Finland's Visa-Free Entry Policy and the Proposed ₦2.9 Million Base Salary

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Finland is widely regarded as one of Europe’s best places to live, work and visit, with its high wages and visa-free entry policy for citizens of dozens of countries making it an attractive destination.

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It is also among the continent’s highest-paying nations, with research showing that entry-level workers in many sectors earn the equivalent of millions of naira each month.

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For travellers, Finland offers visa-free access to citizens of around 60 countries and territories. However, only two African countries currently enjoy that privilege.

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Finland’s visa-free policy

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As a member of the Schengen Area, Finland allows citizens of visa-exempt countries to enter without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits.

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Although travellers do not need a visa, they must still satisfy border officials by presenting a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details where necessary, and evidence of onward or return travel.

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African countries eligible for visa-free entry

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Only the following African countries have visa-free access to Finland for holders of ordinary passports:

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1. Mauritius

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Citizens of Mauritius can travel to Finland without first obtaining a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

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The Indian Ocean island nation benefits from a visa-waiver agreement with the European Union, allowing its passport holders to visit Finland and other Schengen countries for short stays.

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2. Seychelles

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Seychellois passport holders also enjoy visa-free access to Finland and the rest of the Schengen Area for short visits.

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Like Mauritius, Seychelles has a reciprocal visa-free agreement with the European Union, making travel significantly easier for its citizens.

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Who can enter Finland without a visa?

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Citizens of the following countries can generally travel to Finland without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, business or family visits.

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Europe

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• Albania (biometric passports)
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• Andorra
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• Bosnia and Herzegovina (biometric passports)
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• Georgia (biometric passports)
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• Kosovo (biometric passports)
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• Moldova (biometric passports)
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• Monaco
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• Montenegro
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• North Macedonia (biometric passports)
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• San Marino
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• Serbia (biometric passports)
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• Ukraine (biometric passports)
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• United Kingdom
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• Vatican City
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North America

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• Canada
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• Mexico
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• United States
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South America

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• Argentina
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• Brazil
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• Chile
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• Colombia
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• Costa Rica
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• El Salvador
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• Guatemala
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• Honduras
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• Nicaragua
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• Panama
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• Paraguay
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• Peru
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• Uruguay
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• Venezuela
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Asia

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• Brunei
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• Hong Kong SAR
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• Israel
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• Japan
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• Macao SAR
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• Malaysia
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• Singapore
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• South Korea
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• Taiwan (eligible passport holders)
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• United Arab Emirates
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Oceania

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• Australia
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• Fiji
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• Kiribati
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• Marshall Islands
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• Federated States of Micronesia
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• New Zealand
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• Palau
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• Samoa
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• Solomon Islands
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• Tonga
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• Tuvalu
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• Vanuatu
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Caribbean

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• Antigua and Barbuda
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• Bahamas
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• Barbados
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• Dominica
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• Grenada
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• Saint Kitts and Nevis
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• Saint Lucia
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• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
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• Trinidad and Tobago
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Finland’s wages

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Unlike many countries, Finland does not have a single statutory national minimum wage. Instead, wages are determined through sector-specific collective bargaining agreements negotiated between employers and labour unions.

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Research shows that the effective minimum wages set by these generally applicable agreements range from approximately €1,900 to €2,500 per month for entry-level work, depending on the sector. At current exchange rates, this is equivalent to roughly ₦2.9 million to ₦3.8 million per month.

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The exact pay varies across industries such as retail, hospitality, construction, manufacturing and healthcare, with each collective agreement establishing minimum salary levels for workers in that sector.

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Combined with Finland’s comprehensive social welfare system, universal healthcare, high-quality education and strong labour protections, these wage levels make the Nordic nation one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals and job seekers.

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While Finland remains accessible to travellers from dozens of countries without a visa, only citizens of Mauritius and Seychelles currently enjoy that privilege in Africa, with all other African nationals required to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling.

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