Finland · Work permit · Open
Finland EU Blue Card: Requirements and How to Apply
The Finland EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified workers with a job of at least one year and a higher education degree of at least three years. It costs €410 if you apply online or €610 on paper, it is granted for up to two years at a time, and it makes it easier to move on to another EU country later.
Migri reviews the Blue Card salary threshold every year. When we checked, its income-requirement page still showed the 2024 figure, so confirm the current amount on the official Migri page before you apply.
At a glance
Finland EU Blue Card (EU:n sininen kortti)
- Who it’s for
- Highly qualified workers with a job of at least a year in Finland and a higher education degree
- How it’s calculated
- Migri reviews the Blue Card salary every year; its income-requirement page still shows the 2024 figure (EUR 3,638 a month, the same as the specialist threshold that year). The 2026 specialist threshold is EUR 3,937, so check the current Blue Card figure with Migri.
- Initial stay
- Up to 2 years at a time
- Renewal
- Yes
- Path to permanent residence
- 4 to 6 years depending on route; Blue Card holders can move to other EU countries more easily
- Family can join
- Yes
- Can work for local employers
- Yes
- Health insurance required
- No
- Processing time
- Migri's page lists 1 to 2 months for paper and up to 12 months for electronic applications; check the current estimate
- Fees
- EUR 410 online or EUR 610 on paper for a first permit; EUR 260 or 330 to extend (Migri).
- Tax
- Taxed like other employees in Finland; the key-worker flat rate may apply to high earners.
Key requirements
- Signed contract or binding offer for work of at least a year
- Higher education degree of at least three years
- Salary at or above the yearly Blue Card threshold
- General entry requirements for Finland
Official and secondary sources · Last checked Oct 19, 2026. Rule changes. Rules change: confirm with the consulate or a qualified advisor. Not legal advice.
Who qualifies
You need a signed contract or binding offer for work of at least a year in Finland, a higher education degree that took at least three years, and pay at or above the current Blue Card threshold. You must also meet Finland's general entry requirements. The rules are the same for Americans, Canadians, Brits and Australians.
Salary requirement
Migri sets the Blue Card salary every year. Its income-requirement page showed €3,638 a month for 2024, the same as the specialist threshold that year. The specialist threshold for 2026 is €3,937 a month, so check the current Blue Card figure with Migri before you negotiate.
Documents you'll need
- A valid passport and photo.
- Your employment contract or binding offer of at least one year.
- Your degree certificate.
- Proof of your salary in the contract.
- Proof of legal stay where you apply.
Step-by-step application
- Sign the contract with your Finnish employer.
- Apply in Enter Finland and pay the fee.
- Visit a Finnish mission or service point to prove your identity.
- Wait for Migri's decision.
- Collect your residence card and register for a personal identity code.
Costs and timeline
A first Blue Card costs €410 online or €610 on paper. An extension costs €260 online or €330 on paper. Migri's page listed processing times of 1 to 2 months for paper applications and up to 12 months for electronic ones when we checked; check the current estimate before you plan.
Blue Card or specialist permit?
Both are for skilled jobs. The specialist permit has the fast track and a clear 2026 salary figure. The Blue Card needs a contract of at least a year and a three-year degree, but makes moving to another EU country easier. Many people choose based on the fast track and their long-term plans.
Taxes once you're resident
You are taxed like other employees in Finland, at progressive state rates plus municipal tax. The key-worker flat rate may apply to high earners. See our Finland guide.
Family members
Your spouse or partner and children can apply for residence permits on the basis of family ties.
Permanent residence and citizenship
Permanent residence is possible after 4 to 6 years, depending on the route. Citizenship generally needs 8 years of residence and language skills.
| Route | Type | Status | Headline requirement | Initial stay | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finland EU Blue Card | Work permit | Open | - | Up to 2 years at a time | 4 to 6 years depending on route; Blue C… |
| Finland Residence Permit for Specialists | Work permit | Open | €3,937/mo income | Up to 2 years (or the length of the job if shorter) | 4 to 6 years depending on route (rules … |
| Finland Start-up Entrepreneur Permit | Entrepreneur route | Open | - | Up to 2 years | 4 to 6 years depending on route |
Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.
