Free employer advice to support recruitment

The contraction of the Finnish economy and the increase in unemployment rates are topical in the fall of 2023. At the same time, companies are grappling with a shortage of skilled workers. According to estimates, the recession will be short-lived, and the economy is expected to rebound. The need for skilled workers may reach its peak, and finding enough labour may prove challenging within Finland. 

If the recruitment of a foreign employee, whether from within Finland or from abroad, is a topic that is being considered in your organization, you are not alone. At Work in Finland International Recruitment Advice Service, we know the international recruitment processes of companies and we are here to assist you.  

Let's go through your situation together! 

Work in Finland's free, nationwide advice service helps you with all practical questions related to the recruitment of foreign labor, and the relocation and settling-in of employees. We offer information, support, and guidance to companies of all sizes, regardless of industry. We have helped many organizations get started when the first recruitment is still under consideration. 

By phone 

Call 0295 016 770. We're on the phone on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm. The number has a callback service outside of on-call hours.

By email 

You can also send us an email: tyonantajaneuvonta@workinfinland.fi

Do you work, for example, as a recruiter, entrepreneur, in an educational institution, or in another public organization, or as a CEO or HR manager? 

We provide advice for all employers operating in Finland, regardless of the region, organization's size or industry. Our experts are familiar with the typical processes of companies recruiting in Finland from numerous industries. We receive calls from small and medium-sized enterprises, educational institutions, and other public organizations, among others. The service is available throughout Finland is free for everyone.  

If you are dealing with hiring a foreign employee, whether for the first time or as a more experienced professional, feel free to contact us! We can assist you with getting started, clarifying the necessary measures, and guiding you to the right sources, so that you can move forward confidently with the matter.  

Work in Finland International Recruitment Advice Service for Employers helps employers operating in Finland with all questions related to the recruitment of foreign labor. The questions can relate to hiring foreign employees who live abroad or who have already settled in Finland. The questions may concern the entire recruitment and immigration process or a specific part of it.  

You can get up-to-date information from our specialists, such as: 

• Residence permits, visas or other official processes: Which actors are involved in the recruitment of a foreign employee? What permit matters must be taken into consideration?

• Hiring a foreign employee: What matters should the employer take care of? 

• Matters related to the settling-in of employees: What matters should the employee take care of when settling-in to Finland? How can you support your employees with authority visits and opening a bank account? What steps can you take to make an employee's move to Finland smooth and straightforward? How can you help the employee feel more comfortable? 

You can also ask us about hiring foreign students and seasonal workers. 

Work in Finland’s International Recruitment Advice Service for Employers serves all employers operating in Finland, regardless of the size or sector of the company. 

The counseling is particularly useful to employers planning their first international recruitment, as well as small and medium-sized employers with limited human resources. We help everyone who is in charge of recruitment or HR functions. 

We provide information, support, and guidance on the recruitment, hiring, and permit processes of international employees, as well as on moving to and settling in Finland. You can also ask about hiring international students or employees who are already in Finland. Say goodbye to endless googling and random phone calls! 

We’ll answer your questions and find the information you need. We also direct you to other useful services. We provide personal and practical assistance in all the stages and details related to hiring an international employee. 

We do not provide employment services, but we are happy to refer you to services of companies that do. In counseling, we do not initiate proceedings with the authorities. We direct contacts to the appropriate authority. 

We do not advise on occupational safety and health matters, employment relationship matters, or matters related to the legislation of other countries.