Finland attracts tourists and expats from all over the world with its high standard of living. Find out more about whether Finland will accept foreigners in 2025, how to move to Finland for citizens of different countries, which cities are the most popular for living among foreigners and more about the pros and cons of living in Finland.

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Finland is a country in Northern Europe that has been at the top of the list of the happiest countries in the world for many years. That is why this Scandinavian gem is an attractive place for expats from Portugal, Mexico, Togo and other countries who are looking to build a new life in a unique corner of Europe. The number of foreign residents in Finland is growing every year.

Is moving to Finland in 2025 a good idea? What are the pros and cons of living in Finland? We will tell you further.

Is Finland accepting expats in 2025?

Finland welcomes foreigners and offers various ways to obtain permanent residence and Finnish citizenship.

As a member of the EU and the Schengen Area, Finland provides a simple process for EU citizens and also has programs for non-EU individuals such as the Employment Visa, Finnish Start-up Permit, etc.

Is Finland a good place to live?

From the bustling city of Helsinki to the arctic Lapland, Finland offers expats a high standard of living, an excellent work-life balance and a strong sense of community. With careful planning and the right resources, moving to Finland can be a rewarding experience.

How can an EU citizen move to Finland?

If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA and Switzerland, you can move to Finland without a visa, however, if you want to live here for more than three months, you need to apply for registration. After registration, the expat receives a personal identification code that will confirm the legality of residence in Finland.

Rules for moving to Finland from outside the EU

A foreigner who is not a citizen of one of the EU countries, in order to stay in Finland for longer than 3 months (90 days), must apply for a long-term visa to the Finnish Embassy or Consulate in the country of origin before moving.

Finland offers different types of long-term visas that you can apply for depending on the purpose of your trip to the country: work, study, family reunification, etc.

Also, after arriving in Finland, you need to get a residence permit.

Does Finland allow dual citizenship?

Finland accepts dual citizenship, which means that you can be a citizen of Finland and have the citizenship of another country.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance.

The most popular cities in Finland for expats

Most expats in Finland live in one of these cities:

- Helsinki

The capital of Finland known for its innovative art, culture and architecture. Helsinki is one of the most livable cities in Finland. The city is an attractive destination for expats moving to the country for employment. However, living in Helsinki can be expensive. For one person, the estimated monthly cost of living can be about 900 euros (not including the cost of renting a house).

- Rovaniemi

City in the northern part of Finland with the lowest crime rate in the country. Although the city is small in size, it has some great areas for expats. Also, the cost of living here is lower than in Helsinki.

- Oulu

City that perfectly combines northern nature, culture and modern technologies. The inhabitants of Oulu are known as well-educated, friendly and calm people. Oulu also has an excellent health care and school education system, ranking high in many areas.

- Espoo

City not far from Helsinki. In fact, it is similar to the capital, but more accessible. It is a popular place for families moving to Finland.

Cost of living in Finland

Expected living expenses in Finland will include:

- Housing rent - a one-room apartment in the city center can cost about 800-1200 euros per month. Prices are slightly lower outside the center.

- Buying property – the real estate market in Finland offers a stable investment, although prices can be high, especially in Helsinki. Additional costs include transfer tax and possible estate agent fees.

- Food and drink – food prices are higher compared to some EU countries, but the quality is excellent. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant usually costs around 60-80 euros ($65-85).

- Transport – public transport in the country is well organized, monthly fares cost around 50-70 Euros (55-75 USD) depending on the city. Car owners have to consider the need to pay taxes, insurance and relatively high fuel costs.

- Utilities - Monthly utility costs for a standard apartment are approximately €100-150 ($110-160), including electricity, heating, water and waste disposal services.

More details about the cost of living in Finland: housing prices, food, entertainment and monthly budget in this article.

Labor market and working conditions in Finland

The Finnish job market is known for its focus on technology, education, healthcare and engineering. Remote work has also been gaining popularity in the country in recent years.

The Finnish work culture values punctuality, work-life balance and offers a flexible working environment.

Health care system in Finland

Finland boasts a world-class public health care system. Residents of the country have access to medical services if they have state health insurance. Expats can access medical services by registering with a local medical center.

Education in Finland

Finland has a strong education system, which is represented by public institutions as well as private and international schools. In terms of higher education, Finland is home to several prestigious universities, and while many programs are taught in Finnish, there is usually a wide selection of English-language programs as well.

Is it safe in Finland?

Finland is known for its low crime rate and safe environment. However, it is important to be careful in cities late at night and be prepared for extreme weather conditions, especially in winter.

Can I move to Finland with pets?

According to Finnish law, all pets brought into Finland must be microchipped and vaccinated before entering the country:

- Be identifiable by means of a microchip in accordance with ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785.

- Have an original rabies certificate signed by a veterinarian.

- Take a rabies antibody test (titer test).

- Get a health certificate.

Pros and Cons of Living in Finland

If you are planning to move to Finland, there are a few things you should know before you go.

Some people know Finland as a country of stunning natural scenery, wild reindeer, sauna culture, and prosperity.

Others claim that the country is cold, dark, and unfriendly.

So before planning a move, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons to see if living in Finland is right for you.

- Advantages of living in Finland

1. Universal health care system.

2. Excellent quality of the state education system.

3. An accessible public transport system throughout the country.

4. High level of security.

5. High level of purchasing power.

6. There is no strict hierarchy among employees.

7. Culture of saunas.

8. The opportunity to observe the northern lights.

- Cons of living in Finland

1. Language barrier - Finnish is quite difficult to learn.

2. Long queues for renting municipal housing.

3. High taxes.

4. At first glance, local residents may seem unfriendly.

5. Finding a job can be difficult given the high competition.

Due to its relatively low prices and high quality of life, Finland is a popular choice for expats. In order to apply for one of the Finnish visas and find a job, you need to carefully plan everything and prepare the necessary package of documents. However, moving to Finland will be a good experience for a foreigner.

As a reminder, Finland is known as a safe country that values ​​a healthy work-life balance and offers great opportunities for foreign workers. We've already covered what it takes to get a job here in 2025 and what legislative changes are important for expats to know before applying.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer to go through all the stages of moving to Finland without any problems!

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Finland;

Legal advice on immigration to Finland;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Finland;

Medical insurance all over the world.

We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.