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

An image depicting membership of EU and Schengen

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

An image depicting study in Finland with students in class

Finland offers excellent education opportunities:

Higher Education:
- Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences
- Wide range of programs in English
Top Universities:
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.