Image for illustrative purposes only
Legally reviewed and advised by Nguyen Thi Kim Yen (Melkko Nguyen) — Founder of VNL Toimisto and Member of the Vietnam Bar Federation. Bringing over 15 years of multifaceted legal practice in cross-border immigration, corporate compliance, and administrative procedures between Vietnam and Finland. This guide reflects statutory regulations administered by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Securing seasonal employment in Finland—across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and tourism—offers valuable international working experience. However, the legal framework governing seasonal work involves specific statutory requirements that both foreign workers and Finnish employers must fulfill to ensure full compliance with national immigration and labor legislation.
Administrative delays or negative decisions typically arise not from an applicant’s background, but from formal discrepancies: misaligned employment contracts, wages below collective agreements (TES), non-compliant accommodation, or incomplete submissions on the official employer portal.
VNL Toimisto—a legal and administrative consulting firm with offices in Helsinki and Vietnam—provides professional advisory and procedural support for both applicants and employers, assisting parties to prepare complete dossiers in rigorous accordance with Finnish statutory law.
Overview of Finnish Seasonal Work Authorization
Under the Finnish Seasonal Workers Act (980/2017), seasonal work authorizations are granted exclusively for designated seasonal industries and are subject to strict legal limits:
Short-term Work (Up to 90 days): Foreign nationals from visa-required countries (such as Vietnam) must apply for a specific Seasonal Work Visa through the Embassy of Finland or the accredited visa application center.
Work Over 90 Days (3 to 9 Months): Foreign workers must obtain a formal Residence Permit for Seasonal Work via the electronic service Enter Finland.
Permit Validity: A seasonal residence permit can be granted for a maximum duration of 9 months within a 12-month period.
Labour Market Consideration: Applications extending beyond 6 months generally undergo assessment by the Employment and Economic Development Office (TE Office) regarding local labor availability before a final decision by Migri.
Core Statutory Requirements Under Finnish Law
To satisfy the statutory standards set by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), applications must substantiate:
1. Legitimate Seasonal Employment Agreement: A valid employment contract or binding job offer detailing job classification, wage structure, working hours, and operational duration.
2. Income & Labor Standard Compliance (TES): Wages and employment terms must strictly abide by the applicable Finnish Collective Agreement (työehtosopimus – TES). Where no collective agreement applies, earnings must meet the official subsistence benchmark.
3. Verified Accommodation: The employer or employee must demonstrate suitable accommodation in Finland that complies with public health, building safety, and fire regulations.
4. Valid Travel Identification: A recognized passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned stay.
Note: In accordance with the Finnish Aliens Act, family reunification permits cannot be granted on the basis of a seasonal worker’s residence permit.
Scope of Legal Support at VNL Toimisto
Within our professional legal capacity and ethical practice, VNL Toimisto assists clients through four structured phases:
Phase 1: Legal Assessment & Contract Review
We review the preliminary employment contract, verifying that terms of work, wage brackets, and job codes comply with the Finnish Seasonal Workers Act and relevant collective agreements.
Phase 2: File Preparation & Consular Legalization
We audit personal dossiers, identify necessary civil records, and arrange certified translations and consular legalizations between Vietnam and Finland to ensure documentary validity.
Phase 3: Digital Submission & Employer Coordination
We guide applicants through the Enter Finland submission process and coordinate with Finnish employers to properly register employer supplements (Enter Finland for Employers / TY6_plus), preventing common procedural omissions.
Phase 4: Case Follow-Up & Official Correspondence
We monitor processing progress through official channels and assist clients in preparing formal written clarifications should Migri issue an official request for additional information (täydennyspyyntö).
Why Choose VNL Toimisto?
Bilateral Presence: Physical consulting offices in both Helsinki and Vietnam, facilitating direct, lawful communication between foreign workers and Finnish sponsors.
Strict Legal Compliance: Advisory strictly aligned with Finnish legislation, prioritizing accuracy, client confidentiality, and risk avoidance.
Dedicated Case Handling: Careful legal review of each individual case file rather than automated, one-size-fits-all processing.