Finland Glossary
193 terms across 8 categories
DVV: population registry & Finnish ID services
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency; handles population information and identity data services.
Foreigner's ID number (HETU)
The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services.
Kela: Finnish social insurance institution explained
Finland's Social Insurance Institution; administers many benefits.
Migri: Finnish immigration service & permits
The Finnish Immigration Service; handles residence permits and many immigration decisions.
OmaVero (MyTax)
The Finnish Tax Administration's online service for taxes, filings, and messages.
TE Services
Public employment services; jobseeker services and many integration-related processes.
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All Terms A-Z
A-kassa (Unemployment fund)
An unemployment fund you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment allowance.
Ajokortti (Driving License)
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 5.5% ABV.
ALV (VAT): Finnish value-added tax guide
Value-added tax in Finland; often shown on invoices and receipts.
Ammattikorkeakoulu: university of applied sciences
Professionally-oriented higher education institution offering practical degrees with strong industry connections.
Ammattikoulu: vocational school
Finnish vocational education and training providing practical skills and qualifications for specific professions.
Annual leave (vuosiloma)
Paid vacation days accrued while working; accrual and rules depend on law, contract, and agreements.
Ansiosidonnainen: earnings-related unemployment allowance
Finland's highest unemployment benefit tier, paying 50-70% of previous salary to qualified unemployment fund members.
Apteekin resepti: pharmacy prescription
Electronic or paper prescription required to obtain prescription medications from Finnish pharmacies.
Arvonlisavero (VAT/ALV)
Finland's value-added tax applied to goods and services, with rates of 25.5%, 14%, 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 cooperative
Finnish housing cooperative that owns and manages apartment buildings where residents own shares rather than individual units.
Asuntonäyttö: apartment viewing
The Finnish apartment viewing process and etiquette for both rental and purchase property showings.
Autopaikka: parking space
Building 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.
Eduskunta (Parliament)
The Finnish parliament with 200 members, responsible for legislation and government oversight.
Elatustuki (Child Maintenance Support)
A Kela benefit that ensures children receive financial support when a parent does not pay maintenance or the amount is insufficient.
Employment contract (tyosopimus)
Your agreement with an employer covering duties, pay, working time, and key terms.
Ennakkoperintä (Tax Withholding)
Finland's system of prepaying taxes through salary withholding, ensuring taxes are collected throughout the year rather than in a lump sum.
Ennakonpidatys: tax withholding
Tax withheld from your salary by your employer before you receive payment in Finland.
Erikoisruokavalio (Special Diet)
Finland's strong culture of accommodating dietary restrictions including lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.
Esiopetus: preschool
Free mandatory preschool education for 6-year-olds in Finland, preparing children for basic school.
Etätyö: remote work
Remote work policies and practices in Finland, one of the world's leading countries in flexible working arrangements.
Hallitus (Government/Cabinet)
The Finnish coalition government led by the Prime Minister, responsible for executive decision-making.
Hammashoito: dental care
Dental healthcare services in Finland available through public health centers, private clinics, and occupational health.
Harjoittelu: internship / practical training
Workplace internship or practical training period that is part of many Finnish degree programs.
Henkilöllisyystodistus: ID card
Official Finnish identity card that verifies identity and can serve as a travel document within Europe.
Hiihtolatu (Cross-Country Ski Track)
Maintained cross-country ski trails found throughout Finland, free to use and groomed regularly in winter.
Hoitotakuu: care guarantee
Legal guarantee ensuring timely access to healthcare services within specified timeframes in Finland.
Holiday pay (lomaraha)
A common extra payment related to annual leave, often defined by collective agreements.
HSL (Helsinki regional transport)
Helsinki's public transport authority managing buses, trams, metro, trains, and ferries in the capital region.
Irtisanomisaika: notice period
Required time between giving notice and employment ending in Finland, protecting both employees and employers.
Isännöitsijä: property manager
Professional property manager who handles daily administration and maintenance of Finnish housing companies.
Isyysloma: paternity leave
Parental leave for fathers and non-birth parents in Finland, part of the reformed equal parental leave system.
Itsenäisyyspäivä (Independence Day)
Finland's national Independence Day on December 6th, commemorating the declaration of independence from Russia in 1917.
