Security Guard Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Security Guard Jobs in Finland can be an option for foreign workers with experience in security, access control, surveillance, loss prevention, and site protection. Security guards may work in shopping centres, warehouses, offices, residential buildings, industrial sites, hotels, and other private facilities. However, Finland regulates private security work, so overseas applicants need to meet both employment and professional licensing requirements. For workers from outside the EU/EEA, a Finnish residence permit allowing employment is normally required before starting work.

Job Details

Job Overview

Security guards in Finland help protect people, buildings, property, equipment, and other assets. Depending on the assignment, the work can involve monitoring CCTV, controlling access, patrolling premises, responding to incidents, and preparing security reports.

Typical job details include:

• Job Title: Security Guard / Security Officer
• Location: Finland
• Industry: Private Security
• Job Type: Full-time or part-time
• Work Setting: Offices, warehouses, shopping centres, residential buildings, factories, hotels, and events
• Experience: Security experience is beneficial
• Education: Security training may be required
• Visa Sponsorship: Employer-supported work authorization may be available for eligible foreign workers
• Working Hours: Day, evening, night, weekend, and shift work may be available

Foreign workers should remember that a job offer alone does not automatically provide a Finnish work visa. The appropriate residence permit and right to work must be obtained before employment begins.

Main Responsibilities

Security guards can have a wide range of responsibilities depending on the employer and location.

Common duties include:

• Monitoring entrances and exits.
• Checking identification and access permissions.
• Patrolling buildings and surrounding areas.
• Monitoring CCTV and alarm systems.
• Protecting company property and equipment.
• Preventing theft and unauthorized access.
• Responding to security incidents.
• Reporting suspicious activity.
• Preparing written incident reports.
• Monitoring fire and safety risks.
• Assisting visitors when necessary.
• Controlling access during events.
• Following emergency procedures.
• Cooperating with police and emergency services when required.
• Maintaining professional communication with clients and colleagues.

Also Check: Housekeeper Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Types of Security Guard Jobs in Finland

Commercial Security Guard

Commercial guards protect shops, offices, shopping centres, and other business premises.

Warehouse Security Guard

Warehouse guards monitor entrances, deliveries, storage areas, and restricted sections to prevent unauthorized access and theft.

Industrial Security Guard

Industrial sites may require security staff to protect machinery, materials, employees, and restricted areas.

Residential Security Guard

These guards monitor residential or apartment properties, control access, conduct patrols, and respond to incidents.

Event Security Guard

Event security workers help maintain order, control entrances, check tickets or credentials, and assist with crowd management.

CCTV Security Operator

CCTV operators monitor surveillance systems, identify suspicious activity, and report incidents to supervisors or security teams.

Salary Expectations

Security salaries in Finland vary depending on experience, location, employer, collective agreement, shift patterns, and responsibilities.

A general salary expectation for security positions can be around:

• Entry-level security work: €1,900–€2,300 per month
• Experienced security guard: €2,200–€2,700 per month
• Experienced security officer/specialist: €2,500–€3,200+ per month

Night shifts, weekend work, overtime, and additional responsibilities may increase total earnings.

Foreign applicants should carefully check the salary stated in the employment contract because immigration authorities require an appropriate salary for work-based residence permits.

Visa Sponsorship for Foreign Workers

Finland generally uses a work-based residence permit system rather than the same sponsorship terminology commonly used in countries such as the UK.

For a non-EU/EEA worker, the employer provides information about the employment relationship, while the worker applies for the appropriate Finnish residence permit. The employee normally cannot begin working until the required residence permit has been issued.

For security guard applicants, there is an additional issue: private security work is regulated in Finland. A worker may need the appropriate Finnish security guard approval or licence and required training.

The Finnish Police states that a guard licence requires satisfactory completion of basic guard training of at least 120 lessons.

Therefore, foreign applicants should confirm whether their previous security training can be recognized and what Finnish licensing or training is required before starting the job.

Benefits of Security Guard Jobs

Depending on the employer and employment contract, security workers may receive:

• Monthly salary.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Evening and night-shift allowances.
• Weekend work opportunities.
• Paid annual leave.
• Occupational health services.
• Employee training.
• Workplace insurance.
• Professional security training.
• Long-term employment opportunities.
• Career progression into supervisory positions.

Benefits vary between employers, so applicants should check the complete employment contract.

Requirements for Foreign Applicants

Security guard jobs generally require stronger qualifications than many basic labour positions because private security work is regulated.

Common requirements may include:

• Minimum required working age.
• Previous security experience.
• Good physical condition.
• Reliability and honesty.
• Ability to remain calm during difficult situations.
• Good observation skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to prepare incident reports.
• Communication skills.
• Willingness to work shifts.
• Security training or relevant qualification.
• Required Finnish security licence or approval.
• Legal right to work in Finland.

The Finnish Police states that people applying for guard approval must be honest, reliable, at least 18 years old, and otherwise suitable for the work.

Skills That Can Increase Your Chances

Foreign applicants can improve their chances by developing skills that are directly related to private security work.

Useful skills include:

• CCTV monitoring.
• Access control.
• Patrol procedures.
• Alarm response.
• Loss prevention.
• Incident reporting.
• Conflict management.
• Emergency response.
• First aid.
• Fire safety.
• Customer service.
• Radio communication.
• Basic computer skills.
• Risk assessment.
• Security documentation.

Experience in airports, hotels, warehouses, banks, shopping centres, factories, or large commercial buildings can also strengthen your CV.

Finnish Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on the employer and position.

Some international security environments may use English, but many security positions require communication with Finnish-speaking customers, colleagues, authorities, and emergency services.

Learning Finnish can therefore significantly improve your employment opportunities.

Applicants should carefully read each vacancy to determine whether Finnish, Swedish, or English is required.

Security Licensing in Finland

Security work is regulated in Finland.

A standard guard licence requires completion of the required training, while temporary guards can be licensed after completing temporary guard training of at least 40 lessons. Temporary guard approval can be granted for a maximum of four months.

This means foreign applicants should not assume that experience from another country automatically allows them to work as a security guard in Finland.

Applicants should ask the employer or relevant Finnish authority about recognition of previous training and the licensing process.

Working Environment

Security guards may work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Depending on the assignment, workers may:

• Stand for long periods.
• Walk during patrols.
• Work alone or with a team.
• Work overnight.
• Work weekends and public holidays.
• Monitor CCTV for extended periods.
• Deal with stressful situations.
• Work in cold Finnish weather when outdoor patrols are required.

Good physical condition, concentration, patience, and professional behaviour are important qualities for this type of work.

Career Growth

Security work can provide opportunities for professional development.

A possible career path can look like:

Security Guard → Senior Security Guard → Security Supervisor → Security Manager → Security Specialist

Experienced workers may also specialize in CCTV operations, industrial security, event security, loss prevention, alarm response, or corporate security.

Additional training and Finnish language skills can improve opportunities for higher-level positions.

Application Process

1. Prepare Your CV

Prepare a professional CV showing your security experience, previous employers, responsibilities, licences, training, and relevant certifications.

Mention experience with CCTV, access control, patrols, alarm systems, incident reporting, and emergency procedures.

2. Search for Suitable Security Vacancies

Look for positions such as Security Guard, Security Officer, Security Steward, CCTV Operator, Site Security Guard, and Loss Prevention Officer.

Read the complete job description before applying.

3. Check the Licensing Requirements

Because Finnish security work is regulated, determine whether the position requires a Finnish guard licence or another form of approval.

If you already have security training from another country, ask whether it can be recognized.

4. Check Employer Support

For applicants outside the EU/EEA, confirm that the employer is willing to employ foreign workers and provide the necessary employment information for the residence-permit process.

5. Check the Salary and Working Hours

Review:

• Monthly or hourly salary.
• Guaranteed working hours.
• Night shifts.
• Overtime.
• Weekend work.
• Probation period.
• Benefits.
• Location.
• Any required training.

