Talent Boost Program | A comprehensive guide for international citizens in Finland

About Finland’s Talent Boost Program

Finland is famous for its high-quality education system, innovative industries, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It has been actively seeking to attract global talent to boost its economy and foster a diverse society. The Finnish government started the Talent Boost Program as a strategic initiative designed to attract skilled international professionals, researchers, and students to contribute to the country’s growth and development. This comprehensive blog explores the key aspects of Finland’s Talent Boost Program and provides valuable insights for international citizens seeking opportunities in this Nordic nation.

Talent Boost Program | Background 

Launched in response to demographic changes and labor market needs, Finland’s Talent Boost Program aims to address the challenges of an aging population and increasing demand for skilled workers in various sectors. The program’s main objectives are to attract, retain, and integrate international talent while simultaneously encouraging knowledge exchange and collaboration on a global scale.

Organizations can use the Talent Boost Program to foster a culture that values and invests in its employees, allowing them to fulfill their greatest potential. By providing a defined framework for growth and advancement, the program helps to attract and retain outstanding people.

The government of Prime Minister Sanna Marin has launched it as a cross-administration effort to promote the immigration of senior professionals, employees, students, and researchers. It focuses on attracting talent, critical for Finnish companies’ globalization, expansion, and R&D in the fastest-growing industries. It targets industries where there is a labor shortage. The program aims to increase Finland’s attractiveness to professionals and their families. The project contributes to the government’s target of 75% of employment.

In 2017, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä’s cabinet chose to introduce the Talent Boost scheme, which focuses on international professionals. The governments of Prime Minister Antti Rinne and Prime Minister Marin will continued to implement the program and built it up to incorporate additional labor migration commenced on December 10, 2019. Immigration and integration of foreign researchers and students into Finland will receive greater attention.

Why does Finland need more international talent?

Various assessments have identified the availability of talent as one of the most significant difficulties confronting Finnish businesses, particularly as they seek to expand and become more global. Companies require more trained personnel with diverse specialties than Finland can provide.

To become industry leaders, Finnish companies must be able to attract the top international personnel or those with the most promise. This applies to businesses, higher education institutions, and innovators.

Finland will also require more international talent to compete in the global investment market. Diverse workforce skills and capabilities and simple access to labor are two of the primary reasons why corporations invest in specific countries or regions.

Purpose of Talent Boost Program

• Finland is becoming increasingly popular as a place to live, work, study, research, and invest.
• Employers are willing and able to hire workers from other countries.
• Foreign experts’ knowledge accelerates the globalization and revitalization of Finnish firms and institutions.

Measures taken for the Talent Boost Program

The measures under the Talent Boost initiative are of three types- 

• Recruiting talent.
• Creating immigration legislation and processes.
• Improving the environment for development and retention.

Eligibility and categories

The Talent Boost Program includes various categories catering to the needs of international citizens. These categories include skilled workers, researchers, and so on. Each category has specific eligibility criteria, work permits, and residency regulations, making it crucial for applicants to determine the most suitable path based on their qualifications and aspirations.

Skilled workers

For skilled workers, the program offers streamlined processes to obtain work permits and residence permits.  Finnish employers seek individuals with in-demand skills in sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. The program ensures a smooth transition for successful applicants, facilitating their integration into the Finnish work culture and society.

Researchers

Finland’s research and innovation ecosystem is renowned for its excellence. The Talent Boost Program encourages international researchers to collaborate with Finnish universities, research institutes, and companies. Researcher permits provide access to top-notch facilities and opportunities to participate in groundbreaking projects, fostering a stimulating academic and professional growth environment.

Students

Finland’s education system consistently ranks among the best globally, making it an attractive destination for international students. The Talent Boost Program offers various scholarships and grants to support international students pursuing higher education in Finland. Not only does this enhance the multicultural aspect of Finnish universities, but it also contributes to knowledge sharing and cross-cultural understanding.

Entrepreneurs and startups

Aspiring entrepreneurs and startups find Finland to be a fertile ground for innovation and growth. The Talent Boost Program encourages international entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in Finland, providing favorable policies, access to funding, and a vibrant startup community. Successful entrepreneurs can also avail themselves of permanent residency options.

Application process

Talent Boost Program’s application process varies depending on the category selected. Generally, applicants need to submit required documents, such as educational certificates, work experience, and a detailed business plan (for entrepreneurs). Proficiency in Finnish or English is often necessary, particularly for work and study permits. Utilizing online resources and consulting with Finland’s immigration authorities can assist applicants in understanding the specific requirements and procedures.

Integration and support

Once international citizens get the permits and arrive in Finland, various initiatives are in place to support their integration into Finnish society. Integration programs offer language courses, cultural orientation, and guidance on practical matters such as housing, healthcare, and employment. Such support aims to ensure a smooth transition and enhance the overall experience of living and working in Finland.

Key takeaways

• Finland’s Talent Boost Program is a strategic initiative launched by the government to attract skilled international professionals, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and startups to contribute to the nation’s prosperity and address labor market needs.
• The main objectives of the Talent Boost Program are to attract and retain international talent, encourage knowledge exchange, and foster a diverse and vibrant society in Finland.
• The Talent Boost Program addresses Finland’s need for diverse and skilled talent to compete in the global market, drive innovation, and contribute to the nation’s economic development.

We hope you found this blog informative. If you have any questions or need more information about the program or opportunities in Finland, click here to contact us. Our team will be more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have.

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FAQs

Q1. Does the Talent Boost Program target specific sectors or industries?

Ans- While the Talent Boost Program is relevant across industries, it focuses on domains where professional skills are in high demand, such as technology, research and development, ICT, and healthcare. These industries frequently require particular talents and benefit from the global perspectives of multinational workers.

Q2. Which job is in high demand in Finland?

Ans- Engineers are in high demand in Finland’s labor market. As a result, skilled international engineering experts will find plenty of career possibilities in Finland. 

Q3. What is the cost of living in Finland?

Ans- Finland’s average monthly living expenses range between 600 and 900 EUR. The cost of living depends on the city in which you live and the type of housing you select.