The new income criteria, which differ depending on the kind of residence permit, must be met by applicants for resident permits in Finland as of November 1.

Different income requirements apply to applicants for study permits, foreign protection, family reunion, and employment-related residence permits, the Finnish Immigration Service said in a news statement.

Certain groups, such as victims of human trafficking, children, and others in precarious situations, are exempt from this obligation.

Minimum Salary Needed for Residence Permit in Finland

All types of residence permits have their income thresholds, but these thresholds can change even depending on the type of position.

For example, specialists who want to obtain a work permit must get paid at least €3,638 every month to be eligible for this type of permit. Seasonal workers, on the other hand, must earn a monthly salary of €1,399.

Another thing to keep in mind when checking the income requirements is that these conditions can also change based on the location of the applicant.

For example, a startup entrepreneur must earn between €1,210 and €1,030 per month depending on whether they live in the Helsinki metropolitan area, which is the most expensive region, other large municipalities or other municipalities which are less populated.

These Are the Categories Excluded From the Income Threshold

The authorities have pointed out that it can depend on their analysis whether someone should have an income threshold or not.

We may derogate from the income thresholds on a case-by-case basis. Making an exception to the income requirement is possible if there are exceptionally weighty reasons or if a derogation is in the best interest of a child. 
--Finnish Immigration Service

The Immigration Services also pointed out that applicants can request an exception to the income requirement by submitting their documents and declaring why their situation is extraordinary and should be treated as such.

In other cases, these are the categories that are not required to have sufficient financial resources while residing in Finland:

• Those who were granted a residence permit based on compassionate grounds (such as human trafficking), including here their siblings.
• Asylum seekers and those under subsidiary protection or temporary protection.
• Quota refugees.
• Family members and relatives of a Finnish citizen.
• Family members of former Finnish citizens and those who are former Finnish citizens themselves.
• Family members of descendants of former Finnish citizens or descendants of former Finnish citizens.

Other categories included in this list are nationals from the former Soviet Union who were evacuated from Ingria, those who served in the Finnish army and their family members, and Ingrian returnees applying for extended permits or permanent residence permits in Finland.

Spouses or underage children of Ingrian returnees who applied for extended permits or permanent residence permits for family reunification before July 2016 are also excluded by income requirements.