Finland is a beautiful country with many lakes and the famous midnight sun. Every summer, from June to September, Finnish farms need many workers for the short but very busy harvest season. They pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and other berries. This is a great chance for people from outside the EU/EEA to come, work, earn money, and see Finland.
This simple guide explains everything in easy English. It tells you how to come legally and work on Finnish farms without problems.
Choosing the Right Seasonal Work Permit
In Finland, all seasonal farm jobs can last maximum 9 months in any 12-month period. The type of permit you need depends on how long you will work.
Work Duration and Permit Type
| How Long You Work | Permit Name | Who Gives It | How to Apply | Countries That Need Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days (3 months) | Seasonal Work Certificate OR Seasonal Work Visa | Migri (Certificate) or Embassy | Online (Enter Finland) or Embassy | Only visa-required countries need Visa |
| 3 – 9 months | Seasonal Residence Permit | Migri | Online (Enter Finland) + visit Embassy | Everyone |
Most berry pickers stay 2–4 months, so many people get the Seasonal Residence Permit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
You cannot apply for any permit if you do not have a real job offer first. The job contract is the most important paper.
Find a Job and Get Signed Contract
- Look for jobs on real Finnish berry farms. Popular areas are Suonenjoki (strawberry capital), Central Finland, Ostrobothnia, and Lapland.
- Good farms are members of the Finnish Berry and Vegetable Association or work with big companies.
- The contract must be signed by the farm owner. It must show:
- Your name and passport number
- Exact work (for example: wild berry picking or strawberry farm work)
- Start date and end date
- Monthly salary or piece-rate pay (how much per kilo)
- Information about housing
Never pay money to anyone to get a job. Real Finnish farms never ask money for job offers.
Apply Online on Enter Finland Website
Go to enterfinland.fi and make an account.
If you will work 3–9 months (Seasonal Residence Permit)
- Choose “Seasonal work 3–9 months – Residence permit”
- Fill all information about yourself and upload the signed contract.
- Give permission to your employer so they can add extra papers.
- Your employer must fill form TY6_plus (employment terms).
- Pay the application fee (around €490 in 2025).
- If the job is longer than 6 months, the TE Office (Finnish job centre) will check that no EU worker wants the job. This is normal and takes a little time.
If you will work maximum 90 days
- Choose “Seasonal work up to 90 days – Certificate”
- Fill the form and upload contract.
- Pay smaller fee (around €80).
- Usually no TE Office check.
Visit Finnish Embassy or VFS Global for Fingerprints
After you finish online and pay, book an appointment.
- You must go in person to a Finnish embassy, consulate, or VFS Global centre in your country.
- They take your fingerprints and photo.
- Bring your passport and printed application.
- Do this fast because appointments can be full in spring and summer.
Wait for Decision and Travel to Finland
Migri tries to decide fast for seasonal workers, especially from March to June.
- Normal time is 2–8 weeks, but legally they can take up to 90 days.
- When approved, you get:
- Residence permit card (for 3–9 months) – sent to embassy, you pick it up, or
- Visa sticker in passport (for 90 days), or
- Certificate (you print it yourself)
- Book flight only after you have the permit in your hand.
Your Rights and Money – Labour Law in Finland
Finland has very good protection for all workers, even seasonal farm workers.
Minimum Pay in 2025
- If the farm follows the official collective agreement (most big farms do), you get the agreed pay – usually piece-rate (money per kilo picked).
- If no collective agreement, the salary must be at least €1,430 gross per month (2025 rule).
- Many berry pickers earn €2,000–€5,000 per month in good season because they pick fast.
Accommodation and Food
- The farm owner must give you a place to live.
- The house must be clean, warm, have kitchen, toilet, shower, and internet (usually).
- Rent is taken from your salary, but it must be reasonable (usually €10–20 per day including food or cooking possibility).
Working Hours and Rest
- Maximum 10–12 hours per day in busy time.
- You must have at least one free day per week.
- You get paid even on rainy days when you cannot pick (many farms pay small daily wage + picking bonus).
Health Insurance
- For stays up to 90 days – buy travel insurance that covers medical costs.
- For 3–9 months – you get Finnish social security number and free public health care after you register.
Important Tips to Stay Safe and Legal
- Only trust official websites: migri.fi and enterfinland.fi
- Never pay big money to agents. Real farms give free invitation.
- Keep copies of all papers.
- When you arrive in Finland, go straight to the farm. Do not stay in Helsinki if your farm is far away.
- Save money every week. Good pickers can save €5,000–€12,000 in one season after all costs.
Finland welcomes honest, hard-working people. If you follow the rules, you will have a great summer, good money, beautiful nature, sauna, lakes, and maybe come back next year!
Disclaimer:
This guide is only for information. Rules can change. Always check the newest information on the official Migri website (migri.fi) before you apply. Good luck and welcome to Finland!