Living and Working in Finland

Information & guidance about seasonal jobs in Finland

Seasonal jobs in Finland

Work remotely from anywhere in Europe: Finnish speaking Customer Service Agent wanted

Finland topped the list of the world’s happiest countries for the fourth time in a row, which is perhaps why Father Christmas has chosen to live here.

Today, Finland is a democratic republic with a president who elects politicians to the government. In recent years, Finland has invested in its welfare and education system, resulting in the country topping many lists in terms of education and living standards.

Fun facts about Finland

Finns like to have fun and do different and funny things. If you live in Finland, you can take part in competitions such as bunny hopping, mobile phone throwing and air guitar. Another thing that is hugely appreciated in Finland is Heavy Metal and with bands like Nightwish, Lordi and HIM, there are more rock bands per capita in Finland than in any other country in the world.

It is estimated that there are around 2 million sauna baths in Finland, which is not bad for a population of around 5.5 million. You can pretty much have a sauna in most companies and even Burger King in Helsinki has a sauna for its customers.

Another thing that Finns are extremely fond of is drinking coffee. It is estimated that on average around 12 kilos of coffee are drunk per person in Finland. If you are fined for speeding, the amount is calculated according to how much you earn. Watch out millionaires!

Benefits of living and working in Finland

Beautiful nature and a great working culture make Finland one of the best countries in the world to live in. If you’re a nature lover, there’s plenty to see and do in Finland in both winter and summer, such as skiing, watching the Northern Lights, swimming in the archipelago or picking berries and mushrooms in the countryside thanks to the right of public access. New mums can enjoy a full year of paid leave at almost 100% and can also travel for free on public transport in most Finnish cities. The Finnish government also provides new mothers with a box containing clothes, nappies, mattress and sheets. A perfect start to a new life.

The country’s school system, which is completely free even at university level, has for years been ranked number one in educational assessments, meaning that Finnish children are happy and thriving at school. In the workplace, you are expected to work very independently and to make your own decisions about how to solve different tasks. If you are unable to carry out the task, you should of course ask your supervisor for instructions, but it is important to stick to what has been agreed.

Working in Finland: Essential Insights for Foreign Professionals

Finland is well-known for its high standard of living, excellent work-life balance, and strong emphasis on education and innovation. For those looking to work abroad, Finland’s job market and working culture offer plenty of advantages, but it’s important to understand what to expect.

Finland’s job market is diverse, offering opportunities for skilled professionals across various industries. The technology sector is particularly robust, with demand for software developers, data analysts, IT specialists, and engineers. Finland is home to tech giants and innovative startups that seek talent from all over the world. The education sector is another strong employer, as English-speaking teachers and educators in specialized subjects are highly sought after in international schools and universities. Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, can also find employment opportunities, especially if they are fluent in Finnish or Swedish. Additionally, the manufacturing and forestry industries offer positions for those with experience in skilled trades.

Salaries in Finland

Salaries in Finland vary depending on the industry, experience level, and job location. The average gross monthly salary in Finland is around €3,600. IT and tech professionals often earn between €4,000 and €6,000 per month, while roles in healthcare can range from €3,000 to €5,000. Teachers in international schools generally earn between €2,500 and €3,500 per month. While Finland’s cost of living, particularly in Helsinki, can be higher than in some neighboring countries, the strong salaries and high-quality public services balance this out. Public transportation, healthcare, and education are reliable and contribute to a comfortable lifestyle for residents.

Tax system in Finland

The Finnish tax system is progressive, with income tax rates varying based on earnings. Income tax rates range from 6% to 31.25%, and social security contributions are required. These include pension and health insurance contributions, which ensure the availability of Finland’s extensive social services. It’s important for foreign workers to be aware of these deductions when considering their take-home pay.

Working conditions in Finland

Working conditions in Finland are highly favorable. The standard working week is 37.5 to 40 hours, typically from Monday to Friday, with flexibility becoming increasingly common in many industries. Remote work options have also grown significantly, especially in the tech sector. Overtime work must be compensated either through additional pay or time off. Employment contracts are essential and outline the terms of employment, salary, and work responsibilities.

Employees in Finland are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave, which ensures that workers can maintain a good work-life balance. Additionally, Finland celebrates 12 public holidays throughout the year, including New Year’s Day, Easter, Midsummer Day, and Independence Day on December 6. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, no additional day off is typically given.

For EU/EEA citizens, working in Finland is straightforward, as they do not require a work permit, but they must register their residence if staying for more than three months. Non-EU nationals need a residence permit for employment, which can be applied for through the Finnish Immigration Service. Employers often assist with this process to ensure that necessary documents and permits are in place.

Work culture in Finland

Finnish work culture emphasizes punctuality, equality, and transparency. Meetings and deadlines are taken seriously, and communication tends to be direct and straightforward. The workplace culture values collaboration and input from all levels, fostering a supportive environment. Finland’s dedication to a healthy work-life balance is evident in its policies, such as paid parental leave and support for flexible working arrangements. Employees are encouraged to use their annual leave fully and maintain personal time outside of work.

Finland offers a unique environment for foreign professionals, with its innovative economy, excellent quality of life, and focus on sustainability and well-being. Understanding the local job market, tax structure, and cultural expectations will help you make the most of your working experience in Finland. With its combination of strong social support systems, fair wages, and progressive work culture, Finland remains a top choice for those seeking a fulfilling work life abroad.

