Finland

With a job market internationally competitive in sectors such as telecommunications, electronics and engineering, find out why Finland has plenty to offer those looking for work…

As a country Finland is known for its high standard of living and quality of life and due to the country’s aging population, opportunities are arising for young workers.

Finland’s population of over 5million enjoy good working conditions and high employment security. In 2013, a record number of people moved to live and work in the country. If you’re interested in a Finnish adventure perhaps this year it could be you.

Job market in Finland

Finland’s job market has historically been dominated by the agriculture and manufacturing industries. However, it has now become a service society with most of its vacancies in the retail and industrial work professions.

Finland’s main industries are electronics, metal and the wood and paper industry.

The majority of vacancies and demand for workers exist mainly in healthcare and social work, as well as in services that support business life such as, technical, administrative and support services.

Led by phone manufacturer Nokia, Finland’s telecommunications industry has made the country one of the most technologically advanced in the world.

Job vacancies

Search for jobs in Finland at:

• Aarresaari – network of academic career services
• EURES Job Search
• Uranus – Finnish Career and Recruitment Service

Work experience and internships in Finland

Finnish employers expect graduates to have relevant experience before they are hired.

Internships and summer work placements for students can also be arranged by:

• AIESEC UK – for students and recent graduates;
• IAESTE UK – for science, engineering and applied arts students.

Volunteering in Finland

Volunteering can help you to improve your Finnish language skills and allow you to embrace the country’s culture.

KVT (Kansainvälinen vapaaehtoistyö), which translates as the International Voluntary Service, organises work camps lasting from two to four weeks. The aim of the camps is to promote equality, social acceptance and respect for the environment, through getting out in to the community.

Make sure you thoroughly research all volunteering opportunities and always check the terms and conditions before committing yourself to a scheme.

Language requirements

The country has two official languages – Finnish (sometimes referred to as Suomi) and Swedish (spoken by only around 6% of the population).

There are few jobs where it is possible to work without knowing any Finnish at all so a basic knowledge of the Finnish language is important for most roles. The type of job you do will also affect how good your language skills need to be. For example, you will be expected to have quite a high level of Finnish to work in the healthcare sector.

If you want to be prepared before you go there are some Finnish language courses in the UK, and many good websites exist to help you learn a language or improve your skills. One example is Finn-Guild – Finnish Studies, the largest Finnish-British organisation with 6,000 members divided between the two countries. It organises evening courses, intensive courses and private tuition.

If you arrive in Finland without being able to speak the language, speak to your employer or local authority. Language training can be arranged, sometimes for free or at low cost.

Finnish visas and immigration

According to the European Commission, EU citizens have the right to:

• move to another EU country to work without a work permit;
• enjoy equal treatment with nationals in access to employment, working conditions and all other social and tax advantages;
• stay in the country even after employment has finished.

For more information and to check what conditions and restrictions apply, see:

• European Commission – Free Movement EU Nationals
• Europa – Work-Related Rights
• Europa – Workers and Pensioners

EU nationals may also be entitled to have certain types of health and social security coverage transferred to the country in which they go to seek work. For country-specific information on social security entitlements, see European Commission – Your Rights Country by Country.

Depending on your occupation, your qualifications may be recognised in some countries. To find out more, visit Europa – Qualifications for Employment.

Find out more

• Visit the British Embassy for Finland for travel and visa advice.