Finland is a popular location for seasonal workers globally because of its stunning scenery Seasonal Farm Worker Jobs Visa Finland 2025 thriving agriculture industry, and strong labor laws. To draw in foreign talent for occupations in forestry, tourism, and agriculture, the government is still improving its seasonal work visa programs in 2025. Finland provides special options for non-EU/EEA people, whether they desire to work on a busy farm or harvest wild berries beneath the midnight sun. This post explores the most recent changes to the Seasonal Farm Worker Visa for 2025, offering helpful tips, professional guidance, and real-world examples to help you take advantage of these changes and successfully manage the application process. Finland’s seasonal work program is now more accessible than ever, thanks to revisions to the law, simplified application procedures, and an emphasis on worker welfare. I’ll offer my viewpoint as someone who has tracked the development of these regulations, spoken with professionals in the field, and collected anecdotes from employees who have direct experience with Finland’s seasonal workplace. Let’s discuss what’s new, what you should know, and how to turn your dream of working in Finland into a reality.
What’s New in 2025 Regarding Seasonal Farm Worker Visas
In accordance with the EU Directive on seasonal workers, Finland’s seasonal labor regulations are regulated by the Seasonal Workers Act. Several modifications in 2025 improve the program’s application speed, worker rights, and transparency. Below is a summary of the main changes Stricter Rules for Wild-Berry Harvesting: A written work contract with a Finnish firm will be required for wild-berry harvesters as of 2025. By addressing historical concerns of exploitation in the industry, this reform guarantees equitable pay and working conditions. In the past, some employees came on Schengen tourist visas, which resulted in uneven safeguards. Even for temporary berry harvesting, a seasonal work visa or permit is now required. Simplified Digital Applications: For 2025, the Enter Finland portal has been updated to provide a more intuitive application submission experience. Most permits now only take two to three months to process, but during the busiest months (March to August), applicants should allow up to ninety days.
- Increased Minimum Wage: Unless a collective agreement states otherwise, seasonal workers must earn at least €1,430 per month in 2025. This guarantees that employees can live comfortably in Finland’s rather expensive surroundings.
- Improved Worker Welfare inspections: The Finnish government has tightened compliance inspections for firms in response to past accusations of subpar working conditions. This include confirming fair labor practices and accommodation criteria (such as warm water and enough sleeping space).
- In contrast to other work permits, seasonal work visas and permits do not authorize family members to join employees in Finland based on familial relations. This policy, which emphasizes the transient character of seasonal labor, remained unaltered in 2025.
- Finland is a global example for seasonal employment programs, and these improvements demonstrate its dedication to striking a balance between labor demands and worker rights.
Finland’s Seasonal Work Permit Types
Depending on the length of employment and the worker’s visa requirements, Finland provides three different kinds of licenses for seasonal labor. A thorough table outlining the choices is provided below:
Type of Permit
- Time frame
- Procedure for Applications
- Visa for Seasonal Employment
- For a maximum of 90 days
- Visas are required for non-EU/EEA nationals (such as those from Nigeria and Pakistan) to enter Finland.
- Apply at a Finnish consulate or embassy. Requires an assurance document from the employer.
- Seasonal Work Certificate
- For a maximum of 90 days
- Nationals from non-EU/EEA nations (such as the USA and Australia) who do not require a visa.
- Use Enter Finland to apply to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
- Permit to Reside for Seasonal Employment
- 3 to 9 months
Workers regardless of visa status, who stay for more than 90 days
Before traveling to Finland, apply via Enter Finland; there will be a 6- to 9-month labor market test. Who is eligible to apply for a visa for seasonal farm workers Finland’s seasonal work visa requirements are simple yet stringent. What you must do to be eligible is as follows: Age: You have to be at least eighteen. Job Offer: It is required to have a written work contract with a Finnish employer. The work tasks, compensation, and length must all be specified in the contract.
- Valid Passport: After the permit expires, your passport must still be valid for at least three months.
- Accommodation: You need to choose lodging that satisfies Finnish health and safety requirements, such as having enough sleeping space and warm water.
- Financial Stability: Although not specifically needed, you might have to demonstrate that you have enough money (for example, €50 per day) for short-term visas.
