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Finland

This content is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this content. It is not legal advice and shall not be relied on as such.

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Currency

€ (EUR)

Work Hours

40/week

Finland is a country in Scandinavia, bordering Sweden to the west and Russia to the east. It is separated from Estonia to the south by the narrow Gulf of Finland. Finland has belonged to the EU since 1995 and has used the euro since its introduction in 2002. Electronics is a major industry, and Finnish companies’ large investments in research and development have made them leaders in this field. Finland also produces industrial machinery (particularly motors), chemicals, wood pulp and paper. It is known globally for its clean government, transparency and excellent business climate.

Employment contracts in Finland may be in written, oral, or electronic form. It must include the employer’s and employee’s identities, the date employment will begin, the employee’s responsibilities, salary, work hours, annual leave, notice period for terminating the contract, and probation period. An employment contract is valid indefinitely unless there is a specific fixed term with a fair reason.

The standard workweek in Finland is 40 hours with eight hours a day, and a 37.5-hour workweek for white collar employees. The workweek cannot exceed 48 hours over a four-month period. Overtime is paid at 150% of the basic rate for the first two hours of overtime and double beyond that. Employees can refuse overtime.

Employees receive nine days of paid sick leave in Finland, which is fully paid after the employee's first month of service. Sick leave is funded by social security for up to 300 days.

Female employees receive 105 days of paid maternity leave in Finland, which begins 30 to 50 working days before the due date. Male employees can take 54 working days of paternity leave, including 18 working days during the mother’s maternity leave.

Finland does not have a national minimum wage. Wages are regulated by industry-specific collective agreements. Bonuses are common.

Employees in Finland receive two days of paid annual leave per month. This increases to two and a half days a month after a year of employment.

In Finland, the public holidays are:

  • New Year's Day

  • Epiphany

  • Good Friday

  • Easter Monday

  • May Day

  • Ascension Day

  • Midsummer Eve

  • Midsummer

  • All Saints' Day

  • Independence Day

  • Christmas Eve

  • Christmas Day

  • Boxing Day

Finland has universal healthcare.

The termination notice period in Finland is 14 days for up to five years of service, a month up to four years, two months up to eight years, four months up to 12 years and six months beyond that. There is no statutory severance.

  • Local Laws & Regulations

    We understand that local laws and regulations change and sourcing an accurate reference guide is not easy. Our data is researched and verified by our team of local international Employment Attorneys, HR and Benefit Professionals and Tax Accountants through our Atlas team and consultants, to ensure information up-to-date and accurate.

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