Finland – Visas
Finland sits within the Schengen Area, which means nationals of many countries can enter for short visits of…
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Your life in Finland starts here
Make your move to Finland
Forests, lakes and long summer light shape Finnish life, supported by strong healthcare and near-universal English. Show sufficient means to settle, with permanent residency in time.
Finland at a glance
Cost of living
High
Property
Expensive
Healthcare
Strong
Safety
Safe
Climate
Cool (~6°C)
English
Very widely spoken
Expat community
Established
Where Finland is strongest: healthcare #18 of 78English-friendliness #26 of 81safety #33 of 78
Worth weighing up: property affordability #62 of 75cost of living #62 of 77size of expat community #50 of 81
TaxWorldwide, 37.5% top state rate, expert scheme
Visa / residencyNo retiree visa, show sufficient means, 6yr PR
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
Health insurance in Finland
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Your first steps to Finland
Finland – Residency
Finland provides multiple pathways to residency for people moving from abroad, spanning employment and education-based permits, family reunification,…
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Fresh from Finland
Latest articles
A Guide to Finnish Sauna Culture: What Expats Need to Know
The Finnish sauna is not just a place to relax and unwind; it’s a significant part of Finland’s…
Read more →How To Open A Bank Account In Finland
There are a few options open to expats living in Finland, when it comes to arranging finances. Some…
Read more →How To Learn The Language In Finland
Finland is an interesting country and the language is no exception, bearing no resemblance to the tongues of…
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Real people who made the move
Paola, Helsinki
Who are you? My name is Paola, I am a IT professional and mother of two toddlers through…
Read more →Kathrin Deter, Helsinki
Who are you? I’m Kathrin! I’m originally from Luxembourg but I have lived in Helsinki since 2010. I’m…
Read more →Wan Wei Soh, Helsinki
Who are you? Hey ExpatFocus, thank you for having me! This is Wan Wei, a curious content marketer…
Read more →Elena Barrett, Finland
Who are you? I’m an American teacher and writer living in Lappeenranta, Finland. Where, when and why did…
Read more →Melanie Dower, Finland
Who are you? I’m Melanie, a New Zealander living in Helsinki, Finland, with my husband and our young…
Read more →Kandace Hawley, Oulu
Who are you? I am Kandace Hawley from Kentucky, U.S.A. I am a graduate student at the University…
Read more →The complete picture
Finland moving guide
Finland – Air Travel
Finland’s aviation infrastructure is well established, with Helsinki-Vantaa Airport serving as the nation’s primary international hub. Domestically, Finnair…
Read more →Finland – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
Finland is consistently recognised as one of the most animal-conscious nations in Europe, where pets are treated as…
Read more →Finland – Banking
Finland’s banking sector is stable, thoroughly digital, and generally welcoming to newcomers from abroad. The country’s leading institutions…
Read more →Finland – Buses and Trams
Finland offers a dependable, modern, and thoroughly integrated public transport network. Urban bus services fall under the management…
Read more →Finland – Buying or Importing a Car
Purchasing or importing a vehicle in Finland is entirely achievable for foreign nationals, but it comes with its…
Read more →Finland – Buying Property
Foreign nationals are permitted to purchase property in Finland, though the applicable rules differ according to your citizenship…
Read more →Finland – Car Rental
For most visitors and new residents, hiring a car in Finland is a hassle-free experience. The minimum age…
Read more →Finland – Citizenship
Finnish citizenship can be acquired through naturalisation, descent, or declaration. Following recent legislative reforms, the standard residency requirement…
Read more →Finland – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is readily accessible throughout Finland, with an extensive selection of therapies — ranging…
Read more →Finland – Cost of Living
Finland sits among Europe’s pricier destinations, placing roughly 8th in the EU when ranked by cost of living.…
Read more →Finland – Cycling
Finland is a country where cycling is woven into the fabric of everyday life — used for commuting,…
Read more →Finland – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Finland’s dental care landscape brings together publicly funded services — overseen by regional wellbeing services counties — and…
Read more →Need an international mover?
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