experience |
For Blue Card specifically: Migri verifies that your higher education meets requirements. If your degree is from outside the EU - you’ll need an authorized translation and apostille, and Migri may additionally request a degree evaluation.
Documents for seasonal work¶
Smaller package:
| Document | Translation needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (valid 3 months after permit ends) | Yes | Authorized translation of copy |
| Proof of employment | No | From employer, in Finnish/English |
| Proof of housing | No | Employer provides |
| Criminal record certificate | Depends | For some regulated activities |
Migri’s general translation rule¶
Migri accepts documents in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Anything in another language needs translation. Two options:
- Authorized translation (auktorisoitu käännös) - done by a translator from the official Opetushallitus register. This translation doesn’t need additional legalization - the authorized translator’s stamp carries legal force on its own
- Regular translation + legalization - if translated by a non-authorized translator, Migri may require the translation to be legalized. Extra cost and time
Simpler and safer to go with an authorized translation from the start. No additional legalization procedures needed.
Exception: documents from Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and EU member states - since February 16, 2019, some don’t require legalization. For Ukrainian documents, this doesn’t apply - legalization (apostille) is required.
How much does document translation cost for a work permit¶
Authorized translation prices in Finland depend on the language pair and document complexity. For Ukrainian-Finnish, the situation is unique: the entire Opetushallitus register has only 4 authorized translators for this pair. Low supply means high prices.
Approximate prices (2026)¶
| Document | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Passport (1 page) | 60-85 |
| Criminal record certificate | 60-85 |
| Diploma (without supplement) | 70-100 |
| Diploma supplement (per page) | 60-85 |
| Employment record book (per page) | 60-80 |
| Employment contract (per page) | 60-80 |
| Reference letter | 60-80 |
| Employment certificate | 60-80 |
General range: EUR 60 to 100+ per page. Most translators have a minimum order of EUR 80, even for half-page documents.
Additional costs¶
- Rush translation (1-2 business days): +50-100% on top of the base price
- Complex text (handwritten, poor scan quality): individual surcharge
- Package of 5+ documents: some translators offer 10-15% discount
How to save money¶
Migri accepts documents in English. There are significantly more authorized translators for the Ukrainian-English pair than for Finnish - and prices are usually lower. If there’s no specific requirement for Finnish (and for most work permits there isn’t) - order your translation into English.
For documents where authorized translation isn’t mandatory (for example, for your employer to review your documents), a regular certified translation or even AI translation through ChatsControl will do. But for Migri submissions - authorized or legalized only.
Full budget for a TTOL work permit¶
| Expense | Amount (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Migri fee (online) | 750 |
| Passport translation | 60-85 |
| Diploma translation | 70-100 |
| Criminal record certificate translation | 60-85 |
| Apostilles on documents (in Ukraine) | 30-60 |
| Total minimum | ~970-1,080 |
For specialist or Blue Card, add diploma supplement translation (several pages at EUR 60-85 each) and possibly employment record book. Total budget: EUR 1,100 to 1,500.
Apostille: Migri won’t accept documents without it¶
Ukraine and Finland are both parties to the Hague Convention. An apostille on Ukrainian documents is mandatory for them to be recognized in Finland. Without it, even a perfect authorized translation won’t help.
Where to get an apostille¶
Apostille is applied in Ukraine, on the original document:
- Criminal record certificate - Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Education documents (diplomas, certificates) - Ministry of Education and Science
- Employment records and work certificates - Ministry of Justice (or CNAP service centers)
- Civil registry certificates (birth, marriage) - territorial justice authorities
Cost: UAH 300-500 per document. Timeline: 1-10 business days. More details in the article about apostille on Ukrainian documents.
Correct sequence¶
A common mistake: translating the document first, then getting the apostille. The right order is the opposite:
- Get the apostille on the original in Ukraine
- Send the document with apostille to the translator
- Translator translates both the document and the apostille page
- Submit the translation with a copy of the original to Migri
Get it backwards and you’ll have to reorder the translation. That’s another EUR 60-100 per document.
