The Finnish government now requires foreign berry pickers to get a seasonal work permit before arriving in the country.

The new rules, effective February 17th, 2025, aim to prevent worker exploitation and improve labor conditions. All foreign berry pickers must have a contract with a Finnish employer.

Seasonal work permits now required

Finland depends on thousands of seasonal workers to harvest wild berries, many coming from Thailand, where berry picking provides seasonal jobs. Reports of labor exploitation and human trafficking have led authorities to tighten regulations.

Now, all foreign berry pickers must get a seasonal work permit before traveling to Finland. There are three types, based on the length of employment:

• Seasonal Work Visa: For work up to three months. Applicants from visa-required countries must apply at a Finnish embassy or consulate.
• Certificate for Seasonal Work: For visa-free nationals working up to three months. Applications go to the Finnish Immigration Service.
• Residence Permit for Seasonal Work: For jobs lasting three to nine months. The Finnish Immigration Service handles these applications.

Application process, costs

Foreign workers must have a job contract before applying for a permit. Employers must state the worker’s role, wages, and working conditions in the contract.

Application costs vary:

• A seasonal work certificate costs 250 euros on paper and 100 euros online.
• A first residence permit for seasonal work costs 380 euros online and 480 euros on paper.
• Extending a permit costs 170 euros online and 430 euros on paper.

Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves. If no collective agreement applies, they need at least 1,430 euros per month. They must also arrange suitable housing that meets Finnish health and safety rules, including access to warm water and proper sleeping facilities.

Stricter monitoring to prevent exploitation

The Finnish government reformed seasonal work policies after reports of worker exploitation. In the past, some foreign berry pickers used Schengen tourist visas, which offered little protection against poor working conditions.

Some workers earned less than minimum wage, faced high housing deductions, or even became victims of human trafficking.

To address these problems, Finland now requires all berry pickers to have a formal job contract. Authorities will monitor employers and take action against labor law violations. 

Occupational safety officials will enforce minimum employment standards to protect workers’ rights.

Additional screening for travelers, migrants

Stricter work permit rules in Finland may affect visitors, migrants, and seasonal workers across the European Union.

Soon, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require non-European Union (EU) travelers to get pre-travel approval for short visits.

Finland’s new rules align with the EU’s broader push to tighten labor laws and prevent worker abuse. Those needing Schengen visas may also face stricter checks as work-related migration comes under closer scrutiny.

For short-term travelers, requiring a formal job contract reduces the chance of entering Finland on a tourist visa to find work. This change limits flexible, temporary labor migration, making it harder to take seasonal jobs without a formal employer.

Long-term migrants may also feel the impact as Finland and other EU countries adjust policies to improve worker protections while managing labor shortages in farming and other industries.

Tighter controls on foreign labor

Finland’s new seasonal work rules follow a broader EU trend toward tighter controls on foreign labor.

As EU countries try to balance economic needs with worker protections, stricter employment regulations may become more common. Finland’s approach, which requires formal contracts and holds employers accountable, could serve as a model for other nations looking to prevent labor exploitation.

These changes also reflect the EU’s growing focus on employer responsibility.

Some member states are considering similar policies to curb illegal work and protect temporary foreign workers. At the same time, EU leaders are debating migration reforms to address both security concerns and labor shortages.

By tightening rules for berry pickers, Finland signals a shift toward stronger worker protections while enforcing national and EU labor laws. Other EU countries may adopt similar measures, especially in industries that depend on seasonal labor.

Workers must act quickly to secure permits

Seasonal work permit applications are now open, and authorities urge workers to apply early. Processing can take up to 90 days, which may delay arrival for the berry harvest.

With the new rules in place, officials will track their impact and may introduce more measures if needed to protect foreign workers.

These changes aim to improve labor conditions and prevent exploitation while ensuring Finland can continue relying on seasonal workers for its agricultural sector.