Foreign Workers in Finland to Face 3-Month Deadline to Find New Job

Key Highlights

1. Finland will enforce a three-month deadline for foreign residents with work-based permits to secure new employment if they lose their job.

2. The new regulation is expected to come into effect in June 2025.

3. The policy has raised concerns among foreign nationals and critics regarding its potential impact.

Finland to Enforce Job-Seeking Deadline for Foreign Workers

Finland has announced a new regulation that will require foreign nationals holding work-based residence permits to find new employment within three months of losing their job. This change, introduced by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, is scheduled to take effect in June 2025.

Under the new rules, failure to secure a new job within the stipulated timeframe may lead to the revocation of the individual’s residence permit.

However, exemptions will apply to specific categories of workers. Highly skilled professionals—such as specialists, EU Blue Card holders, intra-company transferees, top-level managers, and individuals who have held a work-based permit in Finland for over two years—will be granted a six-month window to find new employment.

According to the Helsinki Times, the regulation is expected to affect approximately 50,000 foreign workers currently residing in Finland.

While the Finnish government says the policy aligns with existing EU directives, it has sparked widespread concern among foreign workers and critics, who argue that it may deter skilled labor from choosing Finland as a work destination.

New Employer Obligation Introduced

In addition to changes affecting workers, the new regulation will also place new responsibilities on employers. Companies will be required to notify the Finnish Immigration Service within 14 days when an employee’s work-based residence permit ends.

Concerns Mount Among Foreign Residents

The introduction of this deadline has already caused unease among the foreign workforce. A survey by OP Financial Group conducted in early 2025—when the proposal was still under consideration—revealed that 13% of foreign residents were considering leaving Finland due to the potential implementation of this rule.

The survey also highlighted the importance of increasing labor immigration to boost Finland’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Even before the rule comes into force, Finland has seen a decline in interest from foreign workers. In 2024, only 11,000 work-based residence permits were issued—down by 4,000 compared to the previous year.

Among the sectors affected by the drop, healthcare has been hit the hardest. Meanwhile, the Finnish IT sector remains a strong pull for international professionals, continuing to attract skilled foreign talent.