Work Finland

For working in Finland, citizens of countries outside the European Union typically require a residence permit that grants the right to engage in work activities.

 

 

 

Depending on the nature of the work and qualifications, there are different types of permits:

 

Residence permit for an employee: intended for individuals with a confirmed job offer from a Finnish employer.

 

EU Blue Card: for highly qualified professionals with higher education and an employment contract with a Finnish employer.

 

Seasonal work: for work of a seasonal nature, such as in agriculture or tourism, a special seasonal work permit is required.

 

 

 

The standard document package includes:

 

- Valid passport: must cover the period of intended stay.

 

- Passport photo: meeting the requirements of the Finnish police.

 

- Copies of passport pages: with personal data and stamps.

 

- Employment contract or official job offer: specifying the terms of employment.

 

- Completed application form: corresponding to the selected type of permit.

 

- Proof of legal residence in the country where the application is submitted: if the application is submitted from a country other than one's citizenship.

 

 

 

Application submission

 

Online: via the Enter Finland service.

 

In person: at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate.

 

 

 

Employer involvement: The employer must provide information about the employment conditions and other necessary data through the Enter Finland service for employers or complete the paper form "Conditions of Employment".

 

 

 

Awaiting a decision: After submitting the application and providing all necessary documents, one should await a decision. Processing times may vary depending on the type of permit and the workload of the services.

 

 

 

Additional requirements

 

In some cases, proof of financial ability, medical insurance, or other documents may be required. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for the selected type of permit on the official website of the Finnish Immigration Service.

 

Please note that the process of obtaining a work permit may change, so it is recommended to always check the current information on official resources.

For European Union citizens

 

 

 

Right to work: EU citizens, as well as citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, can begin working in Finland immediately upon arrival without needing a work permit or residence permit.

 

 

 

Registration of stay: If a stay of more than 90 days is planned, the right of residence must be registered with the Finnish Immigration Service within three months of entry.

 

 

 

Equal rights: EU citizens have the same rights to employment, entrepreneurship, and education as Finnish citizens.

 

 

 

For citizens of countries outside the European Union

 

 

 

Work permit requirement: Before starting work, a residence permit based on employment activity is required. This requires having a job offer from a Finnish employer and submitting an application for the relevant permit before arriving in Finland.

 

 

 

General recommendations

 

Consultation with the employer: The employer can provide information on the employment process and assist with the necessary paperwork.

 

Contacting official bodies: For up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact official sources such as the Finnish Immigration Service.

Preparing documents

 

 

 

Resume (CV): Create a clear and structured resume that reflects your experience, education, and skills. It is recommended to adapt it to Finnish standards.

 

 

 

Cover letter: Each application should be accompanied by a letter explaining why you are suitable for the position and why you are interested in working for this company specifically.

 

 

 

Job search

 

Online platforms

 

Työmarkkinatori: The official portal of Finland's employment service, where current vacancies are posted.

 

Work in Finland: A platform focused on international professionals, offering job opportunities in English.

 

EURES: The European Job Mobility Portal, providing information on job vacancies in Finland and other EU countries.

 

Company websites: Many employers post vacancies on their official websites. It is recommended to regularly check the "Career" or "Vacancies" sections of companies you are interested in.

 

 

 

Networking

 

Professional events: Attend job fairs, seminars, and conferences to connect with potential employers.

 

Social networks: Use platforms such as LinkedIn to expand your professional network and seek employment opportunities.

 

 

 

Support and consultations

 

Employment and Economic Development Services: They offer consultations on job searching, professional training, and other employment-related matters.

 

International House Helsinki: Provides information and support for immigrants on employment, education, and integration issues.

 

 

 

Alternative employment options

 

Internships and volunteering: Participating in internships or volunteer projects can help gain local experience and establish valuable contacts.

 

Freelancing and entrepreneurship: Consider working as a freelancer or starting your own business. This may require registration and compliance with certain requirements.

 

 

 

A successful job search in Finland requires active use of available resources, continuous skill improvement, and adaptation to local labor market conditions.

Employment in Finland requires meeting certain requirements, which may vary depending on the field and specific position. The main criteria include:

 

 

 

Language skills

 

Finnish and Swedish languages: Finnish is the main official language, and Swedish is the second official language. Knowledge of at least one of them is required for most professions. In some international companies or in the IT sector, fluency in English may be sufficient, but knowledge of Finnish or Swedish significantly increases employment chances.

 

 

 

Language proficiency certification: For some professions, official proof of language skills is required, such as a YKI certificate or a state language examination.

 

 

 

Qualification and education

 

Recognition of diplomas: If you received your education outside Finland, recognition of your diploma may be required. This is especially relevant for regulated professions like medicine, law, or education.

