Changing Employers in Finland on a Work Permit

Changing employers in Finland (Suomen tasavalta — Republic of Finland) on a work permit depends on whether you stay in the same field. Many Finnish work-based residence permits are granted for a particular field of work, so you can usually move to a new employer in the same field without a new permit, but moving to a different field — or taking an extra job — means applying for an extended permit first. Since 11 June 2025, if your job ends early you have three months to find a new one (six months for specialists and people who have held a work-based permit for over two years), and you can work in listed labour shortage sectors without a new permit. This EU Helpers guide explains each situation — international candidates can explore Finnish opportunities through EU Helpers. Finland has been an EU member since 1995, a Schengen member since 2001, a eurozone member since 1999, a NATO member since April 2023 and a Council of Europe member since 1989.

Essential Context: How Finnish Work Permits Are Tied to Work

Your permit usually covers a field of work rather than a single employer.

When You Can Change Employers in Finland

• Same field — you can usually start with a new employer in the same field under your existing permit, as long as pay and conditions meet the permit's requirements.
• Different field — apply for an extended permit first; you usually cannot work in the new field until it is granted.
• After losing your job — you have a protection period of three or six months, and you can take work in national labour shortage sectors such as practical nursing, nursing and metal process operation without a new permit.
• Specialists and Blue Card holders — the new job must still meet the €3,937 monthly salary threshold (2026).

The Step-by-Step Process

Same Field

1. Check that the new job is in the same field as your permit and that pay meets the requirement — for example the €1,600 general minimum or a higher collective agreement rate for employed person permits.
2. Sign the new contract and give notice to your current employer.
3. Start the new job; your current employer notifies Migri if the old job ended early.

Different Field or Extra Job

1. Secure the new job offer.
2. Apply for an extended permit through Enter Finland, with the new employer completing its part.
3. Wait for Migri's decision before starting work in the new field.
4. Give notice to your current employer once the timing is clear.

Documentation You Will Need

Timing: How Long the Switch Takes

Rules on Notice, Probation and Severance

• Notice — under the Finnish Employment Contracts Act, an employee usually gives 14 days' notice after up to five years of service and one month after that, unless the contract or collective agreement says otherwise.
• Probation — a trial period of up to six months is common.
• Severance — Finland has no general statutory severance pay on resignation.
• Holiday compensation — unused annual holiday is paid out when you leave.

Salary and Benefits When Switching

Your new pay must meet the requirement for your permit: at least €1,600 a month or the collective agreement rate for employed person permits, and €3,937 a month for Specialists and Blue Card holders in 2026. Per diems and benefits in kind do not count. If you sponsor family members, check that your income still meets the family income requirement.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Starting in a new field without a permit — apply for an extended permit first.
• Taking a second job without a permit — an extra job also needs an extended permit.
• Overstaying the protection period — your permit may be withdrawn if you have not found a job in time.
• Salary below the requirement — the new job must meet your permit's income threshold.
• Counting benefits in kind — they do not count towards salary thresholds.
• Forgetting family members — your income affects their permits.

Special Cases

• Labour shortage sectors — after job loss, you can work in sectors listed by Government Decree without a new permit.
• Seasonal workers — follow separate rules.
• Entrepreneurs — need a separate permit and an ELY Centre decision.
• Moving to another EU country — Blue Card holders can use intra-EU mobility after 12 months.
• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens — no permit is needed.

Final Guidance

Changing employers in Finland on a work permit is usually simple if you stay in the same field — you can often start with the new employer under your existing permit, provided the pay meets your permit's requirements. Moving to a different field or adding an extra job requires an extended permit first. Since June 2025, you have three or six months to find a new job if your employment ends early, and you can work in listed shortage sectors in the meantime. Give the right notice and keep your family's income requirement in mind. Always confirm current rules with Migri before resigning. International candidates can explore Finnish opportunities through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with offer checks, extended permit applications, timing and documents.