More than a third of young people are considering moving abroad for work

Topics

• Job seeking
• Työllisyys

In a survey of over 17 500 respondents, more than one in three 18–34-year-olds said they had considered moving abroad for work. Professionals in the cultural sector, research, communications, and ICT are particularly interested in working abroad.

Young adults in particular are currently considering moving abroad for work. More than 17 500 YTK members from various industries across the country responded to the Member Pulse survey conducted in October 2025.

According to the survey, 36%, or more than a third, of 18–34-year-olds have considered moving abroad for work. The proportion is slightly lower among middle-aged people (35–54 years old) (29%), and willingness decreases significantly in older age groups: only one in ten people approaching retirement age are considering the idea.

“Understandably, one’s stage of life determines one’s readiness for international mobility. Young people are most interested in moving abroad, while middle-aged people often become less interested as they start families and settle down. For older people, moving abroad for work is often no longer a realistic option,” says Auli Hänninen, CEO of the YTK Unemployment Fund.

Of the unemployed respondents, 25% have considered moving abroad for work. Of the respondents in full-time employment, the proportion is 19%, and of those on temporary layoff, 23%. The employment situation therefore does not have a major impact on the desire to move abroad.

Culture, research, and communications professionals at the forefront of departures

The sectors with the highest rates of work-related emigration are culture, arts, and entertainment, as well as research, development, and consulting services. As many as 33% of respondents of all ages in these sectors have considered moving abroad for work. The next highest numbers of people considering leaving are in the communications sector (32%) and the ICT sector (30%).

The lowest numbers of people considering leaving are in the legal sector (12%), municipal and municipal federation services (14%) and the real estate sector (14%). There are also few people considering moving abroad in the social and health care sector: only 16% of respondents in this sector have considered moving abroad for work. The proportion was the same regardless of whether the respondent worked in the private or public social and health care sector.

“It is understandable that people are considering leaving, especially in sectors where the employment situation in Finland is currently difficult. In the ICT sector, it may also be a question of interesting job opportunities and the attraction of better pay. Compared to perceptions, the desire to leave the social and health care sector is surprisingly low. It may be that many healthcare professionals have already carried out their plans,” says Auli Hänninen.

The question was asked in the form of “Have you considered moving abroad for work?”

YTK Member Pulse is a regular and extensive survey conducted twice a year, asking respondents about their working life, future expectations, and finances

The survey is sent by email to all YTK members

The survey is anonymous, but extensive background information is collected from respondents

The total number of respondents this time was 17 543

The response period was October 2–7, 2025