Finland has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreigners seeking agricultural employment, thanks to its strong labor laws, excellent living standards, and competitive salaries.
In 2025, the demand for farm workers in Finland is expected to remain high, with employers offering attractive packages that include visa sponsorship, free or subsidized accommodation, and an annual salary averaging $35,000 or more. This is a rare opportunity for job seekers who want stable employment in a country known for its clean environment, fair wages, and respect for workers’ rights.
The country’s agricultural industry covers a wide range of farming activities, from dairy and poultry farming to crop cultivation and greenhouse work. Seasonal harvest jobs, livestock management, and greenhouse operations are common entry points for foreigners.
As Finland continues to face labor shortages in the agricultural sector, more employers are opening their doors to international workers, particularly those who can commit to longer contracts and bring reliability to their farm operations.
One of the reasons Finland attracts foreign farm workers is its structured visa process for labor migration. With the right visa sponsorship, skilled or semi-skilled workers can legally enter and work in the country without facing unnecessary legal or employment risks. This makes the opportunity not only financially rewarding but also secure from a legal standpoint.
Moreover, farm jobs in Finland are not limited to locals or EU citizens. Non-EU workers, including those from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are welcomed as long as they meet the employer’s requirements and secure the correct visa type. Some employers even cover the cost of travel and provide work-related training, making it easier for first-time workers to adapt.
With competitive pay rates, free housing in many cases, and the chance to live in one of the safest countries in the world, farm work in Finland offers a rare combination of career opportunity and lifestyle improvement.
The following sections will detail the skills required, best-paying regions, salary expectations, hiring companies, visa types, and the application process so you can take full advantage of this opportunity in 2025.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
For foreigners looking to secure farm jobs in Finland, the requirements vary depending on the specific role, but most entry-level farm positions do not demand advanced academic qualifications.
Instead, employers value practical skills, physical endurance, and a willingness to work in different weather conditions. Since Finland has long winters and short summers, workers must be adaptable to both cold and warm working environments.
Basic skills that employers typically expect include knowledge of planting, harvesting, irrigation, and basic animal care. Experience in operating simple farm machinery, such as tractors, milking machines, or greenhouse equipment, can give you an advantage.
While not all employers require prior farming experience, candidates with a background in agriculture often receive faster job offers and better pay rates.
Language skills can also make a difference. While Finnish is the official language, many farm owners, especially those who hire foreigners, use English as the working language. Having at least basic English communication skills will help in understanding instructions, reporting work progress, and ensuring workplace safety. Some employers even provide language training to help workers settle in more comfortably.
Physical fitness is another key factor. Farm jobs in Finland involve long hours and physically demanding work, especially during the harvest season when the workload peaks. Employers look for workers who can handle repetitive tasks such as lifting, bending, or standing for extended periods without difficulty.
In addition to practical and physical skills, reliability and a strong work ethic are highly valued. Finnish employers often provide free accommodation and sometimes meals, so they want employees who are punctual, respectful of workplace rules, and committed to completing their contracts. Since some roles involve caring for animals, employers also prefer workers who are compassionate and responsible.
While a formal education in agriculture is not mandatory, possessing a farming certificate or completing short agricultural training courses can boost your chances. Employers also appreciate candidates who have worked on family farms or have participated in seasonal agricultural projects in their home countries.
For visa sponsorship, you will also need to meet basic immigration requirements, which include being over 18 years old, having a clean criminal record, and passing a medical examination. These requirements ensure that you can legally work in Finland and maintain good health while performing physically demanding tasks.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Finland’s farming industry is spread across the country, but payment structures vary depending on location, type of farming, and demand for labor. In 2025, some regions are expected to offer higher salaries due to labor shortages, the complexity of the work, or the cost of living in those areas.
The southern regions, such as Uusimaa and Southwest Finland, tend to offer higher wages because they are closer to urban centers and specialize in greenhouse farming, dairy production, and high-value crops.
Employers in these areas often pay more to attract workers who might otherwise choose city-based jobs. Additionally, these regions benefit from longer growing seasons compared to the north, allowing for more consistent work throughout the year.
Central Finland, including regions like Pirkanmaa and South Ostrobothnia, also offers competitive salaries, particularly in large-scale grain and livestock farming. These areas require skilled workers to operate modern farming machinery, which often translates into higher pay rates.
The farms here are generally larger, and employers tend to offer year-round contracts, making them attractive to foreign workers seeking stability. In northern Finland, particularly in Lapland, salaries can be equally high or higher due to the challenging working conditions.