If you’re already in Finland¶
Arrange the apostille through relatives or a trusted person in Ukraine. You can also contact the consular department of the Ukrainian Embassy in Finland (Helsinki), but the consulate doesn’t issue apostilles - it only certifies certain documents. For apostilles, someone in Ukraine needs to bring the original to the relevant authority.
Step-by-step work permit application¶
Step 1: Find a job and sign a contract¶
Migri won’t accept a work permit application without confirmed employment. First the employment contract, then the permit. Your employer needs to fill in their part of the application (employment terms) through Enter Finland for Employers or using a paper form.
Step 2: Collect and translate documents¶
Passport, diploma, criminal record certificate - all with apostille (obtained in Ukraine) and authorized translation. Order translations from a translator in the akr.opintopolku.fi register.
Step 3: Submit the application online through Enter Finland¶
Go to enterfinland.fi, create an account, fill in the application, and upload scans of documents with translations. Online submission costs EUR 750 (paper is EUR 950, so go online).
Step 4: Verify your identity¶
After submitting online, you need to appear in person for identification. If you’re abroad - at a Finnish embassy or consulate. If you’re in Finland - at a Migri service point. Bring original documents and passport.
Step 5: Wait for the decision¶
According to Migri statistics (February-March 2026):
- 37.6% of TTOL decisions - within 14 days
- 29.7% - within 15-30 days
- 32.8% - over 30 days
For specialists and Blue Card - often faster, 2-4 weeks through the fast-track program.
After a positive decision, the residence permit card is manufactured and mailed - that’s about 2 more weeks.
Where to find an authorized translator¶
For the Ukrainian-Finnish language pair, the authorized translator register at Opetushallitus has only 4 translators. This creates real issues: queues, limited availability, high prices.
Official register¶
Search at akr.opintopolku.fi. Select the language pair ukraina-suomi to see the list. Contact several at once - some may be on vacation or have a 2-3 week queue.
Through English¶
Since Migri accepts documents in English - order authorized translation from Ukrainian to English. There are far more translators for this pair. You can also consider a certified translation into English through ChatsControl.
Other places to look¶
- SKTL (Suomen kääntäjien ja tulkkien liitto) - Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters
- Ukrainian Telegram chats and Facebook groups in Finland - ask for recommendations
- FinUA - support organization for Ukrainians in Finland
Switching from temporary protection to a work permit¶
If you’re working in Finland under temporary protection - that’s perfectly legal. But switching to a work-based permit is worth considering.
Why switch¶
- Temporary protection expires on March 4, 2027, with no guarantee of further extension
- A work permit gives you a more stable basis of stay
- With a work permit, you start accumulating time toward permanent residence. Since January 8, 2026, you need 6 years of continuous residence and 2 years of work history for permanent residence
- Time under temporary protection doesn’t count toward the 6-year requirement for permanent residence
How to switch¶
Apply for a work permit (TTOL, specialist, or Blue Card) through Enter Finland. You can do this while in Finland - no need to leave the country. If approved, your basis of stay changes from temporary protection to work. Fee: EUR 750.
Make sure you have all translated documents ready before applying. Migri may request additional documents if the package is incomplete, delaying the process.
Qualification recognition: for regulated professions¶
If you work in a profession that’s regulated in Finland (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, architect, teacher, veterinarian, lawyer), a work permit alone isn’t enough. You also need to have your qualifications recognized.
For education-related professions - Opetushallitus handles recognition. For medical professions - Valvira (the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health). Recognition requires authorized translations of diplomas, supplements, and specialization certificates.
If your profession isn’t regulated (IT, marketing, sales, logistics, construction) - no recognition needed. The work permit is sufficient.
Common mistakes when applying for a work permit¶
Mistake 1: Using a regular translator¶
Migri requires either an authorized translation (from a translator in the Opetushallitus register) or a regular translation with legalization. A notarized translation from Ukraine has no legal force in Finland. Even a sworn translation from Germany or Austria may not work for Migri. Check requirements beforehand.
