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Do you want to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist? It’s a perfect destination for skilled workers, and Finland needs them. You just need to know the requirements and procedures to follow to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist. This page of the Visa Library will bring you how to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist.

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Immigrate to Finland as a Dentist

A valid dental degree.

You need a valid dental diploma or degree from your home country or a foreign one. It must be verified and validated by the health officials of the country you get it there. If you need to pass a training or internship period in your home country to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist, you need to pass it and get the required certificate.

Finnish language proficiency certificate.

When you apply for the recognition process to Valvira, you need to submit a Finnish language proficiency certificate as well. It’s part of the supporting documents. The level of fluency you need is often an A2 or B1 but look at the below section to know the exact requirements. Forget working in Finland and using English. You need Finnish language fluency to pass the examination and work with people and colleagues.

Pass the recognition process and get approval.

If you get your degree from a foreign country and not in Finland, you need to pass the Recognition process to immigrate and work there as a dentist. First, you need to send them your degree or diploma and the required supporting documents to them. After approval, you need to take the internship in Finland, pass the exams, and work with a temporary license for about one year.

After that, you can work as a dentist with an employer and get paid like other dentists in the country. Read the below section to know more about the recognition process with Valvira.

Being able to get a work permit and work visa.

When you get your license to work as a dentist in Finland, you need to find a job with a Finnish employer. There are different ways to find a job, and look at the below section to learn about them. Then you need to sign an employment contract with the employer and apply for a work permit. After the work permit or permission to work as a foreign person in Finland is issued, you can apply for a work visa to enter the country. The process is explained in the below section.

But you must be able to gather the required supporting documents and submit them to the Finnish officials.

How to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist? 

If you get your dental degree in a foreign country and not Finland, you need to pass the recognition process. You will have to send all of your documents and diploma to the Finnish officials; they evaluate or assess them and decide whether you are eligible to work as a dentist in Finland or not. You will have to pass a few other stages as well. The procedure is different by your nationality and the country you received your diploma; EU and non-EU nationals. This section explains the procedure for both of them:

Dentists from EU member states.

If you get your dental diploma from an EU member state, you need to follow the procedure explained in this section. You will have to apply to Valvira and send them the required documents and your diploma. They will decide whether you can work in Finland as a dentist or not.

The first step is to gather the required documents and send them to Valvira. This is the list of the documents you have to gather:

  1. ID and nationality certificate (passport or identity card). 
  2. Your Degree certificate.
  3. The certificate indicating that you have the right to practice dentistry in your home country and it has not been revoked or restricted. This certificate gets called a Certificate of Current Professional Status or Certificate of good standing or might have other names. 
  4. A certificate from the competent authority in your home country that states your professional qualifications fulfill the requirements of Directive 2005/36/EC, and it recognizes the professional qualifications.
  5. Application form. 

You need to complete and send an application form and include all of your information inside. You can complete the application form in two languages, and you may complete the one that suits your language fluency. 

  • Application form in Finnish.
  • Application form in Swedish 
  1. Translation of your documents. If your documents are not in any of the following languages, you must have them translated into one of them by a verified translation office:
  • Finnish,
  • Swedish
  • English
  • Finnish language proficiency certificate. The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, and you need a certificate in one of these languages to be qualified for the recognition process.

There are various ways to prove your language fluency. The two of them are; 

  1. Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificate (Satisfactory skills’ in all skills.)
  2. National Certificate of Language Proficiency ( intermediate level test, levels 3–4)

The other ways you can prove your language fluency and be exempt from taking a language test are as follows; 

  • Having finished a Finnish high school.
  • Having a certificate from a Finnish upper secondary school.
  • Having a certificate that says you have finished courses in Finnish or Swedish.
  • Having a certificate that says you have finished a Finnish or Swedish vocational qualification.
  • Having a certificate that you have completed studies in Finnish for civil servants or Swedish for civil servants at a university.
  • Have a document from your employer that says you are fluent in Finnish or Swedish.

If you do not submit a language proficiency certificate, Valvira can only recognize your professional degree. To do so, you smut be a national of EU/EEA member states and complete your training in one of these countries. Remember that the recognition of professional qualifications doesn’t give you the right to practice nursing in Finland automatically.

Attention: You might have to submit further supporting documents, and the decision is with Valvira. If so, you will have to submit whatever they require. If you submit an uncertified copy of your document, Valvira might ask you to submit certified copies of your documents.

You have to send your application to Valvira; 

Postal address:

P.O. Box 210, FI-00281 Helsinki

Street address:

Mannerheimintie 103b, 00280 Helsinki

Processing, and the result.

Valvira has the right to ask for further supporting documents, and you will have t send them whatever they require. Remember that they do not return your documents, so you should make copies of your documents and keep them for yourself.

