Dominated mainly by IT and the manufacturing industry, the Finnish job market is a thriving environment. Its high standard of living, thriving and forward-thinking industries, stable economy and safe society, and proper work-life balance make it one of the best countries to work in.
Finland’s unemployment rate has been fluctuating between 2019 and 2021, going between 6% and 11%. The unemployment rate shows how many jobs are available in the country. May 2020 had Finland’s peak unemployment rate as one of the effects of the coronavirus, but in August 2021, it reduced to 6.6%. As of October 2021, Finland has an employment rate of 72.3% which is the 16th in the world.
Asides from being rated as the happiest country in the world, Finland has a low crime and corruption rate but they also have a widespread anti-immigrant sentiment. An unwillingness to employ immigrants. This has been one of the reasons for the low number of immigrants and also its homogeneous workforce.
With the decreasing workforce population, this sentiment has gradually become a trivial matter as foreigners are being employed as long as they are qualified.
Working conditions
Earlier, there was a mention of the proper balance of work and life in Finland. This is because the Finnish culture believes there is more to life than just work.
The 2019 Work/Life Balance Index ranked Helsinki, Finland as the Best City for work-life balance beating over 40 other attractive cities like Oslo, Toronto, etc. It beat the others in 20 different factors that concern work about society and other institutions.
Finland also has very flexible work hours which are one of the factors that make its Work/Life index very high. These flexible hours allow employees to choose when they want to work and when for half of their contracted working hours.
Finland employees work an average of 40 hours a week with a daily lunch break which can be one or two hours. They also work from 8-5. The good part is they get a 25-day minimum annual leave with 13 bank holidays per year.
Aging Workforce
The major problem that Finland faces is that of an aging workforce. It is estimated that by 2025, the dependent aging population would increase. The aging population of the Finnish workforce is a problem not just for the future, but for now as well. It has also been projected that much of its younger workforce cannot adequately replace the current aging ones.
As a foreigner looking to move to Finland, something you should know is that Finland has a population of 5.5 million. A population of this size already indicates a small workforce. And within that small workforce, 39% are over 65 years of age. To curb this, the Finnish government has decided to double the number of immigrants per year, especially to keep a lot of government services running.
That’s not all, the Finnish market is a very skilled one with IT and manufacturing as its two biggest industries. If you’re an expert in any of these, you should be considering Finland as your preferred destination.
How can a foreigner get a job in Finland?
1. Start by learning the language.
The majority of the Finnish population speaks English, so you might be perplexed as to why you need to learn the language. It’s simple, the Finnish people tend to be friendlier when you speak their language. And to increase your chances of getting a job by giving you wider access to the job market.
2. Research
Research on what permits you would require to work in Finland. You can do so by visiting theFinnish Immigration Website
3. Educational Qualification
You need to know if your educational qualifications need recognizing in Finland. Recognition is a process where the government and the bodies in charge of certain professions and industries certify you to practice in Finland.
4. Networking
Build a network. Meet as many people as possible, especially people in your line of work. A survey estimated that 70%-80% of jobs in Finland are not advertised publicly. Improving your professional network would give you the edge. You can meet these people either through their hobbies or even volunteer work. Or better yet, join an association in your industry.
5. Recruitment Agencies
You can also find jobs in Finland with the help of recruitment agencies. While we mentioned how a lot of jobs aren’t advertised to the public, however a lot of companies employ recruitment agencies to find candidates for their vacancies.
6. Work Experience
Get some Finnish work experience. This helps your CV and your chances of getting the job of your dream. You can do this by doing some volunteer work, some paid or unpaid internship, thesis work in a company, or even a summer job.
Common Jobs in Finland for Foreigners.
Foreigners in Finland find it easier to get these jobs/roles. You can attribute it to some of these jobs not having constant contact with the locals or the jobs being highly skilled ones, or the industry is one with a shortage of workforce.
This article highlights 20 of them, doesn’t mean these are all of them. You can go for others that are not on the list.
1. Mobile Developers
2. Project managers
3. UX Designer
4. Civil Engineer
5. Software Engineer
6. Cooks
7. Home-based personal cleaners
8. Nursing associate professionals
9. Health care assistants
10. Shop and sales assistants
11. Child care workers
12. Hardware engineers
13. Accountants
14. Account managers
15. Product managers
16. Data scientist
17. Copywriters
18. QA Engineers
19. Cashiers
20. Web designers
Top 5 Websites To Find Finland Jobs For Foreigners.
