Labour Law

The Finnish Labour Law Framework

Our employment law services in Finland offer both foreign and local companies clear, practical guidance on how local legislation and the national labour market framework influence everyday business operations. The Finnish model is defined not only by comprehensive statutory requirements and strong employee protections, but also by the central role of collective agreements. For many companies, it often comes as a surprise how extensively these agreements regulate core employment terms—from wages and working hours to various allowances and procedural obligations at different points of an employment lifecycle.

We help companies determine which collective agreement applies to their activities and what concrete obligations it introduces. This is a critical step, as misunderstandings or non-compliance with a binding agreement can result in significant financial liabilities and reputational risks. Our experts ensure that your company’s internal practices, employment contracts, and HR guidelines align with both Finnish labour law and the relevant collective agreement, paving the way for compliant and reliable operations in Finland.

Our services include the drafting and updating of essential employment-related documents to meet Finnish requirements. These cover employment contracts, HR policies, working time schemes, and, where applicable, procedures connected to statutory co-operation obligations. For foreign companies entering the Finnish market, this structured approach provides a solid and consistent foundation for HR management well before hiring begins.

Rights & Obligations

Proactive advisory support is a key part of what we do. We assess planned organisational practices, identify potential compliance risks, and recommend solutions that fit the Finnish regulatory and cultural context. This enables companies to adjust smoothly to local expectations and ensures that personnel-related decisions are made with full legal certainty.

We also provide training and strategic guidance for leadership teams and HR professionals. This is particularly valuable for organisations new to the Finnish labour market, where established practices and collective bargaining traditions can differ markedly from those in other countries. Targeted training ensures that managers and supervisors understand their core rights and obligations, the practical impact of collective agreements, and the broader logic of working life in Finland—supporting long-term, successful operations in a new market.

Areas We Cover

Contact:

Elias Lahtinen

elias@dgefinland.fi