Skip to main content
Work & LifeFinland
189 terms across 8 categories

Glossary

A quick reference for key terms you’ll see when working and living in Finland.

Essential terms

DVV: population registry & Finnish ID servicesThe Digital and Population Data Services Agency; handles population information and identity data services.Kela: Finnish social insurance institution explainedFinland's Social Insurance Institution; administers many benefits.Migri: Finnish immigration service & permitsThe Finnish Immigration Service; handles residence permits and many immigration decisions.OmaVero (MyTax)The Finnish Tax Administration's online service for taxes, filings, and messages.Personal identity code (HETU)The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services.TE Services (municipal employment services)TE Services (TE-palvelut) moved from the state to municipalities and employment areas on 1 January 2025. Jobseekers register through Job Market Finland.

Browse by category

Government
9 terms
Work
144 terms
Taxes
10 terms
Legal
5 terms
Benefits
6 terms
Housing
6 terms
Education
7 terms
Business
2 terms

All terms A-Z

A14 terms
A-kassa (Unemployment fund)An unemployment fund you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment allowance.Ajokortti (driving licence)The Finnish driving license: how to exchange a foreign license, get a new one, and what international residents need to know about driving in Finland.Alko (state alcohol monopoly)Finland's state-owned alcohol retail monopoly, the only store selling beverages over 8% ABV.ALV (VAT): Finnish value-added tax guideValue-added tax in Finland; often shown on invoices and receipts.Ammattikorkeakoulu: university of applied sciencesProfessionally-oriented higher education institution offering practical degrees with strong industry connections.Ammattikoulu: vocational schoolFinnish vocational education and training providing practical skills and qualifications for specific professions.Ansiosidonnainen: earnings-related unemployment allowanceFinland's highest unemployment benefit tier, paying 50-70% of previous salary to qualified unemployment fund members.Apteekin resepti: pharmacy prescriptionElectronic or paper prescription required to obtain prescription medications from Finnish pharmacies.Arvonlisävero (VAT/ALV)Finland's value-added tax applied to goods and services, with rates of 25.5%, 13.5%, and 10%.Asumistuki (housing allowance)Kela's general housing allowance that helps low-income residents in Finland cover their rent or housing costs.Asunto-osakeyhtiö: housing cooperativeFinnish housing cooperative that owns and manages apartment buildings where residents own shares rather than individual units.Asuntonäyttö: apartment viewingThe Finnish apartment viewing process and etiquette for both rental and purchase property showings.Autopaikka: parking spaceBuilding parking allocation in Finnish housing, including heated spaces and the application process.Avantouinti (Ice Swimming)The Finnish tradition of swimming in a hole cut in winter ice, often combined with sauna, for health and wellness.
K19 terms
Kaamos (Polar Night)The period of extended winter darkness in northern Finland when the sun does not rise above the horizon, and its effects on daily life.Kahvila (Cafe)Finnish cafe culture in the country with the world's highest coffee consumption per capita.Kalastus (Fishing)Fishing in Finland's 188,000 lakes and extensive coastline, with permits and regulations for different methods.Kansalaisuus: citizenshipFinnish citizenship granting full rights including voting, passport, and permanent residence in the EU.Kansallispuisto (National Park)Finland's 41 national parks offering free access to pristine wilderness, hiking trails, and campfire sites.Katsastus (Vehicle Inspection)Mandatory periodic vehicle inspection required for all registered cars in Finland.Kaupunkipyörä (City Bike)Shared bicycle systems in Finnish cities offering affordable short-term bike rentals at docking stations.Kehityskeskustelu: development discussionThe annual structured conversation between employee and manager in Finland, covering performance, goals, and career development.Kela: Finnish social insurance institution explainedFinland's Social Insurance Institution; administers many benefits.Kerrostalo: apartment buildingThe most common housing type in Finnish cities, a multi-story residential building with shared facilities.Kesätyö: summer jobThe Finnish tradition of summer employment, a key opportunity for students and internationals to gain work experience.Kiinteistövero (Property Tax)Annual property tax in Finland levied on land and buildings, set by each municipality.Kirjasto: libraryFinnish public libraries offering free access to books, digital resources, workspaces, and community services.Korkeakoulu: higher education institutionTerm for higher education institutions in Finland, including universities and universities of applied sciences.Korko (Interest Rate)Interest rates in Finland, especially Euribor-linked mortgage rates and how they affect housing costs for residents.Kotivakuutus: home insurancePersonal home insurance covering your belongings, liability, and potential damages in your Finnish residence.Kunnallisvero: municipal taxLocal income tax paid to your municipality of residence, typically 5-11% of earned income.Kunnanvaltuusto (Municipal Council)The elected local government council that makes decisions on municipal services, taxes, and planning.Kuntoutus (Rehabilitation)Rehabilitation services in Finland provided through Kela, healthcare, and occupational health to support recovery and maintain work ability.
L13 terms
Lääkäri: DoctorA licensed medical doctor in Finland who diagnoses, treats, and prescribes medication for patients.Lääkärintodistus (Medical Certificate)A doctor's certificate required in Finland to verify illness for sick leave, particularly for absences longer than three days.Laina (Loan)Borrowing money in Finland, including mortgages (asuntolaina), consumer loans, and what international residents need to know about Finnish lending.Lapsilisä (Child Benefit)A monthly tax-free payment from Kela for every child under 17 living in Finland, regardless of family income.Lautta (Ferry)Ferry services in Finland connecting islands, the archipelago, and international routes to Estonia and Sweden.Lentokenttä (Airport)Finnish airports, with Helsinki-Vantaa as the main international hub connecting Finland to the world.Linja-auto (Bus)Long-distance and local bus services in Finland, including affordable options like OnniBus.Liukuva työaika: flexible working hoursThe Finnish flextime system allowing employees to adjust their daily start and end times within agreed limits.Lounas (Lunch)Finnish workplace lunch culture featuring affordable buffet-style meals, typically costing 10-13 euros.Lukio: upper secondary schoolAcademic upper secondary education in Finland preparing students for university studies, typically ages 16-19.Lukuvuosi: academic yearThe Finnish academic year calendar, its structure, and key dates that international students need to know.Luontopolku (Nature Trail)Marked nature trails in Finnish forests and parks, often with information boards about local flora and fauna.Luottotiedot (Credit Record)Finnish credit information maintained by Suomen Asiakastieto, essential for loans, rental agreements, and certain employment.
O17 terms
Occupational healthcareEmployer-provided healthcare; coverage varies by employer and provider.Occupational safety and health (työsuojelu)Workplace safety and wellbeing practices; includes preventing hazards and supporting safe working conditions.Oikeusapu (Legal Aid)Free or subsidized legal assistance available to residents of Finland who cannot afford a private lawyer.Oleskelulupa: residence permitOfficial authorization for non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Finland for extended periods.Omakotitalo: detached houseA single-family detached home in Finland, the most spacious but also most maintenance-intensive housing option.OmaVero (MyTax)The Finnish Tax Administration's online service for taxes, filings, and messages.Omistusasunto: owner-occupied apartmentBuying property in Finland as an international, including the housing company system and purchasing process.Opintojen hyväksiluku: credit transferThe process of transferring previously earned university credits from abroad to a Finnish degree program.Opintopiste: study credit (ECTS)The Finnish university credit system based on European Credit Transfer System used to measure study workload.Opintoraha (Student Grant)A monthly study grant from Kela for students in Finland who are enrolled in qualifying degree programs and make adequate progress.Opintotuki: student financial aidFinnish government financial support for students including study grant, housing supplement, and loan guarantee.Opiskelija-asunto: student housingAffordable student accommodation provided by dedicated housing organizations in Finnish university cities.Opiskelija: studentStudent status in Finland and the benefits, rights, and working permissions it provides for internationals.Opiskelijaliitto: student unionStudent unions in Finnish higher education that provide services, advocacy, and community for students.Opiskelijaravintola: student restaurantKela-subsidized cafeterias at Finnish universities offering affordable meals for students.Osoitteenmuutos: address changeThe process of updating your address with various services and authorities when moving in Finland.Overtime (ylityö)Work beyond regular hours; compensation and rules often depend on law and collective agreements.
P18 terms
