Finland
Coastal BeachesFinland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia, known for its thousands of lakes and extensive forests covering about 70% of its land. The culture emphasizes education, innovation, and social equality, with Finland consistently ranking among the world's happiest countries. The economy is highly developed and diversified, with strengths in technology, forestry, and manufacturing, including world-renowned companies in mobile technology and gaming. Finnish society values work-life balance, sauna culture, and design excellence. Life in Finland offers high living standards, excellent public services, and strong social safety nets, though winters are long and dark at northern latitudes. The country is particularly appealing to those seeking stability, quality education systems, and access to nature.
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SJB GlobalSJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Podcasts
Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat
Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns
Living in Finland
Best Places to Live in Finland
Visa & Residency
Obtaining a residency in Finland involves a series of steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty compared to other European countries. The most common type of visa for expats looking to reside in Finland is the Finnish Residence Permit. This permit is required for those intending to stay in Finland for longer than 90 days. The application process begins with determining the appropriate permit category, which varies depending on the purpose of the stay, such as work, study, family ties, or other reasons. For employment-based residency, the applicant must usually have a job offer from a Finnish employer. The employer often starts the process by initiating a partial application in the Enter Finland service. Then, the applicant completes their part of the application, submits the necessary documents, and pays the processing fee. For those seeking to join a family member in Finland, the family ties must be verified, and similar documentation and fees apply. Digital nomads, or those who work remotely and wish to live in Finland, may apply for the Finnish Residence Permit for an entrepreneur if they are self-employed or run a business. This permit requires proof of sufficient income and a viable business plan. The application for a Finnish Residence Permit can be submitted online through the Enter Finland portal or at a Finnish embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. After submitting the application, the applicant must visit a service point of the Finnish Service or the nearest Finnish mission to verify their identity and present the original documents. Processing times for residence permits can vary, but applicants can expect to wait from a few weeks to several months, depending on the permit type and the complexity of their situation. During this time, the Finnish Immigration Service may request additional information or an interview. Once approved, the residence permit is usually granted for one year at a time, but it can be longer for certain categories, such as work or family ties. The permit can be renewed if the conditions for the permit are still met. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and requires various documents and steps, it is well-structured and facilitated by comprehensive guidelines provided by the Finnish Immigration Service. Expats who prepare thoroughly and meet the requirements should find the process manageable.
Healthcare in Finland
The system in Finland is a blend of public and private services, with a strong emphasis on public healthcare. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is available to all residents of Finland, providing comprehensive coverage that includes general healthcare, specialized care, dental care, and prescription medications. Private healthcare exists alongside the public system, offering faster access to services for those willing to pay. The quality of healthcare in Finland is generally high, with a well-trained medical workforce and modern facilities. Public healthcare is affordable, with low out-of-pocket costs, while private healthcare costs can be significantly higher. Expats and digital nomads who are legal residents in Finland have access to public healthcare. They typically need to register with the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) to receive a Kela card, which entitles them to the same healthcare services as Finnish citizens. Non-residents can still use healthcare services but are required to pay the full cost.
Cost of Living
Finland has a high cost of living, particularly in the capital region of Helsinki. Rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment in central Helsinki typically range from €800–1,200 per month, while outside the city center they are €600–900. Property purchase prices in Helsinki average €6,000–8,000 per square meter. Daily expenses including groceries, dining, and utilities are notably higher than in Southern Europe but comparable to other Nordic countries. However, public services, healthcare, and education are subsidized, offsetting some living costs.
Weather
Finland experiences a continental climate with dramatic seasonal variation. Winters are long, cold, and dark, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from November to March, and the far north experiencing polar night. Summers are short but pleasant, with mild to warm temperatures and nearly continuous daylight in the north. Precipitation is moderate year-round, with snow covering the ground for several months in winter.
Educational System in Finland
The educational system in Finland is renowned for its high quality and is often cited as one of the best in the world. Education in Finland is free and accessible to all. It is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 16, which includes comprehensive school from grades 1 to 9. Finnish children usually start their education at the age of 7. The comprehensive school is divided into a lower stage (grades 1-6) and an upper stage (grades 7-9). After comprehensive school, students can choose to continue their studies in either an academic track (upper secondary school) or a vocational track (vocational education and training). Upper secondary school, also known as high school, typically lasts three years and prepares students for the matriculation examination, which qualifies them for university. Vocational education also takes about three years and provides students with qualifications and skills for various careers. Both paths can lead to higher education. Finnish schools emphasize equality, and there is less focus on standardized testing compared to other countries. Instead, assessment is often based on individual progress and teacher evaluations. The school day includes time for lunch and breaks, and there is a strong emphasis on student well-being and support.
Living in Finland
Healthcare in Finland
Best Places to Live in Finland
Moving to Finland
