You Want to Move to Finland? Let Us Talk About It.

It usually starts as a whisper. Maybe you saw a photo of the Northern Lights, or read

about Finland being the “happiest country in the world” (again), or maybe you just like the idea of living somewhere where people actually respect personal space on the bus. Whatever the reason, the thought pops up: “I want to move to Finland.”

And then the questions come flooding in. How can I settle in Finland? What is it really like moving to Finland? Is emigrating to Finland as magical as it looks on Instagram?

Spoiler: it is not all reindeer and saunas. But it is also not as scary as it might feel right now.

Chapter One: The Big Leap a.k.a. Migrating to Finland

Let us be honest, migrating to Finland sounds like a huge, life‑changing decision. And it is. But it is also a series of small, manageable steps.

• If you are a student, you will need to look into courses, colleges and universities, permits, housing, cost of living in Finland, and figuring out how to survive your first Finnish winter.

• If you are a professional, you will want to explore work permits, contracts, and learn why coffee breaks are sacred here.

• If you are coming with your family, you will need to think about schools, daycare, and how to make sure everyone feels at home.

We will dive deep into the immigration requirements, cost, process, checklist, and policy in separate blogs because trust me, they deserve their own spotlight. For now, just know: it is doable. Thousands of people make the leap every year.

Chapter Two: The Arrival (Muutto Suomeen)

So you have booked the flight, packed your bags, and now you are here. Welcome to Finland.

The first few days are a blur. You are jet-lagged, you are trying to figure out why the grocery store has 17 different kinds of rye bread, and you are wondering if you will ever pronounce “kiitos” correctly.

This is where the real adventure begins.

Chapter Three: Settling In Finland - The Soft Landing

Here’s the thing: settling in Finland is not just about paperwork. It is about building a life that feels like yours.

• Housing: Finding a place can be tricky, especially in Helsinki. But once you have got your keys, you will notice something: almost every building has a sauna and every kitchen has a drying rack. Yes, it is real.

• Healthcare & Banking: You will need to register for healthcare, set up a bank account, and get your transport card. These are the “boring but important” steps that make daily life work.

• Community: This is the part where most internationals struggle. To really settle in Finland, you need people. Whether it is joining a football club, finding other parents at daycare, or connecting with fellow students, community is what turns relocation into belonging.

Chapter Four: Moving to Finland with Family

If you are moving to Finland with family, the adventure multiplies. Kids need schools, partners need jobs, and everyone needs to feel included.

The good news? Finland is one of the most family‑friendly countries in the world. Daycare is high‑quality and affordable, schools are excellent, and work‑life balance is taken seriously. Your weekends will not be swallowed by overtime, they will be spent exploring forests, lakes, and maybe even learning to ice skate together.

Chapter Five: Everyday Life - The Fun, the Weird, the Wonderful

Once the dust settles, you will start noticing the little things that make life here unique.

• The Silence: Finns love it. Do not be surprised if small talk is minimal. It is not rudeness, it is culture. Check this Instagram post we made about Finnish personal space!

• The Weather: Winters are long, summers are short but glorious. Learn to love layers, and invest in a good lamp or consider going for light therapy during the dark months (that is what our boss Marii recommended to us when we were feeling depressed).

• The Food: Rye bread, salmon soup, and yes, reindeer. But also amazing coffee culture and surprisingly good international food scenes in bigger cities.

• The Nature: Forests, lakes, and national parks are everywhere. Nature is not a weekend activity here, it is part of daily life.

This is the part of moving in Finland that no checklist can prepare you for. It is the lived experience, the stuff that makes you smile (or sometimes cry) when you least expect it.

Chapter Six: How to Settle in Finland (The Long Game)

So, how can I settle in Finland? The short answer: slowly, steadily, and with an open mind.

• Learn a bit of Finnish (or Swedish). Even a few words go a long way.

• Embrace the seasons instead of fighting them.

• Say yes to invitations, even if you are nervous.

• Find your people, whether that is other expats, locals, or a mix of both.

Settling is not about ticking boxes. It is about creating a rhythm that feels like home.

Chapter Seven: The Future - Emigrating to Finland for Good)

Some people come for a semester, some for a job contract, and some end up staying forever. Emigrating to Finland long‑term means thinking about permanent residence, citizenship, and building a life that lasts.

We will cover the details of permits, policies, and long‑term options in another blog. For now, just know: it is possible. And if you fall in love with Finland (many do), there are clear pathways to make it your forever home.

Final Thoughts: Your Story, Your Finland

Whether you are a student whispering “I want to move to Finland”, a professional Googling “how to settle in Finland”, or a family planning a big adventure, the journey is yours.

Yes, there will be paperwork. Yes, there will be moments of confusion (why are there so many recycling bins?). But there will also be joy, discovery, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing you have built a life in one of the most unique corners of the world.

So if you are even considering it, take the leap. But know that you are not alone; Intero is here to guide you along your pathway to Finland.