Finland has very comprehensive family support. When a child is born, parents receive a maternity package (alypakkaus) or cash payment from Kela.
Finland has very comprehensive family support. When a child is born, parents receive a maternity package (alypakkaus) or cash payment from Kela. Parental leave is generous: both parents have a roughly equal share of parental leave days (around 160 days each). Child benefit (lapsilisa) is paid monthly until the child is 17.
Common mistake
Good to know
Early childhood education (daycare / varhaiskasvatus) is a right for all children from age 1. Daycare fees are income-based and capped at around 300 euros per month per child - often much less. After age 6, preschool (esiopetus) is free and compulsory. Child healthcare clinics (neuvola) provide free check-ups and vaccinations from birth.