Living in Finland

Living and working in Finland means having access to clean air and nature and an excellent welfare system. Finland is also one of the safest countries in the world to live in and you have access to the best school system in the world. Finland was the first country in Europe to grant women the right to vote in 1906 and values equality and justice. Freedom of expression is also an important founding principle for Finns and individualism is strongly emphasised in Finnish society and culture.

If you live and work in Finland, you should bear in mind that accuracy and punctuality are very important basic concepts in working life. Finns tend to be straightforward when communicating and the occasional quiet moments are not a bad thing. Being loud can be considered rude and threatening, and this also applies when you interrupt someone. If you greet someone, you should ideally ask them to take off their shoes, and going to the sauna is part of Finnish culture and is something you do often.

Accommodation in Finland

Living in one of the larger cities is quite expensive and it is not always easy to find an apartment. Check online on sites such as Oikotie.fi or Vuokraovi.com to find adverts for vacant apartments. If you are already in Finland, you can also check local newspapers or contact private landlords. However, private rental accommodation is more expensive and you should remember to agree on various costs in the rental agreement. Most landlords will also want you to take out home insurance to cover the costs of various damages before you move in. Most flats are rented unfurnished, but it is also possible to rent furnished flats. Always check the advert and ask beforehand what is included in the contract. A two-bedroom apartment in Helsinki ranges from €800-1100 per month.

Transport in Finland

Public transport in Finland is excellent and you can get to most places by public transport. There are many different bus companies that will take you around the country, even to longer destinations, but also trains. There are 21 airports in Finland and you can also reach the country by ferry. You can also drive a car with your Swedish driving licence in Finland, but this is very expensive as you need to pay large amounts for insurance and car taxes. In Helsinki, it is easy to walk around the city or to cycle.

Eating in Finland

Finnish cuisine is a wonderful mix and has been influenced by its neighbours to the east and west. If you live and work in Finland, you must try it:

Karelian Pirogs

These pies are filled with mashed potatoes or rice pudding and served with butter and chopped egg.

Reindeer loin

The meat is usually boiled in beer or water and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. This dish is eaten all year round.

Leipäjuusto

This dessert is usually served with cloudberry jam and a cup of coffee. It is a type of cheesecake made with cow’s milk and heated in a frying pan.

Salmiakki

For lovers of sweets and liquorice, Finland is heaven on earth with its salted milk rice.

Going out in Finland

The best party life is in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere, with nightclubs, rooftop bars and karaoke pubs. The minimum age for entry to most nightclubs is 18 and alcohol prices are higher than in most European countries. Most venues open around 10pm and stay open until late in the morning. The best nights to go out are Fridays and Saturdays, while weekdays are much quieter.

In summer, you can enjoy almost 20 hours of sunlight at one of the many outdoor venues in Helsinki.

Helsinki’s best nightlife can be found around neighbourhoods like Kamppi and Kivikko, but if you’re staying in the city, don’t miss the SpåraKoff, which is actually a tram turned pub and restaurant, and which goes around picking up people. In August, the Flow Festival takes place and is a popular event with many big bands playing independent music.

Landscape and nature in Finland

Finland is a country of many contrasts, with thousands of lakes, a beautiful archipelago with many islands and a vast mountainous landscape in the north. More than two-thirds of the country is forested, and it is home to a rich wildlife, with many species of birds and wild animals such as bears, lynx, eagles and the rare Saimaa ringed seal. The climate is characterised by cold and long winters and warm summers. The coldest temperature was measured in Pokka, Kittilä, at -51.5 degrees.

What you can’t miss in Finland

Finns love nature and relaxing, so they spend a lot of time outdoors skiing, hiking in the forest and picking berries. If you love beautiful and clean nature, you are in the right country. Here’s a list of places you must explore if you live in Finland.

Koli

Finland’s most famous landscape, located in North Karelia. Here you will find magnificent nature with many hiking and skiing trails. Imagine snow-capped trees, clear blue water and rolling hills.

Åland Islands

You can reach this island directly from Sweden or mainland Finland. Rent a cottage here and relax while enjoying the birdsong and beautiful archipelago scenery.

Oulanka National Park

This beautiful park greets you with a fairytale landscape of waterfalls, rapids and suspension bridges. You can camp and canoe here in summer. In winter, you can go snowshoeing or skiing.

Kilpisjärvi

This is where the three countries of Sweden, Norway and Finland meet at Treriksröset. You can camp or rent a cabin and admire the enchanting nature around the lake. In winter, this is a great place to see the Northern Lights.

Health care in Finland

If you are a resident of Finland and have a municipality of residence in Finland, you are entitled to public health care, regardless of your nationality. However, if you have health insurance in Finland, you are also entitled to reimbursement for private medical care and medicines if you present your Kela card.

Visa and travel insurance

Swedish citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Finland. If you have lived in the country for 1 year, you must register and notify your move to the local register office. EU citizens can stay in the country for up to 3 months, after which they must apply for a residence permit from the police. As an EU and Nordic citizen, you are entitled to essential medical care, but it may be wise to take out additional travel insurance to cover the costs of specialist visits and private medical care.