Now that you have an idea of the common jobs in Finland for foreigners, knowing some websites that would help you find these jobs would help as well.
So here are five of the best websites to find jobs for foreigners in Finland;
- Monster Finland: one of the oldest job websites in Finland. They have a reputation for helping people find opportunities and connecting them with the right companies.
- Jobs in Helsinki: earlier, we talked about how the market in Finland is rather small so companies go International pretty quick. This is an example. While they have grown to have jobs in Finland, the UK, the US, across Europe, and South America, they are still a trusted source to get jobs in Finland, not just Helsinki as the name suggests.
- Rekrytointi: they describe themselves as a new meeting place for those looking for work, offering work and also offering training. These combined services make them a decent place to not just start but also develop your career.
- Duunitori: they offer a good amount of vacancies, the best job search tips, and even the most interesting job stories. Their vacancies extend to even summer jobs if that’s what you’re looking for.
- TipTopJob: an independent network that is flexible and adaptable to meet your requirements and needs.
Conclusion
For many of these jobs, learning the language will be more than just a means to bond with the locals. Copywriters, for instance, would need to learn to read and write in the local language, same goes for those that work as nurses or caregivers.
Finland has two official languages; Finnish and Swedish. Only 10% of the population have Swedish as their first language. There are some minority languages too, including Romani, Sami, etc.
With these, you should not have any issues integrating and finding a job in Finland.
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FAQs
What is the most common job in Finland? ›
What Is The Most Popular Job In Finland. Most of the employees in Finland work in the service sector. One of the most popular jobs include doctors, lawyers, and professors. You don't need to be fluent in Finnish and can survive with English-speaking skills.
Can you find a job in Finland without speaking Finnish? ›The bad news first: finding a job in Finland can be tough for non-Finnish-speakers. The job market is developing towards being more international, but the change is slow. Yet, it's not impossible to find a job in Finland.
What is the highest paid job in Finland? ›Top Finland Salaries - By Job
The highest paid Finland are Executive Management & Change professionals at $163,000 annually. The lowest paid Finland are Data professionals at $40,000.
The government's job search portal is called TE service. Private job seeking pages include Monster, Barona, Adecco, and The Hub. There are some portals such as Indeed and Duunitori that use mostly Finnish language in the job ads, so turn on Google translate to find suitable jobs.
Is it easy to get work in Finland? ›'Finland is not easy for foreigners to find jobs,' Poudrier Tremblay states. She names the lack of networks and not knowing Finnish as the main hindrances for employment in Finland. 'When you start to search for jobs as a foreigner, you start with no contacts.
Is Finland looking for immigrants? ›Finland will need immigrants to compensate for the labour deficit due to the baby-boom generation having left the workforce during this decade and in the future. Finland needs immigrants for a variety of sectors, and competes for them with other ageing societies.
What skills is Finland looking for? ›...
The type of workers Finland needs today
- early childhood educators,
- cooks;
- mechanics;
- childcare providers;
- salespeople;
- car, taxi, and van drivers;
- social work and counseling professionals;
- heavy truck drivers and bus drivers;
According to the results, Finland ranks in the top countries together with Denmark, Norway, and Iceland in terms of the happiness of immigrants. The report notes that one of the most likely reasons for this is the high quality of governmental institutions and their role in the Nordic countries in general.
What is minimum wage in Finland? ›| Country | Updated | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | 2Q/22 | 3696.345 USD/Month |
| France | 2019 | 3138.744 USD/Month |
| Germany | 4Q/21 | 4110.048 USD/Month |
| Hungary | Jul/22 | 1163.836 USD/Month |
You must apply for the first residence permit before you come to Finland. You can apply for a permit online through the Enter Finland service. After applying, you must visit the closest Finnish diplomatic mission to prove your identity, and present original copies of the application appendices.
How much is visa fee for Finland? ›
| Type of visa | Validity | Fee in Euros |
|---|---|---|
| Business Visa | 30 days ( Multiple Entry) | 24 |
| 90 days ( Single Entry) | 26 | |
| 90 days ( Multiple Entry) | 37 | |
| 6 months (Multiple Entry) | 70 |
Finland, located in northern Europe, has an average salary of 44,172 EUR/Year, which makes up to 3681 EUR/month. This amounts to about $3 721 USD/Month, according to the exchange rates in August 2022. Compared to other countries in the world, Finland's average salary is relatively high.
