Finland Faces Labour Shortages: Foreign Workers in High Demand Across Key Sectors

Many countries in the Schengen Area are struggling with labour shortages, and Finland is no exception. In response, the Finnish government has published a list of nine occupational groups currently experiencing severe workforce gaps and actively seeking qualified foreign professionals to fill these roles.

Special Qualifications Often Required

It’s important to note that many of these professions require specific qualifications or permits, such as higher education degrees or professional licenses, in order to practice in Finland.

Changes Expected in Finland’s Immigration System

Currently, work-based residence permits in Finland are issued only when a suitable worker cannot be found within Finland or other EU countries. In such cases, employers can hire foreign workers from outside the EU.

The list of shortage occupations is regularly updated based on:

• The number of vacant positions
• The number of unemployed, qualified job seekers
• Regional labour market trends

To qualify for inclusion in this list, an occupation must typically meet two criteria:

1. At least 50 open positions
2. At least 500 trained workers available for that role

However, the Finnish government is considering further tightening regulations for residence permits. One proposed change includes requiring quicker departure from the country if a foreign worker becomes unemployed.

Decline in Foreign Work Permit Applications

According to labour federation Akava, Finland issued approximately 42,200 residence permits to foreign workers in 2023, a 13.76% decrease compared to 2022. This drop—6,700 fewer permits—signals a worrying trend of declining interest among foreign applicants.

This downward trend has continued:

• 2024: Only 11,000 work permit applications received
• This is down by 4,000 from 2023
• And 5,000 fewer than in 2022

Despite being Finland’s most in-demand sector, the IT industry has also experienced a notable decline in permit approvals. While IT professionals still receive the largest share of work permits, the number has dropped sharply in the past two years.

“This isn’t entirely unexpected, given the significant rise in unemployment among university graduates in IT and tech sectors.”
— Tomi Husa, Expert at Akava

 

Immigration Seen as Key to Boosting Economy

A recent study shows that immigration could play a vital role in revitalizing Finland’s workforce and economy. Foreign workers can contribute directly to growth, especially in export-oriented industries, making immigration an essential tool in mitigating labour shortages and boosting productivity.