Other work permits & blue cards in Europe
| Route | Country | Type | Status | Headline requirement | Initial stay | Path to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria Red-White-Red Card | Austria | Work permit | Open | €3,465/mo income | 24 months, tied to the employer named in your application | Long-term resident - EU status after 5 … |
| Belgium EU Blue Card | Belgium | Work permit | Open | €4,748/mo income | Tied to the contract, usually up to a few years | Permanent residence after 5 years |
| Belgium Single Permit (Highly Skilled Workers) | Belgium | Work permit | Open | €3,703/mo income | Usually up to 3 years, tied to the job | Permanent residence after 5 years; citi… |
| Denmark Work Permit (Pay Limit Scheme and Positive List) | Denmark | Work permit | Open | €6,154/mo income | Normally 4 years if the job lasts 4 years or more; shorter … | 8 years of legal residence, or 4 years … |
| Finland EU Blue Card | Finland | Work permit | Open | - | Up to 2 years at a time | 4 to 6 years depending on route; Blue C… |
| Finland Residence Permit for Specialists | Finland | Work permit | Open | €3,937/mo income | Up to 2 years (or the length of the job if shorter) | 4 to 6 years depending on route (rules … |
| France Talent Passport (Passeport Talent) | France | Work permit | Open | €3,299/mo income | Card valid for the length of the employment contract, up to… | About 5 years of residence leads to lon… |
| Germany EU Blue Card | Germany | Work permit | Open | €4,225/mo income | Length of your employment contract plus 6 months, up to 4 y… | Settlement permit after 27 months with … |
| Germany Opportunity Card | Germany | Work permit | Open | €1,091/mo income | Up to 1 year | No direct route: switch to a work permi… |
| Ireland Critical Skills Employment Permit | Ireland | Work permit | Open | €3,409/mo income | Job offer of at least 2 years; the holder is expected to st… | After 60 months of residency permission… |
| Luxembourg EU Blue Card | Luxembourg | Work permit | Open | €5,471/mo income | 4 years, or the contract length plus 3 months if shorter | Long-term residence after 5 years of la… |
| Luxembourg Residence Permit for Salaried Workers | Luxembourg | Work permit | Open | - | Up to 1 year, for one profession in one sector | Long-term residence after 5 years |
| Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant Permit | Netherlands | Work permit | Open | €5,942/mo income | As long as your contract, up to 5 years | Permanent residence after 5 years |
| Norway Skilled Worker Residence Permit | Norway | Work permit | Open | - | University-level positions normally up to 3 years (up to 1 … | You can apply for permanent residence a… |
| Poland Work Permit and Single Residence-and-Work Permit | Poland | Work permit | Changing | - | Typically up to 3 years, tied to the employer and role (not… | Long-term EU resident status generally … |
| Sweden Work Permit (Employees) | Sweden | Work permit | Changing | €3,071/mo income | Up to 2 years, not longer than the employment contract or p… | Permanent residence permits are general… |
| Switzerland B Work Permit (non-EU quotas) | Switzerland | Work permit | Open | - | Typically 1 year for non-EU/EFTA workers (per swissinfo; co… | C settlement permit after 10 years in g… |
Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.
Other ways to live in Finland
Moving to Finland: the complete guide →
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Finland EU Blue Card cost?
€410 for an online application or €610 on paper for a first permit, and €260 or €330 to extend, according to Migri.
What is the salary for the Finland Blue Card in 2026?
Migri reviews it every year. When we checked, the official income-requirement page still showed the 2024 figure, so confirm the 2026 amount with Migri.
Can I move to another EU country with a Finnish Blue Card?
The Blue Card makes it easier to move to another EU country for highly qualified work, under that country's rules. Check the destination country's Blue Card page before you plan.
How long is the Finland Blue Card valid?
Up to two years at a time, and it can be renewed while you meet the conditions.
Sources and last checked · Oct 19, 2026
Notes: Fees and permit length from the official page; the 2026 salary figure was not shown, so it is left empty.
Figures are our research estimates from the sources above; rules and prices change. Not legal, tax or immigration advice. Spot something out of date? Tell us.