Welcome to the most prominent and prosperous country in the world! Learn everything about living arrangements, citizenship regulations, and overall lifestyle in this part of Scandinavia before you start moving to Finland. This Nordic beauty is located in Northern Europe, sharing its borders with Norway, Sweden, and Russia. People boast about its high-quality life, amazing healthcare and education system, as well as beautiful natural landscapes like you’ve never seen before.
Moving to Finland From the US – Get a Permit or Become One Of Its Citizens
When relocating abroad, you need to handle some basic documentation. More specifically, if your stay is up to 90 days, then you have to apply for a visa. For anything longer than that, you need a resident permit. There are three types of permits:
Can I Move to Finland? Work on Your Residence Permit and Immigrate to Finland from USA Smoothly
You’re probably thinking – Is it difficult to immigrate to Finland? Well, there are many types of permits you can apply for after you take care of hiring a professional overseas moving company. It basically depends on your main reason for relocation. You can get a permit if:
- You’re a student
- You have a Finnish family member
- You already work here as a specialist, researcher, athlete, or a self-employed person
- You seek asylum
- You’re a victim of human trafficking
- You’re seeking remigration – you have to prove you’re descent of a Finnish citizen or you were a Finnish citizen
- If none of the above acquires to you, you can seek a permit “based on other grounds.”
Other than remigration, you have to prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Finland. Feel free to ask the Finnish Immigration Service any further questions you may have before you apply for a permit.
Immigration to Finland – How to Become a Citizen?
Unfortunately, it’s not enough to just find the best overseas shipping company that will take care of your belonging. In order to become a Finnish citizen, there are certain criteria you have to meet. The criteria include:
- You have to be an adult (in Europe that means 18 or older),
- You have to have some proof of identification,
- You need to speak either Finnish or Swedish language (since both languages are official) on a satisfactory level,
- You have to live in Finland for at least five years without interruption (vacations are allowed) or for seven years, but with a continuous, residency for the last two years,
- You have to have a clean record (no major crimes),
- You have paid all your debts, and you can financially support yourself.
Some cases may vary, so it’s always best you check with the Finnish Immigration Service. If you are eligible, just apply for citizenship on time. After all, moving internationally will take a bit more time than you might thought so, prepare accordingly.
Is It Expensive to Live in Finland? Learn Everything About Expenses Before Moving Overseas
The official currency is the euro, and the cost of living here is regarded to be higher than the European average. Around 800 euros a month is enough for you to live alone comfortably anywhere (that’s about 950 dollars), except in the capital, Helsinki.
Food and beverages are about 20% higher than average, and alcoholic drinks are even more expensive. When it comes to housing, you can rent or own a home, or even explore some middle options. The costs vary so much that it’s for the best if you check some options and consult with a real estate expert, especially if you want a life in the city.
Moving to Finland Without a Job – There Surely Are Some Opportunities for You to Try
You can go to Jobs in Finland and explore options based on your degree and capabilities so that working in Europe as an American won’t be that hard for you. For work that requires communication with customers, you’ll need to speak the language. You can always read some tips for learning a new language. Other than that, you’ll be okay with your native English.
Things Americans Moving to Finland Should Expect When Living Here
Before you hire international moving services and even a storage unit, get to know the place. However, having the best services for your move won’t be difficult to find if you hire Sunset International Shipping Company because we offer the best service on the market. For instance, did you know that Finland is the number one country in the world when it comes to coffee consumption? Or that it’s covered in forests and lakes. Like a lot. The people here like silence more than anything and are very punctual.
Healthcare and Education for the Entire Family
Finnish healthcare and education systems are often referred to as among the best in the world. For residents, education is completely free, which is perfect if you’re moving with kids. But if you’re relocating as a student here, you’ll have to pay tuition fees that can vary between 3,350 and 15,000 dollars per year.
When it comes to healthcare, if you have a residence permit, you’re eligible for public health services. Even if you don’t have a permit, you’ll receive public healthcare in a state of emergency. Be sure to read all the details regarding Health services in Finland.
Transportation Methods You’ll Surely Like
Public transport works perfectly here, especially if you opt for a life in the bigger cities. People here use their monthly ticket to go by bus, train, metro, ferry, or even public bicycles. But if you’re more into driving your own car, you can book car shipping services and ship your vehicle. Remember to change your driver’s license when you relocate.
Make a Checklist of Activities
The country is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. You and your family can go hiking, skiing, swimming, camping in the wilderness while watching Northern Lights, or even dig for amethyst in a local mine. There is so much to do and visit here, so you’ll never be bored at home.
Plan a Road Trip Through Finland
Take your time and explore your new home while you’re there. It’s a unique experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Let the movers handle everything with their packing services, while you make a thorough plan of all the things you want to see and do in this Nordic heaven.
Helsinki – the Amazing Capital
The capital rests on a peninsula and is home to about 1,300,000 people. The city is rich with culture and sports and was even the host of the Summer Olympic games back in 1952. If you’re a city person that loves to be among people and culture, Helsinki is the best place to live in. But if you and your family want a more quiet life, be sure to check neighborhoods out of the capital.
