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Moving to Finland

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Select your destination

Moving to Finland

Search for a country guide

Select your destination

Moving to Finland

How to move to Finland

House Prices and Renting

The cost of housing in Finland varies by city, with Helsinki being the most expensive.

  • Average Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in Helsinki costs around $1,200 per month, while in smaller cities like Tampere or Turku, rent is closer to $800 per month.

  • Popular Neighborhoods: Expats often choose areas like Kallio and Punavuori in Helsinki for their vibrant atmosphere, while those looking for affordability prefer Espoo or Vantaa.

  • Buying a Home: The average cost per square foot in Helsinki is approximately $600, with lower prices in rural areas.

Job Opportunities

Finland has a strong job market with high demand in several industries, including technology, healthcare, and education.

  • Key Industries: IT, engineering, healthcare, and academia.

  • Job Search Tips: Expats can find jobs through platforms like TE-palvelut, Monster.fi, and LinkedIn. Learning basic Finnish can improve job prospects.

  • Work Culture: Finnish work-life balance is highly valued, with generous vacation time and flexible working conditions.

Immigrate to Finland

Cost of Moving to Finland
Moving internationally involves several expenses:

  • Shipping Costs: The cost of shipping a 20-foot container from the US to Finland ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.

  • Customs Fees: Finland has strict import regulations; items may be subject to VAT and customs duties.

  • Flights: One-way tickets from the US to Finland range from $400 to $1,200, depending on the season and airline.

Visa and Residency Requirements

US citizens need a residence permit to live and work in Finland long-term.

  1. Work Visa: Requires a job offer from a Finnish employer.

  2. Family Visa: Available for those joining a spouse or family member in Finland.

  3. Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous residence, expats can apply for permanent status.

Healthcare and Education

Finland offers high-quality public services:

  • Healthcare: Finland has a universal healthcare system, with public healthcare costing significantly less than in the US. Private options are available for faster access.

  • Education: Public schools are free and highly ranked globally. International and private schools are also available in major cities.

Moving Checklist

A step-by-step guide for US citizens moving to Finland:

  1. Secure a residence permit.

  2. Arrange housing before arrival.

  3. Research job opportunities or secure employment.

  4. Organize healthcare coverage.

  5. Ship necessary belongings while adhering to customs regulations.

  6. Learn basic Finnish to ease integration.

Food & Drink

Finnish cuisine is known for its fresh and hearty dishes:

  • Popular Foods: Salmon soup, Karelian pasties, and rye bread.

  • Dining Customs: Tipping is not mandatory, and meals are often simple but high-quality.

  • International Cuisine: Major cities offer a variety of global food options, including American-style restaurants.

Culture

Adapting to Finnish culture can help with a smooth transition:

  • Social Customs: Finns value personal space and direct communication.

  • Key Traditions: Sauna culture is deeply ingrained in Finnish life.

  • Events: Annual festivals like Vappu (May Day) and Juhannus (Midsummer) are widely celebrated.

Moving to Finland from the US offers a chance to experience a high-quality lifestyle, excellent public services, and a welcoming international community. With proper planning, your transition to Finland can be smooth and rewarding.



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Relocately enables you to manage everything related to your relocation, or that of your employees, in one, simple place. We help over 150.000 customers a year with relocating to over 140 countries. Our services range from comparing moving companies, housing / short say to immigration services and currency exchange and more! Find out here what we have to offer in your city!

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