Can I live in Finland if I only speak English? ›Living in Finland doesn't require knowing Finnish
In ANY place where you need assistance: at a pharmacy, in a library, in a small corner shop or at a doctor's appointment. Finns are definitely considered to be among the top speakers of English as the second language in the world.
Learning to speak the language will help you be more employable. English Jobs In Finland may be found through the Faruse. Many multinational companies are looking for English speakers to work from home in Finland. Some of these companies may even offer you a preferred employer status, meaning you prefer better pay.
How many Finns speak English? ›| Language | No. of speakers (>5,000) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Russian | 84,190 | 1.52% |
| Estonian | 49,551 | 0.90% |
| Arabic | 34,282 | 0.62% |
| English | 23,433 | 0.42% |
...
Finland Economy Data.
| Currency Name and Code | Euro (EUR) |
|---|---|
| GDP by Sector- services | 69.1% |
In Finland, teachers are required to have a master's degree, including pedagogical studies and teaching practice. Teacher education is research-based. Added to wide expertise in learning and teaching, teacher qualification includes social, ethical and moral competence.
How much does a nurse make in Finland? ›A worker working in nursing in Finland earns roughly 4,530 EUR per month, according to salaryexplorer.com. Salaries range from 2,910 EUR (the lowest average) to 8,720 EUR (the highest average) (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher). Salaries for different nursing professions vary greatly.
How much does a student earn per hour in Finland? ›There is no minimum wage in Finland, however, the lowest wages range between 7 to 8 Euros per hour. Students usually earn between 9 to 13 Euros per hour depending on the nature of work and sectors they are working.
What is the minimum wage in Finland 2022? ›There is no national minimum wage in Finland; but the law requires all employers,including nonunionized ones,to pay minimum wages agreed to in collective bargaining agreements,and almost all workers are covered under such arrangements.
Is it hard to get a part-time job in Finland? ›
If you want it, you can do it. Be patient, many students apply for part-time jobs in Finland. Send applications to different companies, you are interested in. Do not get upset if you get denied, you might have better coming for you in the future.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Finland? ›By using the fast-track service, you can get a residence permit in two weeks.
How long does it take to get Finland visa? ›How Long Does It Take to Get a Finland Visa? It takes 15 days to process your application for a Finland visa. You can lodge your application at the embassy six months earlier if you wish, however, it's always best to do so 15 days before you depart.
How long can I stay in Finland? ›U.S. citizens are allowed to stay in Finland/the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days as a tourist within a 180-day period.
Are immigrants happy in Finland? ›Despite government programs, immigrants and their families are not always greeted with open arms. This year, the United Nations (UN) ranked Finland the world's happiest country for the fourth year running. The recognition is based on international surveys in which citizens are asked about their perceived happiness.
How much is the car in Finland? ›Between 40,000 and 50,000 euros.
How can I move to Finland without a job? ›To hire you as an immigrant, your employer would have to apply to get a special permit themselves, which is an exhausting process. If you can't find a job in Finland, there is the option to move to the country with an “Entrepreneur” permit instead.
Does Finland give PR? ›You can get a permanent residence permit when you have lived in Finland on a continuous residence permit (A permit) for an uninterrupted period of four years. You can get a P_EU residence permit when you have lived in Finland on a continuous residence permit (A permit) for an uninterrupted period of five years.
How easy is it to start a business in Finland? ›Setting up a business in Finland is quick and easy. International companies are warmly welcomed and enjoy high return on investment in Finland. They can access the same benefits as Finnish companies. Opening a legal entity takes only a couple of weeks.
How do I become a citizen of Finland? ›Finnish citizenship may be granted to a foreign national if the applicant has reached the age of 18 years and his or her permanent residence has been in Finland either for the last five years without interruption or for seven years after reaching the age of 15 years, the last two years of which without interruption.
What are the Finnish famous for? ›
- Salmiakki. Salmiakki is a Finnish candy that is well known in the country and abroad. ...
- Mämmi. Mämmi is a traditional Finnish Easter dessert that is made from rye flour, molasses, and water. ...
- Karelian pies, or Karjalanpiirakka. ...
- Aurora Borealis. ...
- Glass Igloos. ...
- Midnight Sun Film Festival. ...
- Reindeers. ...
- Nokia.
If you like Scandinavian countries, some of the best places to live in Finland are Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Oulu. Espoo, Turku, Tampere, Savonlinna, and Rauma are other great options. Of course, the list of areas doesn't stop there, but these are great for permanent residence.
