The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland has announced that from June 11, 2025, individuals holding work‑based residence permits can switch to occupations listed as labour shortages without applying for a new permit
Previously, permit holders could only work in the specific job their permit allowed.
With the new regulation, these workers may now freely move into any occupation classified on the government’s shortage list
This shift comes in response to a growing labor shortfall in sectors such as healthcare, social care, and public safety
The new policy offers multiple benefits for individuals already holding work-based residence permits in Finland. It allows greater career flexibility, as they are no longer restricted to the profession initially tied to their permit.
Residence permit holders in Finland who intend to change jobs after June 11, 2025, do not need to apply for a new permit, provided the new role is on the updated shortage occupation list.
Naijaonpoint reported a new list of critical labour shortage occupations for 2025 by the Finnish government, opening new pathways for skilled foreign professionals seeking work-based residence permits.
Other occupations on the list, such as funeral directors and firefighters, also come with unique prerequisites. Funeral directors must complete vocational training tailored to their profession, while firefighters are expected to pass rigorous physical fitness tests and specialized training programs.