Finland, a country renowned for its world-class healthcare system, aging population, and commitment to quality care, is facing an increasing demand for qualified nurses in 2025. With a shortage of local nursing staff, the Finnish government and healthcare employers are actively recruiting international nurses by offering visa sponsorship.
If you are a nurse seeking a rewarding career abroad with excellent work conditions, competitive salaries, and long-term residency opportunities, then nursing jobs in Finland with visa sponsorship 2025 may be the perfect fit.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about nursing careers in Finland — including job descriptions, eligibility requirements, employee details, benefits, salary ranges, visa sponsorship, and the application process.
Why Choose Nursing Jobs in Finland in 2025?
Working as a nurse in Finland comes with unique advantages, making it one of the most attractive destinations for healthcare professionals worldwide.
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High Demand for Nurses: Finland’s aging population requires more nurses in hospitals, elderly care homes, and community healthcare centers.
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Visa Sponsorship: Employers are ready to sponsor international nurses to fill the labor gap.
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Excellent Work Conditions: Finland is known for its fair working hours, safe workplace environments, and modern healthcare facilities.
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High Salaries: Finnish nurses earn competitive salaries compared to other EU countries.
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Career Growth: Opportunities to advance into specialized nursing, midwifery, or management roles.
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Pathway to Residency: Long-term contracts may lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
Employee Details and Job Descriptions
International nurses in Finland work in a variety of healthcare settings. Here are the common nursing job roles available in 2025:
1. Registered Nurses (RNs)
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Providing direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare.
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Monitoring patient health, administering medications, and assisting with recovery.
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Educating patients and families about treatment plans.
2. Elderly Care Nurses
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Working in nursing homes and elderly care facilities.
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Assisting elderly patients with daily living activities.
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Offering medical and emotional support.
3. Surgical Nurses
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Assisting surgeons during operations.
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Preparing surgical equipment and ensuring sterile conditions.
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Monitoring patients pre- and post-surgery.
4. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses
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Caring for critically ill patients in intensive care wards.
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Operating specialized medical equipment.
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Providing life-saving interventions when necessary.
5. Community Health Nurses
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Working outside hospital settings to support public health initiatives.
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Conducting home visits for chronically ill or elderly patients.
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Promoting health awareness in communities.
6. Pediatric Nurses
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Specializing in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
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Administering vaccinations, monitoring growth, and providing parental guidance.
7. Mental Health Nurses
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Supporting patients with psychiatric and psychological conditions.
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Working alongside doctors, psychologists, and therapists.
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Developing patient rehabilitation and treatment plans.
Job Eligibility Requirements for Nursing Jobs in Finland 2025
To work as a nurse in Finland, international applicants must meet certain requirements. These vary depending on the position, but generally include:
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Education:
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A bachelor’s degree or diploma in nursing.
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For specialized roles, postgraduate training may be required.
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Professional License:
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Must be licensed as a nurse in your home country.
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Registration with Valvira (The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health in Finland) is mandatory for foreign nurses.
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Work Experience:
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At least 1–3 years of nursing experience is preferred.
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Language Skills:
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Proficiency in English is accepted initially.
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Knowledge of Finnish or Swedish is highly valued and sometimes required for patient communication.
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Health & Fitness:
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Good physical and mental health to handle demanding work conditions.
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Visa Requirements:
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Must be eligible for a Finnish work visa or residence permit.
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Benefits of Nursing Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship
Nursing jobs in Finland offer a wide range of benefits for foreign workers:
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Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Assistance – Employers assist with visa applications, work permits, and travel arrangements.
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Competitive Salaries – Nurses earn between €2,400 – €4,500 per month, depending on experience and specialization.
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Healthcare & Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage provided.
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Paid Leave – Annual paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
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Accommodation Assistance – Some employers provide free or subsidized housing.
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Training & Development – Opportunities for further education and specialization.
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Work-Life Balance – Finnish labor laws ensure reasonable working hours and overtime pay.
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Permanent Residency Pathway – Long-term contracts allow nurses to apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.
Salary Range for Nurses in Finland (2025)
The salary for nurses in Finland depends on the role, level of experience, and location of work.
