Finland’s major cities and the national Work in Finland programme marked 5 November 2025 by wrapping up the two-day Finland TalentMatch x Tech & IT. The fully-virtual event, which ran 4–5 November, matched more than 1,500 pre-screened software, AI, cyber-security and electronics specialists from 90 countries with some 120 Finnish employers ranging from Helsinki start-ups to established industrial giants.
Background and concept – The TalentMatch format has been piloted regionally since 2023, but this is the first truly nationwide edition. Cities including Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Vantaa pooled funding from the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and teamed up with the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce to build a smart matchmaking platform that pairs applicants’ skills with employers’ vacancies in real time. Participants could book 20-minute one-to-one video interviews, attend CV reviews by relocation specialists, and join live briefings on Finnish work-permit rules and practical relocation support.
![Finland TalentMatch brings 1,500+ international tech professionals together with employers]()
Why it matters – Finland’s tech sector is battling an estimated 15,000-person talent shortfall. By moving TalentMatch entirely online, organisers eliminated travel costs and visa barriers, allowing companies to tap a truly global pool while candidates test the waters before committing to relocation. For immigration lawyers and HR mobility teams, the event generated immediate leads: several growth-stage companies confirmed they would file residence-permit applications under Finland’s streamlined “specialist permit” track as early as next week.
Practical implications – Employers praised the platform’s automatic time-zone scheduling and built-in information on permit processing times. Work in Finland staff reminded recruiters that offers should reference the new salary threshold (€3,500/month for IT specialists from 1 January 2026) to avoid delays. For candidates, recorded sessions on taxation, day-care availability and spouse employment rights remain accessible for 30 days.
Looking ahead – Organisers plan a health-tech themed TalentMatch for March 2026 and a hybrid on-site/online edition alongside Slush next November. Companies that took part will receive anonymised analytics reports on candidate interest by skill cluster, helping them fine-tune future mobility budgets.
Background and concept – The TalentMatch format has been piloted regionally since 2023, but this is the first truly nationwide edition. Cities including Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Vantaa pooled funding from the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council and teamed up with the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce to build a smart matchmaking platform that pairs applicants’ skills with employers’ vacancies in real time. Participants could book 20-minute one-to-one video interviews, attend CV reviews by relocation specialists, and join live briefings on Finnish work-permit rules and practical relocation support.
Why it matters – Finland’s tech sector is battling an estimated 15,000-person talent shortfall. By moving TalentMatch entirely online, organisers eliminated travel costs and visa barriers, allowing companies to tap a truly global pool while candidates test the waters before committing to relocation. For immigration lawyers and HR mobility teams, the event generated immediate leads: several growth-stage companies confirmed they would file residence-permit applications under Finland’s streamlined “specialist permit” track as early as next week.
Practical implications – Employers praised the platform’s automatic time-zone scheduling and built-in information on permit processing times. Work in Finland staff reminded recruiters that offers should reference the new salary threshold (€3,500/month for IT specialists from 1 January 2026) to avoid delays. For candidates, recorded sessions on taxation, day-care availability and spouse employment rights remain accessible for 30 days.
Looking ahead – Organisers plan a health-tech themed TalentMatch for March 2026 and a hybrid on-site/online edition alongside Slush next November. Companies that took part will receive anonymised analytics reports on candidate interest by skill cluster, helping them fine-tune future mobility budgets.
