Finland has opened its application portal for the 2025 seasonal work permit, creating a new path for foreign workers, including Nigerians, to find temporary employment in its key industries . The program offers a sharp contrast in earning potential, with a guaranteed minimum monthly wage that is significantly higher than Nigeria's national rate .
The Finnish Immigration Service is running the program, which focuses on filling jobs in agriculture, forestry, and tourism . These permits allow successful applicants to live and work in Finland for up to nine months within a twelve-month period .
The seasonal work initiative is designed to bolster Finland's workforce in specific sectors that rely on temporary labor . There are two main types of permits available, depending on the job's duration. For work lasting up to 90 days, applicants need a seasonal work visa or certificate. For employment between three and nine months, a residence permit for seasonal work is required . All permits must be secured before traveling to Finland .
A key feature of the program is the minimum salary. Reports indicate that seasonal workers in Finland are guaranteed to earn at least €1,430 per month . When converted to Nigerian Naira, this amount is approximately ₦2.2 million, based on recent exchange rates . This wage level is set to ensure workers are paid in line with Finnish standards.
The opportunity in Finland comes at a time when the cost of living is a central issue for workers in Nigeria. The national minimum wage in Nigeria was increased to ₦70,000 per month in 2024 . This is equivalent to about $47.90, a value that has been heavily impacted by the devaluation of the Naira . A U.S. report noted that due to this currency devaluation, Nigeria's minimum wage is no longer higher than the poverty income level for a family .
The difference between the two minimum wages is vast. The Finnish seasonal work offer of roughly ₦2.2 million per month is over 30 times the Nigerian federal minimum wage of ₦70,000 . Some Nigerian states have moved to pay their civil servants more than the federal minimum, with increases to amounts like ₦104,000 in Imo State and ₦90,000 in Ebonyi State . However, these local adjustments still fall far short of the earning potential in Finland's program.
For Nigerians interested in applying, the process must be completed through official channels. The first and most critical step is securing a signed employment contract from a Finnish employer in an eligible sector like agriculture or forestry . Without a job offer, an application cannot proceed.
Once a contract is in hand, applicants must gather the required documents. These include a valid Nigerian passport, a passport photograph, the signed employment contract, and proof of accommodation in Finland . The application is then submitted online through the official EnterFinland portal, which is managed by the Finnish Immigration Service .
Applicants should choose the correct permit type based on their contract length. For stays longer than three months, they must apply for a residence permit for seasonal work . This process includes paying an application fee, which is around €490 for a residence permit, and then booking an appointment at the Finnish Embassy in Abuja to provide biometrics like fingerprints . Processing times can take several months, so applicants are advised to apply early .
The Finnish government guarantees that seasonal workers will be paid the minimum wage, providing a level of income security that is a major draw for international applicants . The program is expected to attract thousands of applicants from around the world, particularly from Africa and Asia .