If one piece of document is missing, Valvira will inform you, so send it. This will prolong the processing time. The average processing time is 3 months, but it could take longer. Valvira will inform you of the result and whether you can practice nursing in Finland.

Whatever the answer is, you will have to pay the fee of eleven if it’s negative. Valvira will inform you of the fee.

If the answer is positive, they will post the certificate to your address. It is in Finnish or Swedish languages.

You can immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist begin working, as you do not need a visa or work permit to work there. You just need a job offer and inform the officials.

Dentists from non-EU countries.

If you get your dental degree from a non-EU country, you will have to follow a different procedure to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist. You need to apply to Valivra and send them your documents and diploma for recognition.

You need to gather and send Valvira these supporting documents: 

  1. Application from.
  2. ID and nationality documents (documents certifying your identity and nationality)
  3. Your dental degree or diploma (a copy of the original document)
  4. The certificate indicates that you have the right to practice dentistry in your home country. The competent authority responsible for dental regulations must issue them. It can not be older than 3 months ago at the time of application. It must indicate that you have the license to work as a dentist and not be revoked or suspended. If you have the right to practice dentistry in another country, submit a certificate from them.
  5. If you can not submit the required document in number 4, you need to submit a certificate that you have not been registered in the country you got your diploma is needed. The competent authority of the country must have issued it you get your degree from.
  6. Translation. You must have your documents translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English by a verified translation office in Finland or an EU/EEA country.

Legalization.

You must have your documents legalized in the country you received them through: 

  • the Apostille
  • or Grand Legalisation procedure.

The person who signs your degree and his position must be verified. You can contact the Finnish embassy/consulate in your home country to learn about the legalization of your documents. If you can verify your degree, provide the official email of the center to Valvira so they can verify your degree.

The result of the assessment and the internship.

Valvira assesses your application and decides whether you are qualified to work as a dentist in Finland or not. If the answer is positive, you can take the internship in Finland. If you have taken an internship period in Finland before the result of the assessment, Valvira doesn’t recognize it, and it must be only after the assessment.

You need to take an internship with a public health care unit or University clinic in Finland. The minimum internship duration is 3 months, but Valvira can ask for a longer internship and orders special instructions for your internship. Remember that the internship must have been completed 3 years before you take the required exams in the next stages.

You will have to arrange the internship on your own. It’s a must to find a clinic or hospital willing to hire you as an intern. If you are asking how you can enter and stay in Finland to pass your internship and the exams in the below section, read the information in the section of residence permit for authorization section. You can find more information about the internship in Finalnd from the PDF Instructions file provided by Valvira.

Take the examination with Valvira.

After you take the internship in Finland, you need to pass the examination to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist. The following centers are responsible for taking the dental examination: 

  • University of Helsinki Institute of Dentistry
  • University of Turku Institute of Dentistry

The examination is to ensure that you have enough knowledge and skill to work as a dentist in Finland. Also, the exam contains Finnish legislation, and you have to know about this subject to pass it.

There are two stages of the examination, and you can take the first stage after you pass the internship and pass the Finnish language proficiency test.

You will have to register with Valvira for the exam, and they will arrange the registration with the university. You need to complete one of the following forms and send it to Valvira to register for the examination:

  •  Form (in Finnish)
  • Form (in Swedish)

You need to submit the following items to Valvira when you register for the exam: 

  • Language proficiency certificate
  • A certificate of your internship
  • A certificate of a statement from your internship supervisor that states your performance during the internship.

You can find more information about the exam in the following sources, but they are in Finnish: 

You need to pass this exam to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist. So you will have to work hard and learn Finnish terms and language proficiency and work harder during your internship. Gather as much information as you can.

Limited license to work as a dentist in Finland.

After you pass the examination successfully, you will receive a limited license to work as a dentist in Finland. You will have to send a certificate from the university that you have passed the exam and send it with the application to Valvira.

You need to find a job offer with a Finnish employer or clinic that is willing to hire you. You will have to work under his/her supervision for one year. You can work with private or public employers, and there is no difference between them.

Work as an independent dentist in Finland.

After you finish one year of working under the supervision of a Finnish employer, you can apply to work as an independent dentist in Finland. But you need to complete and send the PDF application form and attach the employment certificates with the Finnish employer.

Find a job in Finland as a dentist.

As explained in the above section, after Valvira recognizes your degree and documents, you need to pass an internship in Finland.

After you pass the language exam at the Finnish university, you can apply for a temporary license to work as a dentist in Finland under the supervision of a recognized dentist. In these two stages, you need to find a job offer with a Finish employer. It’s all on your own. This section brings you to how to find a job as a dentist in Finland.

