Finland is globally admired for its safety, education system, work–life balance, and high living standards. Consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world, Finland is now actively inviting skilled foreign workers to fill critical labour shortages across multiple sectors.
As Finland’s population ages and large numbers of workers retire, employers are facing growing talent gaps. This makes 2026 one of the best times to start or advance your career in Finland if your skills match shortage occupations.
Why Finland Needs Skilled Workers in 2026
Finland has a relatively small population of around 5.5 million, and a significant portion of its workforce is nearing retirement age. This demographic shift has created long-term labour shortages, particularly in healthcare, education, technology, and social services.
Key reasons Finland is hiring foreign workers:
- Aging population and workforce retirement
- Strong economy with stable job creation
- Government-backed immigration pathways for skilled talent
- English-friendly work environments in many sectors
- High quality of life and employee protections
In recent years, hundreds of thousands of new hirings have been recorded, and this trend continues into 2026.
Skill Shortage Jobs in Finland (2026)
Based on European labour forecasts and Finnish employment data, the following occupations are considered high-demand shortage jobs.
High-Demand / Shortage Occupations
- Teaching staff & academic researchers
- Healthcare assistants
- Registered nurses
- Doctors & general practitioners
- Social workers
- Early childhood educators
- Dentists
- Audiologists & speech therapists
- Home-based personal care workers
- IT specialists & software developers
- Engineering professionals
- Business administration & management professionals
These roles are actively open to international applicants, and many employers are willing to sponsor work permits.
Occupations with Lower Demand (Surplus Jobs)
Some professions currently have more local workers than available positions:
- Garment industry trade workers
- Public relations employees
- Secretaries & clerical staff
- Surveyors
- Sales staff
- Architects & structural designers
- Marketing professionals
Foreign applicants in these fields may find fewer opportunities compared to shortage sectors.
Is Finland Looking for Foreign Workers?
Yes—Finland is actively encouraging international recruitment. The Finnish government has simplified immigration procedures, launched talent-attraction programs, and promoted English-language workplaces to make relocation easier for skilled foreigners.
The number of international professionals working in Finland continues to rise every year.
Finland Work Visa Requirements (2026)
Who Does NOT Need a Work Visa?
Citizens of:
- EU / EEA countries
- Nordic countries
- Australia, New Zealand
- Japan
- United States
- Andorra, Vatican City
Who Needs a Work Visa?
Citizens of all other countries must apply for a Finland residence permit for employment.
The permit is usually employer-sponsored and tied to your job offer.
Shortage Occupations Most Open to Visa Sponsorship
The following roles have the highest approval rates for foreign workers:
- Nurses & healthcare assistants
- Doctors & medical specialists
- Social workers
- Early childhood teachers
- IT & software professionals
- Engineers
- Elderly & home-care workers
Language requirements vary—many healthcare and care roles may require basic Finnish, while IT and research roles often work fully in English.
How to Apply for Skill Shortage Jobs in Finland
Step-by-Step Process
- Match your qualifications with Finland’s shortage occupation list
- Prepare a professional CV (EU/Finland format preferred)
- Apply through:
- Finnish employer websites
- Recruitment agencies
- International job portals
- Attend online interviews
- Receive a job offer
- Apply for a Finland work residence permit
- Relocate and start working in Finland
Employers often assist with visa paperwork and relocation guidance.
Benefits of Working in Finland
- Competitive salaries
- Strong employee rights and job security
- Excellent healthcare & education systems
- Clean environment and safe cities
- Work–life balance culture
- Family-friendly policies
- Long-term residence and citizenship pathways
Final Thoughts
Skill Shortage Jobs in Finland (2026) offer a realistic and rewarding opportunity for skilled professionals looking to work in Europe. With an open attitude toward foreign talent, simplified visa processes, and an exceptional quality of life, Finland stands out as a top career destination.
If your skills match Finland’s labour needs, now is the perfect time to apply and build a future in one of the world’s most progressive countries.