Moving from USA to Finland for Americans

For 8 consecutive years, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. We have all heard about this statistic at least once in our life but if you haven’t yet then now you have! It might even sound ‘made-up’ but when you look at other Nordic countries, they too rank quite high in the World Happiness Report. So while America might be called the Land of the Free, our team here at Intero calls Finland as the Land of the Happy. 

Now you might be wondering - Will I, as an American, be happier if I moved from the US to Finland? If that sounds like you, we have just the right blog for you. 

Moving to a new country whether for study, work or any other reasons, is a quite big decision, wait, let me rephrase that; it is not just a decision, it is in fact a journey. So, before you start looking for flight availability, let us explore everything about the journey of moving to Finland from the USA. 

Why Do Americans Move To Finland?

Americans move to Finland for a number of reasons and the most common one - safety. Let us dive deeper into the 7 biggest reasons why people from the USA move to Finland. 

1. Safety: Finland is considered a very safe country with low crime rates, making it appealing for people looking to move away from the USA with their families.

2. Work-life balance: Many expats are drawn to the good work-life balance and strong sense of community.

3. Social benefits: The country offers a high standard of living supported by comprehensive social services, such as an excellent healthcare system and strong public education.

4. Nature: Finland's extensive natural beauty and access to outdoor activities are a significant draw. 

5. Startup scene: There is a vibrant startup ecosystem with government support for entrepreneurs.

6. Tech industry: Fields like technology and IT often have fewer language requirements, as English is commonly used.

7. Student life: Active student communities with regular events and a welcoming environment make it easier for students to transition and connect with peers.

The Arrival 

According to Finland’s transport authority, about 83% of the country’s air passenger traffic goes through Helsinki Airport so you will most likely reach Helsinki as your first stop in Finland. After you get off the plane, those first days are a mix of excitement and a thousand small tasks.

1. First essentials: register with local authorities, get a Finnish social security number if eligible, set up a bank account, get a phone number and register for health care access.

2. Housing: temporary stays help buy time to find the right neighbourhood; Helsinki is popular but competitive.

3. Public transport: Here is a helpful video on how Public Transport works in Helsinki: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQW29o4D4Ce/

4. Practical kit: transport card, local SIM, and a basic Finnish phrase list. Even “kiitos” goes a long way.

Settling administrative details early reduces stress and lets you enjoy discovering your new routines.

The Everyday Life

After your arrival, you will immediately start to notice the small things that make life here unique. Here is a nifty table differentiating the everyday life between Finland and the US.

Category	Finland	United States
Healthcare	Universal, low-cost, predictable.	Expensive, insurance-based, high risk of big bills.
Work–Life Balance	37.5h avg workweek, long vacations, low stress.	40h avg workweek, fewer holidays, faster pace.
Cost of Living (Daily Life)	Higher grocery and restaurant prices; stable rent.	Cheaper food and services; rent ranges widely by state.
Safety	Extremely safe, very low crime.	Higher crime rates; depends on the region.
Social Culture	Quiet, private, slow to open up.	Friendly, talkative, easy small talk.
Weather & Light	Dark long winters, bright summers.	Depends on state; more sunlight overall.
Transportation	Good public transit; walkable; less car-dependent.	Mostly car-dependent except major cities.

Moving With Your Family, Because Family Matters

Finland is one of the best, if not the best, country with priorities for family reunification. The country’s family-friendly policies and work-life balance make it a great long-term choice for families relocating from across the world. So, in most cases, as an American, you should be able to easily bring your children, partner or parents to Finland along with you. However, there will be a few extra things you will need to add to your checklist and timeline.

• Schools and daycare: Finnish daycare and schooling are high quality. However, finding an English medium school might be tough so start searching early and note application deadlines.

• Partner employment: While work-life balance in Finland is very high, the job market is at its all time low. So, finding desirable employment can be tough. Many internationals start with remote work while searching locally.

• Community and support: join parent groups, international meetups, and local clubs to help everyone feel at home. We also have our very own group called InteroHub which you can join by scanning the QR code below or clicking this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HWgXiu3nCKuBPNSdzPDNlY

Final Thoughts on Moving to Finland from the US

Relocating to any new country, even relocating to a new state in the US can be pretty scary. But let us assure you that Finland immigration from the USA is perfectly manageable. The practicalities can be handled; the rest is about building a life that feels like yours. And of course, you can always rely on our relocation services to make your journey to Finland feel as light as a weekend trip.