More than 60,000 Ukrainians currently live in Finland, including labour migrants and war refugees. Almost all of them are employed in the country in various ways - by obtaining a visa or temporary protection. Find out all about working in Finland - vacancies, documents, remuneration and job search portals

Legal advice on education and employment abroad for Ukrainians

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In the pre-war years, Finland attracted hundreds of labour migrants from Ukraine. Today, thousands of refugees are heading there in search of protection from the war. Most of them plan to stay in the country for a long time, so they immediately start looking for a job. Read all about the procedure for finding and applying for a job in Finland in the material by Visit Ukraine.

How to get a job in the Netherlands?

If you have temporary protection status:

As soon as you apply for temporary protection, you will be able to find a job immediately.

If you have decided to obtain refugee status (applied for asylum), you can work 3 months after you apply (if you have a passport) or 6 months after you apply (if you do not have a passport).

If you have received a work visa:

To work in Finland without temporary protection status, you need to have a biometric passport and an employment visa. The latter helps you to get a job legally and protect yourself from fraudsters and unscrupulous employers.

A work visa is issued by the Finnish Migration Board for any period of work, including seasonal work - 1.5-2 months. If the duration of work in Finland exceeds 90 days, you will additionally need to apply for a residence permit.

Please note! The package of documents is formed in Ukraine before travelling abroad.

What types of work visas are available in Finland?

- Type C (short-term visa) - issued for the period of seasonal work for no more than 90 days.

- Type D - issued for the entire period of validity of the employment contract (usually 1 year with the possibility of extension);

- Type B - issued to those who enter into an employment contract in Finland for the first time (the validity period is limited by the terms of the employment contract);

- type A (issued for a period of 4 years after the expiry of a type B visa, if the contract with the employer is extended).

How much does an employment visa in Finland cost?

The cost of a work visa depends on its duration and the agency providing the services. However, there are two mandatory fees:

- consular - 35 euros;

- service fee - 15-20 euros.

Please note! Ukrainians who plan to stay in Finland can apply for permanent residence in the country. Read how to do this in the material on the Visit Ukraine portal.

What documents are required for employment in Finland?

1. Entry visa (persons who are labour migrants for a short period of time need to apply for a work visa)

2. Ukrainian passport (+ copy)

3. A foreign passport with an expiry date not earlier than 3 months before the end date of the contract (+ copy).

4. Application and questionnaire filled in electronically in English or Finnish and printed out on a printer.

In order to ensure that your package of documents is prepared correctly and protects the rights of the employee, we recommend that you consult with employment specialists before sending it . You can get qualified legal assistance at all stages by following the link on the Visit Ukraine portal.

5. Health insurance - a policy in Europe has long been a prerequisite for various spheres of life (minimum coverage is 30 thousand euros).

Also, keep in mind that you need health insurance to enter the country - you can also buy it here.

6. An invitation from the employer, a residence permit, and a confirmation of accommodation by the host.

7. NDA sticker - if you have temporary protection status and are covered by the European Temporary Protection Directive.

8. A bank statement showing the funds on your account.

9. 2 photos - 36 by 47 mm.

10. Additional permits - depend on the specifics of the job (you should also find out about their necessity before applying).

Where do Ukrainians work in Finland now?

What jobs in Finland are currently in high demand?

Currently, the largest number of vacancies in Finland is in the following areas:

- social and health care (nurses, care staff, general practitioners);

- education (kindergarten teachers, specialist teachers);

- expert work and consulting (application designers, IT experts)

- installation, maintenance and cleaning (office and premises cleaners, housekeepers)

- restaurant and tourism industry (waiters and restaurant workers)

- industry and engineering (welders and gas cutters).

Where are most Ukrainians working now?

In Finland, language skills are usually required to get a job. Ukrainians who do not meet this requirement can find a job in the following positions

- courier

- manicurist;

- pizza maker;

- caretaker;

- employee of the hotel and restaurant business.

Workers without language skills are mainly sought in agriculture, cleaning or construction, factories and manufacturing.

Earlier we told you that from 1 September Finland changed the rules for entering the country. For more details, follow the link.

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What are the salaries of Ukrainians in Finland?

The minimum wage for Ukrainians in Finland is determined by a collective labour agreement with a trade union. If there is no such agreement, the employer is guided by the subsistence level:

1189 euros for the head of the family;

805 for an adult family member;

575 - for a child.

Currently, many Ukrainians staying in Europe come home for a certain period of time. Read the articleon how to get to Ukraine from Finland safely and quickly.

Where to look for work in Finland?

To find a job in Finland, you can apply to local employment centres or on one of the web portals:

- Jobs in Helsinki;

- EURES (EURopean Employment Services) - a website that operates throughout Europe

- Laura;

- Avoimet työpaikat Finland

If you need any support at all stages of employment abroad, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists. You can get advice on the best choice of a job, employer verification, registration and legalisation of diplomas, assistance in organising relocation and solving everyday issues.

Finland is known for its high living standards, stable economy and progressive social system. Find out all about the cost of living in this country on Visit Ukraine.

Photo: DW

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