Summer Activities You Can Do in Helsinki
There’s so much you can do and enjoy in Helsinki. It truly is an amazing city filled with beautiful architecture and fun activities. You can even work on your Finnish here. Be sure to watch this video of the top 10 things to do in Helsinki.
Make Your Transition Enjoyable
If you’re wondering – Is Finland a good place to live? – the answer is yes! But remember that moving abroad and shipping overseas can be a real challenge. So why not hire a reliable international moving company to help you with the transition and ease the moving stress? Concentrate on the idea of living in one of the best countries in the world, while movers do the hard work for you.
If this sounds appealing, get a free quote and start your relocation today with Sunset International Shipping Company! Contact us and find out why we’re the best choice for your relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Finland
Housing is generally the biggest expense in Finland, especially in major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. The cost of rent or a mortgage can be quite high, although the quality of housing is generally good. In addition to housing, other expenses to consider include food, transportation, and utilities.
If you are looking for a place to live in Finland, there are several options available to you, including:
- Real estate websites – There are several websites that list available apartments, houses, and other properties for rent or sale in Finland. Some of the most popular websites include Oikotie, Vuokraovi, and Etuovi.
- Social media groups – Many Finnish cities and towns have social media groups or pages dedicated to housing, where landlords and tenants can post listings and connect with one another. Joining these groups can be a good way to find available housing and connect with landlords or other tenants.
- Local newspapers – Local newspapers often list available rental properties in their classified sections. You can check these listings online or in print, depending on the publication.
Finland has many good neighborhoods to live in, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Here are a few examples of popular neighborhoods in different cities in Finland:
- Kallio, Helsinki – Located just east of Helsinki’s city center, Kallio is a vibrant neighborhood known for its cafes, bars, and independent shops. It is a popular neighborhood for students and young professionals.
- Töölö, Helsinki – Töölö is a residential neighborhood located just west of Helsinki’s city center. It is known for its green spaces, including the Hesperian Puisto and Kaivopuisto parks, and is a popular neighborhood for families.
- Punavuori, Helsinki – Punavuori is a trendy and upscale neighborhood located south of Helsinki’s city center. It is known for its designer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, and is a popular neighborhood for professionals and creatives.
- Tampereen keskusta, Tampere – Tampereen keskusta is the central district of Tampere, known for its historic buildings, shopping, and cultural attractions. It is a popular neighborhood for students and young professionals.
- Etelä-Haaga, Helsinki – Etelä-Haaga is a suburban neighborhood located just outside Helsinki’s city center. It is known for its green spaces, including Central Park and Pitkäkoski Rapids, and is a popular neighborhood for families and retirees.
The job market in Finland is generally considered to be good, with a low unemployment rate and a high level of education and skills among the workforce. However, the job market can also be quite competitive, particularly in certain industries and regions.
The healthcare system in Finland is a public, tax-funded system that provides comprehensive healthcare services to all residents. The system is decentralized, meaning that each municipality is responsible for organizing and providing healthcare services to its residents.
The eligibility requirements for a Finnish visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. You should check the eligibility requirements for your specific visa category to ensure that you meet all of the necessary criteria.
The Finnish education system s known for its high quality and egalitarian approach. Education is a fundamental right in Finland, and the government is committed to providing free, high-quality education to all residents.
The transportation system here is comprehensive and efficient, with a range of options available to residents and visitors, from public transportation, cycling, cars, and taxis to ferries. Did you know that Finland has an extensive network of ferries that connect its many islands and archipelagos? Ferries are a popular mode of transportation for both residents and tourists.
The best option for overseas shipping your belongings is to book reliable international moving services and let professionals take care of it.
Here are some key cultural differences to keep in mind:
- Personal space – Finns tend to value their personal space, and it is not uncommon for people to maintain a greater physical distance than in some other cultures. It is important to respect people’s personal space and avoid standing too close or touching someone without permission.
- Silence – Silence is often seen as a positive thing in Finnish culture, and people may be comfortable with longer periods of silence than in other cultures. This does not necessarily mean that someone is upset or angry; it is simply a cultural norm.
- Punctuality – Punctuality is highly valued in Finnish culture, and being on time for appointments and meetings is considered important. It is considered impolite to arrive late without a good reason.
- Direct communication – Finns tend to be direct in their communication, and may not use as much small talk or indirect language as in some other cultures. It is important to be clear and concise in your communication and to avoid being too indirect or vague.
The weather in Finland can vary widely depending on the season and the region. There are cold winters and short daylight hours, and mild summers with long daylight hours. You can also expect a significant amount of rain and snow throughout the year.
Joining a club or group based on your interests can be a good way to meet like-minded people in Finland. There are many different types of clubs and groups in Finland, including sports clubs, language exchange groups, and hobby groups.
To find a job in Finland before you move there, you can research the job market, look for job listings on online job boards and company websites, contact recruitment agencies, and network with people in your industry or profession. It’s also important to tailor your resume and cover letter to Finnish standards and highlight any relevant skills or experience.
Yes, you can bring your pets with you when you move to Finland. However, you will need to follow certain regulations and requirements, including obtaining a health certificate, ensuring that your pets are vaccinated, and complying with Finland’s animal welfare laws
There are many popular activities you can enjoy, but among the most popular ones are winter sports, sauna, and nature activities. Finland’s beautiful natural scenery is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