Mistake 2: Apostille after translation¶
Apostille first, translation second. The translator needs to translate both the document and the apostille as one package. Do it the other way around and you’ll pay for translation twice.
Mistake 3: Not meeting the minimum salary¶
If the salary in your employment contract is below the threshold - your application gets rejected. For TTOL it’s EUR 1,600, for specialist and Blue Card - EUR 3,937. Supplements, bonuses, and fringe benefits don’t count. Check that your base salary without extras exceeds the threshold.
Mistake 4: Applying without confirmed employment¶
Migri doesn’t process work permit applications without an employment contract. Find a job first, sign the contract, make sure your employer has filled in their part of the application - then apply.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to translate the diploma supplement¶
For specialist and Blue Card applications, Migri checks not just the diploma itself but also the supplement (transcript) - list of subjects, credits, grades. Without the supplement translation, Migri may return your application asking you to complete the package.
Mistake 6: Paper application instead of online¶
Paper application costs EUR 950, online costs EUR 750. That’s a EUR 200 difference. Plus online applications are processed faster. Use Enter Finland - save both money and time.
After getting your work permit: what’s next¶
Got your permit - don’t relax just yet. There are several things to take care of.
DVV registration¶
DVV (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto - Digital and Population Data Services Agency) maintains Finland’s population register. After getting your residence permit, register with DVV - this unlocks your Finnish henkilötunnus (personal identity code) and access to Finnish banking services.
Kela¶
Registering with Kela (Kansaneläkelaitos - Social Insurance Institution) gives you access to healthcare, housing allowance, and other social benefits. You need a valid residence permit for Kela registration.
Taxes¶
Register with Vero (Verohallinto - Tax Administration) and get your tax card (verokortti). Without it, your employer will withhold 60% of your salary instead of the normal rate.
Driver’s license exchange¶
If your job requires a driver’s license - exchange it through Traficom. Your Ukrainian license is recognized temporarily, but permanent use requires an exchange.
Useful resources¶
- migri.fi - Migri, official page on work-based residence permits
- enterfinland.fi - online application portal
- akr.opintopolku.fi - authorized translator register
- tem.fi - Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, information on work rights
- infofinland.fi - immigrant portal, work section
- finua.org - FinUA, support for Ukrainians in Finland
- suomi.fi - unified government services portal
FAQ¶
How much does a work permit in Finland cost in 2026?¶
The Migri fee for a first-time online application for an employed person is EUR 750 (it was EUR 590 in 2025). Paper application costs EUR 950. Add translation costs (EUR 200-500 depending on document count) and apostilles (EUR 30-60). Total budget: EUR 970 to 1,500.
What’s the minimum salary for a work permit in Finland?¶
For TTOL (standard work permit) - EUR 1,600 per month gross. For specialist and EU Blue Card - EUR 3,937 per month. For seasonal work - EUR 1,463 per month (if no collective agreement). Evening/night work supplements and fringe benefits don’t count toward the minimum threshold.
Do I need authorized translation for Migri?¶
Migri accepts documents in Finnish, Swedish, and English. If your documents are in another language, you need either an authorized translation (from a translator in the Opetushallitus register) or a regular translation with legalization. Authorized translation is simpler: the translator’s stamp carries legal force, no additional legalization needed. For Ukrainian-Finnish, there are only 4 authorized translators - the alternative is translating into English, where there’s a much wider selection.
How long does a work permit application take?¶
According to Migri statistics for February-March 2026: 37.6% of TTOL decisions are made within 14 days, 29.7% within 15-30 days, and 32.8% take over 30 days. For specialists and Blue Card - often faster through the fast-track program, 2-4 weeks. After the decision, allow another 2 weeks for permit card manufacturing and delivery.
Can I switch from temporary protection to a work permit?¶
Yes. You can apply for a work permit while in Finland under temporary protection. You’ll need a signed employment contract, translated documents, and the EUR 750 fee. The advantage of switching is a more stable status and starting to accumulate time toward permanent residence (6 years since January 8, 2026). Time under temporary protection doesn’t count toward permanent residence requirements.
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