Helsinki Invites World's Top Tech Talent to "Hire" the City

Nov. 20, 2025

Helsinki is challenging the global race for tech talent by offering the talents a place where ambition meets balance. The capital of the world's happiest country for eight consecutive years is now inviting tech talent all over the world to “hire” the city as their new hometown. The new Hire Helsinki talent acquisition campaign gives a voice to talent, mirroring Finland's equal and transparent business culture. 

Progressive stance towards work-life balance  

Companies are known for competing for the best talent on the global marketplace, but so are the cities they inhabit. Helsinki, among other Nordic capitals, is known for being the best city for work-life balance.

Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov said:

“Helsinki is proud to be recognised as one of the most highly esteemed tech hubs, and we now invite global talent to join us in shaping the next chapter. Helsinki is a place where people can live well and reach their full potential. With Hire Helsinki, we’re offering top talent the chance to live in a city that values trust, participation and innovation.”   

 

Glenn Gassen, Helsinki Migration Affairs Director said:

“Finnish businesses encourage employees at every level to take part in decision-making. In a similar way, we wanted to let the top tech talent assess themselves whether Helsinki has what it takes to be their new hometown. This culture of openness seen in Finnish companies strengthens collaboration and drives innovation, and that's why we also wanted to bring it as a part of the campaign.” 

 

Gassen said:

“Global talent who decide to relocate to Helsinki praise the stable, high-trust, and low-stress working environment. Here, working late is never considered brag-worthy. The general attitude is that as long as the work gets done, rigid schedules are unnecessary. As such, many companies allow flexible hours and remote work.”  

 

In addition to 5 weeks of paid holidays required by law, the mantra of valuing personal life materialises as the world’s most generous parental leave: 160 paid days for each parent. Working in Helsinki is working for the whole family: spouses also get relocation support, and children get free schooling and healthcare. 

Innovation fueled by work-life balance 

Finland, which brought the world Oura rings, Nokia, SMS, and Angry Birds, ranks seventh globally for innovation. The country has long served as proof that size does not matter, particularly when it comes to tech innovation. 

Gassen said:

"Relocated talents are often surprised by Helsinki being such a hotspot for tech talent and innovation. Fields such as AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies are thriving due to robust public-private partnerships and academic support." 

 

The Hire Helsinki campaign features Helsinki’s multibillion-dollar gaming industry and tech unicorns, as well as e-commerce and research organisations that are looking to recruit top tech talent by the end of this year.