Chamber urges Finland to ease work permit rules for spouses

The Finnish Chamber of Commerce has called for the removal of labour market tests and income thresholds for spouses of foreign workers in Finland. This would align the rights of work permit holders’ spouses with those of individuals arriving through family reunification.

A recent report from E2 Research highlighted that access to foreign labour is a critical issue for Finnish small and medium-sized enterprises.

A separate study by the Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (Etla) revealed shortcomings in Finland’s ability to retain foreign talent. It identified family integration as the most effective factor in encouraging long-term settlement. The report also stressed the importance of societal attitudes and workplace receptiveness in retaining skilled workers.

Suvi Pulkkinen, Senior Adviser at the Finnish Chamber of Commerce, noted that current policies disproportionately burden foreign workers with families. “The income thresholds for family reunification are already too high. On top of this, spouses of foreign workers face delays due to labour market tests and income thresholds that do not apply to those arriving through family reunification,” she said. “Additionally, the bureaucracy involved in the process can take months to navigate.”

Currently, bringing a spouse and two children to Finland requires a monthly gross income of approximately €3,900, a threshold recently raised by the Finnish Immigration Service. Pulkkinen explained that these requirements are unrealistic for most families. “Few can meet the required income levels, including many Finnish citizens. As a result, workers arriving on permits often have to leave their spouses and children behind due to bureaucratic barriers.”

The Chamber of Commerce has proposed that total family income, rather than individual earnings, be considered for work permit income thresholds. It also suggested eliminating labour market tests for spouses, providing them with the same employment opportunities as those who enter Finland through family reunification.

“Finland faces a chronic labour shortage and persistently low birth rates, making immediate solutions essential,” Pulkkinen said. She also emphasised the need to consider regional cost-of-living differences. “Living expenses vary greatly between locations like Helsinki and smaller municipalities such as Siikalatva, and this should be reflected in policy decisions.”

While the Finnish Immigration Service has successfully reduced processing times for work permits in recent years, Pulkkinen argued that attention must now turn to residence permits for family members. “A faster, more efficient process would send a strong message to skilled workers that they are welcome in Finland not just as employees but as family members and individuals,” she said.

The Chamber of Commerce’s recommendations aim to create a more inclusive and competitive environment for foreign workers and their families, helping address Finland’s labour shortages while improving its appeal as a destination for global talent.

HT