Finland is known as a safe country that values ​​a healthy work-life balance and offers great opportunities for foreign workers. Find out what it takes to get a job here in 2025 and what legislative changes are important for expats to know before applying for a job.

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For several years in a row, Finland has topped the world rankings as the happiest country in the world. In particular, a well-developed field of employment affects the harmonious and stable life of the population. Working in this country allows even foreigners to get high-quality financial support and social security. Therefore, the country is a popular destination for expats to relocate, including citizens of Cameroon, Nepal, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

More on the peculiarities of work in Finland and the employment procedure.

Pros and cons of living in Finland, cost of living and useful information for expats in this article.

Who needs a work visa to work in Finland?

- Citizens of the European Union, the EEA, Switzerland, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, San Marino, the Vatican, the Republic of Andorra and Japan do not need to obtain any documents to work in Finland. Representatives of these countries can work freely in the country for 90 days and then register as a working resident in Finland.

- Third-country nationals must obtain a work visa before moving to Finland for employment.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Finland

To obtain a work visa to Finland, the applicant must meet certain criteria:

- Have a valid employment contract with a Finnish employer.

- Get a higher education (except for seasonal work).

- Have work experience in your field.

- Be free of any criminal charges.

- Not to pose a danger to Finland.

- Comply with all Finnish laws.

- You should not be subject to any bans on entering the Schengen area.

How to apply for a work visa to Finland?

  The employment procedure in Finland consists of the following steps:

1. Find a job and get an employment contract.

2. Collect the necessary documents and apply for a visa to the Finnish embassy or consulate.

3. Get a visa and go to Finland.

What are the types of Finnish work visas?

There are several types of Finnish work visas, which will vary depending on the type of work you are qualified for and the length of stay in the country:

- Jobseeker visa – if you have completed an educational program in Finland, you are eligible to apply for a jobseeker visa. This visa is valid for one year and allows you to stay in Finland while you search.

- EU Blue Card – granted to highly qualified persons who wish to work in Finland. In addition to the general requirements, you will need to have a university degree and your salary must exceed €4,929 per month.

- Visa for existing entrepreneurs and start-ups – to get this work permit your business must be profitable, the Economic Development, Transport and Environment Center (ELY Centre) will assess whether your business meets these requirements.

- Visa for skilled professionals – You should apply for this permit if you are a highly skilled worker who can work as an expert in any field in Finland. For this permit, your salary must be at least 3,000 euros per month.

- Religious work - for those who work in religious organizations.

- Au Pair – this type of permit is usually issued to young people between the ages of 17 and 30 to get to know the Finnish culture and language while working with a host family in Finland.

- Seasonal work - for seasonal work, it is necessary to issue a short-term visa. This visa is usually only valid for three months.

Changes to Finnish immigration law in 2025

Finland has introduced important updates to its immigration policy for 2025 to attract international talent. The changes are expected to simplify the visa process and make it easier for skilled workers and their families to move to Finland. What’s new?

1. Faster visa processing.

In 2025, work visa applications will be processed in an accelerated time frame of 2–4 months. This innovation is aimed at significantly reducing waiting times and will ensure faster approval for skilled workers looking for work in Finland.

2. More opportunities for online applications.

Thanks to the Enter Finland portal, you can apply for a visa online. The digital resource ensures a seamless application process, allowing users to upload the necessary documents and track their status digitally. This eliminates traditional paperwork, making the visa process more efficient.

3. Changes for expats moving with their families.

From now on, spouses and children of work visa holders will be able to apply for a residence permit at the same time as the main applicant. Spouses will also be able to obtain a work permit without submitting separate documents and requests.

Finland’s main focus in 2025 will remain on such important sectors of the economy as technology, healthcare and green energy, strengthening the country’s position as a center of innovation and sustainable development. Therefore, if you hold one of the positions in this industry – the country is a promising destination for your move.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

What positions can expats work in Finland?

Finland faces a shortage of workers in various sectors, the following professions are most wanted: home care workers, child care workers, dental assistants, social workers, speech therapists, dentists, nurses, specialists and general practitioners, waiters , telecommunications engineers, electricians, construction workers, application programmers, web developers, welders, cleaners and assistants in offices, hotels and other establishments, truck drivers, installers, plumbers, accountants.

In addition, there is a need in the country for highly qualified specialists in the field of IT, finance, business, marketing, etc.

Seasonal work can also be found in Finland. The main seasonal employers are the tourist resorts of Lapland in the winter and the holiday destinations of the archipelago in the summer.

Agricultural work is also available in the warmer months, such as picking berries at berry farms.

Cities and municipalities also typically offer many summer jobs. You can find seasonal work on job sites using the words "kausityö" or "kesätyö".

How to look for a job in Finland?

You can start your job search by visiting the following Work in Finland resources and the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES).

You can also search for jobs on the following sites: Jobs in Helsinki, Oikotie, Reed - Jobs in Finland and Rekrytointi. 

Salary level in Finland

As of 2024, the minimum gross salary in Finland is around 1,800 euros per month, while the average salary is 4,250 euros. However, the average salary can vary significantly depending on the industry, education level, work experience and region of Finland.

The highest paid professions in Finland are doctors, surgeons, executives and top managers, IT specialists, banking and financial experts, lawyers, airline pilots and engineers.

Working conditions for foreigners in Finland

The working week in Finland is 40 hours, and employees may receive additional pay for overtime.

As a foreign worker, you will have the same rights and obligations as a Finnish worker. You usually get four to six weeks of annual leave per year in addition to 12 days off.

Thanks to the new Working Time Act, workers can choose when and where they work for at least half of their working time.

You only pay tax if you work in Finland for more than six months, in which case you will need to apply for a tax card at the local tax office. For more information, visit the website of the Finnish Tax Administration.

Obtaining a tax card is an important part of the employment of foreign workers in Finland. Read in this article what types of tax cards there are, how to apply for one, how to renew a tax card in Finland and other important nuances.

Do you need to know Finnish to work in Finland?

The country officially has two state languages: Finnish and Swedish. At least one of them should be studied by everyone who wants to build their professional career in Finland.

English, of course, will facilitate the communication process, but Finnish is the main language of communication in most companies.

Language requirements for seasonal workers are much lower. In addition, after moving, foreigners are offered free Finnish language courses.

Finland is a developed European country that offers foreigners career development prospects and a high quality of life. Therefore, moving here will positively affect your life.

We will remind you! Slovakia offers a unique combination of cultural wealth, picturesque landscapes and affordable living. The state also has a powerful system of education and health care. The cost of living is lower compared to many European countries, which allows you to live more comfortably. All these factors attract expats from different parts of the world here. Learn more about the specifics of employment for foreigners here in this article.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Finland;

Legal advice on immigration to Finland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Finland;

Medical insurance all over the world.