Finland updated its salary thresholds, fees and rules for foreign workers in 2026, while tightening the path to permanent residence. This guide explains the latest rules in plain English.

The figures change each year, so always confirm the current thresholds before you act.

The Big Picture

Citizens of the EU, the EEA, and the Nordic countries can work freely in Finland. Other workers need a residence permit for work, which is applied for through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), usually via the Enter Finland online portal.

New 2026 Salary Thresholds

• Residence permit for an employed person (the standard work permit, known as the TTOL): gross salary of at least EUR 1,600 per month in 2026 and compliance with the relevant collective agreement. Where there is no collective agreement or the work is part-time, the net salary must be at least EUR 1,463 per month. This permit may involve a labour market test.
• Specialist permit and the EU Blue Card: at least EUR 3,937 per month in 2026 (up from EUR 3,827). Fringe benefits do not count toward the threshold.

Higher Fees and Faster Tracks

Application fees rose for 2026 — for example, the specialist permit costs about EUR 530 online or EUR 630 on paper, and the employed-person permit about EUR 750 online or EUR 950 on paper. Specialists and Blue Card applicants can use a fast-track route, with decisions often in about two weeks, and may apply for a D visa at the same time.

Job Changes, Job Search and Permanent Residence

If your job ends, standard permit holders generally have up to three months to find new work, and specialists up to six months, or the permit may be cancelled. Permanent residence now generally requires 6 years of residence and basic Finnish or Swedish (around A2 level). From 8 January 2026, the EU long-term residence permit will additionally require stronger language skills (around B2 level).

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• Check which permit fits the salary and qualifications.
• Make sure the contract meets the 2026 threshold and the collective agreement.
• Apply online through Enter Finland and budget for the higher fees.
• Start language study early to support a future permanent-residence application.

Quick Summary

1. The standard work permit needs at least EUR 1,600 per month in 2026, plus the collective agreement.
2. Specialist and EU Blue Card permits need at least EUR 3,937 per month.
3. Fees rose, and specialists can use a fast-track route.
4. Permanent residence now generally takes six years, with a language requirement.