📰 New Unemployment Rule for Foreign Workers in Finland (Effective 11 June 2025)
Starting June 11, 2025, Finland introduces a new rule for job-seeking after job loss — but it’s not as scary as it sounds. If you're a foreign worker on a work-based residence permit, and your job ends, you’ll now have 3 to 6 months to find a new one — depending on your permit type. SWEDEN, NORWAY and DENMARK also implies these rule and All EU Member States must implement the Directive by 21 May 2026.
What is 3 month/ 6 months Rule?
✅ Most affected?
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- Those in their first year of a work-based permit (1-year visa holders). Example: If you came to Finland on a 1-year work visa and lose your job after 3–6 months, you must find a new job within 3 months.
- 📝 Employers must now notify Migri within 14 days of your job ending — and must clearly state the reason.
- ❗ If it’s a layoff (lomautus), this rule doesn’t apply.
- If you're already in Finland on a valid work permit for 2 years, you’ll have 6 months to find new employment if you become jobless.
📅 Tips for a work based residence permit holder?
Join a work union immidietly after you start your work. You can join YTK, its easy to join and cheap amongst others . You get several benfits like spa/hotel discount- yoga- etc etc.
Click here to join YTK
👥 Who Gets 6 Months?
The 6-month period applies to:
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- Specialists (including EU Blue Card holders)
- Persons who lived in Finland for 2+ years with a work-based permit
- Enterprise senior and middle managers
- Seconded managers/specialists within a company
🚫 Who Is Not Affected?
This rule does NOT apply to:
Details Here
- Permanent residence permit holders
- EU citizens
- Family members of Finnish citizens
- International students & researchers
- LAY OFF
🔄 Flexibility in Job Seeking
Residence permit holders can now switch jobs within labor shortage sectors without applying for a new permit, if their current permit is valid. Currently, such sectors would include health and social services and certain service and industrial sectors.
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📌 Important Notes
- The residence permit must remain valid throughout the job-seeking period.
- If the permit expires before getting a job → must leave Finland.
- This rule does not apply to layoffs.
- The employer should notify the Finnish Immigration Service of premature termination of an employment relationship through the Enter Finland service. The notification must be submitted within 14 days of the termination of the employment relationship. However, No such notification would be necessary when employment ends at the time indicated in the residence permit.
✅ Summary
This new law offers a safety net for international workers in Finland: 3–6 months to secure new employment before losing residency status. A significant step for labor mobility and fairness.