Do I need to present translated documents for the Finland WHV?

Volare Editorial | April 2, 2026

When preparing the requirements for a Working Holiday in Finland, it is essential to know the Immigration Service's linguistic regulations to avoid processing delays. You can consult the full list of documents and receive support on Volare's Finland Working Holiday page.

Accepted languages and translation exemptions

The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) stipulates that all documents attached to the application (such as bank statements or insurance policies) are accepted directly and without additional procedures if their original language is English, Finnish, or Swedish.

This regulation represents a significant advantage for citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, who will normally not incur translation costs. However, if a vital document is issued in a different language (as might be the case for certain certificates issued in Japan), the applicant is legally obliged to provide a translation carried out exclusively by an authorized or sworn translator.

Legalization and Hague Apostille

Regarding legalization through the Hague Apostille, the Finnish government primarily requires it for civil registry documents, such as marriage or birth certificates.

However, for the Working Holiday Visa category, these documents are usually not necessary, as the program is designed for individual participation and it is strictly forbidden to include dependent family members in the application. Therefore, the administrative burden regarding international legalizations is considerably low compared to other types of residence permits.