23 Jan 2025
The 2024 Index indicates Finland’s economy is “mostly free.” With its picturesque scenery and welcoming environment, Finland is easily one of the most coveted destinations for immigrants to live and work in. Many Gambians work in Finland and send money to Gambia from Finland to support their loved ones financially.
However, many face the challenge of adequately understanding Finland’s residence policies. If you are also confused about these residence policies and permits, keep reading this blog, which breaks it down.
A residence permit is a document you will need to prove that you, as a foreign national, have permission to live in a country for a fixed or indefinite time. There are different kinds of residence permits depending on your circumstances. Obtaining a residence permit often involves fulfilling specific eligibility criteria, such as financial stability or a valid job offer.
Once secured, it allows you to access certain local services and benefits, including healthcare and social programs. Managing your residence status effectively is crucial, especially if you plan to stay long-term or send money back to your home country. Below are the different types explained:
If you are looking for a job in Finland or have already gotten a job offer, you will require a residence permit to start working there. Depending on your job type, you will need a different kind of permit, such as for a seasonal worker, a skilled worker, or an entrepreneur. For instance, a specific type of permit is needed for a job offer in a high-demand field. Seasonal work permits are for jobs in industries such as forestry or agriculture, and these permits have a shorter duration, typically a few months.
Applying to Finnish universities is a great choice for higher studies. If you land a scholarship in Finland, you will be required to possess a student residence permit, typically lasting for your studies. As an applicant, you need proof of acceptance to a Finnish university and evidence that you possess sufficient funds to support yourself financially. Once you get your residence permit, you can work part-time during your academic year. Many Gambians earn during their studies to send money from Finland to Gambia.
If someone close to you, such as a spouse, children, or dependents, already lives in Finland, you can apply for a family reunification residence permit. The Finnish government allows family reunification and offers specific residence permits for this purpose to support the smooth integration of immigrants into Finnish society.
To get a residence permit, you will need to prove a legitimate relationship and that you possess sufficient funds to support yourself financially in Finland.
Once you land a residence permit, certain rules must be kept in mind. Here are general guidelines for permit holders:
Residence permit holders may only work according to what is allowed by their work permit. For instance, a seasonal work permit may be limited to specific industries, but a long-term permit may allow you to switch jobs without having to reapply for a permit. Immigrants with long-term or permanent residence permits can qualify for Finnish social services such as education and healthcare.
As a Gambian immigrant, you must understand the entitlements you possess to enjoy local benefits according to your permit type and duration. These benefits could allow you to save up and send money online to Gambia from Finland without having to penny-pinch.
Most resident permits need to be renewed as the first priority, as they are crucial for your stay in Finland. Applying for its renewal well before the expiration date is preferable to avoid any last-minute stress or delays. This is important because failing to renew the permit could mean deportation or loss of rights. For instance, for a work permit, you will need proof of ongoing employment; for a student permit, you’ll need to renew it annually based on your academic progress.
Moving to Finland to build a new life as a Gambian is smooth if you have all the information about navigating Finnish residence policies. A lot of immigrants in Finland earn a decent living, which allows them to make an online money transfer from Finland to Gambia on a regular basis. If you plan on sending remittances anywhere in the world quickly and safely, try ACE Money Transfer today!
Finland offers work, study, and family reunification permits for Gambian migrants based on their purpose of stay.
Gambian students need proof of enrollment in a Finnish institution and evidence of financial support to apply for a student residence permit.
Yes, but it depends on the type of work permit. Some permits, especially long-term permits, allow job changes without reapplication.
Gambian migrants are typically eligible for permanent residency after four years of continuous legal residence.
Finnish citizenship requires basic proficiency in Finnish or Swedish, which can be proven through tests or approved language courses.
