Finland is actively recruiting skilled Filipino workers, offering three-digit monthly salaries across a range of industries. Filipino workers are particularly in demand for roles such as assistant nurses, hotel and tourism workers, restaurant staff, caregivers, and IT professionals.
Under the recently signed Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland on January 16, Finland promises fair treatment and workplace protections for Filipino workers.
Finland also seems to take labor equality seriously, making sure foreign workers get paid the same minimum wage as locals. That’s around €1,600—or over P96,500—a month, depending on the role and industry. This for sure contributes to the list of reasons Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for seven years in a row by the UN's World Happiness Report.
“The Philippines, along with India and Vietnam, remains one of our primary sources for labor migration, and we are committed to ensuring that these workers are treated with the same rights and pay as their Finnish counterparts," Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Sartonen said.
Why Work in Finland?
Salaries for jobs in Finland vary by sector, but healthcare and IT roles are among the most lucrative. For instance, home workers and nurses can earn up to P200,000 per month, while IT professionals in senior roles can expect similar compensation packages. The DMW is set to release guidelines on the deployment cap for Filipino healthcare professionals heading to Finland soon.
“Finland is an aging country, so there will be more need for nurses in the healthcare sector in the future,” Finland’s Migration Director Sonka Hamalainen said.
Aside from the competitive salary, Finland is also keen to let you bring your family with you. Workers who meet the income threshold can apply for family reunification. According to Sartonen, family integration is a priority, with added support to help spouses find work and children find schooling.
“For Finland, it’s important for those workers who would like to come bring their families. It’s also possible. We try to help them find work for their spouses as well and they can also get their children to Finland and to school if they like it that way,” Sartonen said.
As of 2023, the DMW said there are around 12,770 Filipino workers living and working in Finland.
Those interested need to secure a valid job offer from a Finnish employer from DMW's list, apply for a work visa through Finland’s official Enter Finland platform, and prepare required documents such as proof of qualifications, employment contracts, and health insurance.
*This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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