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04 / ContractsContract & Terms

Understanding Job Offers and Employment Contracts in Finland

Before signing an employment contract (työsopimus) in Finland, workers should review mandatory contractual elements, statutory trial period rules, and collective agreement alignment.

1

Mandatory Elements of a Finnish Employment Contract

Under Chapter 2 of the Employment Contracts Act, employers must provide written employment terms containing employer and employee details, employment start date, fixed-term grounds (if applicable), trial period duration, workplace location, principal duties, applicable collective agreement (TES), base salary, and pay period.

Primary Official Authority:Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Työsuojelu)
2

Trial Periods in Finland (Koeaika)

The statutory maximum trial period under Finnish law is six months. In fixed-term contracts shorter than one year, the trial period cannot exceed half the total contract duration. During a trial period, either party may terminate the contract without a notice period, but termination cannot be based on discriminatory or inappropriate grounds.

Primary Official Authority:Finlex — Employment Contracts Act 55/2001 § 4
3

Salary Structure and Supplemental Allowances

Ensure your written contract clearly distinguishes base gross salary from supplemental allowances (e.g. evening, night, and weekend supplements). Check if meal benefits (lounasseteli/ravintoetu) or public transit benefits are deducted from gross or provided on top of base pay.

Legal Disclaimer: Labour Finland provides general informational content about wages and working life in Finland. We aim to keep information accurate and up to date, but collective agreements, legislation, wage levels and employment conditions can change. Information on this website should not be considered individualized legal, tax or employment advice. Always verify important information with the applicable collective agreement, your employer, relevant organization or competent authority.