By zobayer 
When you think of Finland, you think of cold winters, but did you know that Finland is one of the happiest countries in the world? It boasts a high quality of life, an excellent education system, and stunning landscapes. But what’s it like to work in Finland? Is the pay good? And how can you get a job?
That’s what we’re diving into today—how you can land a job in Finland as a foreigner in 2024. We’ll cover everything from the Finnish job market to visa options, the cost of living, and much more.
If you’re new here, I bring you tips on working abroad, visas, and international job searches. With that, let’s dive in!
Finland is known for its excellent work-life balance, strong social services, and beautiful nature. It’s also a great place for skilled foreign workers. However, there are some things you need to know about the economic situation, sectors hiring foreigners, and visa options to make your job search successful.
Finland has been experiencing a steady demand for skilled professionals, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, engineering, and construction. The country is welcoming foreign talent to fill gaps in its workforce, especially as its population ages and local talent becomes scarce.
In 2024, Finland is focused on attracting international workers to maintain a strong economy. Around 7% of the workforce in Finland consists of foreigners, with more companies open to hiring non-EU nationals due to labor shortages.
When it comes to industries actively hiring foreign workers, here are the top sectors where foreigners can find job opportunities in Finland:
- Technology and IT
Finland’s tech sector is booming, with companies like Nokia, Supercell, and other startups looking for software developers, engineers, data scientists, and IT specialists. - Healthcare and Social Services
With an aging population, there’s a growing need for healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and elderly care workers. - Engineering and Construction
Finland needs civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers, along with skilled workers in construction. - Education
English-speaking teachers, especially in subjects like math and science, are in demand at international schools. - Hospitality and Tourism
The tourism industry offers seasonal jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, especially for English speakers.
If you’re wondering which roles are most in demand in Finland, here’s a breakdown:
- Software Developers: Average salary of €4,500 per month.
- Nurses and Healthcare Workers: Average salary of €3,000 per month.
- Mechanical Engineers: Average salary of €4,000 per month.
- English-Speaking Teachers: Average salary of €3,200 per month.
- Construction Workers: Average salary of €2,800 per month.
But how do these salaries compare to the cost of living in Finland?
While the average salary across all sectors is around €3,500 per month, living expenses vary depending on the city.
- If you’re living alone, expect to spend €1,000 to €1,500 per month on rent, utilities, food, and transport. Helsinki is the most expensive city, while smaller towns are more affordable.
- For a family of four, the monthly cost of living ranges from €3,000 to €4,000, with rent being the biggest expense.
Now let’s talk about visas.
There are several types of visas available to foreigners looking to work in Finland:
- Residence Permit for Employed Persons
This is the most common visa for foreign workers. It’s valid for 1 to 4 years and can be renewed. - EU Blue Card
If you have a higher education degree and a job offer with a salary above a certain threshold, you can apply for the EU Blue Card, which is valid for up to 4 years. - Specialist Permit
Designed for highly skilled professionals, this visa is processed faster and comes with better benefits. It’s ideal for those in IT, healthcare, or engineering. - Seasonal Work Visa
For short-term jobs in sectors like agriculture, tourism, or construction, this visa is usually valid for 3 to 9 months.
Visa Costs and Processing Times:
- Residence Permit: Costs €450 and takes 1 to 3 months to process.
- EU Blue Card: Costs €10 and takes 1 to 3 months.
- Specialist Permit: Costs €450 and is processed faster, usually within 1 month.
- Seasonal Work Visa: Costs €175 and takes 1 to 2 months.
Remember to apply well in advance, as visa processing can sometimes take longer depending on demand.
If you’re looking for jobs in Finland, here are some popular job portals for foreign workers:
- TE Services: The Finnish government’s official job portal.
- Monster.fi: A well-known job portal in Finland offering roles across various industries.
- LinkedIn: Many employers in Finland use LinkedIn to recruit, especially for roles in engineering, tech, and management.
- Jobs in Finland: Focused on English-speaking and international workers.
- Tori.fi: One of Finland’s largest job boards with listings across many industries.
Top job agencies in Finland include:
- Barona: Specializes in healthcare, construction, and IT.
- Adecco Finland: A global recruitment agency covering various industries.
- StaffPoint: Connects foreign workers with opportunities in tourism, healthcare, and logistics.
- Opteam: Focuses on temporary and seasonal jobs.
- Esa Kaisla: Hires for roles in administration, IT, and customer service.
Before we wrap up, here are a few final tips for job hunting in Finland:
- While many jobs are available for English speakers, learning basic Finnish will give you a huge advantage in the job market.
- Finnish employers appreciate clear, concise CVs and a strong LinkedIn presence.
- Networking is key in Finland, so join professional groups and attend events to meet potential employers.
That’s it for today’s guide on how to get a job in Finland as a foreigner. If this was useful, give it a thumbs