Finland Relaxes Employment Regulations for Residence Permit Holders 2025

Finland is set to ease employment restrictions for residence permit holders starting June 11, 2025. This new policy allows foreign workers to transition into high-demand roles, such as nurses and doctors, without needing to apply for a new permit. Read on to discover the full list of eligible jobs.

Major Changes in Employment Policy

On June 11, 2025, Finland will implement a significant reform in immigration policy. This change grants foreign workers increased freedom to change jobs without facing additional bureaucracy.

Currently, residence permit holders must apply for a new permit if they wish to switch occupations. However, under the new regulations, they can now work in any job on Finland’s shortage occupation list without needing a new permit.

Reasons Behind the Change

Finland faces a growing labor shortage in critical sectors, particularly in healthcare and public safety. By relaxing job restrictions, the Finnish government aims to:

• Better utilize the skills of foreign workers already residing in Finland
• Accelerate hiring in understaffed sectors
• Reduce the administrative burden on immigration services
• This shift aligns with Finland’s long-term goals to attract and retain international talent.

Duration and Review of the Occupation List

The updated shortage occupation list will go into effect on June 11, 2025, and will initially be valid for one year. Finnish authorities will periodically review and update this list, with potential changes expected in early 2026. This allows the government to adapt to shifts in the job market and economic needs.

List of Shortage Occupations

Residence permit holders can work in the following shortage roles without applying for a new permit:

• Nurses (General and Specialist)
• Doctors (General Practitioners and Specialists)
• Dentists
• Pharmacists
• Practical Nurses/Licensed Caregivers
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Radiographers
• Midwives
• Social Workers
• Childcare Workers/Kindergarten Assistants
• Firefighters
• Paramedics/Emergency Medical Technicians
• Elderly Care Workers

Note: This list may change based on national labor demand.

Benefits for Residence Permit Holders

This policy change brings several advantages for current residence permit holders:

• Enhanced Career Flexibility: Workers are no longer limited to a single profession and can explore new opportunities.
• Reduced Bureaucracy: Eliminating the need for a new permit application saves time and costs.
• Contribution to Finnish Society: By filling essential roles, foreign workers will further support Finland’s economy and public services.
• Improved Job Security: If employment ends, individuals have a clearer path to finding new work in shortage areas, minimizing the risk of permit withdrawal.

Final Thoughts

This policy shift represents a positive advancement for both foreign workers and Finnish employers. It enhances job mobility for migrants already contributing to the Finnish economy and helps address urgent labor shortages in essential services.

As the labor market continues to evolve, flexible immigration laws like this will be crucial in maintaining Finland’s competitiveness and inclusivity.