The rule: Working Hours Act (872/2019)
Finland's standard hours are 8 a day and 40 a week. Under the Working Hours Act (Työaikalaki 872/2019), daily overtime is paid at the regular wage +50% for the first two hours (×1.5) and +100% for any hours after that (×2.0). Weekly overtime beyond 40 hours is paid at +50% (×1.5). Work on a Sunday or church holiday carries a separate +100% Sunday premium that is paid in addition to any overtime premium.
Overtime rate table
| Daily OT, first 2 hours | ×1.5 (+50%) |
| Daily OT, beyond 2 hours | ×2.0 (+100%) |
| Weekly OT (beyond 40h) | ×1.5 (+50%) |
| Sunday / church holiday | +100% premium (stacks) |
Worked example
At €20.00/hour, working 11 hours in a day (3 OT hours): first 2 OT hours = 2 × 20 × 1.5 = €60; third hour = 1 × 20 × 2.0 = €40; total overtime €100 on top of the 8-hour day.
Limits, exemptions and who to contact
Overtime always requires the employee's consent and is capped at 250 hours/year (plus 138 hours over any 4-month period). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Työsuojelu) oversees compliance.
- What is the overtime rate in Finland?
- +50% for the first two daily overtime hours, +100% beyond; +50% for weekly overtime (Working Hours Act 872/2019).
- Do I need to agree to overtime?
- Yes — overtime always requires the employee's consent.
- What about Sundays?
- A +100% Sunday premium applies and stacks on top of any overtime premium.
- Is there an annual cap?
- 250 overtime hours per year.