The region has fewer workers willing to endure the colder climate, so employers compensate with higher wages and additional benefits such as free winter clothing, heated accommodation, and transport allowances. Seasonal work, like berry picking and reindeer herding, is common here, and pay rates can be lucrative during peak seasons.
The differences in salary across these regions are also influenced by the type of crops or livestock being produced. For example, dairy farms may offer steady, long-term contracts with competitive pay, while seasonal crop farms might offer higher short-term wages to meet urgent labor demands during harvest.
It is worth noting that cost of living varies by region. While southern Finland offers higher wages, living costs are also higher, which might affect your savings potential. In contrast, working in rural northern or central regions could allow you to save more money even with slightly lower wages, especially if the employer provides free or subsidized accommodation and meals.
Salary Expectations for Farm Workers
In 2025, farm workers in Finland can expect competitive salaries compared to other European countries offering similar roles. The average annual salary for full-time farm workers ranges from $30,000 to $40,000, with most positions including benefits such as free housing, work clothing, and in some cases, transportation.
Hourly wages for farm jobs typically range between €10 and €15, depending on experience, skills, and job complexity. Seasonal workers who are paid by the hour can earn extra by working overtime during busy harvest periods. Some employers offer piece-rate pay, especially for berry picking and greenhouse tasks, where faster workers can significantly increase their earnings.
One of the biggest financial advantages for foreign farm workers in Finland is the inclusion of free or subsidized accommodation in employment contracts. This can save you thousands of euros per year, allowing you to retain a larger portion of your earnings. In rural areas, employers may also provide free transportation to and from work, further reducing expenses.
Experienced farm workers with specialized skills, such as operating advanced machinery or managing livestock health, can command higher wages. Supervisory positions or roles requiring year-round commitment also tend to pay more, often exceeding the $40,000 mark annually.
For those who choose to stay in Finland long-term, there are opportunities to progress to farm management positions with salaries above $50,000 per year.
Seasonal jobs usually pay slightly less on an annual basis due to shorter contract lengths, but they can be a good starting point for newcomers. Many seasonal workers transition to full-time roles after proving their reliability and skills.
When evaluating salary offers, it is important to consider the overall benefits package. While a job in an urban area might offer slightly higher pay, the associated living costs could reduce your net savings. On the other hand, rural farm jobs often provide more generous benefits, making them more financially rewarding in the long run.
Companies Hiring Delivery Farm Workers in Finland
Several reputable companies in Finland are actively hiring delivery farm workers in 2025, especially as agricultural exports continue to expand. Delivery farm workers play a crucial role in ensuring that fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other farm goods reach wholesalers, retailers, and processing facilities on time. This part of the agricultural supply chain is vital, and employers value workers who are both reliable and efficient.
Large agricultural cooperatives, such as Valio Ltd., one of Finland’s largest dairy producers, frequently hire farm workers who also handle delivery responsibilities. These companies operate across the country and often offer competitive pay, free accommodation, and visa sponsorship for foreign employees who meet their requirements.
Working for such organizations can provide stable employment and the chance to gain experience in both farm work and logistics.
Smaller family-owned farms also hire delivery farm workers, especially in rural areas where transportation to market is essential. These roles often combine standard farm duties, like feeding animals or harvesting crops, with driving and delivering produce to customers or markets. While these positions may not offer the same large-scale operations as corporate farms, they often provide a more personal working environment, which some workers prefer.
Greenhouse operators, particularly those growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs for commercial sale, also require delivery workers to distribute their goods across Finland. These jobs can be more predictable than seasonal harvest work since greenhouses often produce year-round. Employers in this sector value candidates who can maintain quality control during transport, as freshness directly impacts market prices.
In the poultry and meat production industries, companies such as HKScan and Atria hire workers to help deliver processed meat products to various distribution points. These roles often require attention to food safety regulations and proper handling of perishable goods, which can increase job security for workers who demonstrate reliability.
Foreign workers applying for delivery farm positions in Finland should be aware that a valid driver’s license is often a requirement, and in some cases, employers prefer candidates with prior delivery or logistics experience.
However, many are willing to provide on-the-job training, especially for those who show commitment and readiness to learn. With visa sponsorship and full support from employers, these positions can be a gateway to long-term work in Finland’s agricultural sector.
Visa Types and Options for Farm Workers
Foreigners seeking farm work in Finland must apply for the correct visa or residence permit to work legally in the country. The main visa option for non-EU citizens is the “Residence Permit for an Employed Person” under the agricultural worker category. This permit is granted based on a valid job offer from a Finnish employer and is linked directly to your work contract.