Nursing Role | Average Monthly Salary (€) |
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Registered Nurse (RN) | €2,400 – €3,000 |
Elderly Care Nurse | €2,500 – €3,200 |
Surgical Nurse | €2,800 – €3,800 |
ICU Nurse | €3,000 – €4,200 |
Pediatric Nurse | €2,600 – €3,400 |
Mental Health Nurse | €2,700 – €3,600 |
Nurse Supervisor/Manager | €3,500 – €4,500 |
Visa Application Process for Nursing Jobs in Finland 2025
Foreign nurses must apply for a Residence Permit for Work (Employment-based Visa) to work legally in Finland. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
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Apply to Finnish hospitals, clinics, and elderly care centers.
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Ensure the employer is willing to sponsor your visa.
Step 2: Employer’s Role
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The employer submits a job contract and sponsorship details to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).
Step 3: Register with Valvira
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Foreign nurses must apply for professional recognition and licensing with Valvira before starting work.
Step 4: Apply for Residence Permit
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Submit your application online via the Enter Finland portal.
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Pay the application fee (€490–€520).
Step 5: Submit Required Documents
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Valid passport.
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Job contract from a Finnish healthcare employer.
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Proof of nursing qualifications.
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Health insurance.
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Proof of sufficient funds.
Step 6: Biometrics & Embassy Interview
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Attend an interview at the nearest Finnish embassy or consulate.
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Submit fingerprints and required documents.
Step 7: Wait for Approval
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Processing usually takes 2–4 months.
Step 8: Relocate to Finland
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Once approved, receive your residence permit card and travel to Finland.
Application Process for Nursing Jobs in Finland
Follow these steps to apply successfully for nursing jobs in Finland in 2025:
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Update Your CV – Highlight your nursing qualifications, certifications, and experience.
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Prepare a Cover Letter – Explain why you want to work in Finland and your ability to adapt.
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Search for Jobs – Apply via Finnish job portals, recruitment agencies, or directly to hospitals.
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Interview Preparation – Be ready for online/video interviews with potential employers.
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Get a Job Offer – Secure an official contract with visa sponsorship.
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Register with Valvira – Apply for professional recognition to practice nursing.
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Apply for Residence Permit – Complete your visa application through the Finnish Immigration Service.
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Relocate & Begin Work – Move to Finland to start your nursing career.
Required Documents for Job and Visa Application
To apply for nursing jobs and the Finnish work visa, you need the following documents:
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Updated CV and cover letter.
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Valid passport.
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Recent passport-size photographs.
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Nursing degree/diploma certificate.
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Nursing license from home country.
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Professional recognition certificate from Valvira.
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Signed employment contract.
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Police clearance certificate.
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Medical certificate.
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Proof of accommodation in Finland.
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Proof of financial stability.
Challenges for Foreign Nurses in Finland
While nursing in Finland is rewarding, foreign nurses may face some challenges:
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Language Barriers: Finnish or Swedish is often required for direct patient care.
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Cultural Differences: Adjusting to Finnish workplace culture may take time.
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Weather Conditions: Long, cold winters may be difficult for newcomers.
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Recognition Process: Registration with Valvira can be time-consuming.
Tips to Overcome Challenges:
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Start learning Finnish before relocation.
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Join cultural integration programs.
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Connect with international nurse communities in Finland.
Future Outlook for Nursing Jobs in Finland
The demand for nurses in Finland is projected to increase beyond 2025 due to:
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Aging population and rising healthcare needs.
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Expansion of healthcare infrastructure.
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Retirement of existing nursing workforce.
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Government incentives for hiring international nurses.
This ensures that foreign nurses will continue to play a vital role in Finland’s healthcare system in the coming years.
Conclusion
Nursing jobs in Finland with visa sponsorship 2025 offer international nurses an incredible opportunity to build their careers in one of the best healthcare systems in the world. With competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and pathways to permanent residency, Finland is an ideal destination for healthcare professionals.
By understanding the job descriptions, eligibility requirements, benefits, salary ranges, and visa processes, you can take the right steps toward securing a rewarding nursing career in Finland.