Babysitting Jobs in Finland with Visa Sponsorship

Imagine building a life in one of the happiest countries in the world while earning €15–€20 per hour caring for children in safe, respectful homes. In 2026, babysitting jobs in Finland are no longer limited to locals or short-term visitors. For many foreigners, these roles now come with legal work contracts, visa sponsorship, and monthly salaries reaching €3,200.

Finland’s families are actively seeking trustworthy, patient, and caring babysitters and nannies, especially English-speaking candidates. Whether you want part-time flexibility or a full-time, live-in role with accommodation included, Finland offers something rare: good pay, work-life balance, and long-term stability in childcare work.

Why Finland Is a Great Place for Babysitting and Childcare Work

Finland consistently ranks among the happiest and most family-friendly countries in Europe. Parents value high standards of care and are often willing to invest in quality childcare, creating demand for reliable babysitters and nannies.

Local families and agencies offer both part-time babysitting and full-time nanny positions. There’s also a growing desire among Finnish families for bilingual childcare providers who can support children’s language development especially in English and other major languages

Family-to-family platforms like Sitly operate in Finland and show thousands of open childcare gigs in cities like Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Turku, and Kuopio illustrating the sheer volume of opportunities for sitters and nannies

A Supportive Work Environment

Working in Finland comes with strong employment laws, workplace rights, and social support. Babysitters employed through families or agencies typically enjoy regulated hours, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

Plus, Finland’s focus on work-life balance and well-being means that even childcare roles come with respectful treatment and clear expectations.

Types of Babysitting & Childcare Jobs in Finland

Childcare jobs in Finland range from informal part-time sitting to structured, visa-sponsored roles:

1. Part-Time Babysitter/After-School Sitter

• Works weekly shifts, evenings, weekends, or during school holidays.
• Great option for students and flexible workers.
• Often arranged directly through families or platforms like Sitly.
• You set your rates with the family typically based on experience

2. Full-Time Nanny / Live-In Babysitter

• Responsible for daily childcare routines: meals, play, school runs, bedtime,
  and light household tasks.
• Live-in arrangements often include accommodation and meals.
• Families sometimes sponsor visas if hiring international candidates.

3. Au Pair Roles

The au pair system is a structured way for young foreigners to live with a Finnish host family, learn the language, and provide childcare support.

• Au pairs work up to 25 hours/week and receive a weekly allowance plus room and board.
• Host families often help arrange Finnish language courses.
• Non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit before arrival.

4. Agency-Placed Nannies

Agencies based in Finland or internationally partner with local families to place long-term nanny positions. These roles tend to be more formal and often come with visa sponsorship support.

Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Babysitting Jobs in Finland

Who Needs a Visa?

If you’re a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you can work in Finland without a work permit. For non-EU nationals, however, you must secure a residence permit that allows work and that generally requires employer sponsorship.

How Sponsorship Works

To work legally as a babysitter or nanny with visa sponsorship in Finland, the employer (family or agency) must:

1. Offer a formal job contract outlining your job, salary, and hours.
2. Show that wages meet local labor standards.
3. Support your residence permit application through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

This process proves to Finnish authorities that the job is genuine and that you won’t be unemployed while in the country

Types of Visa Routes

1. Work-Based Residence Permit For full-time jobs with a contract.
2. Au Pair Residence Permit specific to the structured au pair scheme.
3. Working Holiday Visa Allows temporary work (often part-time) and can lead to longer opportunities if you secure sponsorship later.

Benefits of Employer-Sponsored Visas

• Legal right to live and work in Finland.
• Health, social security benefits if working full-time.
• Pathway to longer residence permits and potentially permanent residency.

Qualifications & Skills That Help You Get Hired

While babysitting doesn’t always require formal education, employers, especially those sponsoring visas look for:

Childcare Experience
Families prefer sitters who have worked with kids before, whether professionally or informally (like babysitting siblings).

First Aid / CPR Certification
Having certified safety training boosts trust.

Language Skills
English is widely accepted in international families, but Finnish or Swedish is a major advantage. Employers sometimes provide language training support

References / Background Checks
A clean background check and good references from past families or employers strengthen your application.

Soft Skills
Patience, creativity, reliability, and communication go a long way in childcare roles.

Salary & Earning Potential

Babysitting earnings can vary widely based on role type:

Hourly Babysitting (Part-Time)

• Typical rates range depending on experience, child age, and duties.
• In Helsinki, for example, some babysitter gigs list €15–€20/hour as a starting point.

Full-Time Nanny Salary

• Monthly salaries for full-time nannies can range from €2,200 to €3,200 or more.
• Live-in positions may include accommodation and meals as part of the compensation package

Au Pair Allowance

• Around €280/month minimum, plus free room, board, and language tuition support

Where to Find Babysitting Jobs in Finland

1. Sitly

Sitly’s platform lists thousands of active babysitting and childminder openings across Finland. You can filter by city, age of children, schedule, and more

2. Local Nanny Agencies

International and Finnish agencies can connect you with families needing long-term sitters or nannies (some provide visa assistance). It’s worth reaching out directly and showing your CV and references.

3. Host Family Networks

Au pair exchanges and childcare networks are powerful for both short-term and long-term roles.

4. Recruitment Agencies

Some recruitment companies in Finland help foreigners secure jobs in caregiving and childcare, including visa support and job placement guidance.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Started

Step 1 Prepare Your CV and Profile

Create a clean, professional CV highlighting childcare experience, certifications, and language skills. If using Sitly, make your profile clear, friendly, and detailed.

Step 2: Find Suitable Job Listings

Search platforms, agencies, and family networks. Tailor your applications to match their needs.

Step 3: Communicate with Employers

Be prompt, friendly, and clear in discussions with families. Ask about job expectations, hours, living arrangements, and whether visa support is available.

Step 4: Secure a Contract

For visa-sponsored work, make sure the employer provides a formal contract outlining pay, duties, and duration.

Step 5: Apply for Residence Permit

Once you have a contract, start your residence permit (work permit) application through Migri.fi. This process can take several weeks to months, so apply early.

Conclusion

Finland’s childcare sector presents a unique and structured opportunity for international job seekers in 2026 transforming babysitting from a casual gig into a legitimate career path. With competitive salaries, strong legal protections, and clear visa sponsorship routes, your journey to working legally as a nanny, babysitter, or au pair is more accessible than ever.

By preparing the right skills, leveraging trusted platforms, and securing a formal contract, you can embark on a fulfilling role that values your contribution while offering a gateway to Finland’s renowned quality of life. Start your application today and take the first step toward a stable, rewarding future in the heart of Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions