Finland will introduce a strict three-month deadline for foreign workers to secure new employment after losing their job, starting June 2025, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has announced. Failure to find a new job within this 90-day period will result in the loss of residence permits for affected foreign nationals holding work-based permits.
This policy shift marks a significant change from Finland’s previous more flexible system, where foreign workers could stay in the country while searching for new jobs, provided they met general residence conditions. The new rule aims to align Finland’s immigration policy with broader European Union standards and improve consistency across the bloc.
However, some exemptions apply. High-skilled professionals earning at least €3,827 monthly—such as EU Blue Card holders, specialists, intra-company transferees, top executives, and those with over two years of work permit residency—will have six months instead of three to find new employment.
In addition to the job search deadline, employers will be required to notify the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) within 14 days of any foreign worker’s job termination. Officials say this measure will improve labor market monitoring and strengthen immigration enforcement.
The new rules come amid declining work-based immigration to Finland. Residence permits issued for employment purposes dropped from 15,000 in 2023 to approximately 11,000 in 2024. While sectors like IT continue to attract foreign talent, industries such as healthcare face growing workforce shortages, a situation critics fear could worsen due to the policy.
Immigration advocates and foreign workers have criticized the move, with a recent OP Financial Group survey revealing that 13% of foreign workers would consider leaving Finland if the new deadline is enforced. Concerns focus on the short job search window, language barriers, challenges with credential recognition, and lengthy recruitment processes.
Experts warn that although the reform may improve administrative control, it risks making Finland less competitive in attracting skilled labor amid a global shortage. With an aging population and persistent labor needs in critical sectors, overly rigid immigration rules could hamper economic growth and strain public services.
The Finnish government insists the reform is necessary to tighten oversight and ensure fair treatment of foreign workers within the EU. Authorities now face the challenge of balancing enforcement with the country’s long-term workforce and economic needs.