Päiväkoti: DaycareFinnish early childhood education and care centers for children before school age, with income-based fees.Päivystys (Emergency Room / Urgent Care)Finland's emergency and urgent care services available 24/7 at hospitals for medical emergencies and acute conditions.Palkankorotus: pay raiseHow salary increases work in Finland, including collective agreement raises and individual negotiations.Palkka (salary)Finnish term for salary or wages; understanding salary structures and payment practices in Finland.Palkkatuki (Wage Subsidy)A wage subsidy from municipal employment services paid to employers who hire jobseekers facing challenges in finding employment in Finland.Pankkitili (bank account)Finnish bank account; essential for receiving salary and managing finances in Finland.Payslip (palkkalaskelma)A breakdown of your salary, deductions, and payments for a pay period.Perintövero (Inheritance Tax)Finnish inheritance tax applied to estates and gifts, with rates depending on the relationship to the deceased.Personal identity code (HETU)The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services.Peruskoulu: comprehensive schoolFinland's free 9-year basic education for children aged 7-16, known worldwide for its quality and equity.Peruspäiväraha: former basic unemployment allowancePeruspäiväraha was a flat-rate unemployment benefit from Kela. It ended on 30 April 2026 and was replaced by the general social security benefit (yleistuki).Pesuhuone: laundry roomThe shared laundry facilities in Finnish apartment buildings, with booking systems and etiquette rules.Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas)Finland's beloved pre-Christmas party tradition, typically organized by workplaces, clubs, and friend groups in November and December.Pilkinta (Ice Fishing)Traditional Finnish winter ice fishing, free under everyman's rights, practiced on frozen lakes across the country.Plussa-kortti (K-Group Plus Card)The K-Group loyalty card earning points on purchases at K-Market, K-Supermarket, and K-Citymarket.Poliisi (Police)The Finnish police service: reporting crimes, non-emergency contact, and how the police system works for residents in Finland.Polkupyörä (Bicycle)Cycling culture and infrastructure in Finland, where bicycles are a popular year-round transport option.Probation period (koeaika)An initial period in an employment relationship with special termination rules.
S13 terms
S-Etukortti (S-Group bonus card): how it works and how to joinS-Etukortti explained in English: the 100 € refundable membership fee, the 1–5% monthly bonus table, household cards and how to join S-Group online.Sähkösopimus: electricity contractElectricity supply agreement required for your Finnish home, involving both distribution and retail electricity providers.Sairaala (Hospital)Finland's public hospital system providing specialist and emergency medical care, organized by hospital districts.Sairaanhoito: medical careMedical care and treatment services in Finland, encompassing public, private, and occupational healthcare.Sairausloma: sick leavePaid time off work due to illness in Finland, with specific rules for notification, pay, and medical certificates.Sairauspoissaolo: sick absenceRules and procedures for calling in sick from work in Finland, including pay and documentation requirements.Sauna: saunaThe Finnish sauna tradition, building saunas, and sauna etiquette that every international in Finland should know.Shop steward (luottamusmies)An employee representative at the workplace, often linked to collective agreements and unions.Sienestys (Mushroom Picking)Finnish mushroom foraging culture, with dozens of edible species found in forests from August to October.Sisu: Finnish concept of resilience & determinationA Finnish concept describing extraordinary determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.Starttiraha (Startup Grant)A grant from municipal employment services for new entrepreneurs in Finland to support their income during the early stages of starting a business.Strong authentication (bank IDs)A common way to log in to Finnish services using online banking credentials or a mobile ID.Suomi.fi: Finland's digital services portalA portal for Finnish public e-services and official messages.
T25 terms
Talkoot (Community Work Bee)A Finnish tradition of voluntary collective work where community members come together to accomplish shared tasks.Taloyhtiö: housing companyInformal Finnish term for housing cooperative or housing company that manages apartment buildings and common areas.Taloyhtiön kokous (Housing Company Meeting)The general meeting of a Finnish housing company where shareholders vote on building maintenance, finances, and renovations.Talvirenkaat (Winter Tires)Winter tires required on cars in Finland from November 1 to March 31 when weather or road conditions call for them.Tax at source (Lähdevero)A withholding tax often applied to non-residents; rules depend on your tax status and income type.Tax card (verokortti)Shows your withholding rate; your employer uses it to withhold the correct tax.TE Services (municipal employment services)TE