Thinking about moving abroad?
Not sure where to start?
Hotel jobs in Finland might be your answer. And the best part? Some employers are now offering visa sponsorship to international workers in 2025.
Yep. You could live and work in one of the safest, cleanest, and most peaceful countries in the world — without needing a fancy degree or years of experience.
Let’s break it down.
Contents
- 1 Why Finland?
- 2 What Hotel Jobs Are Available for Foreigners?
- 3 Can Foreigners Get Visa Sponsorship?
- 4 Real-Life Story: Meet Sarah from Kenya
- 5 Salary for Hotel Jobs in Finland
- 6 Where to Find Hotel Jobs With Sponsorship
- 7 What Are the Requirements?
- 8 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- 9 Pros and Cons
- 10 Extra Tips to Boost Your Chances
- 11 Final Thoughts
Why Finland?
Finland is not just snow and saunas. It’s work-life balance, equal rights, friendly people, and stunning nature.
In 2025, the tourism industry in Finland is growing again — fast. Tourists are pouring in to see the Northern Lights, Lapland, Helsinki’s design scene, and more.
Hotels need staff.
Lots of it.
And locals? Not always lining up for the jobs. That’s where foreign workers come in.
What Hotel Jobs Are Available for Foreigners?
You don’t need to be a hotel management graduate to work in a hotel. Many roles are entry-level and train-on-the-job. Some need experience, sure, but many don’t.
🛎️ Common Hotel Jobs in Finland:
- Housekeeper / Room Attendant – Cleaning rooms, making beds
- Front Desk Receptionist – Welcoming guests, check-in/out (need English)
- Kitchen Assistant / Dishwasher – Back-of-house help
- Waiter / Waitress – Restaurant or room service
- Chef / Cook – If you’ve got skills, even better
- Porter / Bellhop – Helping guests with luggage
- Spa Attendant / Sauna Host – Yes, very Finnish!
Most roles don’t require Finnish — especially in tourist areas where English is enough.
Can Foreigners Get Visa Sponsorship?
Yes, but not from every hotel.
In Finland, to work legally as a non-EU citizen, you need a Residence Permit for Employment. That means the hotel must sponsor your visa by offering you:
- A contract
- A legal wage (around €1,300/month minimum)
- Willingness to help with migration paperwork
Good news? In 2025, more hotels in Lapland, Helsinki, and ski resort towns are actively recruiting abroad and offering sponsorship — especially for winter/summer seasons.
Real-Life Story: Meet Sarah from Kenya
Sarah was 24, working as a hotel cleaner in Nairobi. She applied to a seasonal housekeeping job in Rovaniemi, Finland, through an agency.
They liked her energy. Offered a 6-month contract. Sponsored her visa. Now she’s working in a snow hotel — yes, literally made of ice.
“It’s cold, but the people are warm,” she said. She plans to extend her contract next year.
Salary for Hotel Jobs in Finland
Let’s talk numbers.
💶 Average Monthly Salary:
- Housekeeper: €1,700–€2,200
- Front Desk: €2,000–€2,600
- Kitchen Assistant: €1,800–€2,300
- Chef (experienced): €2,500–€3,800
- Waitstaff (with tips): €2,000–€2,500
Bonuses for:
- Working night shifts
- Weekends/holidays
- Speaking multiple languages
Accommodation is sometimes included for seasonal roles — free or discounted.
Where to Find Hotel Jobs With Sponsorship
Don’t just Google randomly. Use targeted job sites.
🔍 Best Job Boards:
- JobsinFinland.fi – English jobs
- Duunitori.fi – search “hotel” + “English”
- TE-palvelut.fi – official Finnish job site
- Barona.fi – hiring for hotels & hospitality
- Opteam.fi – often posts seasonal hotel jobs
- Lapland Staff – Lapland-focused work (great for winter hotel jobs)
You can also check hotel chains directly:
- Lapland Hotels
- Scandic Hotels Finland
- Radisson Blu Finland
- Holiday Club Resorts
- Sokos Hotels
Tip: Look for “Seasonal Jobs” in Lapland during winter (Nov–Mar) and summer (May–Sep). Easier to get hired and sponsored.
What Are the Requirements?
✅ Basic Requirements:
- Age: 18+
- English speaking (basic or fluent)
- Physically fit for cleaning or standing work
- Friendly, flexible attitude
- No criminal record
- Willing to relocate and work shifts
Not all jobs require experience. But if you have hospitality background — it’s a plus.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the easy-to-follow route:
- Make a CV (in English, highlight hospitality experience)
- Search jobs on Finnish portals or agency websites
- Apply with cover letter (short, clear, personal)
- Interview via Zoom or Teams
- Receive job offer + contract
- Apply for residence permit at migri.fi
- Wait 4–8 weeks for approval
- Fly to Finland and begin your job
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Entry-level jobs available
- Free training or uniform
- Real visa pathway
- Great for starting life in Europe
- Stunning scenery, clean air
- Friendly, safe culture
❌ Cons:
- Cold winters (very cold in Lapland!)
- Long working hours during peak season
- Not all hotels offer visa help
- Hard to save a lot at first
Still — it’s a beautiful stepping stone.
Extra Tips to Boost Your Chances
✔️ Make your CV simple and clear — no long blocks of text
✔️ Add a photo (it’s common in Europe)
✔️ Mention your willingness to relocate
✔️ Apply early — especially for seasonal work
✔️ Learn basic Finnish greetings (shows effort)
✔️ Highlight your customer service attitude
Final Thoughts
Finland is more than snow and reindeer. It’s opportunity.
If you’re dreaming of working abroad but don’t have a degree or don’t speak Finnish — hotel jobs with visa sponsorship could be your way in.
So polish that CV. Practice your interview answers. And apply.
In 2025, Finland is hiring. Your next chapter might start in a hotel room with a snowy view.