Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements for specialist and EU Blue Card permits in 2024.

‌Key Points:

• The salary threshold for the specialist permit type increased to €3,638 per month (about US$3,911), an increase from €3,437 in 2023.
• The EU Blue Card permit salary threshold increased to €5,457 per month, an increase from €5,209 in 2023.

Additional Information: Additional requirements such as minimum employment periods and education duration are considered along with salary thresholds to determine an employee’s eligibility for either an EU Blue Card or specialist permit. The new salary levels apply for first residence permits and extensions. In certain circumstances, immigration authorities will process an application as a specialist permit application if an EU Blue Card applicant’s salary does not meet the requirement. Applications that do not meet the specialist minimum salary requirement will be processed under a different category, residence permit for an employed person.

BAL Analysis: Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements for these two permit types to ensure applicants have sufficient financial resources or secure means of support to live and work in Finland. Additional details on the income requirements can be found here. Employers should be aware of and consider the increased thresholds in their business planning for 2024.