Job-seeking in Åland

In Åland, the Åland Labour Market and Student Service Authority (AMS) acts as the employment service and provides guidance to jobseekers. The most common ways to find job vacancies are via the AMS job bank, through your own networks or via digital channels.

Nordic citizens and citizens of other EU/EEA countries, including Switzerland, are entitled to work in Finland and Åland without a work permit. For persons from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland, certain conditions apply regarding work permits. More information on work permits can be found on the page Residence and work permits in Åland.

Most job vacancies are advertised on the AMS webpage Jobs in Åland. Many employers also advertise vacancies or accept expressions of interest via their own digital channels. Personal contacts and networks can also be important when looking for a new job. 

For job opportunities abroad, there are, for example, seasonal jobs through Nordjobb or the EURES portal, where vacancies within the EU and the EEA are listed. Further information on working abroad can be found on the webpage Working abroad.

If you are unemployed, it is important to register as a jobseeker with AMS as soon as possible. You can apply for unemployment benefit at the earliest from the date you register, and together with a contact person an employment plan is drawn up to help you find a new job.

Applications are made via Job Market Finland’s online service or by submitting a form to AMS. Persons who are nationals of a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland must use the form. More information on the process is available on the AMS webpage on registering as a jobseeker.

As an unemployed jobseeker, you have both rights and responsibilities. Read about them on the webpage Your rights and obligations.

Unemployed jobseekers from abroad

Unemployed jobseekers from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland can come to Åland to look for work for a maximum of three months whilst receiving unemployment benefits from their home country. This requires the necessary forms from their home country and registration as a jobseeker with AMS within seven days of arrival.

If no work is found within three months, the person must return to their home country in order not to lose their unemployment benefit. It is therefore important to contact the relevant authority or unemployment fund that pays the benefit for information on specific conditions, deadlines and processing times.

Unemployment benefit taxable income that helps to support a person whilst they are looking for work. If you become unemployed, laid off or your working hours are reduced, you can apply for general support from AMS or earnings-related unemployment allowance from your unemployment fund. Unemployment benefit can be paid at the earliest from the date when you registered as a jobseeker.

More information on unemployment benefits can be found on the Info Norden page Unemployment benefit in Åland. 

The Office of the Åland Ombudsman and the non-discrimination ombudsman offer advice and support to ensure that no-one is subjected to discrimination in the workplace. They can also help you get in touch with the Finnish Ombudsman for Equality, the Finnish Non-Discrimination Ombudsman or the occupational safety and health department at the Finnish Supervisory Agency. Read more on the website of the Office of the Åland Ombudsman. 

The Info Norden website contains information on looking for jobs in the other Nordic countries, as well as contact details for the authorities that can answer your questions.