Finland Raises Minimum Income Requirement for Work Permit Extensions

April 6, 2025 - In a significant change to its immigration policy, Finland has raised the minimum income limit for work permit extensions for foreign workers. As of April 1, 2025, foreign workers will need to demonstrate a minimum gross monthly income of EUR 1,600 to qualify for an extended residence permit.

New Income Threshold

The increase comes from an earlier minimum income limit of EUR 1,430 per month, which was instituted at the start of 2025. The new requirement applies to individuals seeking an extension of their work permit, which is necessary for those who wish to continue employment with a Finnish employer or at a company operating in Finland.

The gross salary requirement indicates the total salary before tax deductions and other statutory contributions. This policy underscores the Finnish government's commitment to ensuring that foreign workers are adequately compensated during their stay.

Conditions for Residency Permit

In order to obtain a residence permit for employment, foreign workers must provide proof of confirmed employment in Finland. The permit corresponds to the applicant’s professional field, ensuring that individuals are working within their areas of expertise.

Foreign workers whose applications for extended permits are still pending after April 1, 2025, and who do not meet the new income threshold may have their employers supplement their employment terms to meet the new criteria.

Employment and Salary Composition

To qualify for the extended permit, a foreign worker's total salary must reach at least EUR 1,600 per month. This total can be derived from multiple job positions, as long as the positions fall within the same professional field. However, bonus payments—such as those for night or weekend work—are not included in the salary total.

Employers can also offer fringe benefits, like housing support or a company car, which may count towards the salary, but these benefits cannot exceed 50% of the base salary when calculating eligibility.

Application Process

Applicants with employer certification can apply for a D visa simultaneously with their residence permit. This visa will expedite their entry into Finland upon approval. Family members, such as spouses and children, are also eligible to apply for the D visa under family tie provisions.

Importantly, foreign workers cannot commence employment until they have received their residence permit for employment in Finland. They are restricted to jobs that align with the specifications of their issued permits.

Processing Times and Recent Statistics

Recent statistics reveal that between March 17 and 23, 2025, various decisions regarding extended permits were processed promptly. Approximately 25.4% of the decisions were made within 14 days, and 51 days were the average time taken to issue positive decisions on applications.

So far in 2025, Finland has received a total of 2,672 applications for extended permits for employed persons, with 2,100 applications already processed and 1,824 resulting in positive decisions.

This increase in the minimum income limit reflects Finland's ongoing changes to its immigration policy, aimed at balancing labor market needs with the economic conditions faced by foreign workers.