Are you dreaming of working in Lapland? Would you like to gain new experiences, meet new people or find a new direction in life? Fell Lapland offers both seasonal and permanent job opportunities!
Fell Lapland offers many job opportunities for people with different skills and experience. Workers are especially needed in tourism, but there are also jobs in many other fields. You can come to work for a few months, return for another season or stay and build a permanent life in Lapland.
You do not need to speak perfect Finnish or know the area before you arrive. English is the working language in many tourism companies. Not all jobs require previous work experience. The most important thing is to find a job that matches your skills and interests.
What about accommodation and making new friends? Many employers provide accommodation or help their employees find a place to live. People from Finland and around the world work in tourism in Fell Lapland. Colleagues often spend time together outside work, too. This means you can make new friends even if you do not know anyone in the area.
When should you apply for jobs? Winter job vacancies usually start to appear in April and May. Recruitment for summer jobs usually starts at the beginning of the year, sometimes as early as December. Companies also hire workers closer to the start of the season. However, applying early gives you more jobs to choose from.
Fell Lapland includes the municipalities of Enontekiö, Kittilä, Kolari and Muonio. The area is home to well-known travel destinations such as Levi, Ylläs, Olos and Kilpisjärvi. The Fell Lapland and Pello employment area also includes Pello, which offers a wide range of job opportunities in different fields.
Could your next job be in Lapland? Explore the opportunities and take your first step towards the north!
Further down this page, you can find more information about job opportunities, applying for jobs, accommodation and life in Fell Lapland. Choose the topics that interest you most.
What kind of jobs are available in Fell Lapland?
Winter is the busiest season for tourism
Winter is the busiest tourism season in Fell Lapland. In many companies, the winter season runs from October to May. Many workers are needed in tourist resorts and nearby areas.
You can find jobs in:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hotels and other accommodation services
- Cleaning and property maintenance
- Tourism and activity services
- Transport services
- Shops and customer service
- Airports
- Vehicle testing and maintenance
- Healthcare and social services
In tourism, you can work as a cook, waiter, cleaner, receptionist or tour guide, for example.
Not all jobs require previous work experience. In many positions, being willing to learn and work with others is also important.
Summer offers jobs in many different fields
The summer season usually lasts from June to August. There are fewer tourism jobs in summer than in winter. However, other industries also offer job opportunities.
In summer, workers are needed in:
- Construction
- Healthcare and social services
- Mining
- Tourism and other services
Summer jobs are available for both beginners and experienced workers. Some jobs require education or previous experience. In other jobs, you can learn while working.
Permanent jobs are also available
Fell Lapland and Pello need workers throughout the year. There are job opportunities in many different fields. Some positions receive only a small number of applications.
If you would like to live in Lapland permanently, explore jobs outside the tourism industry as well.
When should you apply for jobs?
It is a good idea to start looking for seasonal jobs early. Many companies begin recruiting several months before the season starts.
Summer jobs
Recruitment for summer jobs usually starts at the beginning of the year. Some companies start as early as December.
If you want to work in Lapland during the summer, start looking for jobs in winter.
Winter jobs
Winter job vacancies usually start to appear in April and May. Many companies aim to choose their employees by August, even if the work starts in November or December.
If you need a residence permit to work
If you need a new residence permit to work in Finland, start your job search especially early.
You should allow at least 2–3 months for your residence permit application to be processed. Processing may also take longer.
For this reason, companies often aim to finish winter recruitment by the end of August when the employee needs a new residence permit.
Can you still find a job later?
Yes! Companies also recruit workers closer to the start of the season and sometimes during the season.
However, starting your job search early gives you more jobs to choose from. It also gives you more time to find a job that suits you.
Check job vacancies regularly and apply when you find an interesting opportunity.
Do you need to speak Finnish?
Language requirements depend on the job and the employer.
In international tourism companies, it is often possible to work in English. You do not need to speak perfect Finnish for every job. However, English skills are important in many positions.
Finnish language skills are often more important for summer jobs and permanent positions.
Some employers also provide job training in other languages, such as Arabic or Ukrainian.
Do not be afraid to apply for a job just because your Finnish is not perfect. Check the job advertisement to see which languages are required.
What is life like in Fell Lapland?
In Fell Lapland, nature is always close to you. In winter, you can enjoy snow, beautiful landscapes, skiing, snowboarding and many other outdoor activities.
In summer, you can go hiking, cycling and enjoy the bright nights when the sun hardly sets.
Seasonal work is also a great way to meet people from Finland and around the world. You can make new friends, learn about different cultures and gain new experiences.
However, life in Lapland is different from life in a big city.
Winters are long, cold and dark. During the busy tourism season, working days can be long. Small towns have fewer services, and distances between places can be long.
For many people, the beautiful nature, peaceful environment and small communities make Lapland a special place to live.
Plan your housing and transport early
Finding accommodation can be difficult, especially during the busiest tourism season.
Some employers provide accommodation or help employees find a place to live. You may have your own apartment or share accommodation with other workers.
If you are moving with your family, check whether the accommodation is suitable for families.
You should also plan how to travel to work. Public transport is limited in Fell Lapland, and buses do not reach every location.
Some employers provide transport to work. In other cases, you may need your own car or accommodation within walking distance of your workplace.
Before accepting a job, make sure you know where you will live, how much your accommodation will cost and how you will get to work.
What do you need to work in Lapland?
Job requirements depend on the position.
For some jobs, you may need:
- A driving licence
- A hygiene passport (food hygiene certificate)
- An alcohol serving certificate
- Relevant education or previous work experience
If you are coming to Finland from another country, make sure you have the right to work in Finland.
EU citizens can work in Finland without a residence permit for employment. If you stay for more than three months, you usually need to register your right of residence.
If you are from outside the EU, you may need a residence permit that allows you to work. The requirements depend on your nationality and situation.
You should also check what insurance coverage you have in Finland and whether you need separate insurance for your free time.
You can also study while working
Would you like to learn a new profession or improve your skills?
Apprenticeship training allows you to work and study at the same time. You can complete vocational studies while gaining practical work experience.
For example, you may be able to study restaurant services or cleaning services through an apprenticeship.
It may also be possible to include Finnish language studies in your training.
The training is planned according to your situation and workplace. You need a suitable employer and an education provider to start an apprenticeship.
Interested in working in Fell Lapland?
A new job and moving to a new place can be a great opportunity.
Here is how to get started:
- Explore job opportunities in the area.
- Find a suitable job and send your application.
- Ask the employer about the work, accommodation and transport.
- When you receive a job offer, start planning your move.
If you are registered as a jobseeker in Finland, you can also ask your local employment services about working in Fell Lapland.
Once you have found a job and are preparing to move to the area, International House Aurora can help you with practical questions about starting your new life here. You can get advice on housing, public services and other everyday matters.
Could your next job be in Fell Lapland? Explore the opportunities and take your first step towards the north!
This material was produced by International House Aurora, which is co-funded by the European Union.
