Finland has the status of a country with the most favorable living conditions. The infrastructure and social services are well developed. The country is also included in the list of the safest countries in the world. However, the cost of living and taxes in Finland are higher than the EU average.

Many services are financed by taxes, which can save the population a little. These include: education, public health services, and financial support for families with children.

Modern Germany is one of the most economically developed states. In addition, its internal political structure is exemplary. A similar trend is observed in other spheres of life and activity of the population. Most likely, this is what attracts migrants to this country, who have literally overwhelmed it lately.

Before moving to Finland, you should be prepared for the new lifestyle, people and culture. While looking for friends in Finland, here are a few qualities you should know about Finns:

• All Finns are extremely punctual people, so if you make an appointment at 8, be sure that the Finn will be there at exactly 8:00 and not a minute later. Finns perceive any delay as a sign of disrespect.
• In Finland, feminism has become extremely widespread, so it is customary to treat women here in the same way as men.
• Laws and adherence to them are unshakable for Finns. So, don't be surprised if a neighbor who recently smiled at you calls the police for turning on the TV or music loudly.
• The Finns literally exalt their personal space. Therefore, interference in personal affairs, problems and conversations about personal life is a taboo in Finland.

For a comfortable life in the big cities of Finland, a family of two needs to have a budget of 2200 to 2400€ per month. In rural areas or outside major cities, these costs will be somewhat lower. 

If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a residence permit to live or work in Finland. If you plan moving to Finland with relocation services for more than three months, you must register your right to reside. While moving to Finland, EU citizens are generally entitled to social security in their place of residence, such as statutory health insurance benefits and family benefits.

As in any country, Finland has both pros and cons. If you are planning to move to Finland, then real feedback from people will be especially valuable to you.

Let's start with the pros, which are noted by almost everyone:

• Ecology
• Honesty, responsiveness, friendliness of Finns
• Stability, social security
• High quality of life
• State care and security
• Caring for children and people with disabilities
• Education (its features, approach, accessibility)
• multiculturalism
• Solving administrative issues via the Internet
• Attitude towards animals and nature

More significant cons are:

• difficult language
• job search in the first stages, if there is no knowledge of the language (Finnish, English)
• high taxes
• cost of groceries and utilities
• sluggishness of public services
• queues in public clinics and the cost of medicine in private clinics
• occasional cases of prejudice against immigrants

The quality of the Finnish healthcare system, its accessibility, inclusiveness and efficiency, and most importantly, the highest level of professional training of specialists, is beyond doubt. Yes, there are countries where the indicators are even better, and medicine is even more accessible, but Finland is rightfully among the most advanced countries. The low number of deaths from the coronavirus can serve as another confirmation of this.

For citizens of the country and holders of a residence permit in Finland, the public health care system is free. The rest of the expats have to pay for the treatment themselves, the cost varies depending on the municipality. A visit to a doctor in a district hospital costs from 20 €, in a specialized one - from 40 €. Treatment in a hospital from 50 € per day. Therefore, we advise you to have health insurance in Finland, because this is a guarantee of your safety. The country has a system of compulsory health insurance KELA, it applies to everyone, including the homeless and unemployed.

Citizens of EU countries do not need a work permit in Finland. You can start working as soon as you arrive in the country.

• Get a tax card (verokortti) from the nearest tax office (Verotoimisto) and present it to your employer. Your employer will need it to pay salaries and withhold taxes.
• You need to obtain a Finnish personal identification number (henkilötunnus). A personal identification number can be obtained from the Digital Information and Population Records Agency (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto) or the tax office (verotoimisto). Take a valid ID or passport with you, as well as an employment contract.
• If you are planning to work in Finland for more than 3 months, apply for registration of the right of residence as an EU citizen to the Migration Service on the Enter Finland portal or at the nearest service point of the Migration Service.
• If you are moving to Finland permanently for at least a year and wish to register at your place of residence, please notify the Digital Information and Population Records Agency of your move. If you have a place of residence in Finland, you generally have the right to use the services of the municipality of your place of residence.

The Finnish tax system is impeccable. Many will agree that it is in this country that the highest taxes. On average, a Finnish citizen deducts about 36% of his salary every month. For foreign citizens, the amount of tax payments is 35 – 40%.

It's just great to live in Finland, life is quiet, calm, safe. People send their children to school alone, leave their bikes in the yard, and a lost wallet will surely return to its owner.

Still in Finland there is no cult of workaholism - everyone is trying to maintain a balance between life and work. So, no one will expect labor exploits from you and will not require you to stay in the office until late.

The Finnish education system, which ranks first in international rankings, the high competitiveness of the economy, low levels of corruption, technological development and environmental friendliness are praised all over the world. And Finnish cities have been recognized more than once as the best places to live on our planet.

Surely you yourself have already heard at least once that the life of people in Finland is wonderful, because everything is done for them! There is a high level of security and an ecologically clean area, and the people themselves feel the attention and care from the state, they know what their taxes are spent on and receive various social assistance.

Anyone who has visited Finland will also definitely mention the impeccable order in everything and the efficient functioning of all service sectors, and those who are tired of megacities and noisy cities will certainly note the local silence, tranquility and regularity of life.

You can apply for a pension from an EU country that has a social security agreement with Finland, by completing the same form that you use to apply for a pension from Finland. 

In Finland, the retirement pension usually starts at the age of 63-68. Disabled citizens can receive a disability pension. On average, people retire at age 61. If desired, the pensioner can continue to work.

If you want to register an imported vehicle in Finland, you must pay the vehicle tax and bring the vehicle in for registration. If you wish to use the vehicle before registration, you must first file a declaration of use with the Finnish tax administration. The certificate of conformity facilitates the process in Finland.

For some, immigration is suitable, for others, it is not. But here are what many expats may advise those who are still planning.

First of all, learn Finnish, especially if you are considering moving to Finland. If you plan to work in an international company, of which there are a lot in Finland (the country has advanced far in the IT field), then you need English. In general, English is now needed almost everywhere, and its need is obvious.

Surely you yourself have already heard at least once that the life of people in Finland is wonderful, especially when it comes to relocation. Expert expats advise all newcomers to be open, sociable, not afraid of anything, build a new life, and use all opportunities. And at the same time, do not forget to respect the country, its customs, and people. When it comes to relocating, it's worth considering hiring a professional moving company Finland to assist you with the logistics of your move. They can help ensure a smooth transition and take care of the transportation of your belongings to your new home.

If this guide helped you understand the process of moving to Finland, it is time to find a good moving company to transport your belongings safely, whether you are moving to Germany from Finland or vice versa. Moovick is one of the experienced companies that will help you securely pack and ship your stuff to your new home. The company provides high quality relocation services to both individuals and families in EU countries.