Needing Advice with Resident Permits and Work in Finland

[nstark]

Hello!

I am planning to move to Finland next year with my boyfriend, who is a Finnish citizen. I am a US citizen and we met while he was studying here in the US. I have started looking into what I need to do to obtain a residence permit, but I don't really know what I'm doing. Since we are in a relationship and plan to live together, I am planning to apply on the basis of family ties (we currently live together and from what I've seen, would be considered to be in a "domestic partnership"). I am also considering studying when we move there, so I was also thinking about applying as a student. Is one situation easier than the other in terms of being granted a permit?

Also, what are good jobs for US/English speakers in Finland (Turku). I know some Finnish, and am taking courses now to learn more, but I wouldn't consider myself fluent enough to use Finnish on the job.

Thanks so much!

[betelgeuse]

Most of the information you need about residence permits is available at migri.fi. For cohabitation you need to have lived together for two years:

http://www.migri.fi/moving_to_finland_t ... habitation

The process is pretty much the same between students and family members. However the latter gives you an A permit (continuous ) instead of B (temporary). The A permit is better in terms of access to social security and the right to work.

[nstark]

Thank you. I've looked on that site and found the forms I'll need. It's a little overwhelming to sift through all the info.

I guess my next question is, are there many opportunities for jobs for people not fluent in Finnish?

[rinso]

are there many opportunities for juba for people not fluent in Finnish?

It depends on your profession, education and experience but on average unemployment for non Finnish speaking residents is 2 to 3 times higher than for Finns.