How to work in Finland: Jobs for Filipinos, requirements and more
Consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, Finland is fast becoming a go-to destination for Filipinos seeking job stability, competitive salaries, excellent healthcare, and generous vacation time. In addition, the beautiful nature of this northern country offers ample recreational opportunities, especially for the outdoors person.
But working in Finland comes with its share of requirements, starting with the appropriate visa. In this blog post, we’ll look at all you need to start a new life in Finland, and the industries that are actively hiring. We'll also introduce the Wise account, a handy companion to make your money go further with low, transparent fees.
Can Filipinos Work in Finland?
The Filipino community is small compared to other popular work destinations such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, but considering Finland has just 5.5 million people, Filipinos are a significant contributor to the workforce.
As of 2024, there are 15,122 Filipino citizens residing in Finland, accounting for one of the biggest populations of foreign nationals living and working in the country.¹ Most Filipinos reside in urban areas like Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, and work in numerous industries but notably healthcare, IT, service, and retail.
Types of Finland Work Visas for Filipinos
Like many other countries, Finland has strict immigration laws, and to work legally, you’ll need a valid visa. There are over 20 types of visas available to Filipinos, but here are a few of the common visas that are popular.
Fixed Term Residence Permit
All non-EU citizens, like Filipinos, must apply for a residence permit if they intend to stay for more than 90 days. There are numerous kinds of permits, but the most common are fixed-term, of which there are two types.
The A permit is a fixed-term residence permit that is continuous and intended for someone who intends to move to Finland for a longer period. Filipinos who are granted this type of permit are specialists in their field of work, or moving to Finland to live with a family member who is a Finnish citizen. Those who have the A permit for four years can also apply for a P permit, which is permanent residence.
The B permit is a fixed-term permit that is temporary and intended for someone who wants a shorter-term residence. For example, if you want to move to Finland for an internship, a student exchange, or temporary work.²
If you want to apply for these types of residence permits, you’ll need an official job offer, a student placement, or an immediate family member in Finland.
Specialist Residence Permits
To attract highly skilled labor, Finland also offers residence permits to specialists who have a certain level of expertise in their field of work. You’ll need to earn at least EUR 3,827 per month and show a higher education degree. Alternatively, you must prove how you acquired your specific expertise through work experience or other vocational training.³
Seasonal Work Visa
Finland often has a need for seasonal workers, including those in agriculture and forestry, as well as berry pickers and those in the tourism sector. The maximum duration of seasonal work is nine months within a 12-month period.⁴
Entrepreneur
These target those who want to own and work in a Finnish business as a sole proprietor, partner, or managing director who holds at least 30% ownership. Your business must show profitability and provide your primary source of income.⁵
D Visa
The D Visa can be used for quickly entering the country once your residence permit has been granted, and is valid for stays of up to 100 days. When your residence permit is approved, it typically takes a while for the actual card to be issued and delivered, and the D Visa addresses this delay and allows you to travel to Finland immediately after receiving approval.
You can apply for the D Visa together with your appropriate residence permit, making relocation much faster. Keep in mind that with a D Visa, you’ll need to travel to Finland within two weeks of receiving your residence permit approval.
In addition to these common types of residence, there are also various others, like for athletes, coaches, researchers, and religious communities, so check with the Finnish Immigration Service if you don’t fall into the common categories.
Requirements to Work in Finland for Filipinos
In addition to the residence permit and if you choose, the D visa, Filipinos have a few other requirements to work in Finland.
You’ll need a valid job offer from a Finnish employer that outlines the employment conditions. You also need to apply from outside Finland, so don’t travel until you have your residence permit approved. Applying from within Finland is not allowed and will be rejected.
Then, ensure your passport is valid for more than six months and submit all your additional documentation, like education qualifications and a CV, to support your application. Submissions should be done on the Enter Finland site. You’ll also need to prove your identity at a Finnish Immigration Service point. If you’re in the Philippines, Manila has a Finnish Embassy.
Finland Jobs for Filipinos
If you’re wondering how to apply for work in Finland, here are some of the top sectors that Filipinos often secure jobs in.
1. Healthcare Jobs
Filipino nurses are in high demand worldwide, and Finland is no different. With an aging population, the country also requires extensive elder care. Salaries typically range from a basic of around EUR 2,167 to 2,761 (PHP 120,000 to 190,000) per month, with experienced staff earning over EUR 3,000 (PHP 210,000) gross per month.
2. IT Jobs
Finland has a small but robust tech industry, paying competitive salaries for IT professionals. The average salary of a mid-level IT specialist is EUR 3,700 (PHP 205,000) a month, with more experienced professionals earning up to EUR 5,000 (PHP 340,000).
3. Hospitality and Tourism
With their English skills and strong work ethic, Filipinos are often employed in the hospitality sector, filling roles like hotel staff, managers, tourism agency staff, chefs, and service staff. Line cooks and kitchen staff earn about EUR 1,590 (PHP 80,000) monthly, and managers earn up to EUR 6,180 (PHP 315,000).⁷
4. Agricultural Jobs
Agricultural jobs often have lower academic requirements and are excellent ways to get your foot in the Finnish door. Although the salaries are modest, starting from around EUR 8 (PHP 500) per hour, agricultural jobs like berry picking and farm hands can be excellent pathways to a more profitable career.
How to Apply For Jobs in Finland from the Philippines
If you’re ready to start an exciting new life, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for work in Finland from the Philippines.
First, give your CV and cover letter a look over and polish them up. Then, check out all the job portals and search for your specific field. Tailor each cover letter to suit each application, as one-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it these days.
Once you’ve received a job offer, you can apply for your residence permit. If you want to get to Finland fast, you can also apply for the D Visa concurrently, so you won’t have to wait to receive your card.
Once you’ve received your D Visa, you can then make travel plans. Keep in mind you’ll have to make your application outside of Finland, and with a D Visa, you’ll need to travel to Finland within two weeks of your residence permit approval.
Where to Apply for Jobs in Finland?
If you want to learn how to apply for work in Finland, here is a short list of top job portals to help you get started!
POEA - The POEA site has a large database of overseas jobs for Filipinos.
Work in Finland - This job site has numerous opportunities that are open to international applicants.
Indeed Philippines - Indeed consolidates job postings from multiple sources, like company websites and recruitment agencies.
Jobstreet - Jobstreet is a large database of job postings for multiple destinations, and you can register your interest in being informed when a Finnish job opens up.
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Sources:
- Statistics Finland - Population by Citizenship
- Finnish Immigration Service - Residence Permit Types
- Finnish Immigration Service - Specialist Residence Permits
- Finnish Immigration Service - Seasonal Work
- Finnish Immigration Service - Entrepreneur
- Finnish Immigration Service - D Visa
- World Salaries - Finland
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