A contract with uncertain or insufficient income may create problems for a work-based residence permit.

6. Prepare Supporting Documents

You may need:

• Passport.
• Updated CV.
• Security certificates.
• Previous employment references.
• Training records.
• Driving licence if required.
• Educational certificates where relevant.
• Other documents requested by the employer.

7. Attend the Interview

The employer may conduct an online or in-person interview.

Be prepared to explain how you would handle theft, unauthorized access, aggressive behaviour, emergencies, alarms, and suspicious activity.

8. Receive a Job Offer

If selected, carefully review the employment contract and confirm the position, salary, hours, location, and employer information.

9. Apply for the Residence Permit

For workers outside the EU/EEA, apply for the appropriate Finnish work-based residence permit. The employer participates by providing information about the employment relationship and its terms.

10. Submit Your Application

After preparing the required documents and employment information, Submit Your Application for the appropriate Finnish residence permit through the required immigration process.

11. Complete Security Licensing Requirements

If the position requires Finnish security training or licensing, complete the required process before starting security duties.

12. Start Work After Approval

Do not begin employment until you have the required legal right to work and any necessary security authorization.

Important Tips for Foreign Applicants

Foreign security workers should carefully research both immigration and professional licensing requirements.

• Do not assume a security job automatically includes visa sponsorship.
• Confirm the employer’s willingness to hire foreign workers.
• Check the exact security licence required.
• Ask about recognition of foreign security training.
• Learn basic Finnish to improve employment opportunities.
• Verify salary and guaranteed working hours.
• Keep your CV accurate.
• Prepare employment references.
• Never pay someone for a guaranteed Finnish work visa.
• Be cautious about recruitment agencies demanding large upfront fees.
• Confirm all employment conditions in writing.
• Do not start work before receiving the required right to work.

Top Websites

• Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori)
• Work in Finland
• Oikotie
• Duunitori
• Valtiolle.fi
• The Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners apply for security guard jobs in Finland?

Yes. Foreign workers can seek security employment in Finland, but applicants from outside the EU/EEA normally need a Finnish residence permit allowing them to work.

Is visa sponsorship available for security guard jobs in Finland?

Employer support for work-based residence permits may be available, but Finland does not use “visa sponsorship” in exactly the same way as some other countries. The employer provides employment information while the foreign worker applies for the appropriate residence permit.

Do security guards need a licence in Finland?

Yes. Private security work is regulated, and guards need the appropriate approval or licence. Basic guard training of at least 120 lessons is required for a standard guard licence.

Can my foreign security licence be used in Finland?

Not automatically. You should confirm whether your previous training and qualifications are recognized and whether additional Finnish training or approval is required.

Do I need to speak Finnish?

It depends on the employer and assignment. Some positions may operate partly in English, but Finnish language skills can be highly valuable because security workers often communicate with customers, colleagues, and authorities.

How much can a security guard earn in Finland?

Depending on experience, employer, location, and shift allowances, security workers may earn approximately €1,900–€3,200 or more per month. Actual salaries vary by position and employment agreement.

Can I apply from outside Finland?

Yes. Non-EU/EEA applicants can obtain employment first and then apply for the appropriate Finnish residence permit from outside Finland. Finnish Immigration Service guidance states that first work-based residence permit applications are normally made from abroad.

Can security work lead to a long-term career in Finland?

Yes. Workers who gain Finnish security experience, improve their language skills, and obtain additional qualifications can progress toward senior security and supervisory roles.

Conclusion

Security Guard Jobs in Finland can offer opportunities for foreign workers with professional security experience, strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to work shifts. However, security work in Finland is regulated, making professional licensing and training especially important. Non-EU/EEA applicants also normally need a Finnish residence permit allowing employment before they can begin working. Applicants should carefully verify the employer, salary, residence-permit requirements, and security licensing conditions before accepting an offer. Building relevant experience, obtaining recognized security training, and learning Finnish can significantly improve the chances of finding suitable employment in Finland.