In many branches of agriculture, the most active period of work falls on certain periods of the year. It is at this time that additional labor resources are involved in the implementation of the tasks. Well-paid seasonal work in Finland is a great way to earn money, including without knowing the language and with a minimum set of skills.
Features of seasonal work
Unlike permanent and temporary employment, seasonal employment has the following characteristics:
- a certain clear period (as a rule, no more than 6 months, according to the law - no more than 9);
- The relationship between employer and employee is governed by a fixed-term employment contract and is determined by sectoral / inter-sectoral agreements.
The salary of foreigners in seasonal work cannot be lower than the minimum wage established by the state.
In addition, persons working under a fixed-term employment contract are entitled to a mandatory payment:
- compensation for unused vacation;
- average wages for a forced break from work (as a result of proven illegal dismissal);
- severance pay;
- sick leave.
Adult citizens who have issued a visa and have collected a full package of necessary documents can apply for employment abroad. Knowledge of the language is not always required, but it is an advantage. Work experience in the chosen direction is also always welcome.
Where to find seasonal job vacancies in Finland for foreigners
Vacancies for seasonal work abroad can be searched for through intermediaries, on the Internet, or through advertisements in the local press. In the virtual space, there are a large number of labor exchanges and message boards, which present a variety of employment options for foreign citizens, including seasonal ones. With a sufficiently high level of knowledge of the language, it is possible to contact directly with the employer abroad.
The search for vacancies should begin in winter, as many employers hire personnel as early as May. If you are interested in a part-time job in the winter, check for vacancies in the summer.
Some of the popular Finnish-language resources for finding seasonal work vacancies in Finland are:
- http://www.te-palvelut.fi/te/en/index.html - the official resource for job search from the Ministry of Labor of Finland, which provides a large list of vacancies for seasonal workers;
- http://www.hedelmatmarjat.fi/index.php?section=1 - the official website of the Association of Berry Farms of Finland, which presents a list of farms and farms interested in hiring additional workers;
- https://www.monster.fi - job search by city or industry is available;
- https://tyopaikat.oikotie.fi/haku?sort_by=publication_time&ref=ot_header - search for vacancies by keywords;
- https://www.careerjet.fi - a large portal with the ability to quickly search by city / industry or advanced search with a large number of parameters;
- https://www.uraopas.fi - a portal with a quick search on the main page, which also offers a list of popular employers;
- https://www.tekniikantyot.fi - a portal with a short search on the main page, a list of job categories and a rating of employers;
- https://www.staffpoint.fi - a site with a list of vacancies and a set of useful articles on the topic of employment;
- https://biisoni.fi - a resource with an overview of vacancies by category;
- https://avointyopaikka.fi - bulletin board with traditional quick search by keyword / city.
Among the Russian-language resources, it is recommended to pay attention to the following portals and sites:
- https://eurabota.com/in/finland - European bulletin board, which contains a list of announcements by specialty and country;
- https://24ru.com/rabota-finland - a portal for easy job search in European countries by field of activity;
- http://www.doska.fi/allcat/2 - Finnish bulletin board, through which you can find a job in Helsinki and other cities of interest to you;
- http://www.leto.fi - the official portal of the summer employment program in Finland with detailed information on conditions and vacancies;
- https://ru.jooble.org/rabota/Finland - a popular portal with a special section dedicated to seasonal work in Finnish enterprises;
- https://www.trud.com/abroad/Finland/ - a virtual bulletin board with a large number of proposals;
- https://www.rabota-ipoisk.ru/Watch-V-Finland-work-in-Saint-Petersburg - a portal with a special section on seasonal / rotational work.
Seasonal job offers can also be found on well-known English-language virtual portals:
- https://www.adecco.fi/en-us/ - vacancies are searched for by keyword and location;
- http://www.workinfinland.com - a list of offers for foreign citizens who speak English;
- https://eu.experteer.com - search for seasonal work for high-class professionals and experts;
- https://rekrytointi.com/en/ is a universal bulletin board with a very convenient job search by industry.
If you do not know Finnish or English well enough, it makes sense to entrust the job search to professionals by contacting an employment agency abroad for men and women, in particular, in Finland.
Reputable firms include the following:
- https://www.vps.fi - a recruitment agency in Helsinki, operating since 1987, has offices in Tallinn and Budapest;
- http://www.aarresaari.net is a specialized portal that helps students find employment in Finland.
Another option for selecting a vacancy is direct communication with Finnish employers, in particular, with farms that hire personnel for seasonal work every year.
