WORKING IN FINLAND
Finland, located in North Europe, is great option for anyone looking to work abroad. If you’d like to experience the strong economy, high living standards and various job opportunities, you should give Finland a try. In Finland, there are lot of different jobs open. The most sought for professionals include:
- Welders
- CNC professionals
- Chefs
- Waiters
- Nurses
On this page, you’ll find info about Finland, and why working there might fit you. You’ll also find more information about available jobs and moving to Finland.
If you’re considering moving abroad to work, are interested in working in the happiest country in the world, or are ready for a new adventure, read on to find out why Finland is the place to be.
Benefits of working and living in Finland
Critical components of working in Finland are flexible working hours, the balance between work and free time, and focus on employee rights. These are the biggest things that make Finland a top choice for many people looking for jobs in the Nordics.
Working in Finland is flexible. Many companies give you the right to make flexible work schedules so that you can balance your work with your personal life. Usually, workdays start at 8 and end at 16, but there’s usually an hour of flexibility both ways. In professions that don’t require face-to-face contact with customers or co-workers, many companies offer the possibility of working from home.
ONLINE COURSE FOR GETTING A JOB
If you’re interested in applying for a job in the Nordics, take a look at this online course and get one step ahead in the application process
Flexibility and balance between home and work increase happiness and productivity. Naturally, with more freedom and trust, you get more dedicated and happy employees. Finland’s social security system gives employees safety and security.
In Finnish workplaces, employees are encouraged to speak their minds. They are given a chance to make changes in their workplaces, give their honest opinions on how the work is set up, and give feedback and ideas on how to develop their work and workplace. Trade unions and strong employee representation support and protect all these rights.
Finland’s standard of living is high. The environment is generally safe and clean, infrastructure is developed, and the cultural scene is lively and robust.
RELOCATING TO FINLAND
If you are ready to take the step and move to Finland, check up on our information about relocating to Finland.
Working culture in Finland
Finnish people like to make a fuss about their work culture. Workplaces are expected to be friendly and helpful, and work colleagues are respected and valued. If that’s not the case, Finns tend to do their best to ensure the workplace is safe and comfortable for everyone. Equality is a huge deal in Finland – people are expected to be treated equally despite their sex, age, orientation, or nationality. Safety mechanisms and whistleblower systems are in place in most companies to ensure that equality is applied in everyday situations at the workplace.
In Finland, treating people differently at work is against the law. According to the law, men and women should get the same salary and benefits for working in the same position. The target is that everyone gets a fair chance to succeed in life regardless of their background. With this kind of equality, workplaces are more welcoming and friendly.
WORK CULTURE IN FINLAND
Work life balance, responsibility and reliability are some of the features in the Finnish work culture. Read more!
Enabling people to enjoy their free time and balance their professional and personal lives is essential for the Finns. People are happier and more efficient when they have a healthy balance between their work and free time.
The working environment in Finnish workplaces is creative and open to new ideas and thinking outside of the box. Employees can be honest and contribute to developing and enhancing their working communities. Employees are expected to take care of their jobs. Still, they are trusted to do so independently without a supervisor or a boss constantly looming over their shoulder.
Work-life balance
It can’t be stressed enough that Finns understand how important enjoying your free time is for succeeding at work. In Finland, you earn two or two and a half days of vacation per month, meaning that most Finns spend one month in the summer and a week vacationing in the winter. And when vacationing, you are in no way expected to answer work calls, attend meetings or work in any other way. Your free time is your free time, and that is respected.
In addition to the yearly paid vacations, there are paid national public holidays each year. When Finnish holidays such as vappu or juhannus happen in the middle of a week, you get a paid day off. Also, when these holidays happen near the end of the week, combining them with vacation days and getting a slightly longer time off work is expected.
People in Finland know that for most people, the most crucial part of your life isn’t what happens at work but instead what happens outside of work. Regular workdays last for eight hours; after that, you can pursue your goals and do whatever you want with your free time. Having these freedoms and norms to balance your life between work, family, and friends also positively affects how you perform at work. Taking care of yourself is just as important or even more important than taking care of your job. Sleeping well and relaxing helps you enjoy your job even more.
Work permits to Finland
To work in Finland, you must register your right to live there or apply for a residence permit. For EU member states and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you must register your right of residence. The Finnish Immigration Service website has more information about registering for the right to live in Finland.
If you come to Finland from outside the EU to work, you must apply for a residence permit. Find a job in Finland before applying for a residence permit. When you have a job, you can apply for a residence permit. To work in Finland, you usually need a residence permit for an employed person or another type of residence permit that allows you to work. The type of permit you need depends on the kind of work you’ll be doing.
You will need a residence permit for an employed person (tyontekijän oleskelulupa) if you are not allowed to work based on your current residence permit or don’t have one. Not all jobs require a residence permit for people who are working. On the Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) website, you can find out what kind of residence permit you need. Visit Migri’s site >>
What is it like to work in Finland?
Read our employee stories and find out!
Barona – Your One-Stop-Shop for Working in Finland
We at Barona know how appealing it is to work in Finland. We’re here to make moving here as easy as possible. We can help you reach your goals, whether you are just starting your career or want to switch jobs.
Working in Finland has its perks, advantages, and appeal. But it can be hard to move to a new country and start a new job when you must deal with the country’s customs, bureaucracy, and practical issues. When you change jobs, you don’t just change your job but your whole life.
Barona has been helping people from other countries move to Finland and find work for decades. We help employees apply for work permits, find an apartment, and take care of other practical matters so they can focus on what’s important. We have jobs available in Finland in a wide range of companies and fields.
Jobs in Finland
Check out our open jobs or fill out an open application to get started on your way to Finland.