Starting June 2025, Finland is introducing a significant change that will affect many foreign nationals residing in the country on work-based residence permits. Under the new regulation, if a foreign worker loses their job, they have just three months—or 90 days—to find new employment to maintain their right to live and work in Finland. This policy replaces the earlier, more lenient approach, where foreign workers could remain in the country without a strict time limit for finding new jobs, as long as they complied with the terms of their residence permit.
Key Takeaways
What Is Finland’s New 3-Month Job Search Rule for Foreign Workers?
This rule applies primarily to foreign workers whose residence permits are tied directly to their employment. The authorities want to ensure that these individuals either quickly secure new jobs or exit the country, preventing extended periods of unemployment while holding a work permit. This shift is a major departure from previous practice and signals Finland’s intent to tighten its labour immigration system.
Who Gets an Extended Job Search Period and Why?
Recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach would be too rigid, Finland has included important exemptions to soften the blow for certain categories of foreign workers. Specifically, the following groups are granted a six-month job search period instead of three:
- Specialists and highly skilled professionals
- EU Blue Card holders
- Intra-company transferees
- Top-level managers
- Foreign workers who have legally resided in Finland for more than two years on a work permit
The rationale behind these exemptions is clear: Finland wants to retain top talent and those who have already demonstrated commitment and integration into Finnish society. These longer periods acknowledge that highly skilled roles and senior positions often require a longer recruitment process, and retaining these workers aligns with Finland’s economic interests.
How Will This Rule Impact Foreign Workers Living in Finland?
For the majority of foreign workers affected by the new three-month deadline, this change introduces new challenges and pressures. Finland’s labour market is competitive, and job hunting can take time, especially in specialised fields or during economic slowdowns. The shortened timeline means that workers who lose their jobs will need to quickly find another employer or risk losing their residence rights.
This could increase stress for foreign workers, potentially forcing them to accept less ideal roles or relocate to other countries with more flexible immigration systems. It may also discourage some foreign professionals from choosing Finland in the first place, particularly if they feel the immigration system is unforgiving.
Also Read: Are You Eligible to Work in Finland’s In-Demand Jobs in 2025?
Moreover, sectors with traditionally longer recruitment cycles, such as healthcare and academia, may see a dip in foreign talent willing to take the risk. Finland is already experiencing labour shortages in critical public services, and this new rule could aggravate those gaps.
What Are Employers’ New Reporting Responsibilities?
Alongside tightening rules for workers, the new policy also places additional responsibilities on employers. When a foreign employee’s contract ends—whether due to resignation, redundancy, or termination—employers must notify the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) within 14 days.
This reporting obligation is designed to improve transparency and give immigration authorities real-time information on foreign workers’ employment status changes. It allows for faster enforcement of the three-month rule and helps prevent situations where foreign nationals stay in Finland without valid employment.
For companies, this means more administrative work and a need to act promptly when contracts end. Employers who fail to comply may face penalties or risk complicating their employees’ legal status.
Why Is Finland Introducing This Policy Change Now?
This policy update is not happening in isolation. It reflects Finland’s efforts to bring its immigration laws into closer alignment with European Union directives related to employment-based migration. The EU encourages member states to implement clear rules that limit the length of time foreign workers can stay unemployed while holding a residence permit.
On a national level, Finland is aiming to make its immigration system more efficient and targeted, reducing the number of foreign workers without jobs and focusing on those actively contributing to the labour market. The change also responds to concerns about potential misuse of work permits and overstays.
However, the timing comes at a tricky moment. Finland has seen a decrease in work-based immigration in recent years, and the new rule risks accelerating this trend if foreign workers feel the system is too restrictive.
What Are the Concerns Among Foreign Workers and Experts?
The foreign worker community has voiced significant concerns about the new rule. According to a survey by OP Financial Group, roughly 13% of foreign workers said they might consider leaving Finland if the three-month job search rule is implemented. The main worry is that 90 days is simply too short to secure new employment, particularly in fields where recruitment processes can last months.
Experts warn that the policy may have unintended consequences, including driving away foreign talent at a time when Finland needs it most. Labour shortages in healthcare and other essential services have already become a pressing issue, and stricter rules may deter qualified workers from applying or renewing permits.
There’s also anxiety about the pressure this rule places on foreign workers and their families. Sudden job loss combined with a ticking clock for job hunting can lead to financial insecurity and stress, impacting overall well-being and integration prospects.
Can Finland Balance Immigration Control and Talent Retention?
Looking ahead, Finland faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, the government wants a robust, rule-based immigration system that aligns with EU standards and ensures foreign workers contribute economically. On the other hand, the country cannot afford to alienate or lose valuable skilled workers amid existing labour shortages.
Experts suggest that Finnish policymakers monitor the impact of the new rule closely. If a significant number of foreign workers exit the country or avoid applying for work permits, Finland may need to revisit the three-month timeline or introduce additional support measures such as extended job search allowances, job matching services, or sector-specific exemptions.
The future of Finland’s labour market may well depend on how effectively the country can marry immigration control with talent attraction and retention. Striking that balance will be key to sustaining economic growth and meeting workforce demands in the coming years.