Large Finnish berry farms for seasonal employment:
| Name | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| Berry farm in Hämeenkosk | Asikkalantie, 822 | [email protected] |
| Berry plantation near Turku | 21570 Sauvo | [email protected]. |
| A farm near Joensuu | Oravisalontie 815, Oravisalo | [email protected] |
Types and conditions of seasonal work in Finland
The period and duration of the season directly depends on the type of work. In general, the season lasts no more than 3-6 months. It can be winter, spring, summer or autumn, as well as combined periods of spring-summer, winter-spring or summer-fall.
When applying for a job, you must be ready to leave home and family for at least 1-3 months.
Seasonal work usually involves a lot of time and physical activity. This kind of work is not suitable for women with small children, people with disabilities and people suffering from serious chronic diseases.
Features of the popular seasonal work in Finland:
| Type of work | Period of the year | How much can you earn per month |
|---|---|---|
| Picking strawberries on plantations | summer | 1000 € |
| Collection of forest mushrooms | summer autumn | 1 kg - 5 € |
| Collection of wild berries (blueberries, lingonberries, cloudberries and others) | July-September | 700 – 1500 € |
| Snow removal | winter spring | 1 hour - 8 € |
| Animal / fish care on farms | year-round | 2000 € |
| Collection of vegetables (cucumbers) | summer autumn | 1 hour - 8 € |
Those who decide to pick mushrooms and berries or remove snow are provided with accommodation and food. Their value is usually deducted from wages. Some employers provide housing for free. Conditions should be clarified in advance.
Labor remuneration for such types of work can be made according to two traditional schemes: hourly or from production. Moreover, these schemes can be combined by the employer during the season.
Therefore, check your wage options in advance so that they do not come as an unpleasant surprise for you.In addition, it should be remembered that the minimum amount of earnings established by Finnish law is 30 € per day. This is a great option for summer students and those who urgently need money.
The standard list of requirements for a seasonal worker in Finland includes the following items:
- age from 18 to 60 years old;
- no bad habits (smoking during the work process is strictly prohibited);
- minimum knowledge of Finnish / English;
- confirmation of qualifications for specialties that require a diploma and work experience.
Harvesting on berry and vegetable plantations
Work on farms for the cultivation of strawberries, raspberries and various vegetables is very popular. Vacancies appear already from May, so the application should be submitted in advance - in winter or spring.
The working day in such farms usually lasts 8 hours. It starts early - at 06.00, and ends at about 15.00. Free time can be spent on exploring the surroundings, walking and traveling to neighboring cities.
Usually farmers hire foreigners to harvest cucumbers, strawberries, cabbage and other crops.
And yet the most popular berry crop in the country is the strawberry. Its collection is measured annually in the country in millions of tons. Fresh berries are supplied to processing organizations or sold to individuals in special stalls near supermarkets or markets.
Roughly half of the planting workers are foreigners who come here to work for 1-3 months. There are not enough own workers, and this is not surprising, since in Finland strawberry plantations occupy about 3.5 thousand hectares.
Seasonal work on livestock and fish farms
The duties of workers on Finnish farms include feeding, walking and cleaning animals, cleaning corrals, and preparing feed. Vacancies are being opened for foreign citizens in cowsheds, pig farms, poultry houses, stud farms and reindeer farms, and fish farms.
The average working day on farms varies between 8-12 hours. Provided 1 day off per week. All processing is paid additionally.
Picking wild berries in Finnish forests
To pick berries and mushrooms in Finnish forests, even private ones, does not require a special permit - anyone can do it. However, the question of selling the product arises, which is why it is better to work through a Finnish intermediary purchasing the product.
Payment for picking wild berries is usually offered by piecework. So your final earnings ultimately depend only on your hard work and perseverance.
You will need to bring your own hygiene items, clothing and forestry equipment. The list of mandatory inventory includes rubber boots, harvesters for picking berries, buckets.
When planning your trip, do not forget about the timing of picking specific types of berries:
- the beginning of the collection of cloudberries in the north of Finland - early August, in the south - mid-July;
- blueberries are harvested in early July;
- lingonberry ripens in late August - early September;
- cranberries ripen at the end of September and can be harvested before the first frost.
Do not forget that the berries should be picked only in good weather and must be peeled (the price of raw materials in this case is much higher). Observe safety rules and try not to harvest berries alone in swampy forests.
Seasonal construction work in Finland
Without work experience and high qualifications, you can get a job as a handyman at a Finnish construction site. Such work does not require a good knowledge of the language, the presence and confirmation of educational documents. However, a work permit is required.
Among the specialists in demand are: concrete workers, monoliths, fitters, formworkers, bricklayers, welders, facade workers.
This option of earning money is an excellent solution for married couples, young people with no work experience, students.