Seasonal workers, such as those employed in berry picking or short-term harvest jobs, can apply for a Seasonal Work Visa, which allows employment for up to nine months.
This option is popular among workers who want to earn money during peak agricultural seasons without committing to a full-year stay. Seasonal work visas are generally processed faster, making them an attractive option for first-time applicants.
For long-term positions, the Residence Permit for an Employed Person is the better choice. This permit is typically issued for one to two years and can be renewed if the employment relationship continues.
Employers who sponsor visas often assist workers through the application process, providing necessary documents such as a signed employment contract, proof of accommodation, and confirmation of salary.
Some agricultural employers hire workers through recruitment agencies that specialize in bringing foreign labor to Finland. In such cases, the agency may coordinate visa processing, travel arrangements, and even pre-departure training. While this adds convenience, it is essential for workers to ensure the agency is legitimate and licensed to operate.
Applicants must meet certain basic requirements for all work-related visas. These include being over 18 years old, having no criminal record, possessing a valid passport, and passing a health check to confirm the ability to perform physical labor.
Additionally, proof of financial stability may be required for short-term visas, although long-term employment contracts typically fulfill this requirement.
The good news for foreign farm workers is that Finland’s government actively supports labor migration in sectors facing shortages, such as agriculture. This means visa approval rates for genuine job offers in farming are generally high. With proper documentation and a committed employer, the path to working legally in Finland’s agricultural sector is straightforward.
Where to Find Farm Jobs Opportunities
Finding farm job opportunities in Finland requires knowing the right places to search and the best strategies to approach potential employers. Many agricultural companies and farms now advertise vacancies online, making it easier for foreign applicants to connect with hiring managers before arriving in Finland.
One of the most reliable sources for job listings is Finland’s official employment service, TE-palvelut, which regularly posts vacancies for farm workers, seasonal pickers, and delivery staff. International job portals like EURES (European Employment Services) also feature listings from Finnish employers seeking foreign labor, complete with information on salary, accommodation, and visa sponsorship.
Private recruitment agencies specializing in agricultural labor are another option. These agencies maintain relationships with farms across Finland and can match candidates with suitable employers. While using an agency can speed up the job search, it is important to verify their credibility before committing.
Social media has also become a powerful tool for finding farm jobs. Many employers post openings on Facebook groups dedicated to seasonal work in Finland or on LinkedIn. Joining such groups allows job seekers to interact directly with employers, ask questions, and apply for positions in real time.
For those who already have contacts in Finland, networking can be a direct route to employment. Friends or family members working in agriculture may recommend you to their employers, increasing your chances of securing a job quickly. Word-of-mouth recommendations carry weight in rural communities, where employers value trusted referrals.
In addition to online searches, checking the websites of large agricultural companies like Valio, HKScan, and Atria can yield direct job postings. These companies often maintain career pages with application portals where you can submit your CV and supporting documents.
How to Apply for Farm Jobs as a Foreigner in Finland
Applying for farm jobs in Finland as a foreigner begins with securing a valid job offer. Employers typically request a detailed CV highlighting relevant skills, previous work experience, and language abilities. For farm roles, emphasize any agricultural or physical labor experience you have, as well as your ability to work in various weather conditions.
Once you have identified a suitable position, submit your application directly to the employer or through the platform where the job was advertised. Attach any supporting documents such as a scanned copy of your passport, proof of qualifications, and references from previous employers. A well-prepared application increases your chances of standing out in a competitive hiring process.
If the employer decides to hire you, they will issue a formal job offer and provide necessary paperwork for your visa application. At this stage, you will need to apply for the appropriate work visa or residence permit through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply as early as possible.
Some employers arrange interviews via video calls to assess your suitability for the role. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience, availability, and willingness to commit to the duration of the contract. Demonstrating enthusiasm and reliability can make a strong impression.
After visa approval, you can make travel arrangements to Finland. Employers who offer accommodation will provide details about housing, transportation from the airport, and job orientation schedules. Upon arrival, you will also need to register with the local population registry and obtain a tax card, which allows your employer to deduct the correct amount of tax from your salary.
Working in Finland as a farm laborer can be a stepping stone to long-term residence. Consistent employment and good performance may lead to contract extensions, salary increases, and eventually, permanent residency opportunities. For motivated foreign workers, this is more than just a seasonal job — it’s a chance to build a stable career in one of the most desirable countries to live and work.
