Working Holiday residence permit
Young people from agreement countries combining a holiday with incidental work in Finland.
The Working Holiday residence permit is a Finnish visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€490 online (paper higher)) and processing time (~1-2 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Working Holiday residence permit is for
Young people from agreement countries combining a holiday with incidental work in Finland.
One-off holiday permit; does not lead to permanent residence.
Working Holiday residence permit - eligibility criteria
- Citizen of an agreement country (Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada)
- Aged 18-35 (varies by agreement)
- Funds of about €2,450 for the first three months
- Insurance for the whole stay, no prior Finnish WHM
Working Holiday residence permit cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Working Holiday residence permit (Finland) is ~€490 online (paper higher), with an indicative processing time of ~1-2 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside Finland (online via Enter Finland) |
| Length of stay | Up to 1 year |
| Work rights | Incidental work to fund the trip (per agreement limits) |
| Study rights | Short study allowed |
| Government fee | ~€490 online (paper higher) |
| Processing time | ~1-2 months |
| Route to PR | One-off holiday permit; does not lead to permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
One-off holiday permit; does not lead to permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare Au Pair · Residence permit for an au pair, Schengen C · Schengen short-stay visa (visitor), Seasonal Cert. · Certificate for seasonal work. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Finnish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Working Holiday residence permit pitfalls we fix
Working Holiday residence permit - frequently asked questions
How much does the Working Holiday residence permit cost?
The Working Holiday residence permit government fee is ~€490 online (paper higher). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) before applying.
How long does the Working Holiday residence permit take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-2 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Working Holiday residence permit lead to permanent residence?
One-off holiday permit; does not lead to permanent residence.
Can I work on the Working Holiday residence permit?
Work rights: Incidental work to fund the trip (per agreement limits).
Who can apply for the Working Holiday residence permit?
Young people from agreement countries combining a holiday with incidental work in Finland.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Finland government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) - official Finland immigration authority