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Results for “cost of living”
188 results
- Glossary
Kunnallisvero: municipal tax
Local income tax paid to your municipality of residence, typically 5-11% of earned income.
...it affects expats Location matters financially: Living in a municipality with a 4.7% rate versus an 11% rate means more than 6 percentage points difference in your take-home pay Registration...
- Glossary
Matkakortti (Travel Card)
Rechargeable travel cards used for public transport in Finnish cities, offering discounted fares.
...metropolitan area; the 30-day ticket for zone AB costs 73.90 euros Student discount: Up to 50% off with a valid Finnish student card (Frank or Slice) Loading options: Online, at ticket machines,...
- Glossary
Oikeusapu (Legal Aid)
Free or subsidized legal assistance available to residents of Finland who cannot afford a private lawyer.
...matters), family law, and debt counseling Cost: Free for those who qualify fully; partial aid requires a deductible based on income How to apply: Contact your nearest oikeusaputoimisto or...
- Glossary
Osoitteenmuutos: address change
The process of updating your address with various services and authorities when moving in Finland.
...only offer Finnish-language forms Mail forwarding costs: Posti charges for this service, but it's worth it during transitions Timing matters: Update addresses before important mailings (tax cards,...
- Glossary
Ravintola (Restaurant)
Dining out in Finland, from casual lunch spots to fine dining, with information on costs and customs.
...Lunch is the best value - buffet lunches cost 10-13 euros - while evening dining is significantly pricier. Most restaurants cater well to dietary restrictions, clearly marking allergens and...
- Glossary
Taloyhtiön kokous (Housing Company Meeting)
The general meeting of a Finnish housing company where shareholders vote on building maintenance, finances, and renovations.
...upkeep, water, and often heating Renovation costs: Major renovation decisions made at meetings can mean significant costs for shareholders stay informed Proxy voting: If you cannot attend, you...
- Glossary
Tenttiviikko: exam week
The designated exam period at Finnish universities when end-of-period or end-of-course exams take place.
...to retake a failed exam at no additional cost. This policy reflects the Finnish educational philosophy that learning is more important than single-point assessments. How it affects expats...
- Glossary
Terveysasema (health center)
Public health center providing primary healthcare services to residents of Finnish municipalities.
...generally positive health outcomes while keeping costs manageable through early detection and treatment. How it affects expats Right to care: Registered residents (those with kotikunta) can access...
- Glossary
Väestörekisteri: population register
Finland's official population database containing personal information of all registered residents, managed by DVV.
...personal information about everyone registered as living in Finland. This register is maintained by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) and forms the backbone of Finnish public...
- Glossary
Vakuutus (Insurance)
Types of insurance in Finland: from mandatory vehicle insurance to home, health, and travel insurance that residents should consider.
...vehicles Matkavakuutus (travel): Covers medical costs and cancellations abroad Major insurers: If, LähiTapiola, OP Vakuutus, Fennia, Turva Related terms Kotivakuutus (Home Insurance): home insurance...
- Glossary
Äitiysloma: maternity leave
Protected leave for birth mothers in Finland, part of the parental leave system with income-based benefits.
Äitiysloma is maternity leave in Finnish, though the term is being replaced by the more gender-neutral raskausvapaa (pregnancy leave) in the reformed...
- Glossary
ALV (VAT): Finnish value-added tax guide
Value-added tax in Finland; often shown on invoices and receipts.
ALV (arvonlisävero) is Finland's value-added tax (VAT), a consumption tax added to most goods and services sold in the country. Detailed explanation...
- Glossary
Avantouinti (Ice Swimming)
The Finnish tradition of swimming in a hole cut in winter ice, often combined with sauna, for health and wellness.
Avantouinti Ice swimming - the Finnish practice of swimming in a hole cut in frozen lake or sea ice, typically paired with sauna. What it means...
- Glossary
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.
Ennakkoperintä refers to Finland's tax withholding system - the practice of collecting income tax in advance through deductions from your salary,...
- Glossary
Erikoisruokavalio (Special Diet)
Finland's strong culture of accommodating dietary restrictions including lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.
Erikoisruokavalio A special diet or dietary restriction; Finland excels at accommodating various dietary needs in everyday food culture. What it means...
- Glossary
Finnish ID card (henkilökortti)
Official identity document issued by the police in Finland, valid for travel within the EU/EEA.
The Finnish ID card (henkilökortti) is an official identity document issued by the Finnish police. It serves as proof of identity and citizenship, and...
- Glossary
Harjoittelu: internship / practical training
Workplace internship or practical training period that is part of many Finnish degree programs.
Harjoittelu means internship or practical training in Finnish. It refers to a supervised work experience period that is either a mandatory part of a...
- Glossary
Henkilöllisyystodistus: ID card
Official Finnish identity card that verifies identity and can serve as a travel document within Europe.
Henkilöllisyystodistus (identity card or ID card) is an official Finnish identity document issued by the police that verifies the holder's identity...
- Glossary
Holiday bonus pay in Finland (lomaraha)
Holiday bonus pay (lomaraha) in Finland: usually 50% of your holiday pay, set by your collective agreement, not by law. Who gets it, when it is paid and that it is taxed as wages.
The holiday bonus (lomaraha) is a common extra payment related to annual leave. The exact rules vary and are often defined by a collective agreement...
- Glossary
Finnish terms glossary: essential vocabulary for expats
Finnish terms, abbreviations, and concepts for expats working and living in Finland. From Kela to HETU, understand it all.
Finnish terms glossary Moving to Finland means encountering a whole new vocabulary of institutions, processes, and concepts. This glossary helps you...