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Finland requires foreign workers to meet specific minimum salary thresholds to qualify for a work-based residence permit.?These salary requirements ensure that foreign employees are paid fairly and that their income is enough to support living expenses in Finland.?Here’s a clear guide to the minimum salary you need for different Finland work permit categories.
1. General Salary Requirement (Standard Work Permit)
For most full-time workers applying under the employment-based residence permit (TTOL) category, the salary must meet Finland’s collective agreements (CBA) for the specific industry.
If no collective agreement applies, Finland uses a general minimum earnings rule:
• At least €1,399 per month (2025) for full-time work*
(*Actual amounts may be revised annually by the Finnish Immigration Service, Migri.)
Employers must show that the salary is regular, guaranteed, and aligned with Finnish labor law.
2. Specialist Work Permit Salary Requirement
For highly skilled or specialist workers, a higher salary level applies:
• Minimum salary: €3,473 per month (2025)
This amount confirms the worker has advanced skills and meets the criteria for the specialist permit, a faster-track residence option processed in as little as two weeks.
3. EU Blue Card Salary Requirement
The EU Blue Card is designed for highly educated professionals with strong earning capacity.
• Minimum salary: €5,209 per month (2025)?(1.5× the average gross salary in Finland)
The amount may vary depending on sector and annual government updates.
4. Startup Entrepreneur Salary Requirement
Foreign entrepreneurs applying through the Startup Permit do not have a fixed salary requirement but must prove:
• Sufficient financial resources for living costs (about €1,200/month per adult)
• Funding for business operations
This category focuses on innovation and scalability rather than salary.
5. Seasonal Worker Salary Requirement
Seasonal workers (e.g., agriculture, forestry) must receive:
• Salary based on collective agreements or
• At least the minimum wage required for seasonal employment
This varies by industry, typically ranging €9–€12 per hour.
6. Income Must Be Reliable and Verifiable
Migri requires salary to be:
• Paid to a Finnish bank account
• Documented by employer
• Consistent with contract hours
• Sufficient to cover living costs
Any discrepancies may delay or affect the permit decision.
7. What Happens If Salary Is Below the Requirement?
If your salary does not meet the minimum threshold:
• Your application may be rejected
• Migri may request additional documents
• Your employer may need to revise the contract
Salary compliance is one of the strictest requirements in Finland’s work visa system.
Key Takeaway
Finland’s salary requirements depend on your work permit category:
• General work permit: ~€1,399/month
• Specialist permit: €3,473/month
• EU Blue Card: €5,209/month
• Seasonal work: per industry agreement
Meeting the salary threshold is essential for approval, so ensure your employment contract aligns with current Migri guidelines.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Salary requirements in Finland may change based on collective agreements and updates from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).?Always check the latest rules before applying.
November 13, 2025
