International experts in Finland say they are facing growing discrimination, limited job opportunities, and a worsening social climate. These concerns come from the 2025 survey by TEK and The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland, which collected 756 responses from professionals representing more than 70 nationalities. The report shows a clear decline compared to 2024 in nearly every indicator, even though most respondents are highly educated and many completed their studies in Finland.
The survey gathered 756 responses from professionals across more than 70 nationalities. Compared to the 2024 report, the results show a decline in almost every area. Most respondents were highly educated, with three out of four holding at least a master’s degree, and nearly half completing their studies in Finland.
While 72 percent of respondents are in permanent positions, unemployment among foreign professionals has doubled to 7 percent. Many of those without work had been unemployed for more than six months. Confidence in building a long-term career in Finland has also fallen.
Job hunting remains a struggle. The survey found that 41 percent of respondents relied on personal networks to secure employment. Yet barriers remain high. Finnish language requirements and limited access to professional networks were the most common obstacles. Many also criticised hidden job markets and hiring standards that favor applicants with Finnish backgrounds or names.
Only 17 percent of foreign professionals said they feel equal to Finnish candidates when applying for jobs. Inside the workplace, just over half felt mostly or always equal to native colleagues. That is a sharp drop from 64 percent the year before. Open comments highlighted racism, exclusion, and being treated as less competent despite strong qualifications.
The survey confirms that Finnish language skills continue to restrict access to jobs, promotions, and social life. Respondents said that even in international workplaces, internal communication often defaults to Finnish. Many asked for employer support to study the language during work hours, but such support was rare.
Social integration was also low. Only 47 percent of respondents felt integrated both socially and professionally. Women reported slightly stronger social ties than men, who were more likely to feel excluded.
Employer support for foreign professionals remains limited. Just 20 percent of respondents said they received the help they needed. Translation tools and multicultural work environments were considered the most useful forms of support. Mentoring, buddy systems, and relocation services were reported as rare and ineffective.
Perceptions of Finland as a destination for skilled workers have declined. Only 44 percent of respondents would recommend the country to international experts, compared to 52 percent in 2024. Just 45 percent believe Finland has a good reputation among foreign professionals. Over 80 percent expressed concern about the direction of immigration policy debates.
Respondents from outside the EU were more likely to plan a move elsewhere, especially those living alone. Fewer than half of all respondents intended to stay in Finland permanently. About 12 percent said they planned to leave immediately or within the year.
Respondents who stay long term often cite family as their main reason. Those with Finnish spouses or children mentioned healthcare and education as benefits. However, employment insecurity, discrimination, and lack of inclusion remain common reasons for leaving. Others pointed to lower salaries, high taxes, and limited career opportunities compared to other countries.
Many open responses revealed growing negativity. Several professionals described feeling unwelcome even after years of contributing to Finland’s economy and society. Some said they no longer believed they would ever be fully accepted, even with Finnish citizenship.
Still, safety, nature, and public services continue to hold value for many respondents, even when professional satisfaction is low.
The report concludes that Finland is losing its appeal among international experts. It warns that unless the country improves equality in the labor market, strengthens integration support, and addresses divisive immigration debates, it risks losing global talent to other destinations.
