Moving to Finland

Finland is a peaceful country known by many as a state with the highest standards of living in Europe. This country is the second most socially secure state in the world after New Zealand and Norway. Moving to Finland is a dream for many individuals who are looking for a change of scene, a better life and work balance and to be surrounded by the happiest people on earth.

Before packing your bags you need to have a comprehensive understanding of how to move to Finland and what to expect once you have landed. Moving overseas is a unique experience that requires extensive research and Hercules Moving Company is here to assist.

Icebreaker: Happiest country on earth

Located in the northern part of Europe, Finland is a Scandinavian state that borders Sweden to the northwest, Russia to the east and Norway to the north. Finland has a population of a little over 5.5 million people. The stunning nature of this country would leave even an experienced traveler on awe.

According to Vanguard Magazine, Finland is the happiest country in the world and in general, a comparison begs to be made. Finland is like a sanatorium: comfortable, beautiful, and quiet. If you like the hustle and bustle of megacities and the fast pace, this country is hardly for you.

How to Immigrate to Finland

First Steps upon arrival in Finland

These steps may differ depending on your citizenship or residency. But for example, you are not a resident of the European Union and want to get a residence permit in Finland.

1. Permanent Address of Residence.

   The first thing to do is to register your place of residence at the Maistraatti. Maistraatti is a public institution in Finland that includes the services of a passport office and part of the civil registry office.

   At the Local Register Office (maistraatti) you are responsible for maintaining the population register, including registration of residence. The address registered with the local register office receives correspondence from the authorities, various bills, etc.

2. Personal Identification Number - Henkilötunnus

   This is your own unique number in the population register. You can be uniquely identified by this number at all times and everywhere. So it's not so much a secret number, but it's better not to show it. A personal number can now be obtained at the same time as a residence permit.

3. ID Card - Henkilökortti

   A Finnish passport, Finnish ID card (henkilökortti) or Finnish driver's license can be accepted as a Finnish ID card if it was originally issued in Finland and has not been exchanged for a driver's license in another country. The easiest way to apply for an identity card is to use the police e-service. You can also apply at the police station on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. Bank Account.

   Finland is not the biggest country, and there are quite a few banks. At the moment you have a choice of about a dozen banks. The biggest three are probably Nordea, Osuuspankki and Danske Bank. But there are also S-Pankki, Aktia, Säästöpankki ("Savings Bank").

   To open a bank account, you must visit a branch in person and present documents proving that you are legally in Finland. In this account, you will receive your salary and can use it to pay your rent and other bills. It will, of course, have a bank card attached to it.

5. Tax Card.

   You can request a personal tax code from the tax office. You may need it, for example, if you work in Finland. In order to obtain a personal identification code, you must visit the tax office in person. Find out at which office personal tax codes are provided.

Healthcare in Finland

Public

All Finnish citizens and residents with work contracts of six months or more are automatically insured by the state social security system KELA. Basic medical care is provided in polyclinic departments at the place of residence.

According to the established rules, medical care must be provided within three working days after application. Most polyclinics accept patients from general practitioners, so-called 'family doctors'. However, in a number of polyclinics, it is also possible to consult specialists (including dentists).

Kela covers most of the cost of public health services. However, you still have to pay for a visit to a general practitioner at a public health center. Usually, it costs from 100 €, but the patient only has to pay 20-30 €, and the rest is covered by insurance. Patients do not have to pay at all for certain medicines that need to be taken every day (insulin, for example).

Private

In the country, private medical care does not replace basic and specialized care but complements them. Private medical institutions include private clinics, dental and physiotherapy offices, and the offices of private practitioners.

The cost of private medical care in Finland is quite high, so it is only fully accessible to the well-off population. Most Finns only use private medical services when they are absolutely necessary. Their main advantage is a quick appointment with the right doctor.

Despite the fact that some of the costs of private health care services are reimbursed under the compulsory health insurance program KELA, private health care services are not available to the majority of Finland's population

Earning and Spending in Finland

Renting vs. Housing in Finland