Cleaner Jobs in Finland 2026: Visa Sponsorship, Pay Rates and How to Apply

Working as a cleaner in Finland is not just a job; it is a gateway to a country consistently ranked as the “Happiest in the World.” In 2026, the demand is particularly high for Hospitality Cleaners in the thriving winter resorts of Lapland and Commercial/Office Cleaners in major urban hubs like Helsinki and Tampere.

Why Choose Finland in 2026?

• Low Entry Barriers: Most 2026 cleaning roles do not require a university degree, high-level English (IELTS), or prior Finnish language skills to start.

• Transparent Wages: Pay is strictly regulated by collective agreements (TES), ensuring international workers receive the same fair hourly rates and “unsocial hours” bonuses as locals.

• Streamlined Visa Paths: From the Seasonal Work Permit for winter tourism to the Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL), Finland’s digital “Enter Finland” portal has cut processing times for many applicants to under 4 weeks.

• Quality of Life: Even entry-level workers in 2026 benefit from Finland’s world-class social security, high-quality public healthcare, and the “right to disconnect” culture.

Whether you are looking for a six-month seasonal adventure under the Northern Lights or a long-term career path leading to EU residency, the 2026 Finnish cleaning sector offers a secure, legal, and profitable route.

The 2026 Market: Why Finland Needs Cleaners Now

In 2026, Finland’s labor market is navigating a unique transition. While the broader economy is in a recovery phase, the demand for cleaning personnel remains “high” to “very high” due to significant structural shifts. Finland requires an estimated 100,000 foreign workers by 2026 to sustain its vital industries and counter an aging domestic workforce.

The “Hospitality Boom” in Lapland

Northern Finland, specifically regions like Rovaniemi, Levi, and Inari, is seeing an unprecedented surge in winter tourism.

• The Cabin Culture: As more luxury glass igloos and boutique wilderness cabins are built, the need for specialized housekeeping staff has skyrocketed.

• Seasonal Surge: Employers in the north are increasingly reliant on international recruits to fill the gap during the peak months of November through April.

Urban Demand in the “Capital Region”

In Helsinki, Vantaa, and Espoo, the demand is driven by the post-pandemic stabilization of office life and the expansion of the “green” service economy.

• Specialized Sanitization: 2026 trends show a higher demand for cleaners trained in eco-friendly chemical use and high-tech sanitization protocols for healthcare and tech facilities.

• The Retirement Gap: As local Finnish cleaners reach retirement age, large facility management firms are turning to the “Talent Boost” initiative to fast-track international workers into these essential roles.

Why this matters for you

Because cleaning is officially listed as a Shortage Occupation in several Finnish regions for 2026, the government has prioritized these applications. This means that as long as your job offer meets the minimum salary requirements, you face fewer bureaucratic hurdles than in “surplus” fields like general administration.

2026 Pay Rates for Cleaners: Hourly, Monthly, and Bonuses

In Finland, there is no single national minimum wage. Instead, your pay is determined by Collective Agreements (TES) negotiated between unions and employer associations. For 2026, a significant wage reform and series of general increases have stabilized cleaning salaries at a competitive level.

2026 Hourly Pay Standards

As of August 1, 2026, a general increase of 2.5% has been applied across most service sector pay scales. Depending on your specific role and location, the following hourly rates are standard:

The “Unsocial Hours” Multiplier

One of the best ways to boost your income in 2026 is by working non-standard shifts. Finnish labor law and collective agreements provide generous supplements:

• Evening Shift (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM): Approx. +€1.20 to €2.00 per hour.

• Night Shift (10:00 PM – 6:00 AM): Approx. +€2.30 to €3.50 per hour.

• Saturday Bonus: Often a fixed percentage increase (approx. 20-25% in some sectors).

• Sunday & Public Holidays: 100% Bonus (Double Pay). If you work on a Sunday in Rovaniemi, you could be earning €25+ per hour.

