
Move to Finland in 2 Weeks: Easy Ways to Work and Live in Finland (2025 Guide)
Finland is often regarded as the land of a thousand lakes, free education, top-tier healthcare, and peaceful living. It’s no surprise that more and more people from Africa, Asia, and beyond are now dreaming of moving to Finland for a better life. But here’s the big question: Can you actually move to Finland in just 2 weeks?
Yes — with the right plan, visa type, and documents in place, relocating to Finland fast is very possible in 2025. This guide will walk you through easy, legal ways to move, work, and settle in Finland — especially if you’re in a hurry.
Let’s get right into it.
Why Finland?
Before we jump into the “how,” let’s look at why Finland is such a hot destination:
- High-paying jobs – Finland offers good salaries, especially in tech, healthcare, and skilled trades.
- Clean, peaceful environment – One of the safest and least corrupt countries in the world.
- Free education & healthcare – Quality services even for immigrants and residents.
- Pathway to EU citizenship – Live in Finland for a few years and apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Can You Really Move to Finland in Just 2 Weeks?
The truth? You won’t get permanent residency in 2 weeks — but you can physically relocate and start life in Finland that fast if you follow certain routes. These include:
- Fast-track work visa programs
- Seasonal jobs and startup residence permits
- Student visas (with immediate work rights)
- Job Seeker Visa / Job Seeker Residence Permit
- Digital nomad visas (for remote workers)
Let’s break these down one by one.
1. Finland Fast-Track Work Visa (2 Weeks Processing)
Finland introduced a fast-track residence permit scheme in 2022, and it’s still active in 2025. This allows highly skilled workers and startup entrepreneurs to get a residence permit within 14 days.
Who Can Apply?
- ICT professionals (software engineers, developers, etc.)
- Researchers, engineers, and scientists
- Startup founders and specialists
Requirements:
- Job offer from a Finnish employer
- Monthly salary: usually €3,000 and above
- Valid passport
- Proof of qualifications
👉 Apply via Enter Finland portal: https://enterfinland.fi
2. Seasonal Work Visa – A Quick Way to Enter and Work
Looking for a quicker, less competitive route? Go for seasonal work, especially in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality.
Good News:
- No degree required
- Can be processed within 2–4 weeks
- Valid for up to 9 months
Common Jobs:
- Berry picking
- Hotel/restaurant work
- Farm jobs
- Warehouse and packaging roles
How to Apply:
- Get a seasonal job offer first (use platforms like TE-palvelut, European Job Days, or Jobly.fi)
- Apply for a seasonal work visa via the Finnish Immigration Service website here: https://enterfinland.fi/eServices
3. Study Visa with Work Rights (Best for Long-Term Plans)
Don’t sleep on the student route — it’s one of the most strategic ways to move to Finland, especially if you want to stay long term and later get permanent residency or citizenship.
Perks:
- Get a student residence permit
- Allowed to work 30 hours/week
- After graduation, you can stay 2 years to look for work
- Eventually convert to a work permit or permanent residence
Best Universities with English-Taught Programs:
- University of Helsinki
- Aalto University
- LUT University
- Tampere University
Start your application via Studyinfo.fi
4. Finland Job Seeker Residence Permit (No Job Offer Needed)
This is gold for graduates from Finnish universities. If you study in Finland and finish your degree, you can apply for a 2-year job-seeking permit — which allows you to live and work freely while looking for a job.
You’re allowed to work in any job while searching for something permanent.
5. Move as a Startup Entrepreneur
Finland loves innovation. If you’ve got a solid business idea or tech-driven startup, you can apply for the Startup Permit, and if approved, you’ll get a residence permit within 2 weeks under the fast-track.
Requirements:
- Scalable business idea
- Funding or business plan
- Endorsement from Business Finland
6. Family Reunification Route
If you have a close relative already living in Finland (spouse, parent, child), you may be eligible to apply for a family reunification visa, which also has fast-track options in some cases.
Note: This works best if your family member already holds a valid residence permit.
7. Remote Worker or Freelancer? Try the Digital Nomad Route
Finland doesn’t have a special “digital nomad visa” yet, but if you’re self-employed or working remotely for a foreign company, you can apply for an entrepreneur residence permit.
This gives you permission to live and work in Finland as a freelancer or remote worker.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Finland?
Here’s a basic estimate in 2025:
Item | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
---|---|
Visa or residence permit | €490 – €650 |
Flight ticket (from Africa) | €400 – €700 |
Health insurance | €200 – €400/year |
First month rent (shared) | €300 – €600 |
Basic living expenses | €400 – €800/month |
So if you plan wisely, you can move to Finland with around €1,500 – €2,500.
Best Websites to Find Jobs in Finland (2025)
✅ TE-palvelut.fi – Finland’s official job portal
✅ Jobly.fi – Local job listings
✅ WorkinFinland.fi – For international talents
✅ LinkedIn – Great for networking and job hunting
✅ EURES – EU-wide job portal
Tips to Speed Up Your Move
- Prepare documents ahead of time – Passport, academic papers, CV, references, and health insurance.
- Apply via Enter Finland portal – It speeds up everything and gives real-time updates.
- Have enough money saved – Immigration officers may ask for proof of funds.
- Use a registered travel or immigration consultant – Only if you trust them.
- Be honest and stay updated – Always follow immigration rules to avoid getting banned.
Can Nigerians or Africans Move to Finland in 2 Weeks?
Yes, Many Nigerians, Ghanaians, Kenyans, and South Africans have successfully moved to Finland using these routes:
- Seasonal work visa
- Tech/engineering jobs (via fast-track)
- Study visa
- Startup route
- Family reunification
What matters most is having the right documents and starting early.
Conclusion
Finland may look like a cold country, but for many immigrants, it has brought warm opportunities and a fresh start. Whether you’re a tech worker, farmer, student, or freelancer, you can move to Finland in as little as 2 weeks — legally and confidently.
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