 

Additional certificates: In some fields, additional certificates or licenses are required to validate your qualifications.

 

 

 

Work experience

 

Relevant experience: Having work experience in the relevant field boosts a candidate's competitiveness.

 

References: Positive feedback from previous employers can play an important role in employment.

 

 

 

Personal qualities and skills

 

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to Finnish work culture and colleagues.

 

Communication skills: Effective communication with colleagues and clients.

 

Punctuality and responsibility: Valued by Finnish employers.

 

 

 

By considering these requirements and preparing for employment, you increase your chances of successfully securing a job in Finland.

Qualified labor

 

 

 

Healthcare: General practitioners, nurses, dentists, and other medical professionals are in high demand.

 

 

 

Information technology: Professionals in programming, mobile application development, and cybersecurity are sought after due to the growing tech sector.

 

 

 

Education: Educators, especially in early childhood and school education, are needed to ensure quality teaching.

 

 

 

Construction: Engineers and architects – professionals engaged in designing and managing construction projects – are in demand due to infrastructure development.

 

 

 

Unskilled Labor

 

 

 

Agriculture: Seasonal workers for harvesting, working on farms and in greenhouses are in demand for temporary employment.

 

 

 

Service Sector: Jobs in hotels, offices, and other institutions require staff for cleaning and janitorial work.

 

 

 

Logistics and Warehousing: Warehouse workers for sorting, packing, and moving goods in warehouses and distribution centers.

 

 

 

Construction: Laborers for participation in construction projects, performing simple tasks without the need for specific qualifications.

 

 

 

Please note that knowledge of Finnish or Swedish significantly increases the chances of employment, especially in areas requiring communication with clients or patients. However, in some international companies and the IT sector, knowledge of English may suffice.

Finland's pension system combines elements of state support and contributory programs, providing citizens with a stable income in old age. The main components of pension security include:

 

 

 

Earnings-Related Pension: A pension based on the worker's earnings and work history, accumulated throughout the entire career and dependent on income level and work duration. Financed by contributions from employers and employees.

 

 

 

National Pension: Provided to individuals who have lived in Finland for at least five years, whose earnings-related pension is below a certain level or absent altogether. As of January 1, 2024, the full national pension for a single pensioner is 775.70 euros per month, and for those married or cohabiting, it's 692.54 euros per month.

 

 

 

Guaranteed Pension: Ensures a minimum income level for pensioners whose overall pension (including earnings-related and national) is below a set minimum.

 

 

 

Retirement Age

 

Earnings-Related Pension: The retirement age depends on the year of birth. For those born in 1965 and later, the pension age will be tied to life expectancy and may be adjusted.

 

National Pension: The standard retirement age is 65 years. For individuals born in 1965 and later, the age will also be linked to life expectancy.

 

 

 

Features for Immigrants

 

Residence Duration: To receive a national pension, one must have lived in Finland for at least five years after reaching the age of 16.

 

International Agreements: Finland has social security agreements with several countries, which can affect the right to a pension and its amount.

Pension Insurance: Earnings-Related Pension; National Pension.

 

 

 

Medical Insurance: Provides compensation for medical services, medicines, and sick leave. Financed by contributions from employees, employers, and the state.

 

 

 

Accident and Occupational Disease Insurance: Provides compensation in the event of injuries or illnesses related to work. Employers are required to insure their employees against such risks.

 

 

 

Unemployment Insurance: Provides unemployment benefits to individuals who have lost their jobs. Financed by contributions from employees, employers, and the state.

 

 

 

Family Benefits

 

Child Allowance: Paid to families for each child up to 17 years old.

 

Parental Allowances: Include maternity and paternity benefits, as well as childcare allowances.

 

 

 

Social Assistance: Provided to individuals and families with low income to ensure a minimum standard of living. Includes housing allowances and other forms of support.

In Finland, labor relations are regulated by legislation and collective agreements, ensuring workers' rights in terms of dismissals, leaves, and holidays.

 

 

 

Dismissal

 

Employer's Initiative: The employer can terminate an employment contract for operational, economic reasons, or due to serious employee misconduct. Before dismissal, the employee must be given the opportunity to express their opinion on the reasons for the termination of employment.

 

Notification Periods: Periods depend on the length of employment:

 

Less than 1 year — 14 days.

 

From 1 to 4 years — 1 month.

 

From 4 to 8 years — 2 months.

 

From 8 to 12 years — 4 months.

 

More than 12 years — 6 months.

 

 

Employee's Initiative: An employee can terminate the employment contract by notifying the employer 14 days in advance if the service is less than 5 years, and 1 month in advance if the service is more than 5 years.

