Jobs most immigrants are likely to find in Finland amidst this high unemployment situation are shaped by a tough economic climate, rising jobless rates, and a labor market where language skills and connections carry enormous weight. While Finland has traditionally welcomed foreign workers in certain industries, the current conditions mean immigrants are often pushed toward roles with fewer entry barriers, such as cleaning, care services, hospitality, logistics, and seasonal farm work.
For immigrants, the challenge is doubled. First, the Finnish labor market strongly prioritizes language skills. Most professional roles require fluent Finnish or Swedish, and this is a non-negotiable requirement in healthcare, education, administration, and many corporate jobs. Second, the national mood around immigration has grown more tense, with surveys showing that many international professionals feel unwelcome or underutilized. As a result, many end up in jobs that do not match their qualifications but remain more open to non-Finnish speakers.
Seasonal and Agricultural Work
Seasonal agricultural work is perhaps the most consistent entry point for immigrants in Finland. Every summer, Finland attracts thousands of seasonal workers to help with berry picking, farm labor, and greenhouse tasks. While the work is physically demanding and the earnings depend on output, this sector remains one of the few that openly recruits from abroad.
Berry picking in particular has a long history. Workers from countries like Thailand, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe arrive for short-term contracts. The Finnish countryside has vast areas of wild berries, and many farms also rely on immigrant workers for strawberries, cucumbers, and root vegetables. Though the job is temporary and far from glamorous, it can provide an initial income stream for immigrants and is less dependent on Finnish language proficiency.
Cleaning and Facility Maintenance
Cleaning jobs have historically been one of the largest sectors employing immigrants in Finland. From hotels and restaurants to office buildings, schools, and hospitals, cleaning services rely heavily on foreign-born workers. The entry barriers are relatively low. Employers may only require basic English, and in many cases, training is provided on the job.
The demand for cleaners has remained steady because Finland has a strong culture of cleanliness and order. Public spaces, businesses, and residential areas all require constant maintenance. For many immigrants, this type of work is often the first paid job they find after arrival. Although wages are not high, they provide stability and, in some cases, lead to permanent contracts that make it easier to renew residence permits.
Restaurant and Hospitality Sector
The restaurant and hospitality sector is another large employer of immigrants. Kitchens across Finland are filled with foreign-born workers serving as assistants, dishwashers, cooks, and waiters. Fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Hesburger, and Subway regularly hire immigrants, while ethnic restaurants in Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, and Turku often rely almost entirely on immigrant staff.
The hospitality industry has been hit by unemployment too, but foreign workers remain a crucial part of it. Many employers report difficulty filling these positions with local workers. For immigrants, this can be both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, these jobs offer relatively easy entry without advanced Finnish. On the other, the hours can be irregular, the wages are modest, and competition has grown as unemployed Finns are also applying for the same roles.
Logistics and Warehouse Roles
The rise of online shopping has created a steady stream of logistics and warehouse work in Finland. Companies such as Posti, DHL, Bring, and smaller distribution firms hire staff for package sorting, warehouse organizing, and courier services.
Many immigrants find work as forklift drivers, loaders, and delivery assistants. These roles often do not demand advanced Finnish, although some level of English is expected. Physical endurance and reliability are crucial since the work involves long hours of standing, lifting, and handling packages in varying conditions. Immigrants who secure certifications, such as a forklift license, tend to have better chances of getting more stable contracts in this sector.
Construction and Renovation Work
Despite economic downturns, Finland’s construction sector continues to rely on immigrant labor. Major infrastructure projects, housing developments, and renovation works across urban centers require both skilled and unskilled workers.
Immigrants with professional training in plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry have better chances of securing higher-paid positions. However, even those without formal qualifications can find entry-level jobs as general laborers, assisting in carrying materials, demolition, or supporting skilled workers.
The challenge in construction is twofold. Firstly, safety training and compliance are strict in Finland, meaning immigrants often need to undergo short training courses before being accepted. Secondly, many contracts are temporary, so job security is not always guaranteed. Still, for those looking to break into the job market quickly, construction remains one of the more open industries.
Elderly Care and Social Services
Finland has an aging population and a constant shortage of workers in elderly care. Immigrants are increasingly being hired as care assistants in retirement homes, nursing facilities, and private care companies.
While professional nursing requires advanced Finnish and certification, many roles in elderly care involve assisting with daily tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and companionship. Employers often value patience, reliability, and willingness to learn more than language fluency, especially since staff shortages are so severe.
This sector can provide immigrants with stable, long-term employment if they commit to improving their language skills. Some municipalities even support language training for immigrant care workers to help them move into more advanced healthcare roles later on.
Delivery and Transport Jobs
Delivery jobs have expanded rapidly with food delivery apps such as Wolt and Foodora. Immigrants make up a large share of bicycle couriers, car drivers, and scooter operators. Taxi driving also remains a common job for foreign-born workers, especially in Helsinki where demand for drivers is high.
The benefits of delivery jobs are flexibility and independence. However, the downsides are unstable income, long hours in all weather conditions, and the fact that many of these workers are self-employed contractors rather than employees. This means that benefits and job security are limited.
Technology and IT Services
One of the few professional sectors where immigrants can sometimes bypass strict Finnish language requirements is the technology field. Helsinki, Espoo, and Oulu host a growing number of tech companies working in software engineering, data analysis, and IT services. Some startups operate entirely in English, making it possible for skilled immigrants to find work even without fluency in Finnish.
However, competition has intensified. Finland’s tech ecosystem is not as large as in neighboring Sweden, and companies are more cautious with hiring during economic downturns. Still, for highly qualified immigrants, especially those with global work experience, IT remains one of the few doors into professional employment in Finland.
The Role of Networking and Language
Across all sectors, two realities stand out for immigrants in Finland: the importance of personal networks and the necessity of learning Finnish. Even in industries where language requirements are lower, employers often prefer candidates who are at least making an effort to learn. Similarly, many jobs are never advertised publicly, so knowing someone within a company or community often makes the difference.
For immigrants hoping to move beyond entry-level jobs, building professional connections and investing in language training is essential. Those who combine both have a better chance of gradually moving into roles that align with their skills and qualifications.
The jobs most immigrants are likely to find in Finland amidst this high unemployment situation remain concentrated in service sectors, seasonal work, construction, care services, and logistics. These fields continue to hire foreign workers even when other parts of the labor market remain closed off. For immigrants, the challenge is not only to enter these roles but to use them as stepping stones toward more secure, better-paid employment in the future.
