Finland Immigration Service Sets New Rules for Foreign Workers in 2025

Key Takeaways

Finland’s new minimum salary for foreign workers is €1,600/month, effective January 1, 2025, for residence permits and April 1 for renewals.
Applicants need a job offer, must apply via Enter Finland or embassies, and meet financial documentation and biometric requirements.
Online applications cost €490; processing time averages two months; seasonal work applications for 2025 are already open, requiring early submission.

Finland 🇫🇮 is introducing notable changes to its immigration rules, creating fresh opportunities for foreign workers, including Nigerians, starting January 1, 2025. Central to these changes is a new minimum salary requirement for foreign workers set at €1,600 per month, marking an increase from the previous €1,399. This adjustment applies to first-time residence permit applications as of January 1 and to permit extensions from April 1, 2025. These regulations are overseen by the Finnish Immigration Service, also referred to as Migri.

Why the New Minimum Salary Requirement Matters

Finland Immigration Service Sets New Rules for Foreign Workers in 2025

The Finnish government’s decision aims to ensure that foreign workers can support themselves financially without needing social assistance. By raising the threshold, it creates a framework where immigrants have greater economic stability upon moving to Finland 🇫🇮.

This increase is expected to apply to most workers seeking a residence permit when employed in Finland. However, it’s important to note that the €1,600 is a minimum. Many professions or jobs governed by collective agreements will likely require higher wages. The government even allows a portion of the salary—up to 50%—to be paid as fringe benefits, such as housing or transportation.

Applying for a Residence Permit

For Nigerians and others wishing to apply, it’s essential to understand the step-by-step process. The first requirement is securing a job offer from an employer in Finland. Without this, the application process cannot progress. Once an eligible job offer is secured, applicants can apply for a work permit either online through the Enter Finland service or by submitting a paper application at a nearby Finnish embassy.

Different permits align with the nature and duration of the job:

Short-Term Work (Up to 3 Months):
- Applicants from countries requiring visas must apply for a seasonal work visa before entering Finland.
- If the applicant is from a visa-exempt country, they can apply for a seasonal work certificate through Migri.
Seasonal Work (3-9 Months):
- A residence permit for seasonal work is required for jobs longer than three months. This is particularly relevant to industries like agriculture, forestry, and tourism, which depend heavily on seasonal workers.
Long-Term Employment:
- The most common permit is the Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL). This applies to a wide range of jobs and typically requires the €1,600 minimum monthly income.
- Highly skilled workers with a university degree and a job offer meeting specific salary criteria may qualify for the EU Blue Card, which is designed for top professionals.

Applicants must submit various documents when beginning the residence permit process. These include:
– A valid passport,
– A passport photo,
– Proof of legal residence in the applicant’s current country,
– Form MP1, which details personal and employment information.

The employer plays a key role in the process. They are required to pay the application fee on behalf of the worker and fill in the terms of employment via the Enter Finland for employers platform.

After the online submission, applicants need to visit a Finnish embassy or consulate within three months to verify their identity and submit biometric data, including fingerprints. The processing time for a residence permit for employed persons typically averages about two months.

Cost of Application

The application costs vary depending on how it is submitted. Online applications through Enter Finland cost €490, while paper applications incur a higher fee of €740. Applicants are encouraged to use the online platform whenever possible, as it’s not only more affordable but often results in quicker processing times.

Special Considerations for Seasonal Workers

For those interested in seasonal work, Finland 🇫🇮 has already opened applications for positions in agriculture, forestry, and tourism industries for 2025. Permits in these sectors allow for work lasting up to nine months over a one-year period. As these permits can take up to 90 days to process, early application is strongly recommended.

Employers and Income Compliance

Employers hiring foreign workers will need to evaluate their payment structures carefully to comply with the new rules. Failure to meet the €1,600 minimum salary requirement could lead to denied permits for potential employees. Human resources teams should also ensure they are informed about changes taking effect in 2025, particularly regarding income thresholds and internal documentation procedures.

The Finnish Immigration Service plans to introduce automated systems to monitor compliance with salary requirements starting in 2025. This reflects Finland’s focus on promoting fair and transparent practices in work-related immigration.

Free Resources for Applicants and Employers

To help navigate the changes, Finland’s Work in Finland International Recruitment Advice Service offers free guidance for employers unfamiliar with hiring foreign workers. This service can also help answer questions about compliance and documentation requirements. Meanwhile, applicants are encouraged to rely on the Finnish Immigration Service’s official website for reliable and up-to-date information.

Financial Sufficiency Requirements

A key evaluation during the residence permit approval process is whether the applicant has enough financial resources to live in Finland without requiring social assistance. For this reason, meeting the €1,600 minimum salary requirement is critical. It illustrates not only the ability to support oneself but also aligns with Finland’s broader goal of ensuring economic stability for its incoming workforce.

What This Means for Nigerians and Other Foreign Nationals

For Nigerians and other foreign workers, these reforms present both opportunities and challenges. While the increase in the income threshold could make it harder to qualify for some positions, it also offers a stronger financial foundation for those who meet the criteria. Securing employment with acceptable pay becomes more important, but once achieved, it greatly improves the financial conditions under which foreign nationals enter Finland.

In sectors like agriculture, forestry, and tourism—which heavily rely on seasonal workers—demand for foreign labor is expected to remain robust. However, since wage-related requirements are critical, applicants need to prepare thoroughly by ensuring their job offers meet all criteria.

Key Takeaways for 2025

As the new policies approach implementation, staying informed is essential. Applicants should frequently check the Finnish Immigration Service website for any updates or official announcements. Employers, too, must be proactive in updating salary policies and internal procedures to meet the new income requirements.

These regulations underscore Finland’s long-term strategy to attract skilled professionals while ensuring that immigrants have financial security after relocating. The focus remains clear: strengthening economic independence while keeping migration systems efficient and transparent.

Preparing for 2025

Awareness and preparation are pivotal for those aiming to work in Finland 🇫🇮. The Finnish government’s honed approach signals its commitment to streamlining the migration process while promoting fairness for workers and employers alike. As VisaVerge.com reports, thorough preparation—whether securing a compliant job offer or submitting documentation on time—remains central to a smooth application experience.

For detailed requirements, application forms like MP1, and other essential resources, visit the Finnish Immigration Service. Keeping up with verified and accurate information is crucial for planning your journey to Finland successfully.

In summary, these changes represent a balanced approach that ensures skilled workers are financially stable while encouraging employers to meet fair wage standards. For those applying from Nigeria and around the world, meeting these new requirements can serve as the first step toward building a secure future in Finland.

Learn Today

Residence Permit → A legal document allowing a foreigner to reside and work in a country for a specific period.
Fringe Benefits → Non-cash compensations, such as housing or transportation, that employers provide as part of an employee’s salary.
Seasonal Work Visa → A temporary visa for employment tied to specific industries needing extra workers during seasonal periods.
EU Blue Card → A special residence and work permit for highly skilled professionals meeting specific qualifications and salary thresholds in the EU.
Biometric Data → Unique personal information like fingerprints or facial recognition used to verify identity during immigration processes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Finland’s updated immigration rules, effective January 2025, offer opportunities for foreign workers like Nigerians, but with a raised minimum salary of €1,600/month. These changes emphasize financial independence for migrants, while ensuring fair wages. For success, applicants must secure compliant job offers, prepare documentation, and stay informed through Finland’s immigration resources.
— By VisaVerge.com