Finland international recruitment declines amid bureaucratic hurdles

A recent survey conducted by Finnish Chambers of Commerce reveals that while international recruitment is declining, companies that do hire foreign talent report largely positive experiences. Approximately 24% of surveyed companies have recruited international experts within the last five years, a figure that has dropped from 37% in 2024.

Despite the decline in volume, three-quarters of companies that engaged in international recruitment described their experiences as positive or very positive. Only 4% reported negative experiences. Experts note that corporate sentiment toward international talent is significantly more favorable than public discourse might suggest.

Key obstacles preventing companies from hiring internationally include difficulties in finding talent, complex permit and authority processes, and language barriers. In the Southwest Finland region, nearly half of the respondents cited language skills as a challenge. Experts suggest that streamlining the entry process and reducing the need for physical interactions with authorities could help mitigate these practical hurdles.