Services (TE-palvelut) moved from the state to municipalities and employment areas on 1 January 2025. Jobseekers register through Job Market Finland.Tenttiviikko: exam weekThe designated exam period at Finnish universities when end-of-period or end-of-course exams take place.Terveysasema (health center)Public health center providing primary healthcare services to residents of Finnish municipalities.Terveyskeskus: health centerPublic municipal health center providing primary healthcare services to local residents in Finland.Tilisiirto (Bank Transfer)The standard method of transferring money between bank accounts in Finland, widely used for rent, invoices, and everyday payments.Toimeentulotuki (Social Assistance)Last-resort financial aid from Kela for residents in Finland who cannot cover basic living expenses through other means.Tori (Market Square)Traditional Finnish outdoor market squares found in every city, selling fresh produce, food, and crafts.Trade union: Finnish worker representation & legal supportAn organization that can provide advice, legal help, and support for employees.Tulli (Customs)Finnish Customs authority responsible for controlling imports, exports, and collecting customs duties.Tulovero: income taxTax paid on earned and capital income in Finland, including state and municipal components.Tuloveroprosentti (Income Tax Rate)The progressive income tax rate in Finland, combining state, municipal, and other components.Tutkinto: degreeAn academic or vocational qualification awarded upon completion of a study program in Finland.TyEL: employee pension insurance in FinlandEmployee pension insurance in Finland; employers arrange it for employees.Työeläketurvakeskus: Finnish Centre for Pensions (ETK)The central body for Finland's earnings-related pension system, coordinating pension information and international agreements.Työlupa: work permitAuthorization to work in Finland, typically included in or associated with a residence permit.Työmarkkinatuki: former labor market subsidyTyömarkkinatuki was a means-tested unemployment benefit from Kela. It ended on 30 April 2026 and was replaced by the general social security benefit (yleistuki).Työsopimus: employment contractLegal agreement between employee and employer in Finland defining job duties, salary, working hours, and terms.Työterveys (Occupational Healthcare)Employer-provided healthcare in Finland that all employers are legally required to arrange for their employees.Työttömyysturva: unemployment benefitFinland's unemployment protection system providing financial support during job searches through various benefit types.
V16 terms
Vaellus (Hiking)Finnish hiking culture with well-maintained trails, wilderness huts, and an extensive network across national parks.Väestörekisteri: population registerFinland's official population database containing personal information of all registered residents, managed by DVV.Vahvistus (Strong Authentication)Finland's strong electronic identification system using bank IDs, mobile certificates, or ID cards to access digital services securely.Vakuutus (Insurance)Types of insurance in Finland: from mandatory vehicle insurance to home, health, and travel insurance that residents should consider.Valmistuminen: graduationThe Finnish graduation process, traditions, and what international students need to know about completing their degree.Vappu (May Day)Finland's May Day celebration on May 1st: a joyful public holiday combining workers' rights traditions with student celebrations.Vastike: maintenance feeMonthly fee paid by apartment owners to cover building maintenance, repairs, and shared expenses in Finnish housing companies.Verohallinto: tax administrationFinland's Tax Administration authority handling tax collection, returns, and taxpayer services.Veronpalautus (Tax Refund)The annual tax return and refund process in Finland, where Vero reconciles taxes paid with taxes owed and issues refunds or residual tax bills.Veroprosentti: tax rateYour personal tax percentage in Finland, determining how much income tax is withheld from your salary.Verotoimisto (Tax Office)Local offices of the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) where you can handle tax matters in person.Viisumi (Visa)A visa allowing short-term entry to Finland and the Schengen area, required for citizens of certain countries.Vuokra-asunto (rental apartment)Rental housing in Finland; understanding the rental market, tenant rights, and how to find accommodation.Vuokrasopimus (Rental Agreement)The Finnish lease agreement for renting an apartment: key terms, tenant rights, and what international renters should know.Vuokravakuus: rental depositSecurity deposit required when renting an apartment in Finland, typically 1-3 months rent returned after lease ends.Vuosiloma: annual leavePaid vacation days employees accrue in Finland, typically 2-2.5 days per month worked, governed by the Annual Holidays Act.