Finland Life in the country
It is recommended to start looking for housing before you move. The largest selection of listings is available on specialized platforms:
- Oikotie — one of the largest real estate portals in Finland;
- Vuokraovi — a popular service for finding rental housing;
- Lumo — a network of rental apartments throughout the country;
- SATO — one of the largest landlords in Finland.
To sign a lease agreement, the landlord may ask you to provide identification, proof of income, or an employment contract. In some cases, you may also need a Finnish personal identification number and a reference from a previous landlord.
❗ Before signing the contract, carefully check the amount of the security deposit and the conditions for its return.
If you have questions regarding legal residency or processing documents after moving, you should consult a Visit Ukraine immigration lawyer.
Finland is known for its high food quality standards and strict production controls. At the same time, food prices here are higher than in many other European countries, especially when it comes to imported goods and fresh fruits and vegetables during the winter.
On average, a single person spends €200–350 per month on groceries, while a couple’s expenses typically range from €400–700, depending on their diet and region of residence.
The most popular grocery chains in Finland are Prisma, K-Citymarket, S-market, Lidl, and Alepa.
Examples of food prices as of 2026:
- milk (1 L) — €1.00–1.50;
- bread — €2.00–4.00;
- eggs (10–12 pcs.) — €2.50–4.50;
- chicken breast (1 kg) — €9–14;
- apples (1 kg) — €2–4;
- potatoes (1 kg) — €1–2.
💡 Finland has a deposit-return system (pantti). You can receive a small refund for returned plastic bottles and aluminum cans, which helps you save money on groceries.
Finland has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trams, the metro, and commuter and intercity trains. In Helsinki, public transportation covers not only the city but also neighboring municipalities.
- The cost of a monthly pass varies by region and is usually €50–70.
For intercity travel, trains operated by VR are popular, connecting the country’s largest cities.
For car owners, the main expenses are fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Gasoline typically costs around €1.70–2.00 per liter.
❗ Special attention should be paid to the winter season. Winter tires are mandatory, and weather conditions can significantly affect road safety.
If you are traveling to Finland in your own car, don’t forget to obtain an international Green Card insurance policy.
You will need a bank account to receive your salary, pay for housing, and use most financial services.
The most popular banks in Finland:
- OP Financial Group;
- Nordea;
- Danske Bank;
- S-Pankki.
To open an account, you’ll usually need to provide proof of identity, your residential address, and your personal identification number.
In Finland, most payments are made electronically, so a bank account will be an essential tool for daily life.
💡 If you have questions about the documents required to open an account or about legal residency in the country, you should consult a Visit Ukraine immigration lawyer.
Finland is one of Europe’s leaders in terms of mobile network quality and internet speed.
The main mobile operators are:
- Elisa;
- Telia;
- DNA.
Average cost of mobile plans:
- €20–30 per month — basic packages;
- €30–40 — plans with a large data allowance.
For newcomers, prepaid SIM cards may be a convenient option, as they do not require a long-term contract.
Home Internet
Home internet in Finland is available throughout nearly the entire country. The average cost of a connection is €20–40 per month, depending on speed and provider.
The Finnish education system is considered one of the best in the world and is known for its individualized approach to students, modern teaching methods, and a high level of trust between teachers, children, and parents.
- Municipal and private preschools are available for preschool-aged children. The cost depends on family income and the municipality, and a significant portion of the expenses is often covered by the state.
- Education in public schools is free. Students also receive textbooks, learning materials, and hot meals at no cost. Many schools place special emphasis on developing practical skills, teamwork, and children’s well-being.
- In many municipalities, preparatory classes and language support are available for Ukrainian children to help them adapt more quickly to the new educational system and learn Finnish or Swedish.
If you are planning to pursue vocational or higher education in Finland, read more about admission and study requirements in the section “Studying in Finland”.
Finland’s healthcare system is primarily funded by taxes and is considered one of the most efficient in Europe.
After registering their place of residence and becoming eligible for public services, residents can seek care at municipal health centers.
The Kela agency plays a key role in the social security system, as it is responsible for social benefits, compensation, and certain medical services.
When moving or before completing the registration procedures, it is recommended to obtain health insurance, which will help avoid unexpected medical expenses. Travel health insurance for Finland can be purchased online at Visit Ukraine.
The first few months of life in Finland may feel unfamiliar due to the climate, communication culture, and daily routines. However, most foreigners note the high level of safety, high-quality public services, and comfortable urban environment.
- Finns value personal space and privacy. It is not customary here to have loud conversations on public transportation or to interfere in other people’s personal affairs unnecessarily.
- Most services are available online. Making doctor’s appointments, paying bills, submitting applications to government agencies, and many other procedures are often carried out through electronic services.
- The sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture. You can find them not only in sports complexes but also in many residential buildings and offices.
- In winter, daylight hours are significantly shorter. In northern regions, the sun may only appear for a few hours, so it’s important to be prepared for these climatic conditions in advance.
- Finland regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world, a fact attributed to high levels of trust in society, quality education, and a good work-life balance.
Moving to Finland requires advance preparation, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period. To make the adjustment process smoother, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the specifics of life in the country, prepare the necessary documents, and take care of key logistical matters.
Before moving, it is recommended that you:
- start looking for housing in advance;
- set aside a financial reserve for the first few months of your stay;
- obtain health insurance;
- obtain a Green Card if you plan to travel by car;
- familiarize yourself with the registration rules upon arrival;
- if necessary, consult an immigration lawyer regarding documents and legalizing your stay in Finland;
- check the necessary documents for travel and residence in the country.