💼 Work/business/study for up to 90 days: where you need a visa and where you need a residence permit

So, you've got a short business agenda to get through, a lecture at a conference to attend, or a month-long internship to complete. But how do you know if a 90-day visa is enough, or if you need a residence permit? Here are some clear distinctions and common mistakes.

🇫🇮 Can you work on a tourist visa?

The short answer is no, but there are some conditions. Finland allows certain expert activities, such as lectures, conference participation and academic presentations, if they last no longer than 90 days and do not involve full-time work. But every situation is different, so it's best to check with Migri before you travel and make sure that you're allowed to do what you want to do.

💼 How is a business trip different from work?

The line between a 'visit' and 'work' is often very thin. If you're going to meetings, negotiations or giving presentations, then it's usually considered a business visit. But if you start doing the things that are normally associated with having a job, like doing company tasks regularly, getting paid for specific activities, or being controlled by your employer, then you will already need a residence permit.

It is important to look closely at the content of your tasks, not the name of the visa.

🌾 Seasonal work for up to 90 days: how to apply?

There are many jobs in Finland that only exist at certain times of the year. For example, there are jobs in farming, harvesting, and in hotels. If you are from a country that gives visas, you can apply for a seasonal Schengen visa at the consulate. For countries that don't need a visa, you often need a seasonal work certificate. This is issued through the Migri system and confirms you are allowed to do the activity.

Always check with the company that is dealing with your documents to find out how long you have to wait.

🎤 Is a lecture or conference that lasts a couple of days considered work?

Usually not. If you are invited to speak at a scientific event, hold a workshop or participate in a panel discussion, these are all short-term expert activities. They can stay for up to 90 days without needing a separate residence permit. However, you might be asked to confirm why you are travelling when you arrive at the border, so it is a good idea to have an invitation, the event programme and the organisers' contact details with you.

🖥️ Can I work remotely while in Finland on a visa?

You can work remotely for a foreign employer while you are legally staying in the country. Finland does not prohibit staying in the country and performing remote tasks. However, this does not give them the right to get a residence permit for 'remote workers' because this type of permit does not exist in Finnish law yet.

If you go on a trip just to 'work from a café', it is still a tourist visit and not a professional activity in the country.

🎓 Internship for 1–2 months — do you need a visa or residence permit?

It depends on how the internship is set up. Short-term training visits often need a visa, especially if the internship is not a big part of the work process. But if you're expected to take part in the company's projects, get paid, or do things together, you might need a separate permit to live there as an intern.

It is better to check the requirements with the host organisation in advance.

🤝 Is volunteering work or not?

Volunteering sounds harmless, but in Finnish law it is often considered work, especially if it benefits the organisation or replaces paid functions. The host party should know if you need a visa or residence permit for this format, but be sure to check with both the organisation and Migri.

🚀 EU Blue Card, start-up residence permit and fast-track entry

If you have already been approved for a residence permit, there is a fast-track entry scheme for you: the D visa. You can come to Finland straight away, without waiting for your plastic card to arrive in the post. This is especially useful for people with an EU Blue Card, fast-track specialists and start-up entrepreneurs.

Start-up tracks allow you to arrive faster and then apply for a residence permit with the support of Business Finland — an excellent option for those who are building a technology product or service.

A 'business visit' and 'work' are not the same thing. If you are unsure, check with Migri: a visa is sometimes sufficient, but a residence permit is often required for regular activities/remuneration.