Finland – Concise Guide to Location, Language and Lifestyle

Finland – Concise Guide to Location, Language, Culture, and Relocation

Where is Finland Located?

Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. The capital of Finland is Helsinki. Here are some key geographic facts about Finland:

• Borders:
  • West: Sweden
  • East: Russia
  • North: Norway
  • South: Gulf of Finland, maritime border with Estonia
• Geography:
  • Over 188,000 lakes
  • Extensive forests, covering around 74% of the country
  • Northern region above the Arctic Circle known as Lapland

What Language is Spoken in Finland?

Finland is officially bilingual, with the following languages:

• Finnish: Spoken by about 87% of the population
• Swedish: Spoken by about 5% of the population, primarily along the coast and in the Åland Islands
• Other languages: Sami (in Lapland), English is widely understood and used, especially in business and higher education

EU Membership and Schengen Area

Finland is a member of both the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area:

• European Union (EU):
  • Joined in 1995
  • Benefits from trade agreements, political and economic cooperation
  • Citizens enjoy the freedom to live and work in other EU countries
• Schengen Area:
  • Part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows for passport-free travel between member countries
  • Facilitates easy travel for residents and tourists within Europe

What Currency Does Finland Use?

The currency used in Finland is the Euro (€). Key points include:

• Adoption: Finland adopted the Euro in 2002
• Currency Code: EUR
• Banknotes and Coins: Common denominations include:
  • Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, €1, €2

Driving in Finland

Driving in Finland involves understanding local regulations and conditions:

• Traffic Rules:
  • Drive on the right-hand side
  • Seat belts mandatory for all passengers
  • Headlights must be on at all times, even during daylight
• Usual Speed Limits:
  • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • Rural roads: 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • Highways: 120 km/h (75 mph) in summer, 100 km/h (62 mph) in winter
• Winter Driving:
  • Winter tires required from December to February
  • Be prepared for snow and ice conditions
  • Use of studded tires is common

International Driving Permits and Conventions

Driving in Finland with a foreign license is regulated by international agreements:

• EU/EEA Licenses:
  • Valid in Finland without the need for additional permits
  • No time limit for how long you can use your license
• Non-EU/EEA Licenses:
  • Valid for up to one year for those staying in Finland temporarily
  • After one year, a Finnish driving license is required
• 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic:
  • Finland is a signatory, allowing residents of member countries to drive in Finland with their national licenses
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended for licenses not in Finnish, Swedish, or English
• 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic:
  • Also recognized by Finland, similar to the 1968 convention rules

Weather in Finland

Finland experiences four distinct seasons:

• Winter (December - February):

  

  • Cold, snowy, temperatures often below freezing
  • Northern Finland sees Polar Night (Kaamos), where the sun doesn't rise for several weeks
• Spring (March - May):
  • Gradual warming, melting snow, and blooming flora
• Summer (June - August):
  • Mild, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
  • Long daylight hours, with the Midnight Sun in the north
• Autumn (September - November):
  • Cooler temperatures, colorful foliage, shorter days

Jobs in Finland

Finland's job market is robust and diverse:

• Key Sectors:
  • Technology and IT
  • Engineering and manufacturing
  • Healthcare and life sciences
  • Education and research
  • Renewable energy and environmental technology
• Job Search Resources:
  • Online job portals (e.g., TE-palvelut, Monster.fi, LinkedIn)
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Company websites
  • Networking events and career fairs
• Work Culture:
  • Emphasis on work-life balance
  • Flat organizational structures
  • Importance of punctuality and professionalism

Challenges for Foreign Job Seekers

While Finland offers numerous job opportunities, foreigners may face challenges due to:

• Language Barriers:
  • Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, with many jobs requiring proficiency in one or both
  • Learning Finnish can significantly improve job prospects and integration
• Competitive Job Market:
  • High demand for skilled workers in specific fields
  • Employers may prefer candidates with local language skills and familiarity with Finnish work culture

Tips for Foreign Job Seekers:

• Learn Finnish:
  • Enroll in language courses
  • Utilize online resources and language exchange programs
• Networking:
  • Join professional groups and associations
  • Attend industry events and job fairs
  • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field
• Adapt Your Resume:
  • Follow Finnish CV formats
  • Highlight relevant skills and experiences
  • Include any Finnish language skills and cultural competencies
• Utilize Job Search Resources:
  • TE-palvelut: The public employment service offers job listings and career advice
  • Private recruitment agencies can provide access to hidden job markets

Studying in Finland

Finland offers excellent education opportunities:

• Higher Education:
  • Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences
  • Wide range of programs in English
• Top Universities:
  • University of Helsinki
  • Aalto University
  • University of Turku
  • Tampere University
• Tuition Fees and Scholarships:
  • Free education for EU/EEA students
  • Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students, with scholarships available
• Application Process:
  • Apply through Studyinfo.fi
  • Submit required documents and standardized test scores
  • Possible entrance exams or interviews

Wages in Finland

Wages in Finland are competitive and come with various benefits:

• Average Salaries:
  • Vary by industry, experience, and location
  • Higher salaries in Helsinki and other major cities
• Benefits:
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Parental leave and childcare support
  • Annual leave (minimum 4 weeks)
  • Pension schemes
• Cost of Living:
  • Higher in urban areas, especially Helsinki
  • Lower in rural regions

Family Life in Finland

Finland is known for its high standard of living and family-friendly policies:

• Healthcare:
  • Universal healthcare system
  • High-quality medical services
• Education:
  • Free primary and secondary education
  • Highly regarded education system
• Parental Leave:
  • Generous leave policies for both parents
  • Maternity, paternity, and parental leave options
• Outdoor Activities:
  • Abundant nature and outdoor recreational activities
  • Summer cottages (mökki) are popular for family getaways

How to Relocate to Finland

Relocating to Finland involves several steps:

• Residence Permits:
  • Based on employment, studies, family ties, or entrepreneurship
  • You can find information regarding application on the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) website.
• Visa Requirements:
  • Vary depending on nationality and purpose of stay
  • Schengen visa for short-term visits (up to 90 days)
• Registration:
  • Register with the local Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) upon arrival
  • Obtain a Finnish personal identity code
• Practical Considerations:
  • Find housing: rental apartments or houses
  • Open a bank account
  • Arrange for health insurance
  • Learn basic Finnish or Swedish to facilitate integration

By understanding these aspects, you can better prepare for a successful and enriching experience in Finland. Whether you're considering a visit, a short-term stay, or a long-term relocation, Finland offers a unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a high quality of life.