Finland – Labor Market Test No Longer Required for Career Changers
Effective June 1, 2019, a foreign national who is already employed in Finland, and who wishes to change occupation, will no longer require a labor market test.
The Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office) reviews applications for residence permits for employment from a labor market point of view, to identify any local candidates for the position. If none are found, the Finnish Immigration Service then processes the residence permit application and issues a final decision.
For applicants qualifying as Foreign Special Experts (must have salary above a certain level and advanced educational and experience-based qualifications), the need to test the local labor market is waived.
Now this requirement is also waived for foreign nationals who have worked in Finland with a residence permit for employment for at least one year and who wish to change careers.
Employers who may be affected are encouraged to contact an immigration specialist for case-specific advice.