Employment contract (tyosopimus)

Detailed explanation

In Finland, an employment contract can be written, oral, or even implied through actions. However, a written contract is strongly recommended and is standard practice. The employer is legally required to provide written information about the main terms of employment within one month of starting work, even if there's no formal written contract.

The contract establishes the fundamental relationship between you and your employer. It should clearly state your job title and duties, salary, working hours, workplace location, and whether the position is permanent (toistaiseksi voimassa oleva) or fixed-term (maaraaikainen). Fixed-term contracts must have a valid reason, such as project work, seasonal needs, or substituting for someone on leave.

Finnish employment law provides strong protections that cannot be waived even by contract. This means any terms in your contract that give you fewer rights than the law requires are invalid. Additionally, if a collective agreement (TES) applies to your workplace, its terms override conflicting contract provisions that are less favorable to you.

How it affects expats

• •Language rights: You can request the contract in a language you understand, though Finnish/Swedish are official

• •Residence permit link: Your work permit may be tied to a specific employer, making the contract especially important

• •Review before signing: Take time to understand all terms; ask for clarification on anything unclear

• •Keep copies: Always keep your own copy of the signed contract and any amendments

• •Verbal promises: Get any promises made during interviews in writing in the contract

What to look for

• •Salary (gross monthly amount) and payment schedule

• •Working hours (typically 37.5-40 hours/week)

• •Job title and main duties

• •Trial period length (if any)

• •Notice period for both parties

• •Which collective agreement (TES) applies

• •Start date and contract type (permanent/fixed-term)

• •Workplace location and any remote work arrangements

Related terms

• •Probation period (Koeaika) — An initial period in an employment relationship with special termination rules

• •Collective agreement (TES) — Industry-wide minimum employment conditions in Finland, set by collective bargaining

• •Notice period (Irtisanomisaika) — The required time between giving notice and the employment ending

• •Palkka (Salary) — Finnish term for salary or wages