Can I work at 14 in Finland?
Yes — light work, with capped hours. The Young Workers Act allows work at 14 (or in the calendar year you turn 14): light work that doesn't harm health, development or schooling — during school holidays at most half the holiday, with short days. At 15, having completed compulsory school stages, you may work more regularly and sign your own contract. Under 18, dangerous work (heavy machinery, night work) is banned.
📋 The rules
- At 14 or turning 14 that year: light work allowed — at most half of any school holiday, up to 7 h/day on holidays and 2 h on school days.
- From 15: you sign and terminate your own contract; under 15 the guardian signs, or the minor with the guardian's consent.
- Under-18 working hours are limited: no night work (generally banned 22–06), with longer rest periods than adults.
- Dangerous work (heavy machines, chemicals, risky lone working) is banned under 18 per the statutory list.
- Under 14, employment is possible only with a regional exemption (performances, filming).
🔓 Exceptions
- Light casual chores at home and in the neighbourhood (family tasks, occasional lawn-mowing) aren't employment relationships.
- School work-experience periods run on their own rules.
⚠️ Penalties
Breaching age and hour limits is the employer's risk: occupational safety authorities intervene and violations can be prosecuted. The youth's wages are always payable for work done — minority is no barrier to pay.
📎 Sources
- Finlex · Young Workers Act 998/1993 →
- Occupational Safety Administration · Young employees →
- Finlex · Employment Contracts Act 55/2001 →
❓ Frequently asked questions
Can a 13-year-old deliver flyers?
As employment only with a regional exemption — mostly used for performing. Someone turning 14 that year may already do light work under normal rules.
Who signs a 14-year-old's contract?
The guardian — or the minor with the guardian's consent. From 15, you sign yourself.
Can a 16-year-old work evening shifts?
Into the evening yes, but night work is banned — work must generally fall between 06 and 22 (with narrow exceptions).
What must summer jobs pay?
At least the collective-agreement wage, often the youth/trainee scale (typically 70–90% of the lowest table wage). Without an agreement, a reasonable customary wage.
🔎 What people search
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- “working age 14 Finland”
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