Practical guides to life in Finland.
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Moving to Finland
Residence Permits in Finland: EU, Non-EU, and Nordic Citizens
Whether you need a permit, which type to apply for, and how the process works — everything depends on where you are from and why you are moving.
How long does it take to get a Finnish personal identity code (henkilotunnus)?
It typically takes 1-3 weeks if you apply in person at a DVV service point. If you already have a valid residence permit, bring it along with your passport.
Do I need to register my address in Finland and how do I do it?
Yes, if you plan to stay in Finland for more than 3 months, you must register your place of residence with DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency).
My non-EU residence permit application has been pending for months. Is this normal?
Unfortunately yes, processing times vary a lot by permit type. Work-based permits have been taking 1-6 months depending on the case.
Can I use my foreign driving licence in Finland?
If you have an EU/EEA driving licence, you can use it in Finland without exchanging it. If you have a non-EU licence, you can drive in Finland for up to 1 year after registering your residence.
Which bank is easiest to open an account in as a new immigrant?
S-Pankki and Holvi are generally considered the most accessible for new immigrants. S-Pankki often only requires a valid ID and Finnish personal identity code.
What are Finnish bank credentials (verkkopankkitunnukset) and why does everyone ask for them?
Finnish bank credentials are your online banking login. They act as a strong digital identity in Finland - almost like a national ID online.
Settling in
Banking
Housing
Buying a Home in Finland
Foreigners can freely buy property in Finland. Here is how the process works, from searching to signing.
How does the Finnish housing market work - is buying or renting more common?
Finland has a mixed market. Helsinki and major cities are expensive to buy - a small flat can cost 200,000-500,000€.
How does Finnish district heating (kaukolämpö) work?
Most apartment buildings and many houses in Finnish cities are heated by district heating - hot water piped from central heating plants throughout the city.
Healthcare
Emergencies in Finland: What to Do and Who to Call
In an emergency in Finland, call 112. Here is how emergency services work and what to do in different situations.
Pregnancy and Childbirth in Finland
Finland has some of the best maternity care in the world, and it is practically free. Here is how the system works from the first trimester to bringing your baby home.
Dental Care in Finland
Dental care in Finland is partly subsidised but works differently from general healthcare. Here is how to access it and what it costs.
How does the Kela card work and how do I get one?
The Kela card proves your entitlement to Finnish social security. You need it when visiting public healthcare or when buying prescription medication at the pharmacy (it gives you the national health insurance discount).
How does the Finnish maternity healthcare (äitiysneuvola) system work?
Pregnant women are entitled to free maternity care through neuvola from early pregnancy until after birth.
Everyday life
Elections and Voting in Finland
Even as a foreign resident, you may have the right to vote in Finland. Here is how the system works.
How does Finnish public transport work and is it expensive?
Finland has excellent public transport especially in cities. Helsinki region (HSL) has a zone-based ticketing system covering buses, trams, metro, and commuter trains.
How does recycling and waste sorting work in Finland?
Finland has a comprehensive recycling system. Most apartment buildings have separate bins for mixed waste, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, and biowaste.
How does the Finnish alcohol system work? What can I buy where?
Finland has a state alcohol monopoly. Beers up to 5.
How does online shopping and delivery work in Finland?
Finland has good e-commerce infrastructure. Posti (Finnish post) and other carriers deliver to your door or to a nearby parcel locker (pakettiautomaatti).
Benefits
Work
Finnish Work Culture: What to Expect
Finnish workplaces can feel very different from what many internationals are used to. Understanding the unwritten rules makes a big difference.
Job Hunting in Finland as an International
Finding work in Finland as an international is very possible - but it helps to understand how the Finnish job market actually works.
Employment Contracts and Workers Rights in Finland
Finnish employment law is strong and protects workers. Here is what your contract should include, your rights, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Starting a Business in Finland
Finland is one of the easiest countries in the world to start a business. Here is how the process works, from registration to taxes.
Unemployment in Finland: Benefits and Job Seeking Support
Losing your job in Finland does not mean losing your safety net. Here is how unemployment benefits work and where to get help finding new work.
Understanding Pensions in Finland
The Finnish pension system is one of the strongest in the world. Here is how it works, even if you only work in Finland for a few years.
How do I get a Finnish tax card and what happens if I work without one?
Apply for a tax card (verokortti) at vero. fi or at a local Tax Administration office.
Do I need to file a tax return in Finland?
Most employed people in Finland receive a pre-filled tax return (esitäytetty veroilmoitus) from Vero in spring.
What is the benefit of joining a trade union (ammattiliitto) in Finland?
Trade unions provide legal protection if employment disputes arise, negotiate collective agreements (TES) that set minimum wages and working conditions for entire sectors, and offer training and career support.
Am I entitled to paid annual leave (vuosiloma) in Finland?
Yes. Under Finnish law, employees accumulate 2-2.
Family
The Finnish Education System: A Guide for Immigrant Families
Finnish education is world-renowned and completely free. Here is how the system works from daycare to upper secondary, and what your children are entitled to.
Divorce in Finland
Divorce in Finland is a no-fault process that does not require agreement from both parties. Here is how it works.
How does the Finnish school system work?
Finnish comprehensive school (peruskoulu) is free and compulsory for ages 7-16, covering grades 1-9.
How does daycare (varhaiskasvatus) work in Finland and how much does it cost?
All children from age 1 have the right to municipal daycare. The monthly fee is income-based with a cap around 295 euros for the first child (2024 figures), less for additional children.
Student life