🇫🇮 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Finland, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Finland at a glance?
• Flag: 🇫🇮
• Population: ~5.6 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: Euro (EUR) — Prices are usually compared internationally in USD.
• Average salary: around EUR 52,000 per year (~USD 55,000)
• Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates (Statistics Finland, 2025; Bank of Finland, 2025 ; Eurostat, 2025; XE, 2025
Reviewed by Statistics Finland (Tilastokeskus), June 2025; Bank of Finland, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Finland?
The cost of moving to Finland depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 2,100–2,700 (≈ EUR 1,950–2,500) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to Finland — BR LOGISTICS |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 3,400–5,000 (≈ EUR 3,100–4,600) depending on origin & route — BR LOGISTICS +1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–10 days | Typically higher; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (insufficient public data for a stable benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Finland import duty rates range from 0–12% on CIF value, plus 24% VAT applied on the import value including duty & shipping costs — DHL +1 |
Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & Finnish Customs / Tax Administration guides, last updated mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case: “I moved to Finland in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of belongings in a 40ft container from Los Angeles, costing around USD 5,600 including door-to-door delivery and customs clearance.” — Anouk L., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Finland choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Oulu, and Turku. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities, making them ideal destinations for newcomers planning to move to Finland.
What do I need to know about Finland visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Finland. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Family or Partner Visa, Startup or Entrepreneur Visa, and Residence or Long-Term Residence Permit options available after an extended stay.
- Visa categories and eligibility check: https://migri.fi/en
- Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents): https://enterfinland.fi/
Reviewed by Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), last updated June 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Finland, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Finnish Customs (Tulli) regulations. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in Finland.
At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to Finland’s import duties and 24% VAT, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance (CIF).
Reviewed by Finnish Customs (Tulli), last updated mid-2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Finland?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an import permit issued by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. A valid rabies antibody (titration) test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved entry points, such as Helsinki Airport (HEL) or designated EU Border Inspection Posts for animals entering Finland by air or road.
Reviewed by Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto), Government of Finland, last updated March2025
How do I open a bank account and get Finland’s national identity number (Tax ID / Social Security Number)?
To open a Finnish bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address in Finland (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment, student enrollment, or income source
The Finnish Personal Identity Code (Henkilötunnus / Personbeteckning) is Finland’s official identification number, used for taxation, social security, healthcare, and banking purposes.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Social Security Number are issued after registering your residence at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) and completing registration with the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) or the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).
Reviewed by Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) & Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela), last updated November 2024.
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Finland?
In Finland, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally one to two months’ rent) and proof of stable income or financial means. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are often not included in the rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of income or employment/study contract
- Finnish Personal Identity Code (Henkilötunnus) or residence registration
To buy property in Finland, budget an extra 4–10% for transfer tax, notary fees, and transaction costs. Non-EU citizens may need permission from the Finnish Ministry of Defence before completing a property purchase, especially in certain protected or border areas.
Top areas for newcomers:
- Helsinki – capital city and innovation hub with international opportunities
- Espoo – tech center and family-friendly, home to Aalto University
- Tampere – dynamic industrial and cultural city surrounded by lakes
- Turku – historic coastal city and gateway to the archipelago
- Oulu – northern tech hub with a vibrant student community
Reviewed by Statistics Finland (Tilastokeskus) & Central Federation of Finnish Real Estate Agencies (KVKL), last updated March 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Finland?
If you’re a tax resident in Finland (living more than 183 days per year or having a permanent home there), you’re generally taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to social security and pension schemes are mandatory for employees under Finnish employment contracts.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Progressive rates: 12%–44% depending on income level (includes municipal and state tax) | Non-residents are taxed only on Finland-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Cover earnings-related pension, public healthcare, and unemployment insurance | Employee contributes around 7%–8%; employer contributes around 20%–25% (subject to income and employment type) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Finland has agreements with 70+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and all EU members |
Reviewed by Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) & Finnish Centre for Pensions (Eläketurvakeskus, ETK), last updated 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Belgium and Malta with ReloAdvisor.
