Information for International Members
The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland actively advocates for and safeguards its members’ interests through several means.
Trade union membership is common in Finland and is generally regarded as an established part of the labour market system. The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland (Insinööriliitto), affiliated with Akava, represents highly educated professionals in technical fields. The union is actively involved in collective bargaining at both national and local levels, contributing to the negotiation of employment conditions for engineers and other technical experts.
Nordic and International Cooperation
Finland strengthens its influence through Nordic cooperation. Nordic-IN addresses labour market issues, collective agreements, equality, and workers’ rights, while the Association of Nordic Engineers (ANE) develops shared policy goals for the engineering profession that are promoted in international forums.
The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland participates in Nordic cooperation through Engineers Finland within ANE and the Nording network, which provides benefits such as guest membership when working in another Nordic country. In addition, the union is active in international cooperation through IndustriAll Europe, IndustriAll Global, and UNI Europa.
The Union’s own services and benefits for members
While members are often most familiar with the Union’s role in labour market matters, it also works to improve working conditions and promote wellbeing at work, for example by contributing to relevant legislation. In addition, one of the Union’s key objectives is to influence national economic and educational policies. The Union also provides a wide range of benefits and services for its members in both their professional and personal lives.
Services and benefits
The Union offers a wide range of benefits and services also to retired and student members. Discover all the benefits and services available. Membership benefits include, among others, insurance and banking benefits, as well as services such as salary and employment services.
Labor market activities
The Union of Professional Engineers in Finland’s labor market efforts and advocacy are aimed at ensuring its members enjoy a just and secure work environment. Their priorities include enhancing job opportunities and the professional standing of members, as well as advancing equality and preventing discrimination in the workplace.
Job searching
The Union provides resources, guidance, and help those searching for a job in different life situations. You can also book a personal career coaching session.
Services for entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, you get all the services and benefits of a member, along with valuable benefits related to entrepreneurship.
Start to Finnish -course
Start to Finnish is online training tailored course for international members who wish to gain a deeper insight into Finnish working culture, labor market dynamics, and society. It is especially beneficial for individuals currently working in Finland or considering a long-term career here, offering the opportunity to enhance their skills independently alongside their job and daily routine. The course is now open to members of the Union of Professional Engineers in Finland and you can access the course through the Member Pages.
Official portals
These are the primary official portals for living, working, and relocating to Finland. Each serves a specific regulatory or advisory role:
Migri (Finnish Immigration Service): The authority responsible for residence permits, visas, and citizenship.
Kela (Social Insurance Institution): Manages social security, including health insurance, family benefits, and unemployment subsidies. You can often apply for a Kela card as soon as you move.
Vero.fi (Tax Administration): Handles personal and business taxation. New arrivals typically need to visit a service point to get a Finnish tax card.
Job Market Finland: The public service for job seeking and employment information.
InfoFinland: A comprehensive guide available in 12 languages covering housing, education, and daily life.
Work in Finland: A national portal specifically designed to help international talent find employment opportunities and understand the recruitment process.
