Finland is actively seeking skilled professionals globally as a result of the rising worker shortage affecting vital sectors like healthcare, personal care, social work, daycare teaching, and construction.
As the country welcomes foreign talent, it presents numerous employment opportunities across various fields. This makes it a good time to explore working in this Nordic nation, to secure a work visa and to build a rewarding career in Finland.
Surge in applications from foreign talent
Finland has experienced a growing interest from foreign talent looking to study and work in the country.
In the early months of 2023, Finland received 7,343 applications for work and first residence permits, close to the total received in the entirety of 2022.
This upsurge underscores Finland’s attractiveness as a sought-after destination for skilled professionals.
This comes as EURES, the European cooperation network of employment services, has foreseen a decrease in Finland’s working-age population.
Simultaneously, it acknowledges the growing number of immigrants and the trend of extending working lives.
This presents an opportunity for skilled foreign workers to contribute and address the gaps in Finland’s labour market.
Top 15 in-demand professions for Finnish work visas
As the country faces ongoing workforce challenges, it has identified a range of professions in high demand.
Foreigners with the requisite qualifications can now apply for these select positions, to commence the process of obtaining a Finnish work visa.
Elina Pylkkänen, Under-Secretary of State from the Ministry of Economics Affairs and Employment, highlights the top 15 most demanded jobs in Finland, which cuts across healthcare, education, and construction. The list includes:
- Healthcare assistants
- Qualified nurses and public healthcare nurses
- Social work specialists
- Specialist medical practitioners
- General practitioners
- Daycare teachers
- Audiologists and speech therapists
- Dentists
- Home-based personal care workers
- Psychologists
- Restaurant and catering staff
- Office and workplace cleaners
- Specialist teachers
- Senior nurses and ward nurses
- Foremen in the construction sector
Among these in-demand professions, healthcare-related occupations command the highest salaries. According to the Economic Research Institute (EIR), the average annual salaries for the following professions are as follows:
- Dentist: €131,722
- Psychologist: €64,556
- Registered nurse: €62,741
- Construction foreman: €62,024
- Nurse home care: €60,517
