Moving to Finland

Moving Guide

Your Practical Guide to Relocating to Finland

1. Visa & Residence

Navigating Finnish immigration depends primarily on your nationality. If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you generally have the right to live and work in Finland for up to 90 days without a permit. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to register your right of residence with the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

For non-EU/EEA citizens, a residence permit is typically required before you can move to Finland. Common routes for obtaining a permit include:

• Work Permit: Issued for those with a job offer from a Finnish employer. The type of permit can vary based on the nature of the work.
• Family Reunification Permit: For individuals joining a family member already residing in Finland.
• Study Permit: For students admitted to a Finnish educational institution.
• Other Residence Permits: Such as for entrepreneurs or those with specific grounds for residence.

The application process usually starts online, followed by an in-person visit to a Finnish mission abroad (embassy or consulate) or a Migri service point in Finland. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements, documentation, and processing times directly with official Finnish immigration sources, as regulations can change.

2. Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Finland, especially in popular cities like Helsinki, Espoo, or Tampere, requires some planning. The rental market can be competitive, particularly for smaller apartments.

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: The most common way to find rentals is through dedicated Finnish housing websites and real estate agencies' online listings.
  • Social Media Groups: Some local Facebook groups dedicated to housing can also be helpful, especially for shared accommodation or shorter-term sublets.
  • Rental Agencies: Engaging with a local real estate agent can streamline the process, though it may involve agency fees.
• Typical Rental Process: Once you find a suitable apartment, you'll usually submit an application. Landlords often check credit history and may ask for references. If approved, a rental agreement (vuokrasopimus) will be signed.
• Deposits: A security deposit, typically equivalent to one to three months' rent, is standard. This is held by the landlord and returned after you move out, provided the apartment is left in good condition.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (e.g., Airbnb, serviced apartments, or short-term sublets) upon arrival to allow time for in-person viewings and to secure a long-term lease. Long-term leases are generally for an indefinite period with a notice period for termination, or for a fixed term.

3. What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Finland can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Belongings: The more items you move, the higher the cost. Shipping a few boxes is vastly different from moving an entire household of furniture.
• Distance: The origin country plays a major role. Moving from a neighboring European country will generally be less expensive than moving from another continent.
• Season: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for moving services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for movers (e.g., ground floor vs. high-rise with no elevator, parking availability) can influence labor costs.
• Extra Services: Opting for services like professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for fragile or valuable items will add to the overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

4. Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline can make your move to Finland much smoother. Here’s a general checklist to guide you:

4-8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces moving costs and effort.
• Research & Book Movers: Get quotes from several relocation companies. Book your chosen service well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Documents: Gather all essential documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, financial statements, and any documents required for your visa/residence permit application. Scan and save digital copies.
• Notify Utilities & Services: Inform your current utility providers (electricity, gas, internet, water) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, etc.).
• Medical & Dental Check-ups: Schedule any necessary appointments for yourself and your family members. Get copies of prescriptions.
• Pet Relocation (if applicable): Research Finland’s pet import regulations and begin the necessary veterinary procedures and paperwork.

2-3 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Change of Address: Notify your bank, credit card companies, and any other important institutions of your upcoming address change.
• Packing Essentials: Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Prepare an "Essentials Box": Pack a box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival in Finland (toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, a change of clothes, basic tools). Keep this with you.
• Financials: Ensure you have access to funds in Finland or a plan for immediate expenses.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Confirm Arrangements: Reconfirm moving dates and times with your relocation company.
• Utilities in Finland: Arrange for utilities (electricity, internet) to be connected at your new Finnish address.
• Forward Mail: Set up mail forwarding if available from your current postal service.
• Empty & Clean: Start emptying and cleaning your current home.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to answer any questions from the movers.
• Final Walk-through: Do a final check of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Get started on your seamless move to Finland today by requesting a free quote on relocation123.com!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Finland: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Finland involves navigating customs regulations to ensure a smooth transition for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know, whether you're moving from within the EU or further afield.

If you're relocating as a new resident from outside the EU

Bringing your personal property to Finland from outside the European Union can be duty-free if certain criteria are met. This applies to items you've owned and used before your move.

What you'll need

• Detailed inventory of goods with the exact number of packages.
• Copy of your passport (photo page).
• Import declaration form 45.
• For sea shipments: Sea Waybill (SWB) or Express Release.
• For air shipments: Air Waybill (AWB).
• Non-Finnish citizens: Proof of residency or immigration documents (e.g., residence permit valid for at least one year, excluding study permits).

Good to know

• Goods must have been under your ownership outside the EU for at least 6 months.
• Your permanent residence must have been outside the EU for at least 12 months. An employer's certificate might be requested as proof.
• Importation must occur within 12 months of your arrival in Finland.
• You must arrive in Finland before your shipment can undergo final customs clearance. If not, duties, taxes, or bonded warehousing may be required.
• Inventories are accepted in Finnish, Swedish, or English.
• In justified cases, an exception to the arrival rule might be granted by the National Board of Customs if applied for in advance.

If you're relocating as a new resident from within the EU

Moving your personal belongings from another EU country to Finland is generally straightforward, with fewer customs formalities.

What you'll need

• Inventory of goods.

Good to know

• Your personal property is admitted free of customs duty, tax, and other restrictions, except for general prohibitions.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats relocating to Finland enjoy duty-free entry for their personal effects. Specific procedures apply, especially concerning alcohol.

What you'll need

• Sea Waybill (SWB) or Air Waybill (AWB).
• Detailed inventory with the exact number of packages.
• Copy of your passport (photo page).
• An "Obligation for privilege" document lodged by the Foreign Ministry (often referred to as a "French Letter").

