How can I find work in Finland?

Vacancies which have been notified to the employment offices in Finland can be found from the Finnish employment service website. Most vacancies are in Finnish but a few are in English. In order to check these vacancies you need to choose avoimet työpaikat (vacancies) and write in sanahaku sector (keyword) “English” and you will be able to view vacancies written in English.

All vacancies from the Finnish employment service website can also be found on the EURES Job Mobility portal. Employers interested in international recruitment can advertise their vacancies on the portal by EU-flagging them. The flagged vacancies are seen in the beginning of the vacancy listings.

Companies often have applications on their company website that you can fill out and send. You can also contact employers directly; it is they who decide whether your professional qualifications and language skills meet their requirements for the post. Further information on looking for work can be found from the section ‘Living and Working in Finland’.

Can I find employment in Finland without Finnish language skills?

The level of Finnish you need to know depends on the employer. Most jobs require at least a basic knowledge of Finnish. In some sectors such as the information technology or companies operating within an international field often use English as a working language. Information about studying Finnish can be found for instance from the Centre for International Mobility website. If you already are in Finland, you can ask about Finnish language courses from your local employment office.

Do I need permission to work in Finland?

The citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland do not need a work permit in Finland. However, if the employment or residence lasts longer than 3 months, you need to register the right to reside in Finland at the local police.

Non-EU citizens need a residence permit for an employed person if they intend to work in Finland. In granting the permit, the needs of the labour market are taken into consideration. Further information can be found from the web sites of Foreigners’ Working in Finland (link on the left) and from the Finnish Immigration Service (www.migri.fi). The national helpline (Työlinja) can also give you information on applying for the permits at +358 10 60 76766 (from Finland 010 60 76766) or by e-mail: tyolinja@mol.fi.