As of January 1, 2025, Finland has implemented stricter rules for foreign workers applying for residence permits. The key change is the increase in the income requirement for those seeking residence permits for employment purposes. This move is part of Finland’s effort to ensure that foreign employees earn a sufficient salary to support their living costs while residing in the country.
In this article, we will explore the new income requirements for foreign workers in Finland, how they affect international job seekers, and what these changes mean for Finland’s immigration policies in 2025.
Why Finland Is Raising Income Requirements for Foreign Workers
Finland’s government has decided to increase the minimum income level for foreign workers applying for residence permits. Under the new rules, foreign workers must earn at least 1,600 euros per month to qualify for a residence permit for an employed person. This increase from the previous income requirement of 1,399 euros aims to ensure that foreign employees do not become dependent on social welfare and are financially self-sufficient during their stay in Finland.
Impact on First-time and Extended Residence Permits
This change will apply to all new applications for first-time residence permits for foreign workers starting from January 1, 2025. For individuals extending their permits, the new income requirement will be enforced starting April 1, 2025.
The minimum salary of 1,600 euros per month will be mandatory for all applicants, although they must also comply with the collective agreements for the specific industry. If the salary falls below this threshold, the applicant will not be eligible for the residence permit.
How the New Income Requirement Will Affect Foreign Workers in Finland
The decision to raise the income threshold for residence permits is designed to ensure that foreign workers are financially stable and able to cover their living expenses in Finland. Workers who are unable to meet this requirement will not be granted residence permits, which could affect the number of international workers migrating to Finland.
The new regulation is part of Finland’s broader immigration strategy, which includes automated post-decision monitoring of residence permits to ensure that employees are meeting the required salary levels.
| Previous Minimum Salary | New Minimum Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1,399 euros/month | 1,600 euros/month |
Finland’s Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanism
To ensure compliance, Finland will also expand its automated system for monitoring salary levels and other employment conditions for foreign workers. This will allow Finnish authorities to track whether employees are earning enough to meet the new financial requirements.
Residency and Permanent Residence Permit Fee Increases
In addition to raising income requirements for foreign workers, Finland has also increased the fees for permanent residence permit applications, effective January 1, 2025. The online application fee for a permanent residence permit has risen to EUR 240, up from EUR 220, while the fee for paper applications has increased to EUR 350 from EUR 270. These fee hikes are part of a broader effort to streamline Finland’s immigration system and generate revenue for the administrative costs associated with processing permits.
What This Means for Indian and Other Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals from countries such as India, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, and China make up a large portion of the foreign workers applying for residence permits in Finland. As of 2024, Indian nationals are among the top applicants for work-based residence permits. The new income requirement may affect many potential Indian workers seeking employment in Finland, particularly those in low-wage sectors.
Finland’s Competitive Advantage for Skilled Workers
Despite the stricter income requirements, Finland remains an attractive destination for skilled workers, especially in sectors like information technology, engineering, and healthcare. Workers from countries like India, which have a high demand for skilled professionals, may still find Finland a competitive option despite the increased financial threshold.
What Should Foreign Workers Know About Finland’s New Rules?
If you are a foreign worker interested in moving to Finland, here are some important things to know about the new regulations:
- Income Requirements: You will need to earn at least 1,600 euros per month to qualify for a residence permit.
- Residence Permit Types: These changes apply to first-time residence permit applications and permit extensions.
- Permanent Residence Fees: Application fees for permanent residence permits have increased. Be sure to check the current fees when applying.
- Salary Monitoring: Finland will closely monitor salary levels to ensure that foreign workers meet the new income requirements.
Finland’s Shift in Immigration Policy for 2025
Finland’s decision to raise income requirements for foreign workers reflects the country’s effort to ensure that immigrants can support themselves financially and contribute positively to Finland’s economy. While the change may pose challenges for some workers, it also aims to create a sustainable immigration system that benefits both the workers and Finland’s society as a whole.
Foreign workers, especially from countries like India, must be aware of these new financial thresholds when applying for residence permits. As Finland continues to refine its immigration policies, international workers will need to meet higher standards of income and employment to qualify for residence.