Good to know

• All goods enter duty-free.
• Diplomats arriving from outside the EU do not need to present the "French paper" or a valid tax form 1330 issued by the Foreign Ministry or relevant EU office for alcohol importation.
• Finnish returning diplomats are not exempt from taxes on alcohol and must declare it as usual.
• You must arrive in Finland before your shipment can undergo final customs clearance.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

Items considered part of a wedding trousseau can enter Finland duty-free.

What you'll need

• No specific documents listed beyond general personal property requirements.

Good to know

• Duty-free entry is granted if imported as personal property in connection with your relocation.

Inherited belongings

If you are inheriting goods and moving them to Finland, they can be imported duty-free under specific conditions.

What you'll need

• Inventory of goods.
• Copy of your passport (photo page).
• Copy of the Will or a certified copy thereof.
• Estate inventory.

Good to know

• Duty-free entry applies if the legatee (the person inheriting) has their normal place of residence in Finland.

Bringing special items

Vehicles (Cars, Motorcycles, Caravans, Trailers, Mopeds, Snowmobiles, ATVs, Aeroplanes)

Importing vehicles to Finland has specific requirements and tax implications. The car tax system was amended in 2015, eliminating tax reductions for removal vehicles imported by immigrants.

What you'll need

• Copy of the Original Bill of Lading (OBL).
• Customs form 45 for declaration.
• Proof of ownership (usually a copy of registration documents).
• Employment certificate or other document concerning your stay in Finland.
• Driving license.
• Date of arrival in Finland (e.g., travel ticket or passport stamp).
• Commercial invoice.
• Receipt of payment.
• Registration certificate (for 6 months immediately before moving to Finland).
• Traffic insurance documents (for 6 months immediately before moving to Finland).
• Document showing CO2 emissions (certificate of conformity or similar).
• Shipping documents.
• Form VEROH 1210s 1.2017.

Good to know

• Duty-free entry for one vehicle per importer is possible if:
  • You have stayed abroad for at least one year immediately before moving.
  • The vehicle has been in your ownership and use (or your spouse's) abroad for at least six months immediately before moving to Finland.
• Car taxation is handled by the Tax Administration (Verohallinto).
• All documents must be in English or Finnish (official translations required if not).
• ATVs and snowmobiles do not need a specific declaration if not intended for road traffic; otherwise, import declaration as vehicles is required, and duties/taxes may apply.
• Vehicles with engines smaller than 50cc do not need a specific declaration.
• For recreational crafts/boats and their parts, the craft/engine must meet EU directives (2003/44/EY). Restrictions apply, and easy access for customs inspection upon loading is recommended.

Pets

Bringing your beloved pets to Finland requires proper documentation to ensure their entry.

What you'll need

• Veterinary certificate.

Good to know

• Animals from rabies-free countries may be imported.
• Importation from other areas requires a veterinary certificate of rabies vaccination.
• If no valid certificate is available, the animal must be returned to the country of export.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items have strict regulations or are completely forbidden from entering Finland.

• New items: Subject to VAT and customs duty if they haven't been in your previous use before arriving in Finland. Must be separately indicated on the import declaration form.
• Works of Art & Antiques / Precious metal objects: Duty-free if imported as personal property in connection with removal and not intended for sale; otherwise, subject to VAT and customs duty.
• Food: Only dry food is permitted. Importation of meat, meat products (dry, canned, etc.), milk products, or dairy products from non-EU countries is prohibited. Reasonable quantities for household use can be duty-free.
• Weapons: Require a valid certificate issued by the local police authority. Do not ship without first consulting Finnish authorities. Ensure easy access for customs inspection.
• Pirated goods: Prohibited and subject to confiscation and fines.
• Plants & vegetable products: Require a Phytosanitary Certificate for non-EU products.
• Medical products: If a medical product requires a doctor's prescription in Finland, the prescription must be available for Customs.
• Products of animals under protected species regulations: Subject to special regulations and irrevocable confiscation if not compliant.
• Solid wood packing material: Must comply with the ISPM 15 standard, carrying the ISPM15 mark indicating appropriate heat treatment or fumigation. Failure to comply may result in examination or mandatory treatment. Raw wood 6mm or less in thickness and processed wood (glue, heat, pressure) are excepted.

Alcohol & tobacco

Importing alcohol and tobacco is subject to duties and taxes.

What you'll need

• A detailed inventory for each bottle, including type, volume, origin, percentage/proof, and approximate purchase cost.

Good to know

• All alcohol and tobacco are subject to customs duty and VAT.
• Narcotics and drugs require a special permit.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main condition for duty-free entry of my personal belongings?
For non-EU moves, your goods must have been owned by you for at least 6 months, and your permanent residence must have been outside the EU for at least 12 months. The import must also occur within 12 months of your arrival in Finland.

Do I need to be in Finland when my shipment arrives?
Yes, you must have arrived in Finland (or be registered) prior to your shipment's arrival for final customs clearance. Otherwise, duties, taxes, or bonded warehousing may be required.

What languages are accepted for inventory lists?
Inventories are accepted in Finnish, Swedish, or English.

Are new items I bought just before moving subject to duties?
Yes, new items that have not been in your previous use before arriving in Finland are subject to VAT and customs duty. They must be declared separately.

Can I import meat and dairy products from outside the EU?
No, the importation of meat, meat products, milk products, or dairy products from non-EU countries is prohibited.

Is there a special tax on cars imported to Finland?
Yes, car taxation is handled by the Tax Administration (Verohallinto). The tax reduction for removal vehicles imported by immigrants was eliminated as of January 1, 2015.

For further assistance with your move to Finland, please contact relocation123.com.

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