Websites to find a job as an immigrant dentist.

The first easy way you can use to find a job in Finland as a dentist is to look for a position through the websites that advertise job positions in Finland. This is a list of the most famous these websites:

  • Monster Finland
  • Tiptopjob Finland
  • Jobs in Helsinki
  • Duunitori
  • Te- Palvelut
  • Careerjet Finland
  • Monster.fi
  • Indeed Finland
  • Rekrytointi.com
  • Learn4Good
  • Oikotie
  • The Hub
  • Glassdoor
  • Rekrytointi.com
  • Linkedin

You need a resume indicating that you are a competent dentist and can work in the position, and have the required certificate. Apply for the positions and wait until the employers reach out and offer you the positions.

Employment agencies in Finland.

You can also get help from employment agencies or recruiters in Finland. This is a list of them:

  • StaffPoint
  • aTalent Recruiting
  • Adecco
  • Finnwards
  • Horton International
  • Barona
  • Eezy

You should visit their website and find more information. Determine if they can help you find a job as a dentist or not.

Sign an employment contract.

After you find the job, you need to sign an employment contract with a Finnish employer. It’s part of the supporting documents. It has to explain every part of the employment and its details:

  • Salary
  • Starting date
  • Duration of employment.
  • Location,
  • Tasks and responsibilities
  • Confidentiality.
  • Etc.

Apply for a Finland work permit.

Then the employer or you has to apply for a work permit. If the employer is gonna apply, you have to give him/her the right to do so.

You’re gonna have to apply for the “First Residence Permit.” Visit the Enter Finland Service website. When you enter the site, click on the Work Part, you’ll enter another page and should read the instructions to know which part is for you.  A residence permit for an employed person (TTOL) is often your choice. Read the instructions. Then create an account if you don’t have any.

Now, you need to complete the online application form. Then, submit the scanned form of supporting documents. This is the list of documents;

No 1. Passport.

It must be valid over the date of your work contract.

Also, Coloured copies of the passport page and copies of all passport pages containing markings are needed.

No .2 Photos.

One photo of yourself is needed.

No 3. The form MP_1.

You need to attach this form only if You are in Finland and are applying for a first residence permit.

No 4. The employment contract.

It needs to verify these items:

  • Employee’s duties
  • the start and end date and the duration of your employment.
  • the name of the collective agreement (TES) applied.
  • working hours.
  • salary and possible employee benefits.
  • The location of the work.
  • employer’s company name, business ID, & contact details.
  • Signs and names of employees & employers.

The employer needs to submit these documents.

He/she needs to add the terms of employment online in Entering Finland for Employers.

It is No 5 on the list of requirements.

If it’s not possible to send them online,

The employer needs to complete the TEM 0.54 form & sign it.

You, as the employee, need to submit the form with your application.

No 6. A Certificate of paid taxes or a certificate of tax debts.

They can not be older than 3 months.

No 7 The Certificates on employer’s insurance premiums.

No 8. The Report on the number of employees in the company.

It must contain the number of full-time & part-time employees.

No 9 A Report on the Recruitment of the labor force from the Finnish labor market.

Note:

This was the list of supporting documents. But, the officials could ask for further supporting documents.  Be prepared to submit whatever they ask.

If you’re abroad, you must prove your identity to a Finnish embassy or consulate. You can find the list & their address in the Visa Library article. You have to book your appointment before getting to the embassy.  It’s possible through their website.

What if you are in Finland at the time of application?  Now, you must prove your identity at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service.

There is an online booking system to reserve your appointment.

You can find its link in the Visa Library article.

Your application process comes with a fee. You have to pay it to the Finnish online banking credentials by a verified credit card or to the embassy or consulate. You’d better pay it as soon as possible to speed up the process. Now, visit the Finnish embassy on the scheduled date and bring the original copies of the documents you submitted online.

Submit the documents to the officials, Then answer their questions regarding the purpose of your visit. You’d better know that your fingerprints will be taken. It’s not a big deal & will be done in a few minutes.

When you’re done with the embassy or Immigration Service, wait for the processing.

You can follow the status of your application on your Enter Finland Account. At this time, your application enters two stages.

The Employment and Economic Development Office will evaluate your application.

They will check your eligibility. If a piece of document is missing, they’ll ask you to submit it. So you should check your Enter Finland Account regularly. They could also ask for additional information. Be prepared to submit whatever they ask ASAP.

When Employment and Economic Development Office agrees with your application, the Finnish Immigration Service will process the application.

You will receive the result in writing or at an interview if they agree.

Remember that you can NOT enter Finland while waiting for an answer to your application.

