Find an international expert in Finland
When discussing international recruitment, we easily start thinking beyond our borders. The perfect expert for your organisation may already be in Finland, making their recruitment more straightforward. It does not matter why the person to be recruited came to Finland. They might be a suitable employee for your work community whether they came here for work, studies, or humanitarian or family reasons. However, they will need a right to work.
Recruiting an international expert already living in Finland avoids many challenges of international recruitment. If a person has the right to work in Finland, a permanent address and a bank account, you do not necessarily have to do anything other than notify the TE Office that you want to hire them.
When hiring a third-country national who already has a valid residence permit and right to work in Finland, remember to submit an employee report to the TE Office in employers’ Enter Finland online service. Remember that you must retain documents on the employee’s personal data, the justification for the employment relationship and the right to work for two years after the end of the employment relationship. You must also inform the shop stewards at the workplace of the name of the employee and the applicable collective agreement.
There are many types of residence permits. Residence permits may include an unlimited or restricted right to work. For example, in an employee’s residence permit, the right to work may be limited to a certain professional field or task, and in a student’s residence permit, the right to work may be limited to a certain number of hours.
You can check the scope of a person’s right to work on their residence permit card. If necessary, they must apply for a new residence permit.
Hiring a person accustomed to everyday life in Finland has its advantages
For international recruitment to succeed, it is important that the employee integrates into Finland. When you hire an expert who has already become accustomed to the Finnish society, they are more likely to adapt well to their new job. They may already have Finnish skills and different networks. A willingness to stay in Finland can significantly increase the employee’s commitment.
You can find suitable international experts with the help of regional employment services, the TE Office, the career services of higher education institutions or the third sector. For example, the national Startup Refugees employment services are free of charge. When planning recruitment, you should familiarise yourself with the relevant actors and the service offering in your region.
Business Finland offers funding to small and medium enterprises for developing recruitment. You may receive funding for improving your recruitment capabilities, promoting a company culture and management skills that support internationalisation, and developing your employer image.
You’re not alone when recruiting!
When you want to hire an international expert from Finland or abroad, you have free support and advice at your disposal. The employer information service for international recruitment provides quick answers to questions on salaries and residence permits to mention a few. You can call +358 295 016 770 on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm or send an email to tyontajaneuvonta(at)workinfinland.fi. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
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Guidelines for Hiring a Foreign Employee