Menu
Expat.com

USA to Finland

Post new topic

angel_leah90

Hello everyone,

I am a 19 year American girl and I plan to move to Finland. I don't know anything about the currency or living arrangements, and how they compare to those here in states. I've never been outside the states and I really have no idea what to do. Can someone give me advice?

Nickatnite

I wonder if there any requirements to establish residency in Finland.  I know for example if you want to retire in Costa Rica they require that you have X amount (i think around $50,000) dollars in assets to be eligible.  Costa Rica is tropical, so Finland is probably a whole different story.

EmCee

Hi,

While I don't know about residency requirements for Finland, I'm pretty sure they are rather strict. I don't think it's one of those countries that you can just live in because it seems interesting; you can maybe get a visa to study or for a specific (usually high-level) job.

For English teachers searching for a job within the European union, for example, the message seems to be the same: they only hire people with EU passports (just as it is very difficult for people outside of the United States to go there to "just live"). They either need to marry somebody, have the cash to pay super-high tuition, or have a Master's/PhD and get hired for a specific job.

Furthermore, it is very difficult to get a job in Finland if you don't speak the language. Probably looking into one of their english-language university programs would be your best bet. (google search it).

Articles to help you in your expat project in Finland

  • Popular neighbourhoods in Helsinki
    Popular neighbourhoods in Helsinki

    In Finland, urbanisation is accelerating, and people are flooding to the south and particularly Helsinki ...

  • Childcare and early education in Finland
    Childcare and early education in Finland

    Finland is a good place to raise kids. With so much of its GPD going towards daycare and education, you know ...

  • Travelling to Finland
    Travelling to Finland

    A member of the EU since 1995 but also one of the Schengen group of countries, Finland makes travelling a breeze ...

  • Visas for Finland
    Visas for Finland

    Regardless of your nationality, you may be able to work in Finland without a residence permit in some cases. For ...

  • Finding work in Finland
    Finding work in Finland

    Working in Finland will be good for you: the country boasts good working conditions and a high level of employment ...

  • Accommodation in Finland
    Accommodation in Finland

    In Finland, it is actually more common to purchase a property instead of renting it. Finding good accommodation at ...

  • Study in Finland
    Study in Finland

    If you're an international student in Finland, chances are you'll be pleased with the education available. ...

  • The healthcare system in Finland
    The healthcare system in Finland

    Ask any Finn for the cure to whatever ails you, and they will all probably make the same suggestion; go to a ...

All of Finland's guide articles