With an average of one sauna for every two people, great social benefits, and the best ranked education system in the world, it's no wonder you're thinking about moving to Finland.You can achieve your dreams if you apply for a residence permit, organize the essentials, and make some final arrangements back home.
Step 1: If you are from a qualified country, register your residency without a permit.
If you are a citizen of an EU-member country, you can register your residency through the immigration site of the Finns.You have to show that you have the means to support yourself.It can be a stable job, a family network, or sufficient savings.
Step 2: You can apply for residency through work.
You can apply for residency if you have a paying job in Finland.You can try to find work from abroad or temporarily visit Finland to look for work for up to 3 months.The European Job Mobility portal is a good place to start your search.You can look for jobs in newspapers and local employment offices.Even though you're not a Finn, local employment offices can help you find a job.The job will need to match the income requirements set out by the Finns.
Step 3: A family member will sponsor you to apply for family ties.
If you intend to live with your spouse or family member in Finland when you arrive, you can apply for residency.If you apply for residency on these grounds, you will be able to study and work in Finland once you arrive.If you have been in an established relationship with a Finn and plan to get married, you may be able to apply on special grounds.
Step 4: If you want to apply as a student, you have to have a degree in Finland.
You can apply for residency if you plan to study in Finland.There are degree programs that match your interests.There is a database of english-language degree courses you can apply to and tips for fulfilling requirements.Some programs will accept the SAT instead of the separate entrance exams for universities.Language courses that are not at the degree level will not make you eligible for residency.Studying at a university level is what will happen.
Step 5: You can submit an application through immigration services.
You can fill out an application on the website if you have secured work, studies, or a family sponsor.You can verify your identity, describe your reasons for moving, and establish that you have enough money to support yourself in the application.You can pay at the embassy.The forms can be completed in English.You will need a valid passport in order to travel to Finland.The government should give you an estimate for processing time.
Step 6: You can book a flight if you have an approved residence permit.
Use flight search engines to find flights and buy tickets.If you are starting a job, flying a few weeks ahead of your start date will give you time to settle in.Take note of the amount of baggage allowed by the airline.You will most likely need to ship what you can't bring on the plane, so opt for options which give you multiple checked bags.
Step 7: It is possible to find housing through your school or work.
You can find student accommodations by contacting your school or using the website of the Finnish Student Housing.If you're working, it's a good idea to ask your employer about the availability of temporary housing for employees.If you're looking for long-term housing, employee housing can help you land on your feet.
Step 8: If school or job housing is not available, look in the market.
You can find properties to rent through HousingAnywhere.A more expensive option would be to use a site likeAirbnb for more short term rentals and already furnished places.If you're having a hard time finding places online, you might consider using an estate agent.
Step 9: If you want to establish an income, apply for jobs.
It is a good idea to look for a job if you don't already have one.You can apply for jobs once you arrive in Finland, but you don't want to burn through your savings too quickly.If you are a student, search online and through your school.The European Job Mobility portal is a good resource.
Step 10: Learn a language.
If you want to apply for citizenship, you need to learn how to adapt when you move.You can take online courses in your area.You can use free apps to build your vocabulary.Some online resources, like Verbalplanet, will allow you to pair with personal online tutors who speakFinnish.
Step 11: Save at least 6,000 Euros to cover the cost of relocation.
You will need to save for the move as well as your first few months in the country.To make sure you can afford your first few months, develop a budget based on online estimates of living costs.Rent, groceries, public transportation, and other essentials will need to be taken into account.
Step 12: Inform your bank that you are moving.
You can avoid having your credit or bank cards frozen if you let your bank know about your move.If your bank charges extra to withdraw money in a foreign country, you should check it out.If your bank charges international fees, it's a good idea to switch to a Finnic credit card when you arrive.
Step 13: Pick out a health care plan.
Finns have access to public health care, which is reasonably priced, but not free.A doctor's visit costs around 20 Euros.You need a Kela card to get public health care.International Student Insurance provides affordable student health care.Check with your employer to see if you have health benefits.You should research your resources.Free guidance and counseling for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers is offered by the Foreigner's Crisis Center in Finland.
Step 14: Your belongings can be organized into shipping, packing, selling or storing.
You can ship large items like furniture or books overseas if you know where you are.The cost of this can make it difficult to decide if you want to ship it or buy it.Sell or store the rest of your belongings if you pack up what you will be bringing on the plane.Selling items can help with relocation costs.
Step 15: You can open a bank account in Finland.
Your employer will most likely deposit your pay into a bank account.You can use this to transfer money more easily and keep a record of your finances.If you want to avoid international fees, you can open a new credit card in Finland.Danske Bank is one of the largest banks in the world.
Step 16: Prepare for culture shock.
You can prepare for social and cultural differences by reading online forums.Culture shock and loneliness are normal.Once you arrive, keep in touch with people back home, make new connections at school or in work, and remember that it takes time to establish a rhythm in a new place.