If you enter the country, you’ll have to cancel the previous application & start a new one. When the officials agree on your application, They’ll notify you of the further stages to follow.

You must send your passport to the embassy to get the visa and enter Finland. When you get the residence permit for Finland, you will be registered in the Finnish Population Information System automatically. You will get a Finnish Personal Identity Code at the same time.

When you enter the country,  you must visit the nearest service location of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. There, You will be registered as a resident.

You can find more information about Finland’s work visa from the Visa Library article or watch the video we have prepared on our YouTube channel.

Infographic How to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist

Are Dentists in Demand in Finland?

Dentists in Finland are generally in demand, but the level of demand can vary depending on the region. Larger cities and urban areas have higher demand due to their larger populations and more extensive healthcare infrastructure. In contrast, rural or remote areas may have fewer opportunities for dentists. Factors such as demographic trends, government healthcare policies, and economic conditions can also influence the demand for dental services. Therefore, individuals interested in pursuing a dental career in Finland should research the specific job market and requirements in their desired region while considering factors like language proficiency and licensing requirements.

Immigrant dentists’ salaries in Finland.

Your salary as a dentist in Finland depends on many factors:

  • Education.
  • Work experience
  • Language fluency.
  • Tasks and responsibilities.
  • Dental skills and knowledge.
  • Language fluency.
  • The city you work in.
  • The place you work in.
  • Etc.

Various sources have mentioned different figures for your salary as a dentist in Finland. According to Salary Explorer, the average salary of a dentist in Finland is about 10,800 EUR per month, while the lowest salary is about 5,300 EUR the highest salary is about 10,800 EUR per month.

According to World Salaries, the average annual salary is about 128,500 EUR, while the average monthly salary is about 10,708 EUR. it says the lowest annual salary is about 64,300 EUR, and the lowest monthly salary is 5,358 EUR. Also, this source indicates that the highest annual salary is 204,700 EUR, and the highest monthly salary is 17,058 EUR.

According to Payscale, the average salary is about 48.000 EUR per year. According to Indeed, the average salary is about $179,629 per year. According to Pylab, the average salary is about 118.80 EUR per year.

Language proficiency to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist?

Yes, you will need a Finnish language proficiency certificate to work as a dentist in Finland. When you apply for recognition to Valvira, you need to send them the Finnish language proficiency certificate, Which is part of the required documents. After you get accepted in the recognition and pass the internship, you need to submit the language fluency result, which you might have to take it again in Finland.

You need Finnish language fluency skills to work with people and colleagues as they mostly speak Finnish.

Can I immigrate and work in Finland as a foreign dentist?

Yes, you can work as a foreign dentist in Finland. But having a diploma and license from a foreign country doesn’t give you the right to work in Finland as a dentist.  You need to pass the recognition process and get approval from Valvira. It’s the center that validates foreign healthcare professionals and lets them work in Finland.

You need to get their approval so you can work as a dentist in Finland. The procedure is explained in detail in the above section.

Can I Study Dentistry in Finland in English?

Yes, you can study dentistry in Finland in English. Finland offers a range of English-taught programs in various fields, including dentistry, at its universities. These programs are designed to accommodate international students and provide education in English. It’s important to note that admission to dental programs in Finland can be highly competitive, and there may be specific entrance requirements and quotas for international students. Additionally, you may need to meet certain language proficiency requirements, such as demonstrating proficiency in English through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. You should check with the universities you are interested in for their specific admission criteria and application deadlines.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Dentistry in Finland?

Studying dentistry in Finland can be costly, particularly for non-EU/EEA students who typically face tuition fees ranging from €10,000 to €25,000 per year. Depending on the university, EU/EEA students may have lower or no tuition fees. Scholarships and financial aid are available to help international students with costs. Students must also budget for living expenses, ranging from €700 to €1,200 per month. Costs can vary by location and lifestyle. It’s crucial to check with your chosen university or dental school for the most up-to-date information on tuition fees and available financial assistance.

Let’s sum up how to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist

You learned through this page of the Visa Library how to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist. The recognition process is explained, and the required documents and the things you have to do in each step. Also, you got answers to some of your questions.

If you have questions about the process or do not know what to do at one stage, write them in the comment section. The Visa Library team will answer them.

Frequently asked questions about immigration to Finland as a dentist.

What is the first step to becoming a dentist in Finland?

You need to get a dental diploma and send it along with the supporting documents for recognition.

Do I need Finnish language proficiency to immigrate and work in Finland as a dentist?

Yes, you need a Finnish language proficiency certificate along with the other documents and pass the examinations in Finnish.

Can I work as a foreign dentist in Finland?

No, having a foreign license doesn’t give you the right to work as a dentist, and you need to pass the recognition to get a license.

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