2026 Visa Income Threshold

To be eligible for a Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL) in 2026, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) requires that your salary must at least meet the level set by the collective agreement. Generally, for a full-time role (37.5 hours per week), your gross monthly salary must be at least €1,600 to satisfy the “livelihood” requirement. Most professional cleaning contracts in 2026 comfortably exceed this, starting at €1,940.

eCPM Pro-Tip: When applying for roles in 2026, specifically look for “Night Auditor/Cleaner” or “Weekend Housekeeper” roles in Lapland. These positions are the highest-paying in the sector due to the combination of high base rates and mandatory 2026 shift differentials.

Visa Sponsorship Pathways: TTOL vs. Seasonal Permits

In 2026, the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) has set clear boundaries between long-term professional cleaning and short-term seasonal roles. Choosing the right “pathway” is the most critical step in your application process, as the requirements for income and family rights differ significantly.

The Residence Permit for an Employed Person (TTOL)

This is the standard permit for those seeking a long-term life in Finland. Most office, hospital, and commercial cleaning roles fall under this category.

• Duration: Usually granted for 1 year (Type B) or 4 years (Type A), depending on your contract.

• 2026 Income Threshold: Your gross salary must be at least €1,600 per month. This is a mandatory floor; even if the collective agreement allows less, Migri will not grant this permit unless you hit €1,600.

• Mobility: You are tied to a specific “professional field” (e.g., Cleaning), but you can switch employers within that field without needing a new permit.

• Family Rights: You can bring your spouse and children with you.

The Seasonal Work Permit

Specifically designed for the tourism and agriculture sectors, this is the primary route for Winter Housekeepers in Lapland.

• Duration: Valid for a maximum of 9 months within a 12-month period.

• 2026 Income Threshold: If there is no collective agreement, your gross wages must be at least €1,463 per month. However, most tourism roles use a collective agreement where the rate is approx. €12–€13/hour.

• Mobility: You are strictly tied to the specific employer named on your permit. To change employers, you must apply for an “addition of employer” or a new permit.

• Family Rights: Seasonal workers cannot bring family members on this permit.

2026 Key Comparison Table

The “Labour Market Test” (2026 Update)

Both permits are subject to a “Labour Market Test.” Before hiring you, the employer must advertise the job for at least two weeks on the Työmarkkinatori portal to prove that no suitable worker was available within Finland or the EU/EEA.

2026 Expert Tip: If you are applying from outside the EU (e.g., Nigeria), always ask the employer if they are a “Certified Employer.” Certified employers can skip some of the repetitive paperwork, making your visa approval much faster.

Top Companies Sponsoring in 2026: The Big Four

In 2026, four major organizations dominate the Finnish cleaning and facility management landscape. These “Big Four” have specialized international recruitment arms designed to handle the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and visa sponsorship for non-EU applicants.

1. ISS Facility Services

As one of Finland’s largest private employers, ISS is a cornerstone for international recruitment in 2026.

• Specialization: Large-scale commercial, office, and hospital cleaning.

• Why it’s a Top Choice: ISS has a robust infrastructure for “Fast-Track” sponsorship. They frequently hire for cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. In 2026, they have expanded their “ISS Academy” to offer free Finnish language training to international staff during work hours.

2. SOL Palvelut

SOL is famously recognizable in Finland for its yellow-branded uniforms and is a major sponsor for entry-level foreign workers.

• Specialization: Hotel housekeeping, shopping centers, and airport cleaning.

• The 2026 Advantage: SOL is known for its “culture of happiness” and flexible shift work. They are a primary sponsor for Housekeeping roles in the Helsinki metropolitan area and offer a clear path for cleaners to move into supervisory roles.

3. Barona (Global Workforce)

Barona is a massive staffing and recruitment agency that acts as the “Employer of Record” for many hotels and industrial sites.

• Specialization: Lapland Winter Tourism (Housekeepers/Maintenance).

