Employment is the goal of most immigrants of working age, regardless of their reason for arriving in the country. Work-based immigrants have a job in Finland waiting for them, but those who have arrived for other reasons often begin their labour market path from municipal employment and integration services.

In addition to individual characteristics such as education and language skills, employment is influenced by many other factors, such as the quality of integration services, labour market needs and the receptiveness of society. 

Municipal employment services help with integration and employment

An immigrant looking to enter the labour market can register as an unemployed jobseeker at the municipal employment services, which provide assistance with integration and employment. Typical early-stage integration services include the assessment of skills and service needs related to integration, an integration plan, multilingual civic orientation and integration training.

Integration services are agreed in an integration plan based on individual service needs and goals. Based on the information obtained in the assessment of service needs, the integration plan can also include other services that support integration and employment or participation in third-sector activities.

Immigration of talent strengthens Finland and makes the country more international

The number of working-age people in Finland is declining, and immigration is the only source of population growth. Companies and other organisations need skilled employees. The immigration of skilled labour into Finland will help put Finnish business and innovation on a stronger and more international footing, and will attract international investment to Finland. This in turn will create new jobs.

The diversity and non-discrimination of society and working life make a difference to how attractive Finland appears to international experts. They also have a major impact on the employment of immigrants and non-Finnish and non-Swedish speakers already living in Finland. In addition, an international working environment encourages international graduates and researchers to settle and work in Finland.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for policies and legislation concerning the migration of workers, entrepreneurs, trainees, students and researchers, as well as for the related guidance and supervision of the Finnish Immigration Service jointly with the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also guides the support measures of Work in Finland and the Economic Development Centres aimed at promoting ethical and smooth international recruitment. International employment services are provided by municipal employment authorities.

In addition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, together with the Ministry of Education and Culture, is responsible for the preparation, implementation and coordination of the national Talent Boost programme. The Talent Boost programme is an intersectoral programme for the immigration of specialists, employees, students and researchers. Its aim is to improve Finland's ability to attract and retain experts and their families while also ensuring smooth and safe residence permit procedures.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment also coordinates the implementation of the action plan against labour exploitation.

Read more:

• International expertise and labour
• Talent Boost programme 
• Action plan against labour exploitation 
• Work in Finland website for employers
• International Recruitment Guide
• Working in Finland (brochure in 24 languages)