Finland differs from other countries in its social system, employment process and conditions of stay. Any cultural differences may discourage from going to Finland for work. Before you make the final decision, check what are the working conditions in Finland. Details later in the article.
Entry to Finland
Finland belongs to the European Union, therefore EU citizens traveling to this country have the right to free movement. This means that entry to Finland is possible upon presentation of one of the following documents:
- passport
- temporary passport
- ID card
If your stay does not exceed three months, you do not need to report it.
In a situation where we want to stay in Finland for longer, we must remember to report our stay at the migration office (located closest to the place of residence) and register in the system.
Necessary documents when registering with the immigration office in Finland are:
- passport (or ID card)
- certificate from the employer or employment contract
- apartment rental agreement
After processing the application, you get a Finnish identification number, which allows you to deal with most matters in offices and use public health care.
The Finnish government supports migration policy to popularize the country among economic migrants. After arriving at the employment office, you can count on support and assistance at every stage of employment.
How to go to Finland? How to take up a job there?
Who will find a job in Finland?
As mentioned earlier, due to less interest in the country among temporary workers, there will be no shortage of jobs in Finland for newcomers. In Finland, there is the greatest demand for:
- production workers
- logisticians
- construction painters
- manual workers
- concrete workers
- welders
- employees in hotels / gastronomies
- seasonal workers
Working conditions in Finland – earnings
There is no fixed minimum wage in Finland. It is collective agreements that regulate the level of wages in individual industries. The average monthly salary ranges from EUR 3800 – 4700 gross.
Check examples of salaries in Finland:
| Occupation / industry | Average monthly gross salary |
| Work in production | approx. EUR 3100 – 3500 |
| Construction | approx. EUR 3800 – 4000 |
| Welder | approx. EUR 3800 – 4000 |
| Electrician | approx. EUR 4300 – 4500 |
| Carpentry | approx. EUR 3400 – 4000 |
| Kitchen helper | approx. EUR 2400 – 3000 |
| Waiter / Waitress | approx. EUR 2500 – 3000 |
| Nurse | approx. EUR 3000 – 3500 |
Find out more about how much on average is earned in Finland?
Working conditions in Finland – what do you need to get prepared for?
As it was mentioned at the beginning, the migration policy is aimed at popularizing Finland among economic migrants. Unfortunately, the number of people willing to leave for work is very low (for example, the Polish community in Finland has less than 3,000 people). One of the main reasons for the lack of interest in the country is its geographical location and harsh climate.
Despite this, working conditions in Finland may pleasantly surprise some of us:
- The average workweek is 40 hours. The daily work-time may not exceed 9 hours.
- The settlement period at work takes place between April 1 and March 31.
- Partial or full funding of meals for employees.
- Employers prefer a conversation form of concluding an employment contract, so if you need confirmation in writing, all you need to do is to inform them.
- As in all Nordic / Scandinavian countries, we can expect several times higher earnings compared to the rest of Europe.
- In Finland, there is a strong emphasis on continuous professional development. The state offers many opportunities for supplementary and continuing education for adults over 25 (the so-called lifelong learning) – mainly at state universities or vocational schools, and in various forms (no need to participate in formal education).
- Completely no discrimination based on sex / age / sexual orientation / religious belief / origin. When hiring, only our skills and experience count.
It might seem that working and living in Finland is a good choice. However, there are several factors that may discourage from leaving:
- required knowledge of at least one of the 3 foreign languages (English, Finnish or Swedish).
- harsh climate – especially in the winter period, which lasts from November to April.
- a professional career is not a priority (there is no overtime in Finland).
- every day’s work and life takes place without haste.
Working and living in Finland – what might surprise you?
Emmigrants living in Finland, can benefit from a full social package, which is offered by the government.
Apart from that, due to the complete lack of discrimination, completion of all formalities (e.g. opening a bank account) are carried out without major complications. There is no obligation to produce local legalization documents.
Finland has a harsh climate which regulates the operating mode. Few sunny days, long evenings and low temperatures can be depressing for newcomers. Finnish people are used to living in such conditions. There is even a term that defines their adaptation to the climate: sisu, i.e. a set of features such as perseverance, willpower, stubbornness, pride or determination in achieving the goal.
Working conditions in Finland – Climate
Climatic conditions also affected the communication style of the Finnish people – devoid of openness or – as well – excessive emotionality. The Finnish people are distant (it doesn’t matter where you come from). They are dominated by family values.
Therefore, don’t worry if a co-worker doesn’t greet you or start a small talk. This behavior doesn’t mean lack of respect. It is just another proof of the cultural diversity of the Finnish people.
Finnish people deny life in constant rush. They are slow in dealing with everyday matters, for which thanks to it, gives them more time to think. Finnish people function the same way at work. They take their time to complete tasks, by discussing the right solutions for a long time. On the other hand, the lack of haste affects the efficiency at work, which in this case, will be underestimated.
The high demand for temporary workers is also related to the climate. Hardly anyone decides to go on an earning trip due to severe weather conditions. But maybe it’s worth thinking about it more deeply? After all, Finland has already repeatedly appeared in the top of the happiest countries in Europe.
Work in Finland. What is life like in the north?
Departure to Finland – necessary links
Immediately after arriving, all formalities related to staying in Finland should be handled through these websites:
