Key Points
- Finland’s new residence permit rules take effect June 11, 2025
- Foreign workers gain unemployment protection for up to six months
- Employers must report early terminations to immigration authorities within 14 days
- Unemployed permit holders can seek jobs in labor shortage sectors without a new permit
Overview
Effective June 11, 2025, Finland will implement updated regulations governing work-based residence permits, enhancing protections for foreign workers while placing new responsibilities on employers. The changes, introduced by the Finnish Immigration Service, are designed to support labor market flexibility and ensure continuity for both employers and foreign employees.
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of a formal unemployment protection period. Workers whose employment ends prematurely will now be granted a three-month window to secure a new job. For foreign nationals classified as specialists or those who have resided in Finland for more than two years, the protection period is extended to six months. This move provides a buffer for foreign professionals facing sudden job loss, thereby reducing the risk of immediate removal from the country due to unemployment.
If a foreign worker is unable to find a new job within the protection period and does not qualify for another type of residence permit, Finnish authorities may initiate withdrawal proceedings for the existing permit. This adds urgency to reemployment efforts and underscores the importance of proactive planning in cases of job termination.
Employers will now also be required to notify the Finnish Immigration Service within 14 days of any early termination of employment. Noncompliance may result in administrative sanctions, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and providing real-time updates on the employment status of foreign nationals.
In a move to enhance flexibility, the new rules also allow unemployed residence permit holders to apply for work in labor shortage sectors—such as nursing, construction, and metal processing—without first needing to obtain a new permit. This is expected to help fill critical vacancies while offering displaced foreign workers more pathways to continued employment in Finland.
Looking Ahead
Finland’s revised approach to work-based residence permits reflects a growing emphasis on safeguarding labor mobility and integrating foreign workers into long-term employment. Employers should review internal reporting protocols to ensure compliance with the new notification requirements and consult with legal advisors on handling terminations. Foreign workers should understand the criteria for maintaining lawful status during periods of unemployment and explore opportunities in designated labor shortage fields. Additional guidance may be released by the Finnish Immigration Service in the months following implementation.
