Finland has a strong reputation for protecting the rights of employees, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and safeguarding against discrimination. Understanding your rights as an employee is essential for a positive work experience in Finland, especially since many of these rights are enshrined in law.
Reasons to work in Finland
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in Finland? Let’s find out why this country is a great destination for study as well as work!
1. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Finland is renowned for its breath-taking nature, as well as having one of the best air qualities in the world. People enjoy outdoor activities.
Therefore, Finnish workplaces offer a good balance so that workers really take care of their wellbeing!
In Finland, it is also possible to work flexibly. Working either at the office or at home is common. Employees often get to have a say regarding their working hours, to find a suitable schedule to boost productivity.
2. JOBS IN DEMAND
International students can apply to find work in their field, even during the studies. There are many fields where skilled workers are in high demand. Some of these include engineering, nursing and education.
3. INNOVATION
Thirdly, Finland is ranked as one of the most innovative countries in the world. Many successful and well-known companies have come from Finland. You might have heard of Angry Birds and Nokia!
Universities like LUT have a big focus on research and development. Students gain knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in their chosen field.
4. SUPPORT
Applying and finding work in Finland can be challenging for international students. Additionally, there may be issues with finding jobs that are in English.
There are many online job sites that offer positions in English. Larger towns and cities also have employment offices where jobseekers are given advice on finding suitable positions. In addition, you can take part in work experience placements, where you train the skills needed for a job.
Things to Keep in Mind:
First, as a foreigner, you have the same rights and responsibilities at work as a Finnish employee, even if you do not have a residence permit. As an employee you have tons of rights to protect and serve you.
Second, always keep the documents related to your work, such as contracts, emails, and receipts. It’s advisable also to scan or take a photo of the documents, if they are on paper. Normally you should not encounter problems, but in case of dispute, you will need the documents.
Work contract and starting to work :
Your work contract should be written in a language you understand. It’s never a good idea to sign anything you don’t understand. All terms of employment should be documented on paper or email. Oral contracts are valid, but they are hard to prove. The employer cannot change the contract later if it weakens the terms of the contract. However, they can raise the salary and increase benefits.
When can I start? You can start to work in Finland when you have received a residence permit, a seasonal work certificate or a seasonal work visa. For more information, refer to Finnish Immigration Service, Migri. When it’s time for a change, you have the right to resign anytime. The notice period varies usually from 14 to 30 days and will be stated in your work contract.
The labour market system:
The Finnish labour market system is transparent and fair – of course normal negotiating and arm wrestling is a part of it. The employer unions and employee unions agree on base level of wages and terms of employment. For example, the employer must insure you for accidents and the training periods are paid too.
To get the most back rest in your work life, you can join a trade union. You can join an unemployment fund on the first day in your job and you’ll be eligible for possible compensation after a few months of working. A trade union can help you if you have problems with your employer. Belonging to a union will not cause conflicts with the employer. In the past few years, the share of Finnish workforce belonging to a union has been between 59-69%. The unemployment fund will pay you a daily allowance if you become unemployed and meet the other criteria of the employment fund.
Wages and taxes:
Finland is a highly digitalized country and wages are being paid directly to your bank account. Your bank account is yours and yours only. No one else has the right to use your account, cards, or banking credentials.
The employer must pay your salary on the agreed payment date. A pay statement is delivered to you with each payment either on paper or electronically. The statement shows wages, supplements, benefits, other charges required by the law and the taxes.
Finland’s Job Market:
Currently, foreign workers are playing a major role in addressing Finland’s labour shortage, and the number of international talents is growing steadily.
What is the overall job market like?
The population of Finland is roughly 5.5 million. With the Baby Boomer generation at or near retirement age, the country offers plenty of opportunities for foreign professionals. In fact, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment recently predicted that employment in Finland will continue to improve through 2024 – despite recent uncertainty created by Russia’s war on Ukraine. The outlook on new jobs and employment is similarly good. The unemployment rate is expected to fall to 6.4% in 2022 then drop to 5.9% by 2024.
Do I need a residence permit?
As a rule of thumb, yes. If you plan to work or start a business in Finland, you will usually need a residence permit. Your residence permit depends on the type of work you do.
Which jobs are in-demand in Finland?
If you’re a skilled worker in tech, you’re in luck – international talent in this field is highly sought after and many companies offer extra perks and benefits to attract top candidates.
But tech isn’t the only industry that’s hiring. Companies in bio economy, health technology, electronics, cybersecurity, manufacturing, construction, and many other fields heavily recruit talent from abroad, and currently, there is also a shortage of healthcare workers.
What type of salary can I expect?
According to Statistics Finland’s 2019 data, the median monthly income for all full-time wageearning and salaried workers was 3,139 euros. With that said, factors such as industry, role, and location will affect your compensation.
Occupation Yearly salary estimate (in EUR)
System Development Manager 48 625
Senior Programmer 55 223
Senior Software Development Engineer 63 618
Software Development Engineer 51 622
Software Development Manager 67 859
Automotive Production Assembler 24 790
Test Automation Engineer 51 622
Robotics Engineer 51 622
IT Security Specialist 67 859
Security Engineer 46 417
Welder 40 746
Civil engineer 46 680
Video Game Designer 46 417
Engineer 45 689
Business Finland & fDi Benchmark, a service from the Financial Times Limited 2022.
Do I need to speak the local language?
It’s usually not a must. Many multinational firms, along with many ICT and gaming companies, are incredibly diverse and communicate entirely in English. Currently, nine out of 10 Finns speak English.
In some cases, though, you might consider taking a language course that focuses on building vocabulary for your specific workplace. And besides benefitting your career, learning the local language is a great way to make friends and get a feel for a country’s culture.
Also, did you know that Swedish is an official language in Finland? Approximately 5% of Finns speak Swedish as their first language. While most native Swedish speakers live on Finland’s western and southern coasts, you can hear the language throughout the country. Most Finns speak at least a bit of both and will switch languages on the fly, depending on who’s in the room.
To know more about the work permit requirements and visa process consult EU helpers. We will surely lead you to Finland and help you get a great job with a satisfying smile on your face.
Enquire now!!