• The 2026 Support System: Barona has a dedicated “Work in Lapland” division. In 2026, they offer a complete relocation package that includes visa handling, subsidized staff housing, and even flights for specific high-demand seasonal contracts in Rovaniemi and Levi.

4. Eezy Oyj

Similar to Barona, Eezy is a major player in the 2026 Finnish labor market, focusing on both seasonal and permanent placements.

• Specialization: Mixed agricultural/cleaning roles and summer festival cleaning.

• Digital Convenience: They utilize the “Eezy Talents” app, which allows you to track your visa application and view upcoming shift bonuses directly from your phone. They are particularly active in recruiting from Asia and Africa for the 2026 season.

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Summary of 2026 Recruitment Focus

2026 Strategy: If you want to move with your family, target ISS or SOL for city roles under a TTOL permit. If you are a solo adventurer looking for high earnings through “Sunday Double Pay,” focus on Barona’s seasonal Lapland roles.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step for 2026

Securing a cleaner job in Finland from overseas requires a “digital-first” approach. Because Finnish employers value transparency and punctuality, following this exact 2026 sequence will significantly increase your chances of success.

Step 1: Create a “Finnish-Standard” CV

In 2026, Finnish HR managers look for a tabular (chronological) CV that is no more than two pages long.

• Photo: While not mandatory, it is highly common in Finland to include a professional, friendly headshot.

• Key Skills: Explicitly list any experience with specialized cleaning chemicals, industrial machinery, or floor buffers.

• Driving License: Mention if you have a valid Category B license; this is a massive advantage for mobile cleaning roles in cities.

• Format: Save it as a PDF named FirstName_LastName_Cleaner_CV.pdf.

Step 2: Use the 2026 Targeted Job Portals

Do not just search on Google. Use these official and industry-specific portals for 2026:

• Työmarkkinatori (Job Market Finland): The official government site. Use the keyword “Siivooja” (Cleaner) and filter for “English” as the working language.

• Work in Finland: A government-backed portal specifically for jobs that welcome international sponsorship.

• Company Direct Portals: Visit the “Careers” pages of the Big Four (ISS, SOL, Barona, and Eezy). In 2026, Barona has a specific “International Hub” section for non-EU applicants.

Step 3: The Virtual Interview

If your CV is selected, you will likely have a Video Interview (via Teams or Zoom).

• The Focus: They will test your reliability and basic English. You do not need a high IELTS score, but you must prove you can follow safety instructions and understand “Work Health and Safety” (Työturvallisuus).

• The Salary Check: Confirm the offer is at least €1,600 per month (for a TTOL permit) or meets the Collective Agreement (TES) for your region.

Step 4: Secure the Job Offer & Employer Supplement

Once hired, the employer must provide you with a contract. In 2026, they also need to fill out the “Terms of Employment” (Form TY6_plus) in the Enter Finland for Employers portal. This is the “sponsorship” part of the process.

Step 5: Apply via “Enter Finland” (The Digital Visa)

Once you have the contract and the employer’s code:

1. Register: Create an account on the Enter Finland portal.

2. Submit: Upload your passport, photo, and contract. Pay the 2026 fee (€490 for a first-time online application).

3. Biometrics: Book an appointment at the VFS Global center in your home country (e.g., Abuja or Lagos for Nigeria) to provide your fingerprints and verify your original documents.

4. Wait: In 2026, the average processing time for “Certified Employers” like ISS is 3 to 5 weeks.

Step 6: Arrival and the “Personal Identity Code”

Upon arrival in Finland, your final step is to visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to receive your Finnish Personal Identity Code (henkilötunnus). You will also need to visit the Tax Office (Vero) to get your 2026 tax card so your employer knows how much to deduct from your pay.

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Final Conclusion

The Finnish cleaning sector in 2026 is one of the few pathways where you can move with your family without needing a degree or an IELTS certificate. By targeting Certified Employers and ensuring your salary meets the €1,600 floor, you can secure a residence permit that eventually leads to permanent residency in one of the world’s most stable nations.