 

 

 

Annual Leave

 

Accrual of Leave Days: For each month worked, an employee earns:

 

- 2 days of leave if service is less than a year.

 

- 2.5 days of leave if service is more than a year.

 

 

Vacation Period: The main vacation (24 days) is granted from May 2 to September 30. Remaining days can be used from October 1 to April 30.

 

Vacation Pay: During vacation, employees receive vacation pay equal to their average salary. Some collective agreements provide for an additional vacation bonus.

 

 

 

Childcare Leave

 

Maternity Leave: Lasts 40 working days, starting 30 working days before the expected due date.

 

Parental Leave: Lasts 320 working days, with each parent entitled to 160 days. A parent can transfer no more than 63 days to their partner.

 

Childcare Leave: After parental leave, childcare leave can be taken until the child reaches three years of age.

 

 

 

Holidays

 

 

 

In Finland, the official non-working holidays are:

 

- New Year (January 1)

 

- Epiphany (January 6)

 

- Good Friday (variable date)

 

- Easter Monday (variable date)

 

- May Day (May 1)

 

- Ascension Day (variable date)

 

- Midsummer Festival (variable date)

 

- All Saints' Day (variable date)

 

- Independence Day (December 6)

 

- Christmas (December 25)

 

- Second Christmas Day (December 26)

 

 

 

On these days, most businesses and institutions are closed, and employees are entitled to rest.

 

 

 

Understanding these rules will help both employees and employers to comply with Finland's labor laws and maintain harmonious employment relationships.

Main Professional Unions

 

 

 

The Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK): The largest entity representing workers' interests in various sectors, including industry, construction, and transport; it negotiates collective agreements, protects workers' rights, and provides legal assistance.

 

 

 

The Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK): Brings together unions representing the interests of white-collar workers and middle management in areas like healthcare, education, and public service; it deals with labor law issues, working conditions, and professional development.

 

 

 

The Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland (Akava): Represents the interests of workers with higher education, including engineers, lawyers, and educators; it focuses on professional growth, scientific research, and innovation.

 

 

 

How Unions Can Help

 

 

 

Negotiating Salaries and Working Conditions: Unions conduct collective bargaining with employers, setting standards for pay, working hours, and other conditions.

 

 

 

Legal Support: In cases of labor disputes or violations of workers' rights, unions provide legal advice and representation.

 

 

 

Training and Professional Development: Many unions organize skill development courses, seminars, and training sessions for their members.

 

 

 

Unemployment Benefits: Union members can receive income-linked unemployment benefits through mutual aid funds associated with the unions.

 

 

 

Networking: Union membership provides access to a professional community, which can be beneficial for sharing experiences and finding new opportunities.

 

 

 

Joining a professional union in Finland is a common practice and offers workers additional guarantees and support in their working lives.

Choosing a Business Form

 

Sole Proprietorship: Suitable for a small business where the owner is fully responsible for the company's obligations.

 

Limited Liability Company: A popular form for medium and large businesses; liability is limited to the contribution in the share capital.

 

Partnership and Limited Partnership: Require the participation of several partners with varying degrees of liability.

 

Cooperative: A form suitable for collective business management, where cooperative members jointly manage and benefit.

 

 

 

Business Registration

 

Trade Register: Mandatory registration for most business forms through the YTJ system.

 

Tax Registration: Registration with tax authorities to obtain an identification number and VAT registration (if annual turnover exceeds 15,000 euros).

 

Licenses and Permits

 

Depending on the field of activity, special licenses or permits may be required. For example, for the sale of alcohol, provision of medical services, or transportation. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the requirements for a specific industry.

 

Taxation

 

Corporate Tax: The corporate tax rate in Finland is 20%.

 

Value Added Tax (VAT): The standard VAT rate is 24%, with reduced rates of 14% and 10% for certain goods and services.

 

Social Contributions: Employers are required to pay contributions for social insurance, pension provision, and accident insurance.

 

Labor Legislation

 

Finland has strict labor laws, ensuring worker protection. Employers must comply with regulations concerning working hours, leave, working conditions, and minimum wage.

 

Entrepreneur Support

 

Business Finland: A government agency providing funding, consultancy, and support for business development and international market entry.

 

Start-up Grant: Financial support for new entrepreneurs, provided through employment and economic development centers.

 

Digitization and Electronic Services: Finland is renowned for its high level of digitization. Many administrative procedures, including business registration, tax return filing, and reporting, can be carried out online through portals such as Suomi.fi and YTJ.

 

Understanding these aspects will help entrepreneurs effectively organize and conduct business in Finland, complying with local legislation and utilizing available resources for growth.