Whether you’re moving to Finland to study abroad for a year or going to work indefinitely, there’s plenty to look forward to. This northern country has something for everyone – whether it’s beautiful wild forests or world-class cities, quiet peaceful life or a proactive lifestyle.

From the cost of living to applying for a visa, we’ll provide you with essential information everyone should know before moving to Finland.

Let’s dive into the findings.

How to Prepare to Move to Finland?

It’s finally happening: after days or even weeks of reflection, you’ve decided to get a unique experience and move abroad. Don’t let your nerves creep in. If you start preparing early, you’ll find it controlled.

Save Money

So, the first thing you should do is to get to know how much money it costs to move to Finland. Create a monthly budget plan and add to your list everything: the essential documents (including the visa application), plane tickets, food, and the cost of living in your new home. Also, remember about unanticipated costs during your first few months.

Don’t get it too seriously, there are many differences depending on the city you choose to live.

Before moving abroad research the exchange rate and change some cash in your home country. If you do it at the airport or in a foreign country, it will cost more.

Make Important Moving Decisions

The next step to get you ready to move to Finland is to make decisions. It will ease your transition into your new residence. There are a lot of questions you should ask yourself and consider.

Will you order shipping your stuff to your new home, or will you do it on your own? By the way, you can store or sell some of them in your home country.

Is your city accessible by public transport? And what is the situation with public transport in your city? If you will need to get to work, decide whether you plan to drive or not. Then consider the pros and cons of buying a new car, renting, or shipping yours. If you are taking public transportation, research monthly and annual pass, metro versus bus. It will help you prevent muddle and save some money when you get to Finland.

How Do I Move to Finland?

Moving to Finland is quite a manageable process. But like with any other place, the most difficult part of relocation is the bureaucracy. It is key when you prepare for moving abroad.

Thanks to modern European mobility, there is no need to provide a residence permit for Finland, if you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, or Liechtenstein. You are free to live and work in Finland for up to 90 days. But if you are staying longer, you must provide your right of residence before the end of this period. You can register it at enterfinland.fi.

Checklist of Essentials for Non-EU Citizens

If you are not an EU citizen or equivalent person and need a visa, you have to apply for it at your nearest visa center or Finnish mission. Visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to get more details on the application process, visa fees, etc.

Before applying for a visa, remember to have a valid passport.

If you want to stay on the land of a thousand lakes for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a first residence permit. It must be submitted abroad, before entry into Finland. You can visit the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in your country. But the easier way to apply for a residence permit is online online via an e-service of the Finnish Immigration Service.

When you’ve moved to Finland, it’s time to get a personal identity code. It’s needed for a range of things in Finland, including education, healthcare services, or finding a job. By the way, when you’re applying for your residence permit, you can also apply for this code.

If you need help with moving to Finland, you can contact Swapp Agency. They will provide you with all the useful information about relocation and employment in Finland.

Coronavirus and Moving to Finland

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get practical information to protect yourself and others.

If you’re planning to move to Finland, remember to find out what you need to know about coronavirus. Visit The InfoFinland website for the latest information. Also, get an insurance and check whether it provides sufficient cover.

Wrapping Up

This short article set out significant tips for expats about moving to or living in Finland.

There are a lot of companies that can help you with everything that is required to settle in Finland. Swapp Agency is one of them. They’ll take care of your employment process, legal negotiations, payrolls, etc.