- No Schengen Bans: You cannot be a threat to public safety or have an entry ban into the Schengen Area.
Agriculture (such as gathering berries and harvesting vegetables), forestry (such as silviculture and collecting cones), and tourism (such as festival work and tour guiding) are examples of seasonal labor. In Finland, collecting wild berries is now a significant business that is specifically covered by the Seasonal Workers Act, which necessitates written work contracts.
Application Procedure: Detailed Instructions
It might not be very safe to apply for a seasonal work permit, but Finland’s simplified procedure makes it easy. This is a detailed guide based on the most recent 2025 updates Get a Job Offer: Speak with companies in the tourist, forestry, or agricultural industries. You can find chances on websites such as EURES or Töitä Sonesta (jobs.toitasuomesta.fi). Make sure you have a formal contract that outlines your responsibilities, compensation, and hours worked.Select the Correct Permit: Based on your nationality and length of employment, use the Finnish Immigration Service’s Application Finder to ascertain whether you require a visa, certificate, or resident permit
Collect Documents
- A current passport that has duplicates of every page with stamps or visas on it.
- Signed a contract of employment.
- Form of guarantee from the employer (available in English, Swedish, or Finnish).
- Evidence that the accommodations adhere to safety and health regulations.
- Additional paperwork, such as the MP_1 form (if applying from Finland), could be needed for residency permits.d.
Important Sectors and Employment Prospects in 2025
Finland’s tourism and agriculture sectors are the main drivers of its seasonal labor market. Let’s examine the opportunities in more detail:
Farming
Berry Picking: June through August is when lingonberries, blueberries, and strawberries are harvested. With typical monthly incomes ranging from €1,430 to €2,000, employees are eligible to receive productivity incentives. Harvesting Vegetables: In the fall, root vegetables (such as potatoes and carrots) are picked, providing labor until the end of the year. Roles in dairy and livestock include taking care of the animals and keeping up with farm infrastructure.
Forestry
There is a need for jobs like silviculture and cone gathering for seed production. These occupations frequently demand working in isolated locations and call for physical fitness.
Travel
Support at ski resorts or amusement parks, tour guides, and festival employees are examples of seasonal positions. Summer and winter are the busiest times for this employment.
Real-World Illustration: A Journey of a Worker
In 2024, Priya, a 25-year-old Indian, was employed in Finland as a berry picker. After landing a job at a Lapland berry farm, she filed for a seasonal work visa at the Finnish consulate in New Delhi. “The procedure was simple, but it took time,” Priya said. My company gave me explicit instructions on the assurance form, and I tracked my application via Enter Finland. The farm provided simple but cozy lodging with warm water and a communal kitchen for €5 per day. Priya received incentives for surpassing selection quotas, totaling €1,600 each month. “I felt like I had endless energy to work—the midnight sun was surreal,” she remarked. What did she advise? Apply as soon as possible because processing takes two months, and confirm the wage information in your contract. Learn some basic Finnish language as well; it will help you get along with the people. Priya’s tale emphasizes the value of planning and the benefits of seasonal labor in Finland’s breathtaking countryside.
Professional Advice for an Effective Application
Here are some insider recommendations to increase your prospects, based on interviews with immigration consultants and past seasonal workers Get Started Early: Apply three to four months in advance of when you want to start, particularly for summer positions. High demand is demonstrated by the fact that 1,360 resident permit applications and more than 1,245 certificate applications have already been processed as of July 1, 2025. Make sure your employer is registered and conforms with Finnish labor regulations by verifying them. Look for trustworthy farms on websites such as Töitä Suomesta. Get Ready for Rural Life: Many farms are located in isolated places with little access to public transportation. Inquire with your company about lodging or transportation choices. Some offer grocery store shuttles or vehicles. Learn the basics of Swedish or Finnish: Although it’s not required, being able to say things like “kiitos” (thank you) or “hyvää päivää” (good day) can improve your experience. Budget for Costs: Travel, first living expenses, and application fees (€380–€695) quickly add up. For your first month, budget at least €1,000, which includes €3.5–€7 per day for lodging.
