Starting June 11, 2025, the Finnish government will introduce a significant change to its work-based residence permit regulations. Under the new rule, individuals already holding these permits can now transition freely into jobs listed as labour shortages without applying for a new residence permit. This development, announced by Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, is aimed at addressing persistent worker shortages in key sectors while also simplifying the employment process for foreign professionals.

Previously, work-based residence permits were strictly tied to a specific job or employer. Permit holders were legally required to continue working in the position for which their residence was granted. Any intention to change roles, even within the same industry, required an entirely new application process. That process often involved delays, paperwork, and additional fees.

However, the new policy eliminates this restriction—so long as the new job is included in the government’s updated shortage occupation list. This move not only broadens employment opportunities for current foreign workers but also provides a more agile workforce to support Finland’s critical sectors.

Why Finland Changed the Rule

This policy shift comes amid growing concerns over Finland’s deepening labour shortages, particularly in the fields of healthcare, social services, and emergency response. These shortages have placed increasing pressure on public institutions and services. The Finnish government has acknowledged that immigration will play a vital role in stabilising the workforce in coming years, especially given the country’s ageing population and declining birth rate.

By allowing foreign workers with valid residence permits to move directly into shortage-listed jobs, the government hopes to improve the efficiency of the labour market while reducing administrative bottlenecks. It also seeks to encourage skilled migrants to stay longer in Finland by offering greater employment security and professional mobility.

Immediate Benefits for Permit Holders

This new regulation brings a host of advantages for individuals who already hold work-based residence permits:

• Freedom to Change Jobs Easily: Permit holders are no longer tied to a single employer or role. They can switch to any occupation on the shortage list without needing to reapply for a new permit.

• Faster Access to Employment: With bureaucratic procedures reduced, foreign professionals can respond more swiftly to job openings, especially in high-demand sectors.

• Greater Job Security After Layoffs: Those who lose their current jobs can now seek work in shortage-listed professions without the threat of having their permits revoked, provided they act within the given timeframe.

• Lower Administrative Costs: By eliminating the need for new permit applications for job changes within eligible sectors, both applicants and employers save time and money.

Updated Shortage Occupation List for 2025

The Finnish government recently published a new list of professions identified as experiencing critical labour shortages. This list guides the application of the new rule. The occupations include:

• General practitioners and medical specialists

• Registered nurses and nursing assistants

• Audiologists and speech therapists

• Dental hygienists

• Metal-processing machine operators

• Firefighters

• Funeral directors and related roles

Each role on the list has specific educational and professional qualification requirements. For instance, medical practitioners must hold valid licenses and medical degrees, while technical workers such as machine operators need certified vocational training. Similarly, roles like firefighter and funeral director involve specialised physical and theoretical training.

This updated shortage list is reviewed biannually and may change according to labour market demands, meaning workers will need to stay informed about which professions remain eligible.

Job-Loss Grace Periods and Permit Validity

Another major component of the reform is the introduction of a job-search grace period for permit holders. If a worker loses their job, they now have a set period during which they can find new employment without risking the cancellation of their residence permit.

• General Permit Holders: Given up to three months to secure new employment

• Specialists and Blue Card Holders: Provided with up to six months, offering extended security

Specialists include high-skilled workers such as managers, internal company transferees, and individuals who have held valid residence permits in Finland for more than two years. This provision aligns with European Union practices and enhances the country’s ability to retain skilled talent.

Application Process and Employer Responsibilities

While the new rules ease restrictions on job changes, they still require a level of administrative follow-through to maintain transparency in the system. Employers are obligated to notify immigration authorities within 14 days if a foreign worker leaves their job prematurely. This allows authorities to track employment status and apply the new rules fairly.

Furthermore, residence permit holders are responsible for ensuring that their new role falls under the current shortage list and that they meet the required qualifications for the position. Failure to do so may result in complications or possible revocation of the permit if the job is deemed ineligible.

How the Change Impacts Finland’s Labour Market

This policy is expected to bring several long-term benefits to the Finnish economy and its public services:

• Fills Gaps in Critical Sectors: By making it easier for qualified foreign workers to fill roles in high-demand areas, the reform helps address staffing shortages in healthcare and emergency services.

• Improves Immigrant Retention: More flexible employment options make Finland a more attractive long-term destination for skilled migrants.

• Encourages Employer Participation: Employers can recruit from a more mobile, experienced workforce without waiting for lengthy permit approvals.

• Strengthens Economic Stability: A more dynamic labour force supports national productivity and helps cushion the economy from demographic pressures.

What Foreign Workers Should Keep in Mind

For those already living and working in Finland under a work-based residence permit, this is a valuable opportunity to take greater control of their careers. Here are key points to remember:

• Track the Shortage List: Stay updated on which occupations remain eligible under the new policy.

• Maintain Qualifications: Ensure you meet all professional requirements before transitioning to a new job.

• Act Quickly After Job Loss: Use the grace period wisely—begin job searching immediately to avoid permit complications.

• Use Official Resources: The Enter Finland online portal provides up-to-date information and tools to manage your permit status.

Conclusion

Finland’s decision to relax its job mobility rules for foreign workers holding residence permits marks a major step toward a more inclusive and responsive labour policy. By simplifying the process of switching into critical shortage occupations, the government has created a pathway for both economic resilience and individual empowerment.

This change promises to improve the experiences of migrant professionals, reduce red tape, and strengthen essential services throughout the country. As labour demands evolve, policies like this are likely to become even more central to Finland’s long-term workforce strategy.