From February 17, 2025, Finland started accepting applications for a seasonal work permit in 2025. This document is the basis for expats to work in agriculture, forestry and tourism. Find out who is eligible to apply for a permit, what requirements are imposed on foreigners and much more relevant information

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The Finnish Migration Service announced on February 17 that it is time to apply for a seasonal work permit for those wishing to enter the country later this year. In particular, this opportunity may interest citizens of Cameroon, Nepal and South Africa. Applicants who receive this permit will be able to work in agriculture, forestry or tourism.

More details about the Finnish visa for seasonal workers and the procedure for obtaining a permit later in this article.

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Seasonal work permit in Finland - what is this visa?

A seasonal work permit in Finland gives a foreigner the right to work for a certain period of time in one of the positions in agriculture, forestry and tourism.

The main condition is that work under this permit is limited in time: a maximum of 9 months within 1 year.

Types of temporary work permits in Finland

The type and validity period of a temporary work permit depends on the duration of the work:

1. Seasonal work visa (up to 3 months)

Third-country nationals must obtain a seasonal work visa to work temporarily in Finland. The application must be submitted to the nearest Finnish embassy.

Citizens of visa-free countries can instead apply for a certificate for seasonal work directly to the Finnish Immigration Service.

2. Residence permit for seasonal work (3-9 months)

For work lasting three to nine months, you must have a residence permit for seasonal work.

The document must be issued before arriving in Finland. However, please note that you must apply in advance, as the processing period can take up to 90 days.

Finnish Seasonal Work Visa Applicant Requirements

In order to obtain a Finnish Seasonal Work Visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a job offer and contract

Before applying, you must find a Finnish employer and sign an employment contract with them.

2. Meet the wage requirements

Seasonal workers must meet the minimum wage requirement of 1,430 euros per month, unless a collective agreement sets a higher or lower wage for a specific job.

3. Meet the residence requirements

Employees must obtain housing that complies with Finnish health and safety regulations. This means that the applicant must ensure that they have adequate living conditions before starting work in the country.

4. Complete the application process

Submit a complete application with all required documents at least 90 days before the intended date of entry to avoid delays.

Step-by-step procedure for applying for a seasonal work visa in Finland

Step 1 – Get a job offer

Contact Finnish employers in agriculture, forestry or tourism, go through an interview and get a job offer.

Step 2 – Sign a contract

Make sure you have a formal employment contract with your chosen employer.

Step 3 – Gather a complete package of documents

Prepare all the necessary documents, including your passport, contract and proof of residence.

Step 4 – Apply for the appropriate permit

Apply for a seasonal work visa or residence permit for seasonal work, depending on the length of your stay.

Step 5 – Pay the application fee

Pay the required application fee.

Step 6 – Track your application and wait for a decision

Track the status of your application on the Finnish Immigration Service website.

Once you have received your visa or seasonal work permit, you can travel to Finland.

New rules for berry pickers in Finland

Previously, berry pickers were exempt from seasonal work visa requirements, but in an effort to prevent the exploitation of foreign workers, Finnish authorities have introduced new rules that require incoming berry pickers to apply for a seasonal work permit to enter Finland.

In addition, a seasonal work permit for this type of work requires an employment contract, meaning foreign berry pickers must enter into an employment contract and agree on working hours and pay.

Formal employment contracts will ensure fair working conditions and prevent exploitation.

It is worth noting that depending on the length of the work, berry pickers must obtain the appropriate type of seasonal work permit.

Seasonal work opportunities in Finland attract thousands of workers, as the country offers fair pay, excellent working conditions and strong labor rights.

Consult an employment lawyer to get help with finding a job in Finland. We resolve issues of any complexity quickly and without unnecessary worries for applicants.

As a reminder! Finland is known as a safe country that values ​​a healthy work-life balance and offers excellent opportunities for foreign workers. We have already told you what is needed to get a job here in 2025 and what legislative changes are important for expats to know about before getting a job.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Finland;

Legal advice on immigration to Finland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Finland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.