If you are interested in working as a civil engineer in Finland but want to know if there is a demand for civil engineers before you begin your job hunt, the answer is yes.
The government places a high emphasis on infrastructure development and sustainable construction standards, which increases the demand for competent civil engineers.
Thus, as a foreigner, stick with us as we cover everything related to civil engineering jobs in Finland in this post.
Top 10 Civil Engineering Jobs in Finland for Foreigners
Here are some of the most sought-after jobs:
- Civil Engineer: a broad position covering a range of civil engineering project components.
- Structural Engineer: Specializing in the design and analysis of structures, such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels.
- Geotechnical Engineer: Focusing on soil mechanics and foundation design for structures.
- Transportation Engineer: Working on planning, designing, and managing transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports.
- Environmental Engineer: Specialising in environmentally friendly construction techniques and environmental effect evaluations.
- Civil Engineering Consultants: Working for consulting firms to provide expertise on various civil engineering projects.
- Finnish Transport Agency: Involved in infrastructure planning and development.
- Finnish Environment Institute: Conducts research and provides expertise on environmental issues.
- University Professors: Teaching and conducting research in civil engineering.
- Research Scientists: Working on sustainable development and civil engineering-related research initiatives.
In the next section, we will discuss the top companies or industries that frequently hire civil engineers in Finland.
Recommended: How To Study, Work And Live In Finland
Top Companies Or Industries Hiring Civil Engineers In Finland
Here are some of the top companies and industries that frequently hire civil engineers:
1. Leading Construction Companies:
- YIT: A major international construction company with a strong presence in Finland.
- SRW: A Finnish construction company specializing in infrastructure projects.
- NCC: A Swedish-based construction company with operations in Finland.
- Skanska: A global construction and development company with a significant presence in Finland.
2. Infrastructure Development:
- Finnish Transport Agency: Involved in planning and developing Finland’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports.
- Finnish Water Authority: Focuses on water resources management, including wastewater treatment and flood control.
- Finnish Environment Institute: Conducts research and provides expertise on environmental issues related to civil engineering projects.
3. Energy and Sustainability:
- Fortum: A Finnish energy company involved in various renewable energy projects, including wind and solar power.
- Vattenfall: A Swedish-based energy company with operations in Finland, focusing on renewable energy and district heating.
4. Consultancy Firms: Civil Engineering Jobs In Finland For Foreigners
- Ramboll: A global engineering and consultancy firm with a strong presence in Finland.
- Sweco: A leading engineering and design consultancy firm with offices in Finland.
- WSP: A global engineering and professional services firm with operations in Finland.
5. Government Agencies:
- Finnish Transport Agency: Involved in infrastructure planning and development.
- Finnish Environment Institute: Conducts research and provides expertise on environmental issues.
- Finnish Meteorological Institute: Provides meteorological data and services for infrastructure planning and development.
How Much Does A Civil Engineer In Finland Make On A Base Salary?
2,410 euros (EUR) a year
The average income for a civil engineer with 1-3 years of experience is 52,016 €. A senior-level civil engineer with 8 or more years of experience, on the other hand, makes an average income of 91,497 €.
Average Salaries Of Civil Engineers In Finland By Cities
The average salary for a civil engineer in Finland varies depending on the city, experience level, and specific role. However, here’s a general breakdown of average annual salaries in some major Finnish cities:
| Cities In Finland | Average Salaries |
| Helsinki | €73,914 |
| Espoo | €71,136 |
| Vantaa | €70,000 |
| Tampere | €67,859 |
| Oulu | €65,271 |
| Turku | €63,700 |
What Do You Need To Work In Finland As A Foreign Civil Engineer?
To work as a civil engineer in Finland, you’ll typically need the following:
1. Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field is essential.
- Master’s Degree: A master’s degree can enhance your job prospects and salary potential.
- Professional Registration: Consider registering with the Finnish Association of Civil Engineers (RIL) for professional recognition.
2. Language Proficiency:
- Finnish or Swedish: Fluency in Finnish or Swedish is highly advantageous, especially for working in local firms or government agencies.
- English: Proficiency in English is also beneficial, especially for international projects.
3. Work Visa:
If you are a non-EU citizen, you must have a valid work visa to lawfully work in Finland. Your company will usually help with the visa application procedure. (Full details are provided in the following section).
4. Professional Experience:
Relevant experience in civil engineering projects, while not always a strict requirement, can significantly enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your practical skills and knowledge.
5. Cultural Adaptation:
Gaining a thorough understanding of Finnish work procedures and culture can greatly improve your ability to fit in at work and form productive interactions with other employees.
Top Qualifications for Civil Engineers in Finland
To stand out in the competitive Finnish job market for civil engineers, consider highlighting the following qualifications you have like:
1. Professional Skills
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in Design Software: Mastery of industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit is essential.
- Structural Analysis: Strong understanding of structural analysis principles and software like SAP2000 or STAAD Pro.
- Geotechnical Engineering: Knowledge of soil mechanics and foundation design.
- Hydraulic Engineering: Expertise in water resources management, hydrology, and hydraulic design.
Soft Skills
- Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex problems and find innovative solutions.
- Communication: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Leadership: If applicable, demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to manage projects.
- Adaptability: The capacity to adapt to changing project requirements and industry trends.
Recommended: 4 Engineering Fresh Graduate CV Samples {free Word Doc download}
Your resume is a powerful tool to use during the job search process, and sending a poor resume is a major turnoff for most employers. With that said, if you need a professional to help you construct a compelling resume that will set you apart from other job seekers, then contact us right away to get started. 
2. Industry-Specific Knowledge
A thorough understanding of sustainable construction processes and green building standards is required for modern civil engineering projects.
Also understanding of urban planning, transportation infrastructure, and environmental impact assessment is essential for successful infrastructure development.
Furthermore, experience managing civil engineering projects from start to finish indicates an important skill set for individuals in this industry.
3. Language Proficiency
Language skills cannot be overstated; fluency in any of these languages (Finnish or Swedish) is extremely beneficial, particularly when working in local businesses.
Additionally, proficiency in English is required for international projects and cooperation.
4. Certifications
Professional engineering certification can boost your credibility. Furthermore, qualifications in fields such as sustainable design, project management, and geotechnical engineering can be useful.
Visa Sponsorship For Civil Engineers In Finland
You may have to secure a work visa if you are a foreign civil engineer looking for work in Finland. The particular requirements may change based on your country of origin, how long you plan to stay, and the kind of work you’re looking for.
Common Visa Types:
- Employment Visa: This is the most common visa type for foreign workers seeking employment in Finland.
- Residence Permit: If you plan to stay in Finland for an extended period, you may need a residence permit.
Key Requirements:
- Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Finnish employer is essential.
- Work Permit: Your employer will usually assist with the application for a work permit.
- Visa Application: Once you have a work permit, you’ll need to apply for a visa at the Finnish embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Required Documents: The exact documents required may vary, but typically include:
- Passport
- Job offer
- Work permit
- Proof of health insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Application forms and fees
Recommended: How to Find a Job in Finland as a Foreigner: Job Search Guide
How To Apply For Civil Engineering Jobs In Finland For Foreigners
Job hunting in a new nation may be stressful, especially when dealing with unfamiliar job markets and cultural norms.
It can be difficult to personalise your applications to specific needs while also correcting for any language hurdles.
Furthermore, waiting for responses and dealing with probable rejections can add to the stress of the job search.
So, to help you get through the stressful job-hunting process, we’ve added this section.
Here’s how you can successfully apply for civil engineering jobs in Finland as a foreigner.
1. Online Job Boards:
When looking for work in Finland as a foreigner, the best approach to start is to look via Finnish job boards and make sure you use the proper keywords,
such as “civil engineering jobs”, “engineering jobs in Finland”, “jobs in Finland for civil engineers”, and so on.
Here are several websites where to look for civil engineering jobs in Finland for foreigners.
2. Recruitment Agencies:
Recruitment agencies assist you in looking for jobs in your desired fields. To use recruitment agencies, just reach out
to recruitment agencies that specialise in engineering jobs in Finland. This is also an effective job search strategy.
3. Networking:
Do you really believe that the only ways for foreigners to get employment in Finland are through online job boards and recruitment firms? Not at all!
Another technique to get jobs in Finland is by networking (this strategy can be applied to almost any type of job, anywhere in the world).
To engage with specialists in the field, join professional associations, go to industry events, and effectively network.
These experts can notify you of any employment vacancies in your desired field.
Additional Tips
1. Learn The Language: It’s funny how we keep coming back to ‘language’. That demonstrates how crucial it is to your job search process.
As we previously said, make an effort to study the fundamental languages; by taking language Classes: If you don’t speak Finnish or Swedish well,
you might want to think about taking language classes on sites like Memrise or Duolingo.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter and CV are tailored to the job role you are applying for, the organisation, and the Finnish employment market.
This will be very advantageous for you because employers dislike receiving generic resumes, so providing a well-tailored one will help you stand out.
3. Prepare For Your Interview: Make sure to organise as many practice interviews as you can if there is an interview phase and you have been invited for one.
The aim of doing multiple mock interviews before the actual interview is to help you gain confidence, learn how to answer and ask questions on the actual interview day, and overall establish a lasting good impression on your interviewer which will boost your chances of getting recruited.
Optimising your LinkedIn profile is a good first step because you can use it as a mobile CV, with organisations able to choose to hire you based only on your profile. If you want a professional to assist you optimise your LinkedIn profile, contact us right now. (See the flier for further information.).
Conclusion: Civil Engineering Jobs In Finland For Foreigners
In conclusion, Finland has excellent prospects for international civil engineers, as there is a tremendous need for their knowledge of sustainable building practices and infrastructure development.
It is a desirable location for individuals wishing to progress their careers in civil engineering due to the high salary and wide variety of job prospects.
Foreign civil engineers are better equipped to make decisions regarding their career possibilities in Finland if they have a thorough awareness of the leading companies, industries, and average
earnings in various cities. Finland’s expanding civil engineering business offers profitable prospects to international civil engineers with the appropriate qualifications and language skills.
