GENERAL INFORMATION

The North Calotte area includes regions in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia north of the Arctic Circle. The areas included in these pages consist of the provinces of Nordland, Tromsø and Finnmark in Norway, Norbotten in Sweden, the province of Lapland in Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

Free movement of the workforce has even become easier after membership in the EU. For decades the citizens of Nordic countries have not required a work or residency permit when moving within the region. In addition the Nordic citizens have also been able to travel without a passport.

Following the break-up of the Soviet Union, Russian workers have mostly immigrated to Northern Norway due to the fact that the job opportunities have been far better than in the neighbouring countries of Finland and Sweden. The fishing industry has been an especially important employer for Russian labour. The increased movement of labour from the Murmansk area has been restricted by a rather tough work permit policy and also the fact that Finland and Sweden are struggling with a high rate of unemployment. Work permits have been granted to those persons with special relationships or knowledge. There has been very little movement of workers to the Kola Peninsula

The similarity of the Social Security systems of the Nordic countries has made movement in the area easy.  The authorities responsible for benefits and social security work in a similar fashion in all the Nordic countries.

Movement within the area is also made easier by the fact that the Swedish language is understood everywhere. When moving to Norway or Finland one should have basic language skills for the given country. This is especially important for those seeking employment in e.g. the healthcare sector.

Working abroad offers opportunities of obtaining international work experience, improvement of language skills and to establish relationships. On these pages you will find information regarding available positions, educational institutes and general information related to the Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Russian social security and taxation systems. You will also find contact information for the different authorities and municipalities.