Known for its high quality of life, safe environment and strong work/life balance, Finland offers opportunities for international workers in high-demand sectors such as tech, engineering and healthcare
Consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world, Finland combines a progressive working culture with stunning natural surroundings. While Finnish and Swedish are the country's two official languages - Swedish being more common along the western and southern coasts - English is widely spoken, making it easier to settle in and navigate daily life.
Popular destinations for expats include Helsinki, the vibrant capital, as well as Tampere and Turku, both known for their vibrant job markets and high living standards.
The working week typically lasts 35 to 40 hours, with an emphasis on flexibility and wellbeing. And if you need a boost during the day, you'll be in good company, as Finland is one of the world's biggest coffee consumers, with locals enjoying several cups a day.
Beyond work, Finland is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Its vast forests cover nearly three-quarters of the country, and there are over 187,000 lakes. In summer, you can even experience the Midnight Sun, when daylight stretches through the night.
Jobs in Finland
Finland has a highly developed, export-driven economy, traditionally built on manufacturing. Key industries include:
- electrical equipment
- forest products, including paper and wood
- machinery
- shipbuilding.
In recent years, the technology sector has become increasingly important. Finland is recognised as one of Europe's most innovative countries, with strengths in:
- clean technology
- engineering
- software
- telecommunications.
Nokia helped establish Finland's global reputation in tech, and the sector has since diversified, with successful companies in areas such as:
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- digital services
- gaming.
The country also has a growing startup scene, supported by strong investment in research and development and government-backed innovation programmes. Helsinki is the centre, though other cities such as Tampere, Turku, and Oulu are also developing into tech and innovation hubs.
If you're interested in self-employment, Finland offers opportunities across a range of industries, particularly in technology and the digital sector.
Most jobs are concentrated in the Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa. However, other major employment centres include:
- Lappeenranta
- Oulu
- Tampere
- Turku
- Vaasa.
Popular graduate jobs
- Business services (finance, HR and marketing)
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Renewable energy, sustainability and environmental science
- Technology and software development.
Start your job hunt by visiting Work in Finland and the European Employment Services (EURES).
You can also search for jobs on the following sites:
Skills shortages
Finland is experiencing skills shortages across many sectors, creating opportunities for international workers. While competition for jobs can be high, employers often look beyond the domestic workforce to fill gaps in key industries.
Opportunities are strongest for those with specialist skills, particularly in technology and engineering. However, workers are also needed in areas such as:
- bioeconomy
- construction
- cybersecurity and ICT
- electronics and manufacturing
- healthcare and social services
- health technology
- renewable energy and sustainability.
For a full list of shortage occupations in Finland, visit Wage Centre - Shortage occupations in Finland.
How to get a job in Finland
If you're a member of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you can move to Finland and look for work without the need for a residence permit.
However, if you're from a country outside the EU/EEA (including the UK), you'll need a residence permit to work there. In most cases, you'll need a job offer before applying, so you'll likely have to start your job search from your home country.
There are plenty of ways to do this:
- Start your search online - to see what's on offer, visit recruitment sites such as Job Market Finland, Jobly and Eurojobs.
- Use social media - follow Finnish companies and build industry connections on sites like LinkedIn.
- Send speculative applications to companies you'd like to work for - many jobs aren't publicly advertised, so this is a great way to make a good first impression and demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to finding work.
It's important that your CV and cover letter are written to Finnish standards:
- Your CV should be a maximum of two pages in length, easy to read and visually effective - list your relevant employment and experience in reverse chronological order, and don't waffle or exaggerate.
- Your cover letter should be no more than one page and tailored to the specific employer. You won't get away with sending multiple copies to various companies.
For CV and cover letter advice, see Expat-Finland.
Summer jobs
Finland has a thriving tourism industry, so short-term, seasonal jobs are available year-round, with the majority offered in the summer months.
You'll find jobs in the service sector in:
- bars
- hotels
- resorts
- restaurants
- shops.
Large seasonal employers include those in archipelago holiday destinations in the summer and Lapland in the winter.
Seasonal workers are also needed for:
- catering
- sports activities
- tourist advice centres.
In the warmer months, berry picking work is also available.
View the latest seasonal opportunities at:
Alternatively, you could complete a volunteering placement to develop your skills, improve your Finnish and embrace the country's culture.
The Finnish branch of Service Civil International (SCI), Kansainvälinen vapaaehtoistyö ry (KVT) Finland, organises short-term volunteer work camps. Typically lasting two weeks, although some projects run for 12 months, their aim is to support local initiatives while promoting equality, social acceptance and respect for the environment. You'll need to pay coordination fees and sort your own visa (where appropriate).
Other volunteering experience providers include:
Teaching jobs
There are opportunities to teach English as a second language in Finland, although the market is relatively small and competitive compared to other countries. Most job openings are available in urban areas, such as:
- Helsinki
- Tampere
- Turku.
Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is not always required in private or international schools, where English is the main language of instruction.
The minimum entry requirements to teach English in Finland are a Bachelors degree and a Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. This can be achieved through course providers such as The TEFL Academy and The TEFL Org, which also list teaching jobs in this country.
Individual schools may have their own requirements, so check before you apply.
Internships
Finnish employers expect graduates to have relevant experience before they're hired. Internships and summer work placements may provide a gateway to employment.
What's more, completing an internship will also help you learn about Finnish working culture and could help you improve your language skills.
The best way to secure an internship is to email companies directly. While some job sites, such as Jobs in Finland and Glassdoor, advertise Finnish internships, many opportunities go unadvertised.
Student placements can be arranged by:
Finnish visas
If you're an EU/EEA citizen or a resident of Switzerland, Liechtenstein or a Nordic country, you won't need a visa to enter Finland. However, you'll need to apply for a residence permit if you're staying for more than three months, which you can do at your local police station.
All workers from outside these countries, including the UK, need to obtain a residence permit to enter Finland before arriving, which can be applied for in the Finnish embassy or consulate in your country or online through Enter Finland.
You'll need a self-employment permit if you're moving to Finland to start a business, which can be granted after you've registered your business with the Finnish Trade Register.
Residence permit applications can take up to four months to be processed and approved, so apply as early as possible.
If you're planning to stay longer than a year, you'll also need to register with the Finnish Population Information System, which you'll do through your nearest Local Register office.
Language requirements
In addition to the country's two official languages, Finnish and Swedish, there are several minority languages, including:
- Finnish Sign Language
- Romani
- Sami.
Learning Finnish can be beneficial both professionally and for your day-to-day life. While many roles in international companies are accessible to English speakers, knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is often required for customer-facing or public-sector jobs.
Also, the level of proficiency you'll need will vary. For example, roles in healthcare and business typically require a higher standard.
Sites such as Venla.info and Info Finland can help you improve your language skills for free, while you can also read about learning Finnish at Expat Finland - Finnish language schools and courses.
How to explain your qualifications to employers
As Finland is a member of the Bologna Process, ensuring direct comparability of qualifications across EU member states, you shouldn't have a problem explaining the qualifications you've gained in the UK to Finnish employers.
However, you may be required to have your qualifications officially recognised to work in some regulated professions, such as healthcare and education. Your employer can advise on whether this applies to you. If it does, you'll need to visit the Finnish National Agency for Education.
What it's like to work in Finland
As a foreign worker, you'll have the same rights and responsibilities as a Finnish employee. You'll typically enjoy four to six weeks' annual leave a year (the norm is five) in addition to 12 bank holidays.
The country currently leads the way in flexible working, with new laws (the Working Hours Act) giving employees the opportunity to choose when and where they work for at least half of their contracted working hours.
If you stay in Finland for more than six months, you'll usually be taxed as a resident. Shorter stays are taxed under different rules. In either case, you'll need a tax card from the Finnish Tax Administration.
Find out more
- Discover what it's like to study in Finland.
- For the latest Finnish travel and visa advice, visit GOV.UK - Living in Finland.