Top 9 In-Demand Jobs in Finland for Foreign Workers

Finland Faces Labour Shortages Amid Decline in Foreign Worker Applications

Finland, like many Schengen Area countries, is currently grappling with labour shortages across several essential sectors. In response, the Finnish government has identified nine occupational groups particularly affected by this shortage. These professions often require specific qualifications, higher education, or occupational licenses to be eligible for employment in Finland.

Work-Based Residence Permits and Ongoing Immigration Reform

To combat the growing employment gap, Finland grants work-based residence permits for positions that cannot be filled by workers within Finland or other EU/EEA member states. If suitable candidates are not found locally, employers are permitted to recruit foreign workers, who can then apply for residence permits based on employment.

The labour shortage list is regularly updated. The inclusion criteria for a profession are:

• At least 50 open job vacancies, and
• A minimum of 500 qualified individuals trained in the profession.

This approach ensures that the shortage list reflects real-time labour market needs, taking into account vacancy rates, regional employment conditions, and national workforce strategies.

However, policy reforms are underway, and foreign workers may face stricter conditions. One major change is the requirement to leave Finland more quickly if employment is terminated, reducing the grace period previously offered to find new work.

Drop in Work Permit Applications Raises Alarm

Despite Finland’s need for skilled labour, there has been a decline in foreign interest in Finnish work opportunities. According to labour federation Akava, Finland issued 42,200 work-based residence permits in 2023, marking a 13.76% decrease (6,700 fewer permits) compared to 2022.

The trend continued into 2024, with only 11,000 new work permit applications submitted, representing:

• A drop of 4,000 from 2023
• A decrease of 5,000 from 2022

This downward trend has sparked concerns over Finland’s ability to meet its future labour market demands.

IT Sector Hit Hardest Despite High Demand

The Information Technology (IT) sector, traditionally among the most sought-after and dynamic fields in Finland, has not been immune to the decline. While it remains the top sector for foreign work permit issuance, it has also experienced the sharpest fall in permit numbers over the past two years.

“Unemployment among university graduates in the IT and tech sectors has increased significantly,”
— Tomi Husa, Expert at Akava

This paradox reflects a mismatch between available skills and market needs, as well as growing competition within the domestic talent pool.

Immigration as a Strategic Asset for Finland’s Economy

Despite recent policy tightening, studies suggest that immigration could offer significant economic benefits to Finland. The inclusion of skilled foreign workers has the potential to:

• Fill critical labour market gaps
• Boost innovation
• Increase total exports and strengthen Finland’s global competitiveness

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