Jätehuolto: waste management
Finland's comprehensive waste sorting and recycling system that every resident must follow.
Jokamiehen oikeudet (Everyman's Rights)
Finland's right to roam: the legal right for everyone to access nature, forage, and enjoy the outdoors regardless of land ownership.
Jokamiehenoikeus (everyman's right)
The Finnish freedom to roam, allowing everyone to access nature regardless of land ownership.
Joukkoliikenne (Public Transport)
Finland's public transport systems including buses, trams, metro, and regional trains in major cities.
Juhannus (Midsummer)
Finland's Midsummer celebration held in late June, one of the most important holidays when the country largely shuts down.
Julkinen liikenne: public transport
Finnish public transportation system including buses, trams, metro, trains, and ferries connecting cities and regions.
Juna (Train)
Finnish rail services operated by VR, connecting major cities with intercity and commuter trains.
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: citizenship
Finnish 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.
Kaupunkipyora (City Bike)
Shared bicycle systems in Finnish cities offering affordable short-term bike rentals at docking stations.
Kehityskeskustelu: development discussion
The annual structured conversation between employee and manager in Finland, covering performance, goals, and career development.
Kela: Finnish social insurance institution explained
Finland's Social Insurance Institution; administers many benefits.
Kerrostalo: apartment building
The most common housing type in Finnish cities, a multi-story residential building with shared facilities.
Kesätyö: summer job
The Finnish tradition of summer employment, a key opportunity for students and internationals to gain work experience.
Kiinteistovero (Property Tax)
Annual property tax in Finland levied on land and buildings, set by each municipality.
Kirjasto: library
Finnish public libraries offering free access to books, digital resources, workspaces, and community services.
Korkeakoulu: higher education institution
Term 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 insurance
Personal home insurance covering your belongings, liability, and potential damages in your Finnish residence.
Kunnallisvero: municipal tax
Local 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.
Lääkäri: Doctor
A 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.
Lentokentta (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 hours
The 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 school
Academic upper secondary education in Finland preparing students for university studies, typically ages 16-19.
Lukuvuosi: academic year
The 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.
Maistraatti (Local Register Office)
The former local register offices in Finland, now merged into DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency) since 2020.
Marjastus (Berry Picking)
The Finnish tradition of picking wild berries freely under everyman's rights, from blueberries to cloudberries.
Matkakortti (Travel Card)
Rechargeable travel cards used for public transport in Finnish cities, offering discounted fares.
Migri: Finnish immigration service & permits
The Finnish Immigration Service; handles residence permits and many immigration decisions.
Mökki (Summer Cottage)
The Finnish summer cottage tradition: a cornerstone of Finnish culture where families retreat to lakeside cabins for relaxation and nature.
Municipality of residence (kotikunta)
Your official municipality of residence, which can affect access to public services.
Muuttoilmoitus: change of address notification
Official notification to Finnish authorities when you move, required for updating your registered address in the population system.
Muuttopäivä: moving day
Finnish moving day traditions, the typical moving process, and practical tips for relocating within Finland.
Neuvola: child health clinic
Free Finnish municipal health clinics providing prenatal care, child health checkups, and family support services.
Neuvolapalvelut (Maternity & Child Health Clinic Services)
Finland's renowned neuvola system providing free maternity care, child health check-ups, and family support from pregnancy through school age.
Notice period (irtisanomisaika)
The required time between giving notice and the employment ending; depends on contract and rules.
Occupational healthcare
Employer-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 permit
Official authorization for non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Finland for extended periods.
Omakotitalo: detached house
A 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 apartment
Buying property in Finland as an international, including the housing company system and purchasing process.
Opintojen hyväksiluku: credit transfer
The 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 aid
Finnish government financial support for students including study grant, housing supplement, and loan guarantee.
Opiskelija-asunto: student housing
Affordable student accommodation provided by dedicated housing organizations in Finnish university cities.
Opiskelija: student
Student status in Finland and the benefits, rights, and working permissions it provides for internationals.
Opiskelijaliitto: student union
Student unions in Finnish higher education that provide services, advocacy, and community for students.
Opiskelijaravintola: student restaurant
Kela-subsidized cafeterias at Finnish universities offering affordable meals for students.
