By RELOCATE SUPPORT
Moving to Finland
Step-by-step Immigration Guide
Moving to Finland
Moving to Finland offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and advanced societal development. This comprehensive guide covers everything from understanding visa requirements to settling in popular expat areas. Whether you're relocating for work, study, or family, this step-by-step immigration guide provides essential insights into the Finnish way of life, including the pros and cons of living in this Nordic country.
Understanding Visa Requirements for Relocating to Finland
The necessity for a visa to move to Finland is predominantly contingent on your nationality:
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: If you possess citizenship in any of these regions, your transition to Finland is relatively straightforward. You can enter Finland with a valid identity card or EU passport. For stays exceeding three months, you will need to pursue EU registration, which grants you a personal identity code and legal residency in Finland. This enables immediate entry into the workforce.
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Those hailing from countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland will require an entry visa for stays surpassing three months.
Relocating to Finland as an EU Citizen
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens find the process of moving to Finland notably accessible. Upon your arrival, initiating an application for EU registration is essential if your intentions involve a stay of over 3 months. The outcome of this process is a personal identity code, verifying your legal residence within Finland. Immediate entry into the workforce is granted, enabling you to engage in professional activities without delay.
Relocating to Finland as a Non-EU Citizen
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens seeking to reside in Finland for periods exceeding 90 days are required to obtain a long-stay visa. The specific type of visa required is contingent upon the purpose of your presence in Finland. Additionally, a corresponding residence permit must be obtained following your arrival, aligning with the type of visa you've secured.
Relocating to Finland for Work
For those who have received a job offer in Finland, the journey commences with the acquisition of a work visa. Subsequently, you must proceed with the application for a relevant residence permit, a necessity that is tied to the nature of your intended work in Finland. Professions experiencing labor shortages may warrant the application for an EU Blue Card. Eligibility for this card is predicated on the fulfillment of professional qualifications and necessary work experience within your chosen field.
Relocating to Finland for Study
Should you gain acceptance into an educational program in Finland, a student visa is indispensable for your relocation. This visa holds a duration of two years, allowing part-time employment of up to 30 hours per week. Notably, the inclusion of your family members in your journey is permissible. The applicability of residence permits, such as the A or B permit, hinges on your specific circumstances.
Relocating to Finland for Family Reunification
Non-EU citizens who aspire to reunite with their family members residing in Finland can embark on this path by applying for a family visa at Finnish diplomatic missions. Family visas are extended to spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, legal guardians (for applicants under 18), and children. Notably, the procurement of a residence permit for family reunification is conditional upon a family member residing in Finland, equipped with a residence permit, who concurrently serves as your sponsor.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Finland
1. World-Class Healthcare: Finland boasts a universal healthcare system, encompassing both public and private sectors. Notably, public healthcare is provided free of charge, ensuring access to quality medical services.
2. Exceptional Quality of Life: Finland consistently ranks among the world's top countries for life quality. The nation excels in areas such as education, healthcare, work-life balance, environmental quality, social connections, safety, and life satisfaction.
3. Outstanding Education System: Finland's education system is celebrated as one of the best globally. Students in Finland receive the benefit of free education and experience minimal homework burdens.
4. Abundant Work Opportunities: While penetrating the Finnish job market can pose challenges, the country presents a multitude of promising work opportunities. Armed with the right qualifications and experience, securing employment becomes more attainable.
5. Safety and Well-Being: Finland isn't just a haven of happiness; it's also renowned for its safety. The nation consistently ranks among the safest places to live globally.
2. Exceptional Quality of Life: Finland consistently ranks among the world's top countries for life quality. The nation excels in areas such as education, healthcare, work-life balance, environmental quality, social connections, safety, and life satisfaction.
3. Outstanding Education System: Finland's education system is celebrated as one of the best globally. Students in Finland receive the benefit of free education and experience minimal homework burdens.
4. Abundant Work Opportunities: While penetrating the Finnish job market can pose challenges, the country presents a multitude of promising work opportunities. Armed with the right qualifications and experience, securing employment becomes more attainable.
5. Safety and Well-Being: Finland isn't just a haven of happiness; it's also renowned for its safety. The nation consistently ranks among the safest places to live globally.
- Social Challenges: Finns typically reserve their social circles, making it hard for newcomers to form friendships.