Where else can you apply for seasonal work in Finland
In addition to working on Finnish farms and construction sites, seasonal work in the following specialties is very popular:
- bus drivers on tourist routes;
- waiters at festivals and celebrations;
- nannies during school holidays;
- snow cleaners in Helsinki and other major cities;
- wipers;
- cooks in children's camps and summer student schools;
- operators of production equipment;
- service personnel and administrators at Finnish recreation centers;
- nurses during vacations and rehabilitation of patients.
Payment for labor in these cases is practiced both by piecework and hourly. The work schedule is often a week after a week or a week after two weeks. Applicants may have additional requirements such as work experience, presentable appearance, knowledge of spoken Finnish or English.
Where do seasonal workers live
As a rule, the employer provides a place of residence for its employees, but this does not always do it free of charge. Often, the cost of housing is deducted from wages. The tariff is set on a daily basis and is approximately 2-3 €. Payment for housing is made only in euros.
Accommodation in cottages, rented apartments, campgrounds or construction trailers is designed for several people. Facilities - kitchen, shower and toilet - are shared. Workers are provided with mattresses and pillows. Please bring your own bed linen.
If you are not satisfied with a cottage for several people, no one forbids you to rent a house on your own, but in most cases this is impossible, since plantations and farms are significantly removed from cities.
Food for seasonal workers in Finland
As a rule, meals are provided for a fee (most often to shift workers) or provided by workers on their own. If you buy groceries in the market or in an inexpensive supermarket, on average 6-7 € per day will go out per person.
Average cost of food in Finland:
| Name | Measure | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | 1 loaf / loaf | 1 € |
| Cheese | 1 kg | 6 € |
| Pork | 1 kg | 7,5 € |
| Sausage | 1 kg | 3 € |
| Vegetables (tomatoes and cucumbers) | 1 kg | 2,5 – 3, 5 € |
How to get to a private farm or berry / mushroom picking site
If the transport to the place of picking wild berries and mushrooms is provided by employers, it is always paid separately. Transportation of workers around the farm is free of charge.
You can independently get to the forest or farm by your own or rented car, public transport or taxi. The cost of renting a car in a group is 3-6 € per day, buying a car for a crew of assemblers is about 75 € per person.
Preparation of a package of necessary documents
The mandatory package of documents for employment in Finland for a period of 1 to 6 months in 2021 includes:
- international passport;
- certificate (permit for seasonal work) when working for more than 3 months;
- seasonal work visa for work for less than 3 months;
- residence permit when working for more than 3 months;
- a certificate of receipt of medical care in Finland issued upon arrival;
- an invitation from a Finnish employer;
- confirmation of education and rights to a specific type of activity (if required).
If you register and pay retirement tax, you can expect to receive medical services at the same rates as local residents.
You can send the earned money home through international payment systems or bank transfer.
An important topic is the safety of foreign workers in Finland. In order not to become a victim of scammers, it is mandatory to apply for a job only by an official invitation. Thinking about how to go to work and where, read the reviews, find out in advance the details about working conditions and wages.
In case of difficult situations, you should contact the following organizations in Finland:
- TE Office for North Ostrobothnia (Help Center for Seasonal Workers);
- Työterveyshuolto (Occupational Safety Inspectorate).
Staying in the country for more than 6 months, as well as permanent employment, will require a special visa. Otherwise, the stay of a foreign employee in the country will be recognized as illegal.
If you are applying for a Finnish company or self-employed person, you will need an official invitation from your employer. It is drawn up by the Finnish side and sent to the future employee along with the employment contract. This paper, among other documents, is required for a work visa.
Summing up
Seasonal work for a period of 1 to 6-9 months is a popular form of income for many foreign citizens in Finland. However, it is impossible to engage in this type of activity on a regular tourist visa. You will need to collect a package of documents and get an invitation to work.
It is forbidden to export berries and mushrooms, for example, in the Russian Federation, so every collector must sell them inside the country. On average, such low-skilled jobs can earn up to 1000 - 1500 € per month, not counting the cost of food, transportation to the workplace and accommodation, which are deducted from the income received by the worker. We should not forget about the costs of travel, translation and certification of documents, as well as visa fees. But even taking into account all the associated costs, such a side job is quite profitable.
It is recommended to search for vacancies for Belarusians, Russians and citizens of other CIS countries directly on Finnish websites. In addition to working on farms and plantations, jobs are also open for Russians in the field of tourism. A large number of visitors from the Russian Federation makes Russian-speaking staff in demand at festivals, tourist centers, summer camps and hotels. However, this may require an international driver's license and professional education.
You can find more useful information on this topic in the detailed overview “Working in Finland”.
