The Finnish government has introduced a new income threshold for foreign workers seeking residence permits through employment. Starting January 1, 2025, only foreigners earning at least €1,600 per month will be eligible for residence permits based on employment. This measure will primarily impact skilled workers from third countries. According to the Finnish Ministry for Economic Affairs and Employment, the €1,600 limit applies only to primary employment, and other forms of income will not be considered. The goal of this policy is to ensure that those coming to work in Finland can earn enough to support themselves.
The proposal aligns with the government’s broader aim of increasing the number of full-time workers in Finland. A report from the Ministry suggests that the €1,600 threshold will have minimal impact on the national availability of labor.
Different income thresholds apply for various types of residence permits. For specialist occupations, the minimum required salary is €3,638 per month, while seasonal workers must earn at least €1,399. The new €1,600 threshold will mainly affect skilled workers in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, administration, and support services.
