Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by TrendyAcads
“Finland recorded more than 150,000 labour shortages in 2024 across manufacturing, food processing, electronics, logistics, and timber industries.” — Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Finland
Finland is one of the fastest-growing manufacturing hubs in Northern Europe. Known for its clean, safe, and highly automated factories, the country is experiencing severe labour shortages due to an ageing population and expanding industrial demand. As a result, Finnish employers are hiring more foreign workers for factory jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025.
From electronics and machinery to timber production, packaging, metal work, and food processing, Finland offers stable, well-paid opportunities for international applicants — even those with limited experience.
This comprehensive guide covers salaries, visa types, employer lists, requirements, and application steps.
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Why Finland Is Hiring Factory Workers in 2025
Finland’s labour demand is shaped by several economic and demographic factors:
1. Rapidly ageing population
Nearly 30% of Finland’s workforce will retire within the next decade.
2. Strong manufacturing sector
Finland produces:
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electronics
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heavy machinery
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timber & paper products
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metal fabrication
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food & beverage items
3. Labour shortages in rural regions
Many factories are outside big cities, where locals are limited.
4. Government-supported immigration
Finland’s residence permit system encourages hiring foreign labour.
5. Export-driven production
Finnish companies export globally and require consistent factory staffing.
What Factory Jobs in Finland Look Like
Factory roles include:
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operating industrial machines
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sorting and packaging goods
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assembling parts
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handling raw materials
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maintaining production lines
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cleaning production areas
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quality-checking products
Most entry-level roles provide:
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full training
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protective clothing
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stable work schedules
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paid leave
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health insurance
Top Factory Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship 2025
1. Production Line Workers
Tasks:
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assembling small and large components
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monitoring conveyor belts
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sorting items
Salary: €2,000 – €2,500/month
2. Packaging & Labeling Assistants
Tasks:
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packing finished goods
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applying labels
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inspecting product quality
Salary: €1,900 – €2,400/month
3. Machine Operators (Entry-Level Accepted)
Tasks:
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operating automated machines
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adjusting settings
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basic maintenance
Salary: €2,200 – €2,900/month
4. Food Processing Factory Workers
Industries:
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dairy
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meat processing
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bakery
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beverages
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fish processing (high demand)
Salary: €2,000 – €2,600/month
Fish processing roles often include accommodation.
5. Metal & Engineering Factories
Industries:
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welding support
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metal cutting
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industrial assembly
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automotive parts
Salary: €2,200 – €3,200/month
6. Timber & Paper Production Workers
Tasks:
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wood cutting support
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packaging
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machine assistance
Salary: €2,000 – €2,800/month
Finland’s forestry industry is one of the largest in Europe.
Visa Options for Factory Workers in Finland
Foreigners typically apply under the Residence Permit for Employment.
1. Residence Permit for Employees (Työntekijän Oleskelulupa)
The most common visa for factory jobs.
Requirements:
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a valid job offer
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employer meets salary requirements
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applicant meets health & character checks
Permit length: 1–2 years, renewable.
2. Specialist Residence Permit
For technical/experienced factory roles.
3. Seasonal Work Visa (Short-Term Jobs)
Used for:
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food processing
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timber-related factory work
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berry & agricultural-linked factories
Valid for 3–9 months.
4. EU Blue Card
Not for unskilled factory roles, but available for high-skill technicians.
Top Companies Hiring Factory Workers in Finland
Electronics & Machinery
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Nokia
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ABB Finland
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Valmet
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Konecranes
Food Processing
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HKScan
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Valio
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Fazer Bakeries
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Atria Plc
Metal & Heavy Industry
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Wärtsilä
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Outokumpu
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SSAB Europe
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Metso Outotec
Packaging & Plastics
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Huhtamaki
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Walki Group
Timber & Paper
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UPM-Kymmene
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Stora Enso
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Metsä Group
These companies often hire through direct applications or recruitment agencies.
Salary Breakdown for Factory Jobs in Finland
| Job Role | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Production Worker | €2,000 – €2,500 |
| Packaging Assistant | €1,900 – €2,400 |
| Machine Operator | €2,200 – €2,900 |
| Food Factory Worker | €2,000 – €2,600 |
| Metal Worker | €2,200 – €3,200 |
| Timber/Paper Factory Worker | €2,000 – €2,800 |
Finland also pays:
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shift allowances
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weekend bonuses
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holiday bonuses
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overtime pay
Cost of Living in Finland (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | €300 – €500 |
| Food | €200 – €300 |
| Transport | €40 – €70 |
| Utilities | €50 – €120 |
Affordable areas:
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Oulu
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Lahti
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Tampere
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Joensuu
Expensive:
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Helsinki region
Requirements for Factory Jobs in Finland
General requirements:
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valid passport
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job offer
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employer sponsorship
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clean criminal record
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medical suitability
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basic English or Finnish
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proof of accommodation
Optional:
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forklift license
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factory experience
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How to Apply for Factory Jobs in Finland (Step-by-Step)
1 — Prepare a Finnish-style CV
Short, skills-focused, clean layout.
2 — Apply through trusted platforms
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TE-Palvelut (Finland’s official job portal)
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LinkedIn
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Mol.fi
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Indeed Finland
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Barona
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Opteam
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Company career websites
3 — Interview
Employers check:
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communication skills
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physical ability
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willingness to work shifts
4 — Receive job contract + sponsorship documents
5 — Apply for the Finnish Residence Permit
Submit through:
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Enter Finland portal
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Finnish embassy
Documents include:
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passport
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employment contract
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criminal record
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accommodation info
6 — Wait for approval (4–10 weeks)
7 — Travel to Finland & begin work
Can Factory Workers Get Permanent Residency in Finland?
YES — Finland offers a strong pathway to PR.
After 4 Years → Permanent Residence
After 5 Years → Eligibility for Citizenship (with language requirement)
Family reunification allowed
Factory workers often move into:
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machine technician roles
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quality control
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warehouse supervisors
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engineering support
FAQs
1. Do Finnish factories hire foreigners?
Yes — especially in food processing, metal work, logistics, and packaging.
2. Do I need Finnish language?
Not for every role; many workplaces use English.
3. Do factories provide accommodation?
Some located in rural areas do.
4. What is the age limit?
No strict age limit.
5. Do I need experience?
Not always — training is provided for many entry-level roles.
Factory jobs in Finland offer stable pay, safe working conditions, and a clear pathway to long-term residency. With shortages across food processing, metal work, timber, electronics, and logistics, 2025 presents strong opportunities for foreigners seeking visa-sponsored employment.
If you’re looking for a modern, clean, well-paid manufacturing environment with excellent worker protections, Finland is an exceptional choice.