How to Work and Immigrate to Finland as a Nurse?

What Are the Nursing Work Hours in Finland?

In Finland, nurses typically work 38 hours per week. This is usually spread across 5 days, with shifts that can include mornings, evenings, and nights. The working schedule can also include weekends and holidays, depending on the specific healthcare facility. Nurses may need to work overtime in some situations, and compensation is provided for additional hours worked.

How to Immigrate to Finland as a Nurse?

Working as a nurse in Finland involves several steps and requirements to consider:

1. Language proficiency and education
2. Employment and visa process
3. Licensing and registration
4. Cultural integration

Step 1. Language Proficiency and Education

Language Skills

As mentioned above, proficiency in Finnish or Swedish is one of the essential Finland requirements for nurses. Keep in mind that some employers might offer language training as part of the job offer​​.

Nursing Education

You must have a recognized nursing qualification as a part of your Finland nursing requirements. Valvira, Finland’s National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, recognizes nurses with degrees outside the EU/EEA. 

To immigrate to Finland as a nurse, foreign nurses have to go through several steps to get recognized by Valvira:

1. To have their qualifications recognized by Valvira, nurses with qualifications from outside the EU/EEA must apply.
2. If a candidate’s training matches the applicable Finnish training, Valvira will approve them. It takes into account work experience, supplemental professional training, and continuing education to compensate for differences in training.
3. In the case of discrepancies between the applicant’s and current Finnish training, Valvira might require them to do more studies or take an aptitude test. A fee may also involve getting an expert opinion on the applicant’s qualifications.
4. Nurses with nursing degrees outside Finland and relevant work experience can apply for the Nursing TopUp program. After completing a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need at least two years (24 months) of relevant work experience.

Step 2. Employment and Visa Process

Now, you might ask, “How to apply in Finland as a nurse?” Let’s look at some detailed information that will put your mind at ease.

Securing a Job Offer

The first step to immigrate to Finland as a nurse is to find an employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa. You can look in several places for nursing jobs in Finland for foreigners. Oikotie Työpaikat and Mol.fi are two well-known job listing websites in Finland that feature various listings, including healthcare-related ones. Healthcare-specific Finnish nursing recruitment agencies like MediCarrera and StaffPoint can also be helpful because of the individualized attention and openings they provide.

Proactive measures can also directly contact major hospitals or healthcare institutions in Finland. It may be possible to increase your chances of finding a suitable job offer by networking through professional platforms like LinkedIn and by attending healthcare job fairs or events in Finland.

Work Visa Application

To get a Finnish work visa and work as a nurse in Finland, nurses have to do several things:

1. When you get a job offer, apply for a work visa through Migri (Finnish Immigration Service).
2. The job offer letter, nursing certificate, and proof of language proficiency in Finnish or Swedish are all required.
3. You’ll also need supporting documents from your employer in Finland. The job description and confirmation that they’re sponsoring you are usually required.
4. Upon receiving your application and documents, Migri will review them. You might get more questions or be asked for more info during this process.
5. If your application is approved, you’ll get a work visa to work legally as a nurse in Finland.
6. If your visa is approved, you’ll pick up your visa and make travel plans.

Residence Permit

There are a few key steps to getting a residence permit in Finland for non-EU/EEA nurses:

1. The first thing you need is a job offer in Finland. It’s a prerequisite for getting a residency permit.
2. Based on your job, you need a different type of residence permit. Nurses typically have an employed person’s residence permit.
3. Residence permits can be applied online or at a Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
4. Several documents are needed, including a job offer, proof of qualifications, and proof of language proficiency.
5. Migri looks at the application and decides. Apply well before your move since this process can take several months.
6. If your application is approved, your residence permit will let you work and live legally in Finland.

Step 3. Licensing and Registration

A valid license from Valvira is required to practice nursing in Finland. The Terhikki-register is another database managed by Valvira; it contains the names of all Finnish nurses who have been granted the right to practice professionally. 

The process is as follows:

1. Nurses must apply to Valvira for a professional license.
2. To make sure the nurse’s qualifications meet Finnish standards, Valvira assesses them. Checking credentials and certifications might be part of this.
3. When a nurse gets a license, their details go into the Terhikki-register.
4. To keep their licenses and registrations, nurses must follow Finnish healthcare regulations.

Step 4. Cultural Integration

Gaining knowledge of Finnish culture, the healthcare system, and local communities can facilitate a smoother transition and let you immigrate to Finland as a nurse with more ease.

Consider these tips for cultural integration as a nurse moving to Finland:

• Keep learning Finnish or Swedish to improve collaboration with colleagues and patients.
• Learn Finnish customs and social norms, local holidays, and customs.
• Participate in local activities to promote socialization and belonging.
• Meet local and expatriate healthcare professionals. They may clarify Finnish healthcare and workplace culture.
• Try new things and adapt to different methods. Flexibility is essential for cultural integration.
• Use Finland-specific expat resources and groups. Based on their Finnish relocation experiences, they can offer advice.