Have you been working as a caregiver, nanny, health assistant, or support worker for many years, but you still dream of moving abroad for better pay and a stable future? If you have 10 years, 15 years, or even 17 years of caregiving experience, then Finland might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Many people think Finland is hard to move to because of language or strict requirements. But the truth is: Finland urgently needs thousands of caregivers, especially elderly care workers, home support workers, and nursing assistants. And if you already have long-term experience, Finland sees you as a valuable worker.
This blog post breaks everything down in simple language. If you’ve ever asked yourself questions like:
Then keep reading — this is your complete guide.
Why Finland Needs Caregivers: The Real Story
Think of Finland like a quiet, peaceful country where people live long lives. Life expectancy is high, families are smaller, and the population is aging fast. This creates a huge worker shortage in:
According to Finland’s workforce projections, the country will need thousands of foreign caregivers every year just to fill the gap.
This means your experience is your biggest strength.
What Makes Finland a Great Option for Caregivers?
Let’s be honest — we all want a place that offers stability, fair pay, and respect for workers. Finland is known for:
✔ High salaries
Caregivers in Finland earn between €2,000 to €2,800 per month, and the pay increases with experience.
✔ Safe and peaceful living
Finland is consistently ranked the safest country in the world.
✔ Worker rights are strong
You get:
✔ Pathway to permanent residency
After a few years of legal work, you can qualify for permanent residence — and later citizenship.
✔ Family reunification
Your spouse and children can join you after you start working.
Can 17 Years of Experience Help You Get a Caregiver Job in Finland?
Absolutely — YES.
Many applicants worry that they don’t have a university certificate. But the Finnish system values work experience, especially long-term experience like:
If you have 10+, 15+, or 17 years of experience, employers will see you as someone who:
In simple words: You are exactly who Finland is looking for.
Do You Need a Degree to Work as a Caregiver in Finland?
Not necessarily.
Here’s how it works:
✔ If you have formal training:
Great — you will be classified under “Practical Nurse” or “Elderly Care Worker.”
✔ If you ONLY have experience (no certificate):
You can still apply as:
These roles let you enter Finland, get trained, and later qualify for a higher caregiving license.
So don’t worry about degrees — experience matters more.
Do You Need to Speak Finnish to Apply?
This is the biggest question.
Short answer:
You don’t need perfect Finnish to apply, but you will need basic Finnish before starting the job.
Good news:
Most employers provide:
Many caregivers start at level A1 and grow to A2 over time.
If you already know a little Finnish, that’s a bonus, but it is not mandatory to begin the process.
What Visa Do You Apply For? (Simple Explanation)
You apply for the Finland Care Worker Residence Permit, under these categories:
1. Care Assistant / Practical Nurse
Most caregivers use this pathway.
2. Worker Residence Permit
This is for direct employment in care homes, hospitals, or home care services.
3. Specialist Permit (rare)
For those with higher medical certifications.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Caregiver Jobs in Finland (Direct From Abroad)
Now let’s break everything down like a simple checklist.
STEP 1: Prepare a Finnish-Style CV
This is extremely important. Finnish employers want:
Your CV should include:
STEP 2: Create a Strong Cover Letter
Your cover letter should answer:
This is where your 17 years of experience becomes a big advantage.
STEP 3: Apply Directly to Finnish Employers
Here are the main websites where you can find real caregiver jobs:
1. Valvira Hospitals & Care Services
They list government-approved healthcare jobs.
2. TE-Palvelut (Finland Official Job Portal)
This is where most employers post vacancies.
3. Private Care Companies like:
These companies regularly hire from abroad.
4. Job Boards
STEP 4: Employer Interview
Most interviews happen on:
Employers usually ask:
STEP 5: Employer Offers Contract
Once you succeed:
✔ You receive a job contract
✔ Employer requests your documents
✔ Employer begins Valvira registration assistance
This contract is what you use for your visa application.
STEP 6: Apply for the Caregiver Visa (Residence Permit)
You submit:
You submit everything on the Enter Finland portal.
STEP 7: Attend Biometrics
Go to VFS or the Finnish Embassy in your country.
STEP 8: Wait for Approval
Processing time is usually 1–3 months depending on your country.
STEP 9: Travel to Finland
Your employer will guide you on:
Salary in Finland for Caregivers (2025/2026)
Here is what you can expect:
With experience like yours (17 years), you will likely start on the higher end.
Responsibilities of a Caregiver in Finland
The duties are similar to what you already do:
Most employers train you properly before assigning tasks.
Is There an Age Limit for Finland Caregiver Visa?
No strict age limit.
Most caregivers in Finland are between 25–60 years old, and many foreign workers arrive in their 40s or 50s.
Your 17 years of experience actually makes you look MORE qualified.
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes.
After you start working and meet the financial requirement, you can apply for:
Many African caregivers successfully bring their families after 6–12 months.
Common Questions Caregivers Ask
1. Can I apply without any language?
Yes — many employers train you from zero.
2. Do I need IELTS?
No. Finnish visa does not require IELTS.
3. Can I apply without a certificate?
Yes, as “Care Assistant.” Experience is key.
4. Can I get permanent residency?
Yes, after a few years of continuous work.
5. How long is the contract?
Most employers offer 2–4 years, renewable.
6. Can men apply?
Yes! Many male caregivers work in Finland.
Final Advice: Your Experience Is Your Power
If you have:
Then you stand a strong chance.
Finland prefers experienced, patient, and reliable workers — and that is exactly who long-term caregivers are.
The journey may look big, but every person who has moved abroad started with one step:
sending the first application.
So ask yourself:
Why not you? Why not now?
Your skills are needed.
Your experience is valuable.
Finland has open doors — walk in confidently.
