Finland Seasonal Work Permit Guide: Eligibility, Salary, and How to Apply

Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit allows foreign workers to take on short-term jobs in agriculture, forestry, and tourism. For many international job seekers, it’s one of the most straightforward ways to legally live and work in the country.

Why Finland Needs Seasonal Workers in 2025

Finland is facing a labour shortage in industries that rely heavily on seasonal staff. Farms need help during harvest months, forestry companies require extra workers, and the tourism sector sees a surge in visitors during peak seasons.

To meet these demands, Finland has created a structured pathway for foreign nationals to join the workforce with fair wages and regulated contracts.

What is the Finland Seasonal Work Permit?

The Seasonal Work Permit is a temporary visa or residence permit designed for foreigners who want to work in Finland for a short period. It covers only three industries: agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Unlike general work permits, this program is simpler, faster, and tailored to seasonal jobs that don’t require long-term residency.

Applicants can either apply for a short-term visa (up to 90 days) or a residence permit (3–9 months), depending on the job contract.

Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit at a Glance

• Duration: Up to 9 months within a 12-month period
• Minimum monthly salary: Around €2,700
• Sectors in demand: Agriculture, forestry, tourism
• Target applicants: Skilled and unskilled workers, especially from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, India, and the Philippines
• Application methods: Finnish embassies (for visas) or the EnterFinland portal (for permits and certificates)

Categories of Finland Seasonal Work 2025

1. Seasonal Work Visa (up to 90 days)

For jobs lasting fewer than 90 days. Applicants from visa-required countries must apply through the Finnish Embassy. Nationals who do not require a visa can request a seasonal work certificate through the EnterFinland online system.

• For jobs lasting less than three months.
• Applicants from visa-required nations must apply through the Finnish Embassy.
• Visa-exempt nationals can instead apply online for a Seasonal Work Certificate.

2. Seasonal Work Residence Permit (3–9 months)

For longer contracts, workers must apply for a residence permit for seasonal work via the EnterFinland portal. Processing typically takes 1–3 months.

• For contracts longer than three months.
• Applications are made online via the EnterFinland portal.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is straightforward but strict. To qualify, you must:

• Have a valid job offer or signed employment contract with a Finnish employer.
• Hold a valid international passport.
• Be employed in one of the eligible sectors: agriculture, forestry, or tourism.
• Provide proof of accommodation in Finland, either from the employer or arranged personally.

For shorter stays under 90 days, travel insurance is also mandatory.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

To qualify for Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit, you must:

• Already have a job offer or signed contract from a Finnish employer.
• Hold a valid passport (for Indias, an international passport).
• Provide proof of accommodation in Finland (this can be arranged by the employer).
• Be employed specifically in agriculture, forestry, or tourism.

Required Documents

Applicants who are interested in Finland’s seasonal work permit will typically be required to provide the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Signed a job contract with a Finnish employer
• Digital passport photograph
• Proof of accommodation in Finland
• Travel insurance (for visa applicants under 90 days)
• Educational or work certificates (if required by employer)
• Application fee receipt (around €490 for a residence permit, lower for visas/certificates)

How to Apply for Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit

The process of applying for Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit is pretty simple; you just need to follow the steps below and ensure your eligibility for the work permit.

1. Confirm Eligibility – Make sure you have a job offer in one of the approved sectors.

2. Choose your application type

• Up to 90 days: Apply for a Seasonal Work Visa at the Finnish Embassy.
• 3–9 months: Apply for a Residence Permit for Seasonal Work via EnterFinland.

3. Create an EnterFinland account – Register and log in to begin your application.

4. Fill out the form – Upload required documents, enter employer details, and confirm employment.

5. Pay the application fee – Payment is made online; keep proof of payment.

6. Book a biometric appointment – At the Finnish Embassy in your country or visit a VFS Global centre, submit fingerprints and original documents.

7. Wait for processing –

• Visa (up to 90 days): usually 2–6 weeks.
• Residence permit (3–9 months): 1–3 months.

8. Collect your permit and travel – Once approved, collect your visa or residence permit and begin work in Finland.

Salary and Working Conditions

Workers are entitled to a minimum gross salary of €2,700 per month, though exact figures may vary based on the position and employer. Employers must comply with Finnish labour protections, ensuring fair wages, proper accommodation, and legal working hours.

FAQs on Finland Seasonal Work Permit 2025

1. What types of jobs qualify for Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit?

Only jobs in agriculture, forestry, and tourism are eligible. Examples include farm work, berry picking, forestry support, and hospitality roles during tourist seasons.

2. Do I need a job offer before applying?

Yes. You must secure a signed job contract from a Finnish employer before submitting your application.

3. How much does it cost to apply?

The residence permit application fee is about €490, while visas or certificates for shorter stays have lower fees.

4. How long can I work in Finland under a seasonal work permit?

You can work for up to 9 months within a 12-month period, depending on your contract type.

5. Can I extend my seasonal work permit?

Yes, in some cases, you can extend it if you continue working within the approved sectors. However, it cannot exceed the 9-month maximum limit.

Final Thoughts

Finland’s seasonal work program is a solid opportunity if you’re looking for short-term jobs abroad. With fair pay, clear rules, and straightforward steps, it’s a path worth considering for anyone ready to work overseas.