SHORTAGE OCCUPATIONS IN FINLAND
Finland offers a high standard of living, reliable public services and a well-organised labour market, but a shortage occupation is not a shortcut to employment or immigration. Employers still expect relevant qualifications, a suitable work history and, for many roles, Finnish or Swedish language skills. For applicants from outside the EU and EEA, a genuine job offer is normally the starting point for a work-based residence permit.
This guide explains where recruitment demand is strongest in 2026, which professions are regulated, and what an international applicant should check before accepting a job in Finland.
CONTENTS
Finland’s labour market in 2026
Finland’s labour market is shaped by an ageing population, regional differences and changing demand across industries. Healthcare and care services remain especially important, while employers also recruit in technology, manufacturing, construction, logistics, education and selected service roles.
Vacancy figures should be read with care: a national total does not show where a specific worker has the best chance of being hired. Helsinki-Uusimaa has the broadest concentration of jobs and international employers, while other regions may face more visible recruitment difficulties in public services, care, industry and skilled trades. The practical realities of working in Helsinki can differ greatly from smaller Finnish cities.
Salary is only one part of a relocation decision. Housing, taxes, transport and everyday expenses affect how far an offer will go, so the figures for salary in Finland make more sense alongside the wider costs of living in Finland.
Occupations with strong demand
Finland does not have one permanent national list that guarantees employment. Labour needs vary by region and are reviewed regularly. Still, current labour-market data and regional shortage assessments point to several areas where qualified applicants may find stronger demand.
| Area | Examples of occupations | What international applicants should know |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and care services | Doctors, registered nurses, practical nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, care workers | Many roles are regulated and usually require professional recognition, authorisation and Finnish or Swedish language skills. |
| Education and early-years services | Teachers, special-needs teachers, early-years educators, lecturers | Language ability and recognised qualifications are particularly important in public-sector and child-facing roles. |
| Technology and engineering | Software developers, data specialists, cybersecurity professionals, electrical and mechanical engineers | English may be sufficient in some international teams, but Finnish broadens the number of available roles. |
| Industry and skilled trades | Welders, machinists, electricians, maintenance technicians, plumbers, HVAC installers | Employers often expect documented experience, safety training and trade-specific certificates. |
| Transport, logistics and food production | Drivers, warehouse workers, food-production staff, selected agricultural and seasonal workers | Check the contract length, working hours, accommodation arrangements and permit category before accepting an offer. |
Important. An occupation in demand does not automatically create a right to move to Finland. A non-EU applicant still needs an eligible job offer, sufficient income and the qualifications required for that position.
Healthcare is often the first sector mentioned in discussions of labour shortages, but it is also one of the most regulated. A nursing or medical qualification obtained abroad may need to be assessed before the applicant can work under a protected title. The same principle can apply to teaching and other professions that involve public responsibility.
Regulated professions and language requirements
A regulated profession is one where Finnish law requires a specific qualification, licence or authorisation. This is common in healthcare, education and certain technical fields. Recognition can involve diploma assessment, supporting documents, language evidence, additional studies or supervised practice.
For non-regulated jobs, the employer normally decides whether an applicant’s education and experience are suitable. In these roles, a clear CV, references, a portfolio and evidence of practical skills can be more persuasive than a generic list of duties.
Note. English is widely used in technology, research and some international companies, but it does not replace Finnish or Swedish in every workplace. Language skills are often essential in healthcare, public services, education and customer-facing jobs.
Before relocating, applicants should identify whether their profession is regulated and prepare translations of diplomas, transcripts, licences and references. That preparation makes the application process clearer for both employers and the relevant authorities.
Work permits for non-EU citizens
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have different rights to work in Finland from applicants from other countries. Most non-EU citizens need a residence permit before starting employment. The usual route is a residence permit for an employed person, often referred to as TTOL.
A confirmed job is required before applying. The employer provides the terms of employment, and the applicant must have the qualifications needed for the role. Pay and conditions must follow Finnish law and the applicable collective agreement.
For a standard employed-person permit in 2026, the total gross salary must normally be at least EUR 1,600 per month. If the role is covered by a collective agreement, the agreed rate may be higher. Specialist permits have a higher income threshold, so the exact permit category matters.
The process and documents for a residence permit in Finland should be checked before signing relocation agreements or making non-refundable travel plans. Short-term assignments and seasonal work can follow different rules from long-term skilled employment.
How to improve your chances of finding a job
Target a realistic role
Applications are stronger when they are built around a specific vacancy. Read the requirements closely, match the CV to the responsibilities and show concrete results from previous roles. Engineers, developers and technical specialists benefit from project examples; trade workers should highlight certificates, safety training and relevant equipment or methods.
Prepare documents early
Degree certificates, professional licences, references and translations can take time to obtain. If your profession is regulated, state clearly where you are in the recognition process. This helps an employer understand whether there are any steps remaining before you can start work.
Use language as a long-term advantage
Finnish is not required for every vacancy, but it changes the range of jobs available and makes daily life easier. Applicants who combine professional English with basic Finnish or Swedish often have more options beyond international companies.
Plan the financial side of relocation
A high gross salary does not automatically mean a comfortable monthly budget. The net salary calculator can help estimate take-home income, while the relocation savings planner is useful for setting a realistic target before moving.
Compare Finland with similar destinations
Finland may be a good match for one profession and less suitable for another. Healthcare, technology and engineering applicants may also compare opportunities in Sweden, Norway, Denmark or Germany. The country comparison catalogue helps place salaries, living costs and potential savings in the same context.
The most reliable route is a gradual one: choose suitable regions, check whether the profession is regulated, prepare documents, assess the financial offer and then apply for roles that genuinely match your experience. More practical detail on applications, vacancies and employment conditions is available in the guide to working in Finland.
Sources
- Finnish Immigration Service — Migri
- Statistics Finland
- Labour Force Barometer — Tyovoimabarometri
- Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland
- National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health — Valvira
Frequently Asked Questions
Which occupations are most in demand in Finland in 2026?
Demand varies by region, but healthcare, care services, education, engineering, technology, industry and selected skilled trades remain important areas. Check current regional vacancies and the Labour Force Barometer rather than relying on a fixed list.
Does a shortage occupation guarantee a Finnish work permit?
No. A shortage occupation can improve the chance of finding an employer, but a non-EU applicant still needs a suitable job offer, the required qualifications and an eligible work-based residence permit.
Do I need to speak Finnish to work in Finland?
It depends on the role. English may be enough in some international companies, research teams and technology jobs. Finnish or Swedish is usually important for healthcare, education, public services and many customer-facing positions.
What salary is required for a Finnish employed-person permit?
For a standard residence permit for an employed person, the gross salary normally needs to be at least EUR 1,600 per month in 2026. The applicable collective agreement may require a higher salary, and other permit categories have different thresholds.
Can foreign nurses and doctors work in Finland?
Yes, but healthcare professions are regulated. Applicants normally need their qualifications recognised and may need authorisation before working in the licensed role. Finnish or Swedish language ability is also commonly required.
Is Helsinki the best city for finding a job in Finland?
Helsinki-Uusimaa has the broadest range of vacancies and international employers, especially in technology and professional services. However, competition and housing costs are high. Other regions may offer stronger opportunities in care, industry and skilled trades.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of WageCentre, with a degree in finance and 15+ years of professional experience. He writes about salaries, taxes, labour markets, immigration and financial planning for relocation.
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