How can a skilled worker move to Finland for a job?

For most skilled workers, the move starts with a confirmed Finnish job offer. If you have a higher-education degree (or demonstrated special expertise) and the role pays at or above the specialist salary threshold, the specialist (erityisasiantuntija) permit or the EU Blue Card are the natural choices. Both skip the labour-market test, and Migri targets a decision in about two weeks for qualifying cases. The Blue Card additionally gives you intra-EU mobility after 18 months, while the specialist permit is simpler if you intend to stay in Finland.

Applying online through Enter Finland and requesting a D visa at the same time means you can travel to Finland as soon as your decision is made, without waiting for the physical permit card — and your family can fast-track alongside you. If your role or salary does not meet the specialist threshold, the standard employed-person permit (TTOL) is the route, though it involves an availability consideration (partial labour-market test) and a higher fee.

Salary thresholds and fees are reviewed periodically, so verify the current figures on migri.fi before applying. If you are not sure whether your role qualifies as a specialist position, an ACME consultant can help you and your employer position the application correctly.