Moving To Finland

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Known for the midnight sun or as a “Land of Thousand Lakes”, Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It is known for its natural beauty, including lakes, forests, and the Arctic Ocean. Finland is also home to the design capital of Helsinki, which offers a vibrant cultural scene and innovative architecture. The country is famous for its edible berries, sauna culture, and Santa Claus Village.

Moving to Finland from the USA can be an exciting adventure. But for making this relocation a successful one you need to have a proper moving plan. Let us help.

Moving to Finland from USA

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

When you have planned to relocate internationally you need to consider an array of things for a successful move. To start with the task you can hire an international moving company for your move to Finland from the USA. At International Sea & Air Shipping we are one of the leading movers with extensive experience in global relocations.

With us you will get customized relocation services and you can look forward to top-notch services that will cover A-to-Z for your move to Finland from the USA. Our movers can help you in documentation, packing and moving household goods, pets, cars, and more.

What makes International Sea & Air Shipping more helpful for your relocation is that we perform seamlessly with the help of our experienced movers. They will ensure that all moving activities like packing your household goods, choosing the right container, and freight services are done on time to avoid any last-minute challenges. We will also provide valuable advice, and free moving quotes on the cost of relocation.

So, call our team for your upcoming move to Finland from the USA, and take advantage of our international moving services for a hassle-free transition.

About Finland

Officially called The Republic of Finland, the nation is a Nordic country located in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. Finland is a country that is comprised of 187,888 lakes and 179,584 islands.

Finland is a republic with elected legislature and a prime minister as its head. Part of the European Union, it is the only Nordic country to join Eurozone. Finland is a welfare state with one of most extensive welfare systems, guaranteeing decent living conditions for all Finns.

Finland is the eighth largest country in Europe in terms of land area. It is also the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. Finland shares land borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia, while Estonia lies across the Gulf of Finland. Other neighbors of Finland include Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.

Finland is a highly industrialized country with the best education system in Europe. The country also has the fourth largest knowledge economy in Europe. Major trading partners of Finland are Germany, Russia, Sweden, United Kingdom,  United States, Netherlands, France and China.

Customs Regulations for Finland

*NOTE: DOCUMENTS AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS VARY ACCORDING TO THE NATIONALITY OF THE CUSTOMER.

  • Passport (Copy)
  • Proof of Employment
  • Customs Declaration
  • Inventory (in English, Finnish, German or Swedish) stating exact number of packages, showing detailed contents of each carton, alcohol and any other dutiable items
  • Owner’s Declaration stating goods are his property, have been used abroad and are for his continued use in Finland
  • Bill of Sale may be required by Customs for dutiable items

CUSTOMER MUST BE IN FINLAND AT THE TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

  • Used household goods and personal effects are duty-free, in suitable quantities, if:
    • Goods have been owned and used by Customer abroad and not to be re-sold for at least six months
    • Customer has lived abroad for over 12 months and intends to settle in Finland
  • Goods must not be imported for commercial use
  • New Items (less than six months old) invoices required
  • Food and fabrics
  • Precious metal objects
  • Professional or business equipment
  • Firearms and ammunition (will be held by Customs until valid Firearm Certificate is obtained)
  • Collectors’ items which are plugged and unusable may be imported with restriction
  • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are subject to high duties
  • Plants and vegetable products (Phytosanitary Certificate required, if no certificate is present, items will stay in custody for inspection and charges will be billed to Customer)
  • Certain feathers, furs, tusks, skins, etc. of animals falling under the Protected Species Regulations
  • Walkie-talkies and radios
  • ALL DUTIABLE ITEMS MUST BE STOWED FOR EASY ACCESS
  • Explosives, fireworks, clasp-knives and other dangerous edged weapons
  • Automatic weapons
  • Narcotics and drugs
  • Pornographic material
  • Products of animals coming under the protected species regulations
  • One auto may be imported duty-free if owned and used abroad for six months and Customer qualifies for duty-free import of household goods
  • Duty free value is limited up to $34,000-if the customs value of the car exceeds this amount the exceeding value is dutiable. Customs determines the customs value
  • Cannot be sold or otherwise used by others for two years without full payment of all duties and taxes
  • If vehicle does not qualify for exemption, import taxes will be 50 to 60 percent of the retail price of a similar new vehicle in Finland
  • Duties levied will also depend on the amount and type of accessories and equipment on the vehicle
  • Must comply with the U.S. or European exhaust regulations
  • Documents required:
    • Purchase-deed and receipts of payment
    • Registration documents
    • Employment Certificate proving auto bought with earnings from abroad
    • Passport
    • Finnish insurance policy
    • Foreign insurance policy
    • Driver’s License
    • ABOVE DOCUMENTS MUST ALL BE ORIGINALS
  • Dogs and cats must have a valid vaccination against rabies
  • Subject to minimum of three months quarantine and veterinary examination
  • Health Certificate required
  • Import Permit from Ministry of Agriculture
  • Duty-free if proof of ownership is available

