Government’s proposal on income limit for residence permits for employed persons sent out for comments

An income limit of EUR 1,600 would be set for the residence permit for an employed person. In future, the income limit would be laid down by government decree. The government proposal will be circulated for comments until 31.1.2024.

The Government aims to streamline work-based immigration to strengthen economic growth and to provide Finland with the labour it needs. At the same time, it must be ensured that the people coming to work in Finland receive a pay that they can live on.

To promote these objectives, an income limit of EUR 1,600 would be set for the residence permit for an employed person. All employees in sectors or groups of experts for which no separate residence permit exists should apply for a residence permit for an employed person. This usually means skilled workers. At present, the income limit is approximately EUR 1,300.

The income limit also supports the Government’s objective of increasing full-time work in Finland. Part-time employees would mainly remain below the income limit of EUR 1,600.

In future, the income limit for the residence permit for employed persons would be laid down by government decree. The Government should set the minimum income at a level where work-based migration strengthens general government finances and does not unnecessarily endanger the availability of labour.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is currently preparing a report on the impacts and appropriate level of income limits for work-related permits. The results of the report, which will be completed in early 2024, may be used to set potential income limits going forward.

Changes are scheduled to take effect during 2024

The government proposal will be circulated for comments from 20.12.2023 until 31.1.2024. Comments can be submitted at lausuntopalvelu.fi. Alternatively, comments can be submitted by email to kirjaamo.tem(at)gov.fi.

Following the consultation round, the preparation of legislation will continue at the Ministry. The proposal would be submitted to Parliament during the spring session 2024 and the changes would enter into force already during 2024.

Inquiries:
Ariann Grandell, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 236
Veera Svahn, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, tel. +358 295 047 321 (questions to the Minister of Employment)