Obstacles and How to Get Past Them
- In Finland, seasonal labor is not without its difficulties. The following are typical problems and fixes
- Extended Processing Times: Processing might take up to 90 days during busy times. Solution: Use Enter Finland to track your application and apply early.
- Remote Locations: Farms frequently have few facilities and are located far from cities. Solution: Before you go, find out about transportation choices and pack necessities like warm clothes.
- Language Barriers: Rural areas might not speak English, yet the majority of employers do. Solution: Learn some basic Finnish/Swedish phrases or use translation applications.
- High Cost of Living: Living expenses are high in Finland. Solution: Make a tight budget and give priority to employment that offers housing or food allowances.
Rights & Protections for Workers in 2025
- Finland is well known for having robust labor laws. Seasonal employees are eligible for
- Minimum Wage: Unless a collective agreement is in effect, at least €1,430 per month.
- Safe Accommodation: Warm water and sufficient room are two requirements for housing that must be met by health and safety regulations
- Social Security: To apply for healthcare coverage and social security, visit Kela (kela.fi).
- Fair Treatment: To avoid exploitation, the 2025 legal reforms guarantee that employers are subject to more stringent compliance audits.
- If you need assistance, get in touch with Kela or the Finnish Immigration Service. Finland is a reliable location for seasonal labor because of the government’s emphasis on worker welfare.
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Commonly Asked Questions
What will be Finland’s minimum salary for seasonal workers in 2025
Unless otherwise specified in a collective agreement, the minimum gross income is €1,430 per month.
Can my seasonal work visa be extended
If you have a valid permit and continue working during the season, you are eligible to apply for an extended residency permit. Before your existing permission expires, submit an application through Enter Finland.
Does working seasonally in Finland require me to speak Finnish
No, however, you may improve your experience by knowing a few simple Swedish or Finnish words. The majority of employers speak English.
Can my family travel to Finland with me on a seasonal work permit
No, family members of seasonal workers cannot be given residency permits based on their familial links.
How much time does it take to process a visa for seasonal work
Up to 90 days may pass for processing, particularly during the busiest months of March through August. To prevent delays, apply as soon as possible.
Which occupations fall under the category of seasonal work
Jobs in forestry (like silviculture), tourism (like festival workers, tour guiding), and agriculture (like berry picking, vegetable harvesting) are all eligible.
Does applying for a seasonal work visa require a job offer
Yes, for all permit kinds, a written employment contract with a Finnish employer is required.
Can I use a seasonal work visa to work for more than one employer
Yes, as long as the employment is seasonal, licenses can be issued for work with more than one specified employer.
What occurs if my employer disregards labor laws
Speak with Kela or the Finnish Immigration Service. In 2025, stricter compliance audits will guarantee employer responsibility.
Where in Finland can I discover job postings for the season
For reliable job advertisements, check websites such as EURES, Work in Finland, or Töitä Suomesta (jobs.toitasuomesta.fi).
How To Apply
Finland is notable for its dedication to worker rights, breathtaking natural beauty, and fair salaries. The 2025 upgrades provide security against exploitation while making the application more straightforward. You will obtain practical experience, receive competitive compensation, and become fully immersed in Finnish culture, whether you are escorting visitors in Helsinki or gathering berries in Lapland. Additionally, working beneath the northern lights or the midnight sun is an experience of a lifetime. Are you prepared to go out on your Finnish journey? Start looking for a job right now on sites like EURES or Töitä Suomesta, land a deal, and apply for your seasonal work visa through Enter Finland or the Finnish consulate in your area. Don’t wait; early applications secure the finest prospects, and processing delays might be extended. Visit get started, visit enterfinland.fi.
- Send in Your Application
- Apply for a visa at a Finnish embassy or consulate
- Use the Enter Finland site to get a certificate or residency permit. To monitor the progress of your application, create a personal account.
- Fees: €695 for paper submissions, €495 for online residence permit applications; country-specific visa costs apply.
- Await Processing: Especially during the busiest time of year (March to August), processing may take up to 90 days. To prevent delays, apply as soon as possible. Every Tuesday during periods of high demand, Migri updates processing timelines.
- Track and Follow Up: Use Enter Finland to keep an eye on your application. You will be notified via the site if more papers are require