What is needed for another EU member state citizen to find a job in Finland?

In Finland there is no transition period concerning the worker’s mobility from Romania, Bulgaria or any other EU country to Finland. But, even though the access to the Finnish labour market is unrestricted, it is not an easy task for a foreign worker to find employment in Finland. The reasons for this are many.

Firstly, in almost every job – also in construction and in agriculture – at least some knowledge of official languages (Finnish or Swedish) is required. Only some executive or highly skilled experts can be exceptions from this, usually the employed person in these cases speaking fluent English.

Secondly, there is practically no labour market for unskilled labour force in Finland any more. Almost without exceptions a good occupational skill with a working experience is required. For a foreigner who cannot verify these criteria it is very difficult to find employment in the Finnish labour market.

Thirdly, the recruiting processes in Finland tend to be lengthy. Employers usually want to familiarize with the diplomas and other relevant documents in advance. These should exist and be posted beforehand. Usually also an interview or tests to assess the suitability of a candidate are realized. So it is highly advisable to try to settle previously – before the travel to Finland – with the possible employer that an employment is a very realistic possibility. Of a good help is the local EURES advisor in the home country.

Those who come from countries like Romania and Bulgaria should take into consideration that the food, accommodation and other every day expenses in Finland are considerable higher than in the home country. An EU citizen who wants to seek for the job in Finland is personally responsible for costs of living, which can be surprisingly high. There is no public reception or maintenance organized for foreign job seekers in Finland.

If and when the employment is found, the citizens of the EU countries are required to register their residence, if the duration of their residence in Finland exceeds three months. The registration is carried out by the local police station. Information concerning employment of workers from those countries which joined the EU 1.5.2004 should be submitted and of Bulgarian and Romanian workers may be submitted to the employment office.

Additional information:

The Embassy of Finland:
[email protected] or [email protected]

Olli Sorainen, Senior Officer, The Finnish Ministry of Labour, tel. 050 396 0162, e-mail: [email protected]

The Finnish Ministry of Labour(Link to another website.)