Finland Raises Income Threshold for Work Permits: Key Changes for 2025

Starting January 1, 2025, Finland will raise the minimum income threshold for foreign workers seeking residence permits. This significant change aims to ensure that foreign employees receive adequate compensation and reduce reliance on social welfare.

Starting January 1, 2025, Finland will implement a revised minimum income threshold for residence permits targeting employed individuals. Under the new rules, foreign workers applying for this permit must earn at least €1,600 per month to qualify.

This adjustment aligns with the Finnish government’s focus on promoting full-time employment and ensuring sufficient income to cover living expenses.

Current and Upcoming Changes
Currently, applicants qualify for a Finland residence permit if their salary meets the relevant collective agreement or the existing income threshold of €1,399 per month. However, beginning in 2025:

Increased Salary Threshold: The minimum monthly income threshold for obtaining a work permit in Finland is increasing to €1,600, up from the previous threshold of €1,399. This means that foreign workers must secure employment that meets or exceeds this salary level.

Full-Time Employment Focus: The higher threshold aligns with the Finnish government’s aim to ensure that foreign workers receive salaries that support full-time employment and discourage underemployment.

Impact on New Applications: All new applications for residence permits submitted after January 1, 2025, must meet this new €1,600 income requirement.

Extensions Affected: Existing permit holders should be aware that when applying to extend their permits from April 2025 onwards, their current salary must meet the €1,600 threshold. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the denial of their residence permit extension.

Purpose of the Amendment
This legislative update stems from Finland’s Aliens Act, which mandates sufficient financial resources for residence permit holders to avoid reliance on social assistance. The revised threshold aims to:

• Ensure fair compensation for workers.
• Support Finland’s economic stability.
• Align with the government’s full-time employment objectives.

Enhanced Monitoring Measures
From 2025, Finland will also expand automated post-decision monitoring for work-based residence permits. This system will:

• Verify that employees consistently meet salary requirements. 
• Ensure compliance with permit conditions throughout their validity. 

Tuuli Huhtilainen, Process Owner for residence permits for employed persons and seasonal work, highlighted the importance of this monitoring to uphold fair treatment for workers. 

Work Opportunities in Finland 
The residence permit for employed persons is the most common type of work-based permit in Finland. In 2024 alone, 9,104 applications were submitted between January and November. The majority of applicants originated from countries like:

• Thailand 
• The Philippines 
• India 
• China 
• Vietnam 

Seasonal work, such as berry picking, attracts numerous applicants from Thailand, showcasing the country’s demand for foreign labour. 

Visa Options for Working in Finland 
Finland offers a range of visa options for individuals seeking to work in the country, catering to various employment and professional needs: 

1. Seasonal Work Visa 
The Seasonal Work Visa is designed for temporary employment in sectors such as agriculture and forestry. It allows workers to stay in Finland for up to 90 days, making it ideal for seasonal jobs like berry picking or planting.

• For temporary work such as agriculture or forestry. 
• Duration: Up to 90 days. 

2. EU Blue Card 
The EU Blue Card targets highly skilled professionals seeking employment in Finland. This visa requires applicants to secure a salary above the standard work permit threshold and is tailored for roles demanding specialized expertise.

• For highly skilled professionals. 
• Requires a higher salary than the standard work permit. 

3. Start-Up Permit 
The Start-Up Permit is specifically for entrepreneurs who aim to establish a business in Finland. Applicants must present a viable business plan that outlines their vision and potential contribution to Finland’s economy. 

• Designed for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in Finland. 
• Requires a viable business plan. 

4. Researcher Visa 
The Researcher Visa supports academic or scientific professionals conducting research in Finland. Often tied to partnerships with academic institutions, this visa facilitates innovative contributions in various fields. 

• For individuals conducting academic or scientific research. 
• Often linked to academic institutions. 

Conclusion 
Finland’s updated income threshold for work-based residence permits marks a significant shift in immigration policy, reflecting its commitment to fair wages and economic stability. With enhanced monitoring and various visa options, Finland remains an attractive destination for skilled workers and seasonal labourers alike. Potential applicants should prepare for these changes to ensure compliance with the new rules. 

Source: https://travelobiz.com/finland-raises-income-threshold-for-work-permits-key-changes-for-2025/