Ultimate Guide to Freelancing in Finland in 2025

What is a Freelancer in Finland?

A freelancer is an independent worker in Finland who earns a living working for different businesses or organisations on a flexible per-job or per-task basis, typically for short-term work.

Finland is a great place to work as a freelancer. The stability of the Finnish economy, combined with the excellent work life balance it offers its citizens makes it an attractive option for entrepreneurs. The first benefit of freelancing in Finland is its low taxation. As a freelancer, you can enjoy one of the lowest levels of taxation among developed European countries. This advantage not only helps freelancers keep more of their earnings, but also allows them to reinvest more money into their business, helping them grow faster. The second benefit of freelancing in Finland is the work life balance. With shorter work hours, generous paid holidays, and flexitime policies, Finnish workers enjoy more free time than they would in many other countries. This allows freelancers to get more done in the same amount of time and take better care of their health and wellbeing. The third benefit of freelancing in Finland is the security it provides. For many, working as a freelancer means instability and insecurity. However, Finland offers freelancers protection through its extensive social security system. This security can give freelancers peace of mind when it comes to paying bills and taking care of their families. Finally, Finland offers freelancers a dynamic business environment. In Finland, there is a strong culture of entrepreneurship and the government supports the growth of small and medium sized businesses. With access to flexible financing and an abundance of networking opportunities, freelancers can easily connect with potential partners and clients, opening the door to new business opportunities. Overall, freelancing in Finland can offer great benefits to both entrepreneurs and traditional workers. With low taxation, a great work life balance, and a secure social environment, freelancers can enjoy the stability and security of traditional employment, while also having the freedom to pursue their creative and business ambitions.

What are the benefits of Self-Employment in Finland?

Freelance jobs are typically work paid by the hour, day or month. Whereas per task work, or per project outcome is usually paid on satisfactory completion of the work task, or tasks. These tasks are commonly referred to as freelance gigs.

At first glance the idea of self-employment may not seem like the most profitable investment but in Finland there are a great number of benefits to becoming self-employed. Firstly, for those freelancers living in Finland, working as a freelancer offers an easier means of tax filing. When a freelancer is their own employer, they are able to take advantage of Finland’s flat tax rate of 20%. This means that all of their income is taxed at the same rate leaving them with a greater amount of their total income than if they were an employee in Finland. Additionally, a freelancer working in Finland may find that there is increased flexibility in their work schedule. By working as a freelancer they are not constrained to the standard nine to five hours since they can choose when they want to work and how much they want to take on. This can be a great advantage when trying to manage other commitments such as parenting, running a household and social life. Furthermore, a self-employed freelancer in Finland is able to work outside of their home country. This can provide an interesting lens into the different cultures and business expectations in other countries as this type of cultural exchange can provide great insight and opportunities to grow businesses within their own country. The final benefit of self-employment in Finland is that individuals who are self-employed can not only choose to work for themselves and have their own business, but may also work for larger companies in the country. This combination of freelance and corporate work can enable the individual to have a broader range of experience and help them to develop a dynamic and engaging portfolio of work. Overall, self-employment in Finland can offer a variety of valuable benefits to those freelancers who take the plunge and decide to make the move. There is greater tax flexibility as well as a beneficial employment opportunities for those looking for something beyond the traditional nine to five. Additionally, freelancers can get the chance to expand their skills and experience by working abroad and gain an insight into different cultures, as well as the ability to work either independently or within larger companies. These benefits create a great platform to build upon and are an ideal route to those wanting to enter the growing self-employment market in Finland.

Find & Hire Freelancers in Finland?

The rise of freelance work has accelerated the gig economy movement, especially the online marketplaces associated with the gig economy and Future of Work.

The most in demand freelance jobs and gigs in Finland are those for freelance software developers, web designers, IT technicians, graphic designers, copywriters, and social media experts. All of these positions are highly sought after in Finland and come with attractive pay rates. Freelance Software Developers – Normally paid between €45-€70 per hour. Freelance Web Designers – Normally paid between €30-€60 per hour. Freelance IT Technicians – Normally paid between €35-€50 per hour. Freelance Graphic Designers – Normally paid between €30-€70 per hour. Freelance Copywriters – Normally paid between €25-€45 per hour. Freelance Social Media Experts – Normally paid between €35-€60 per hour.

Focus on your freelance skills strengths and weaknesses

Research the capabilities expected of a freelancer within your area of expertise and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you with your personal development plan and billable pay rate.

Create A Portfolio

Build a portfolio of your work you can showcase to prospective clients. This can be publicly viewable on the internet, or accessible on permission, depending on the nature of your work.

Try Freelancing Part-Time or as a Side Hustle

If you are just starting out and testing the water for freelancing. Then working part-time of as a side hustle is perfect for understanding whether you enjoy freelancing. What kind of rate to charge and how successful you are. Freelancing on the side can be completed on evenings and weekends, outside of your primary job and it will also help bring in some extra income too.

Building your personal Brand & Online Platform Reputation

As you gain more customers, your reputation will grow. This will allow you to acquire new customers by both word of mouth referrals and via freelance platform ratings and testimonials.

Deliver Beyond Expectations

The first rule of conducting great work is understanding the requirements and outcomes expected of you. The second rule is completing over and beyond this. This will result in repeat work and referrals, allowing you to grow your freelance business effectively.

Managing Freelancing Financials

We all love making money, but we also need to stay on top of our revenue, accounting and taxes. Some great online products to help with this include:

• Wave
• Quickbooks
• Freshbooks
• Xero
• And Co

Personal Development

Staying an expert in your specialisation is key to your success as a freelancer in Finland. Allocating time and resources to continuously improve and upskill is essential.

Freelancers use various tools and online training platform to do so, such as:

Online training courses

• Udemy

Writing

• Copywriting for Creatives
• 10x Emails
• ConversionXL
• Copyhackers’ Copy School
• HubSpot’s Content Marketing Certification

Design

• Shareworthy Design for Freelancers
• Digital Strategy School

Marketing

• HubSpot’s Inbound Certification

Business Administration

• Bookkeeping for Solopreneurs
• Organize & Automate

Freelancing Information

• The Creative Class

Software & Data Tools

• FreeCodeCamp
• CodeAcademy
• Google Analytics University

How to Be a Successful Freelancer

Start with understanding why you want to freelance? Then use our guide to ensure you give yourself the best chance of creating a successful freelance career.

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is. Can you afford to freelance? Starting out is the hardest part, there will be periods of no, or little income coming in. Do you have a financial contingency plan? If so, how long for. If the period of time is short, perhaps begin with freelancing as a side hustle on gigexchange.com

What are the Pros and Cons of Freelancing?

Advantages of freelancing

• You’re your own boss
• You set your own rate and select which freelance gigs and jobs you work
• You have a better work-life balance by working when and where you want
• You could pay less in taxes if managed well

Disadvantages of Freelancing

• You’re not your own boss
• You have to manage your own benefits, taxes, and accounting
• If you don’t work, you don’t make money. No sick leave in freelancing
• No job security