What is the tax rate in Finland? ›| Related | Last | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Income Tax Rate | 56.95 | percent |
| Corporate Tax Rate | 20.00 | percent |
| Sales Tax Rate | 24.00 | percent |
| Social Security Rate | 31.55 | percent |
...
Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Minimum Wages in the World
- Cuba. $9 monthly. ...
- Bangladesh. $19 monthly. ...
- Tanzania. ...
- The Gambia. ...
- Malawi. ...
- DR Congo. ...
- Liberia.
401 € (EUR)/yr
In addition, they earn an average bonus of 401 €. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Finland. An entry level factory worker (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of 24 728 €.
The average pay for a Cleaner Housekeeping is €28,287 a year and €14 an hour in Finland. The average salary range for a Cleaner Housekeeping is between €21,810 and €32,587. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Cleaner Housekeeping.
Is it hard to get a job in Finland as a foreigner? ›'Finland is not easy for foreigners to find jobs,' Poudrier Tremblay states. She names the lack of networks and not knowing Finnish as the main hindrances for employment in Finland. 'When you start to search for jobs as a foreigner, you start with no contacts.
Is Finland looking for immigrants? ›Finland will need immigrants to compensate for the labour deficit due to the baby-boom generation having left the workforce during this decade and in the future. Finland needs immigrants for a variety of sectors, and competes for them with other ageing societies.
How can I get a job in Finland? ›- An employment contract.
- A valid passport and passport photo.
- A residence permit for an employed person application.
- Medical certificates.
| Country | Updated | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | 2Q/22 | 3696.345 USD/Month |
| France | 2019 | 3138.744 USD/Month |
| Germany | 4Q/21 | 4110.048 USD/Month |
| Hungary | Jul/22 | 1163.836 USD/Month |
Is Finland good for foreigners? ›
According to the results, Finland ranks in the top countries together with Denmark, Norway, and Iceland in terms of the happiness of immigrants. The report notes that one of the most likely reasons for this is the high quality of governmental institutions and their role in the Nordic countries in general.
How much is salary in Finland? ›Finland, located in northern Europe, has an average salary of 44,172 EUR/Year, which makes up to 3681 EUR/month. This amounts to about $3 721 USD/Month, according to the exchange rates in August 2022. Compared to other countries in the world, Finland's average salary is relatively high.
How do I get a work visa for Finland? ›- You must have a valid work contract in Finland.
- You must have a university degree (except for seasonal work).
- You must work professionally in your field.
- You must be clear of any criminal charges.
- You must not be a danger to Finland.
Despite government programs, immigrants and their families are not always greeted with open arms. This year, the United Nations (UN) ranked Finland the world's happiest country for the fourth year running. The recognition is based on international surveys in which citizens are asked about their perceived happiness.
How much is the car in Finland? ›Between 40,000 and 50,000 euros.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Finland? ›By using the fast-track service, you can get a residence permit in two weeks.
How much is visa fee for Finland? ›| Type of visa | Validity | Fee in Euros |
|---|---|---|
| Business Visa | 30 days ( Multiple Entry) | 24 |
| 90 days ( Single Entry) | 26 | |
| 90 days ( Multiple Entry) | 37 | |
| 6 months (Multiple Entry) | 70 |
If you wish to work in Finland and stay for longer than 90 days, you will always need a residence permit. In most cases, you will also need a residence permit to work in Finland for less than 90 days. Read more on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.
Can I move to Finland without a job? ›If you are self-employed, you can go ahead and apply for a residence permit. However, if your move to Finland is based on employment, then you need to have a job before you can apply for a residence permit. Generally speaking, foreigners must apply for a residence permit at the Finnish embassy in their home countries.
How much does a waiter get paid in Finland? ›1 310 € (EUR)/yr
The average waiter/waitress gross salary in Helsinki, Finland is 24 769 € or an equivalent hourly rate of 12 €.
What country has lowest salary? ›
...
Top 10 Countries with the Lowest Minimum Wages in the World
- Cuba. $9 monthly. ...
- Bangladesh. $19 monthly. ...
- Tanzania. ...
- The Gambia. ...
- Malawi. ...
- DR Congo. ...
- Liberia.
401 € (EUR)/yr
In addition, they earn an average bonus of 401 €. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Finland. An entry level factory worker (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of 24 728 €.