Skip to content
3 ways to enter

Åland Islands visas

Åland Islands work visa

European single-market citizens can work through free movement rights. Other travellers need an appropriate work route; Finland does not allow work under the general short-stay visa waiver.

Ways to get a Åland Islands work visa

  1. Work through free movement

    No visa needed

    Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter, live and work without a visa.

    Stay
    Residence and work are covered by free movement rights.

  2. Long-stay visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    Workers from outside the European single market generally need long-stay permission for stays over 90 days. The exact Finnish work requirements are not specified.

    Stay
    A long-stay visa generally covers less than one year. A residence permit is used for longer periods.

  3. Temporary work under the Van Der Elst rule

    Other permit

    Workers from outside the European single market who are already employed within it may work temporarily in another single-market country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

    Stay
    Temporary work; no length is specified.

Who needs it

Workers without free movement rights need permission appropriate to their work and stay. A detailed Finnish work visa route is not specified.

Who doesn't

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can work without a visa.

Good to know

  • Do not treat a visa-free tourist or business visit as permission to work.
  • For stays over 90 days, visitors from outside the European single market generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit.
  • Work and residence conditions depend on the destination country.
  • A separate working holiday route is available for eligible young travellers.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Åland Islands?

Workers without free movement rights need permission appropriate to their work and stay. A detailed Finnish work visa route is not specified. Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can work without a visa.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Åland Islands?

There are 3 options: Work through free movement (no visa at all); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit); Temporary work under the Van Der Elst rule (a special permit).

Who can go to Åland Islands without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter, live and work without a visa.

What rules do I have to follow on a Åland Islands work visa?

Do not treat a visa-free tourist or business visit as permission to work. For stays over 90 days, visitors from outside the European single market generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit. Work and residence conditions depend on the destination country.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Åland Islands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Åland Islands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Åland Islands be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Åland Islands work visa rules?

On Åland Islands's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Åland Islands?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by