Overtime (ylityo)

Detailed explanation

Finnish working time law regulates how much overtime you can work and how it must be compensated. Regular working hours are typically 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Work beyond these limits is considered overtime and requires your consent, except in emergencies. The law limits overtime to 138 hours per 4-month period and 250 hours per year, though collective agreements may allow higher limits under certain conditions.

Overtime compensation is higher than regular pay. Finnish law mandates that the first two hours of daily overtime are paid at 150% of your normal hourly rate (50% supplement), and hours beyond that at 200% (100% supplement). Weekly overtime follows similar rules. Alternatively, you can agree with your employer to receive compensatory time off instead of extra pay, though this must be mutually agreed.

Some roles, particularly managerial and specialist positions, may have different working time arrangements. If you're in a senior position with significant independent decision-making authority, you might not be covered by standard overtime rules. This should be clearly specified in your contract.

How it affects expats

• •Know your rights: Overtime is voluntary in most cases; you can decline unless there's an emergency

• •Track your hours: Keep your own record of working hours to verify payslip accuracy

• •Cultural expectations: Some workplaces expect flexibility, but compensation is still required

• •Check your contract: Ensure any special working time arrangements are clearly documented

• •Time off option: You can often choose compensatory leave instead of extra pay

Typical overtime rates

• •First 2 hours daily: 150% of hourly wage (1.5x)

• •Beyond 2 hours daily: 200% of hourly wage (2x)

• •Sunday and holidays: Often 200% base rate, with additional overtime supplements

• •Example: If your hourly rate is 20 euros, overtime hours 1-2 pay 30 euros/hour, and hours 3+ pay 40 euros/hour

Related terms

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

• •Payslip (Palkkalaskelma) — A breakdown of your salary, deductions, and payments for a pay period

• •Employment contract (Tyosopimus) — Your agreement with an employer covering duties, pay, working time, and key terms

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