Osoitteenmuutos: address change
The process of updating your address with various services and authorities when moving in Finland.
Overtime (ylityo)
Work beyond regular hours; compensation and rules often depend on law and collective agreements.
Päiväkoti: Daycare
Finnish 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 raise
How 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 TE Services wage subsidy 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.
Perintovero (Inheritance Tax)
Finnish inheritance tax applied to estates and gifts, with rates depending on the relationship to the deceased.
Peruskoulu: comprehensive school
Finland's free 9-year basic education for children aged 7-16, known worldwide for its quality and equity.
Peruspäiväraha: basic unemployment allowance
Flat-rate unemployment benefit from Kela for those who meet employment conditions but aren't in an unemployment fund.
Pesuhuone: laundry room
The 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.
Polkupyora (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.
Ravintola (Restaurant)
Dining out in Finland, from casual lunch spots to fine dining, with information on costs and customs.
Rekisteröinti: registration
Process of officially registering your residence and information in Finnish population systems.
Resepti (Prescription)
Finland's electronic prescription system (e-Resepti) where all prescriptions are stored digitally in a national database.
Reseptilääke: prescription medicine
Medication requiring a doctor's prescription in Finland, dispensed at pharmacies with Kela reimbursement.
Residence permit (oleskelulupa)
A permit that allows you to reside in Finland for a certain purpose; handled by Migri.
Retkeily (Camping/Trekking)
Outdoor camping and trekking in Finland, supported by everyman's rights and excellent wilderness infrastructure.
Rivitalo: row house / terraced house
A common suburban housing type in Finland, offering more space than apartments with a small private yard.
Ruokakauppa (Grocery Store)
Finnish grocery stores and supermarket chains including S-Market, K-Market, Lidl, and Prisma.
Ruokalisa (Meal Allowance)
A tax-free employer benefit covering part of employees' lunch costs through vouchers or digital payments.
Ruska (Autumn Colors)
The spectacular autumn foliage season in Finland, especially in Lapland, when forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
S-Etukortti (S-Group Bonus Card)
The S-Group loyalty card offering bonus cashback on purchases at S-Market, Prisma, ABC, and other S-Group outlets.
Sähkösopimus: electricity contract
Electricity 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 care
Medical care and treatment services in Finland, encompassing public, private, and occupational healthcare.
Sairausloma: sick leave
Paid time off work due to illness in Finland, with specific rules for notification, pay, and medical certificates.
Sairauspoissaolo: sick absence
Rules and procedures for calling in sick from work in Finland, including pay and documentation requirements.
Sauna: sauna
The 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 & determination
A Finnish concept describing extraordinary determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Starttiraha (Startup Grant)
A grant from TE 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 portal
A portal for Finnish public e-services and official messages.
Talkoot (Community Work Bee)
A Finnish tradition of voluntary collective work where community members come together to accomplish shared tasks.
Taloyhtiö: housing company
Informal 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)
Mandatory winter tires required on vehicles in Finland from November 1 to March 31.
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
Public employment services; jobseeker services and many integration-related processes.
Tenttiviikko: exam week
The 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 center
Public 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 support
An 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 tax
Tax 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: degree
An academic or vocational qualification awarded upon completion of a study program in Finland.
Tyel: employee pension insurance in Finland
Employee 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 permit
Authorization to work in Finland, typically included in or associated with a residence permit.
Työmarkkinatuki: labor market subsidy
Means-tested unemployment support from Kela for those without employment history or who've exhausted other benefits.
Työsopimus: employment contract
Legal 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 benefit
Finland's unemployment protection system providing financial support during job searches through various benefit types.
Vaellus (Hiking)
Finnish hiking culture with well-maintained trails, wilderness huts, and an extensive network across national parks.
Väestörekisteri: population register
Finland'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: graduation
The 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 fee
Monthly fee paid by apartment owners to cover building maintenance, repairs, and shared expenses in Finnish housing companies.
Verohallinto: tax administration
Finland'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 rate
Your 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 deposit
Security deposit required when renting an apartment in Finland, typically 1-3 months rent returned after lease ends.
Vuosiloma: annual leave
Paid vacation days employees accrue in Finland, typically 2-2.5 days per month worked, governed by the Annual Holidays Act.