Mobility is an opportunity

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The projects in the Targeted Mobility Scheme offer opportunities to gain work experience in various European countries.

As the employment situation in Finland remains weak, one option is to look for work in a wider area, i.e. abroad. Looking for work in Europe is made possible by the right of EU citizens to move, live and work freely in any EU country, and they are entitled to the same employment and social benefits as the country’s own citizens. As freedom of movement is one of the cornerstones of the European Union, various measures have been taken to facilitate mobility, and financial support is available to assist with this.

The Targeted Mobility Scheme (TMS) is a project-based programme supported by the European Commission, which provides support to job seekers who find employment in another EU country, Iceland or Norway. There are certain conditions for receiving support, such as the requirement that the employment relationship must last for more than six months. Employment relationships must also comply with the laws of each country. To receive financial support, you need to contact a EURES adviser, who will advise you on matters relating to financial support. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a EURES adviser. EURES, the European Employment Services network, supports the employment of people throughout the area. You can find a EURES adviser, for example, in your employment area. In addition, every EU country has EURES advisers who can provide advice on working conditions and job-seeking matters in each country. You can find them on the EURES portal.

You can even get financial support for a journey to an interview. The amount of support depends on the destination country and the duration of the trip. Job seekers who find employment in another country can also receive a relocation and settlement allowance of EUR 1,800. It is essential to submit your application for support in good time, usually at least three weeks in advance.

Adapting to a new country is supported by language training, for which financial assistance is also available. The language course must be short, lasting no more than 16 weeks, and the language studied must be the official language of the host country. The maximum amount available for this is EUR 2,200, and you must apply for it well in advance of the course starting. You can also receive up to EUR 440 towards the recognition of your qualification. It is also possible to receive additional support to cover the costs associated with any family members moving with you.

TMS mobility grants also provide support for employers

Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive support if they hire an employee from another EU country, Norway or Iceland. The company must be registered in an EU country, Norway or Iceland. It must draw up a training programme and the training must account for at least half of the normal working time. It can also be a traineeship. Employers are advised to contact their local EURES adviser in good time for guidance on the specific criteria. For example, certain jobs are not eligible for support. Such jobs include positions at EU institutions or organisations funded by EU grants. 

The mobility grant is a form of support that is relatively rarely used. However, it can help lower the threshold for applying for jobs across the EU. Employers can also benefit from support, which can help them get started in international recruitment. Furthermore, a diverse and international workforce can benefit a company’s appeal and growth in many ways. At the same time, it can help develop the whole workplace community.

You can read more about TMS support for job seekers and employers at Job Market Finland. Look for a EURES adviser on the EURES portal.

More information

Search for EURES Advisers (europa.eu)