Starting from April 1, 2025, Finland has increased the minimum gross monthly income requirement for foreign workers seeking an extended residence permit. The revised limit is now EUR 1,600, up from the previous EUR 1,430. This policy applies to all applicants who submit their extension requests on or after the effective date.
What the New Policy Means for Foreign Workers
To qualify for an extended residence permit as an employed person in Finland:
- You must have a job offer in Finland.
- Your gross salary (before taxes and deductions) must be at least EUR 1,600/month.
- The income requirement must be met throughout the validity period of your residence permit.
This regulation also applies to applications submitted before April 1, 2025, if the processing is still ongoing after that date. Employers can update the employment terms and increase salaries to meet the new threshold.
Conditions for Valid Income
- The monthly salary must total at least EUR 1,600 and can include earnings from multiple employment contracts.
- Bonus payments (such as evening, night, or weekend compensations) are excluded from the base salary.
- Fringe benefits (like a company car or housing) can account for up to 50% of the salary and will be valued based on their taxable amount.
D Visa Option for Certified Employers
If the employer has received certification status, employees can apply for a D visa alongside their residence permit application. This allows workers to travel to Finland immediately after the residence permit and D visa are approved.
Family members, including spouses and children, may also apply for D visas if their applications are based on family ties.
Important Employment Rules
- You must not start working before the residence permit is granted.
- You are only allowed to work in the professional field for which the permit was issued.
- Holding multiple jobs is permitted, as long as they fall within the same field of expertise.
Processing Times and Statistics
Between March 17 and March 23, 2025:
- 25.4% of decisions were issued within 14 days
- 16.6% were processed in 15–30 days
- 17.1% were completed in 31–60 days after identity verification
The average processing time for positive decisions was 51 days.
In 2025 so far:
- 2,672 applications for work permit extensions have been submitted
- 2,100 decisions have been made
- 1,824 of them were positive
Conclusion
With this new income threshold, Finland aims to ensure that foreign workers can maintain financial stability throughout their stay. Employers and applicants must stay informed and compliant with the updated requirements to avoid delays or rejections in their permit processing.
FAQs
What is the new income requirement for a Finnish work permit extension in April 2025?
As of April 1, 2025, applicants must earn a minimum gross monthly income of EUR 1,600.
Can I still apply if my salary is below EUR 1,600?
No. However, if your application is still under review after April 1, your employer may update your salary to meet the new threshold.
Are bonuses included in the income calculation?
No. Bonuses for evening, night, or weekend shifts are not counted toward the minimum income requirement.
Can I include fringe benefits in my salary?
Yes, but fringe benefits must not exceed 50% of your base salary and are considered at their taxable value.
Can I start working before the residence permit is granted?
No. You must wait until your permit is approved before starting any work in Finland.
How long does it take to process an extension application?
On average, positive decisions are made within 51 days, with many processed in less than a month.
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