The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has launched preparations for legislative amendments that will clarify the effects of unemployment on valid work-based residence permits. In future, persons with a work-based residence permit would have to leave Finland if the employment relationship ended and no new employment relationship was concluded within three months.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has begun preparations to amend laws relating to income limits for work-based residence permits. Simultaneously, the Ministry will examine the appropriate levels and impacts of income limits.

Four Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres) launched an experiment on more flexible labour market tests in autumn 2021. The aim was to increase labour mobility between regions and ease permit processes related to immigration of foreign workforce by introducing common policies. The experiment did not have a significant effect on work-based immigration, but it increased cooperation between the regions.

The Government’s proposed amendments to Chapter 5 of the Aliens Act would make it easier to apply for and receive work-based residence permits in Finland. The reform is part of a broader package that aims to reduce the average processing time of permits to a maximum of one month. The reform would also increase automation of the application process and allow certification of employers. 

A new fast track service enables specialists, growth entrepreneurs and their family members to obtain a residence permit within 14 days. The service will be launched at the beginning of June. This service pledge is one of the Government's many measures to streamline the immigration of experts.