- Employment Difficulties: Foreigners face a competitive job market, with a bias towards native Finns and a requirement for Finnish language skills.
- Language Barrier: Finnish, a unique and complex language, presents a steep learning curve.
- High Taxation: While taxes in Finland are high, they fund extensive public services.
- Severe Winters: The long, cold winters demand substantial investment in warm clothing.
- Cost of Living: Finland's high living costs are compounded by significant taxes on goods.
- Reserved Communication: Minimal conversation is common, impacting social interactions and dating.
Can I Move to Finland With Pets?
If you plan to relocate to Finland with pets, you must adhere to Finnish laws and regulations. The requirements for importing pets to Finland include:
- Microchipping: All imported pets must be microchipped. The microchip used should conform to ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. AVID-9 and AVID-10 are accepted in addition to ISO chips.
- Rabies Vaccination: Pets must possess an original rabies certificate, duly signed by a veterinarian.
- Rabies Antibody Test: A rabies antibody test, also known as a titer test, is necessary.
- Health Certificate: Pets should have a health certificate.
Popular Expat Areas in Finland
Finland offers several attractive cities for expats to consider, each with its own unique advantages and charms. Here are some of the most popular areas in Finland for expats:
๏ปฟ1. Helsinki:
2. Rovaniemi:
3. Oulu:
4. Espoo:
๏ปฟ1. Helsinki:
- As the capital city of Finland, Helsinki is a hub of innovative art, culture, and architecture.
- It combines urban culture with the tranquility of nature, boasting beautiful islands and a high quality of life.
- Expats seeking employment in Finland often gravitate towards Helsinki, which is known for its safety and serene environment. However, the cost of living can be relatively high.
2. Rovaniemi:
- Located in the northern part of Finland, Rovaniemi offers a unique and breathtaking living experience.
- With snowy landscapes and the mesmerizing Northern Lights, Rovaniemi provides an Arctic atmosphere.
- It has one of the lowest crime rates in Finland, making it a safe and peaceful place for residents, but it can be somewhat expensive.
3. Oulu:
- Oulu is another appealing destination for expats in Finland, known for its charm, traditional wooden townhouses, music festivals, and lovely parks.
- The city offers a harmonious blend of northern nature, culture, and modern technology.
- Oulu's well-educated, friendly, and easy-going population contributes to its welcoming atmosphere.
- It excels in healthcare and education, with rent being more affordable compared to some other Finnish cities.
4. Espoo:
- Situated near Helsinki, Espoo is often considered a more affordable alternative to the capital city.
- The city is characterized by its beautiful architecture, museums, and excellent connectivity to different parts of the region.
- Like many other Finnish cities, Espoo boasts low crime levels, creating a safe environment for residents.
- It's a popular choice among families relocating to Finland, primarily due to the high-quality education it offers.
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FAQ
Can I Import My Personal Belongings to Finland?
You have the opportunity to bring your personal belongings to Finland without incurring customs duty and value-added tax under the following conditions:
- Non-EU Residency: You should have been a resident outside of the EU for at least 12 months.
- Prior Usage: Your personal belongings must have been in use for a minimum of six months before your arrival in Finland.
- Intended Use: Your belongings are intended for the same use as they were in your previous place of residence.
- Household items (clothing, furniture, books, appliances, etc.).
- Bicycles, motorcycles, motor vehicles, and private-use trailers.
- Caravans, leisure boats, and private aircraft.
- Household pets and saddle horses.
- Portable instruments used for applied or liberal arts.
Dual Citizenship in Finland
The policy in Finland permits dual citizenship, signifying that you have the prerogative to retain Finnish citizenship in conjunction with citizenship from another country. Finnish authorities recognize you as a Finnish citizen both within the nation and abroad. However, the acceptance of dual citizenship may fluctuate based on the policies of your country of origin. Therefore, in instances where your present citizenship jurisdiction does not acknowledge dual nationality, you might be necessitated to renounce one of the citizenships.
Relocating to Finland offers a myriad of opportunities, from the pristine natural landscapes to the robust economy. As a flexible and inclusive nation, it extends a warm embrace to those who elect to call it home.
Relocating to Finland offers a myriad of opportunities, from the pristine natural landscapes to the robust economy. As a flexible and inclusive nation, it extends a warm embrace to those who elect to call it home.