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to Finland, important information to know

Moving to Finland from the USA can be an exciting as well as challenging experience. Finland is known for its high standard of living, free education and healthcare, and stunning natural beauty. However, the country also has a distinct culture and language, and the cost of living can be relatively high. It’s important to research and plan carefully before making the move, including understanding the visa requirements and finding affordable housing.

Let us discuss some of the important information that will help you in your international relocation to Finland from the USA.

Different visas & residency permit options in Finland

Finland is a popular destination for American expats and there are several visa options available for those looking to move there. Let us take you through the visas you can obtain based on your purpose of moving to this Nordic country.

The most common type of visa is the residence permit, which can be obtained through various channels such as work, study, or family ties. The application process typically involves submitting an application, providing supporting documents, and interviewing at a Finnish embassy or consulate. It’s recommended to begin the process at least 3-4 months before your intended move to allow for processing time.

Let us discuss these in a little more detail. Generally, if you are moving to Finland and staying there for less than 90 days, you will not require any special or long-stay visas. However, if your plan involves an international relocation to Finland from the USA for more than a couple of years, then you need to obtain proper visas to support your purpose.

Work visa

If you’ve received a job offer from a Finnish employer, the first step is to secure a work visa. Following the acquisition of a work visa, your next step involves applying for a residence permit. The specific category of residence permit you must pursue is contingent on the nature of your prospective employment in Finland.

If you are relocating to Finland to engage in a profession facing a scarcity of qualified employees, you’ll be required to obtain a Finnish EU Blue Card. Eligibility for the EU Blue Card hinges on confirming that you possess the necessary professional qualifications and requisite work experience within the industry where you intend to be employed.

Study Visa

To pursue studies in Finland, you must secure a student visa if accepted by a Finnish educational institution, such as a university, university of applied sciences, upper secondary school, or vocational education institution. Subsequently, you may apply for an A or B residence permit through Finnish diplomatic missions. This student visa grants a two-year validity, permitting part-time work (30 hours per week) and the option to bring family members to Finland.

Family Reunification Visa

This is another long-stay visa that will allow you to move to Finland from the USA in case you have family members legally living in Finland. In the case of having any of the following family members this visa can be applied –

  • A spouse.
  • A child.
  • A registered partner.
  • A cohabiting partner.
  • A legal guardian (when the applicant is under 18).

Residency Permit

Finland offers temporary residency permits. Especially, when you are moving to Finland from the USA for work or study you will need to obtain a temporary residency permit. This is renewable and after four years of legal stay you can apply for a permanent residency permit.

An expat’s life in Finland

Finland is a stunning Nordic country. The gorgeous lakes, forests, mountains invite not only tourists but also people willing to call this country their home. However, Finland is more than just a natural beauty. Here are some of the top reasons that expats consider for moving to Finland from the USA –

  • High standard of living,
  • The excellent education system,
  • Low crime rate and social security
  • Consistent ranking high in global indices such as the Human Development Index and the World Happiness Report.

The country also offers a unique cultural experience with its design, architecture, and cuisine. Many expats are drawn to Finland’s social welfare system, which provides extensive support for families and individuals. Additionally, Finland is known for its innovation and technology, making it an ideal place for professionals to advance their careers.