The standard of living in Finland is high. GDP is lower than in the other countries of the Scandinavian peninsula, but still higher than in Germany. Finland has a slightly higher unemployment rate than Norway and Sweden, but there are many foreigners who want to work in Finland.
Although most of the population speaks English, you usually need to speak Finnish to work. However, you can still find English-speaking jobs.
You will need to know Finnish if you work with locals, otherwise English skills are sufficient. Many multinational companies use English as their business language. The IT and gambling tend to use English.
The government and many employers offer free Finnish language courses to foreigners. Immigrants have the right by law to receive all services that promote their social integration.
Finland is one of the best places for anyone who wants to pursue a career in IT or gaming. Finland is where 5G, SMS and the Linux operating system were developed.
Finland has a highly developed technology sector. Historically, Finnish companies have been leaders in mobile communications, electronics, cybersecurity, software, and gaming. Companies in these sectors are always looking for workers and often employ people who still live abroad.
There is equality and fairness in the Finnish labor market and workplaces. Even in the workplace, as in the rest of society, there is an open and welcoming mentality towards people who come from another country. Job seekers can easily contact potential employers and submit their CVs, which are appreciated and valued in a highly meritocratic environment.
Currently, most employees in Finland work in the service sector. The sectors that employ the most people are: Trade, Transportation, Hospitality, Education, Health and Social Services.
Work visas Finland
If you are from the following countries, you do not need a visa to work in Finland:
- EEA/EU
- Nordic countries
- USA, New Zealand, Australia and Japan
You can only work for 90 days and after that you need to apply for a residence permit. You can apply for the residence permit electronically or in paper form
If you are from another country, you need a visa to work in Finland, and you can apply for a work visa if you have
- a valid employment contract in Finland
- a university degree (except for seasonal work)
- a job offer from a Finnish company
You can apply for a special work visa if:
- you have a university degree
- your work is in demand in Finland
- your salary is above average
You can apply for the EU Blue Card if:
- You have a special expertise in your field
- You have a university degree
- Your gross salary is at least 4663 euros per month
- You will work in Finland for at least one year
Seasonal worker visa, you can apply if:
- you are coming to Finland to work seasonally (in agriculture and hospitality). For a maximum of nine months.
You do not need a seasonal worker visa if:
- You come to Finland to pick wild berries for less than three months
- You are a citizen of an EU country or Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland
Work in Finland, useful resources
- Te-palvelut, useful website of the Finnish Ministry of Labour, information and job openings
- Finnish immigration service, information about working in Finland
- WORKING IN FINLAND, information for immigrants
- Aarresaari, if you are a student or a recent graduate, you can search for an internship, on the university’s website
Most In-demand jobs in Finland
Finland is expected to have a shortage of workers in the future due to an aging population and low numbers of immigrants.
The shortage is already worrisome now:
- Health, (doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, nurses, etc.). A recent statistic states that one in four young Finns should enter a health profession to replace those who will be retiring
- Nurses
- Teachers and educators
- Administrative
- Engineering
- Construction sector (bricklayers, carpenters, etc.)
- Technology sector (e.g. Nokia), 700,000 Finns work in this sector
- Woodworking industry
- Shipbuilding
- Metallurgical industry
- Tourism and hospitality
Key sectors of Finnish industry where you should look for work or do business include: IT and engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, health and wellness, food and beverage, creative industries, fashion and design, forestry, clean energy, agricultural machinery, tourism, and the maritime sector.
Job search in Finland
1.. Use Linkedin and search for Finnish companies
2. Use the finnish yellow pages (words Työnvälitys or Toimialapalvelu)
3.Use the EURES website
4.Use the website of the Finnish Ministry of Labor (also in English)
6.Finnish employment agencies
- Rekrytointi, (in English)
- Atalent, (in English)
- Seure, (in English)
- Biisoni, (in English)
- StaffPoint, (in English)
7.International recruitment agencies
- S&S consulting, (in English)
- Adecco, (in English)
- VPS, (in English)
8.Finnish Job Search webites
- Valtiole, (in English)
- Jobs in Helsinki, (in English)
- Oikotie, (in Finnish)
- Jobs in Finland, (in English)
- Jobs Portal, (in English)
Work in hospitality in Finland
You can find work in hotels, hostels and restaurants. I will show you some websites:
- Kämp Group, company that owns many restaurants and hotels
- Compass Group, catering service company
- Catererglobal, website for job search in hospitality
Work in agriculture in Finland
To work in agriculture in Finland, non-EU citizens need a seasonal worker visa, but picking wild berries does not require a visa.
It is a good opportunity, especially if you do not know Finnish, English is enough. The work is mainly concentrated in the summer season. To find a job, you can contact the farms directly. You can find the contact information in Finnish.
