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Results for “cost of living”
188 results
- Glossary
Taloyhtiö: housing company
Informal Finnish term for housing cooperative or housing company that manages apartment buildings and common areas.
...in decisions, but the rules apply to everyone living in the building. How it affects expats Building rules: You must follow the taloyhtiö's house rules, which cover noise, pets, balcony use, and...
- Glossary
Talvirenkaat (Winter Tires)
Winter tires required on cars in Finland from November 1 to March 31 when weather or road conditions call for them.
...tires are quieter and better on dry cold roads Cost: A set of four winter tires costs approximately 200-600 euros depending on size and brand Tire hotel: Seasonal storage and swap services...
- Glossary
Terveyskeskus: health center
Public municipal health center providing primary healthcare services to local residents in Finland.
...with a doctor two days later. The visit costs up to 30.20 euros (2026 maximum; varies by county). Example 2: Miguel needs his blood pressure medication renewed. He books an appointment with...
- Glossary
Työterveys (Occupational Healthcare)
Employer-provided healthcare in Finland that all employers are legally required to arrange for their employees.
...is free for employees - the employer bears the cost. Kela reimburses employers for a portion of occupational healthcare expenses, which incentivizes providing good services. Major occupational...
- Glossary
Uimaranta (Beach/Swimming Area)
Public beaches and swimming areas at Finland's lakes and coastline, maintained and free to use all summer.
...Finnish summer experience. Key details Cost: Free at all municipal public beaches Season: Officially June-August; water temperature peaks in July at 18-24°C in southern lakes Facilities:...
- Glossary
Vastike: maintenance fee
Monthly fee paid by apartment owners to cover building maintenance, repairs, and shared expenses in Finnish housing companies.
...or asunto-osakeyhtiö). This fee covers the shared costs of building maintenance, administration, and common services. Understanding vastike is essential when buying an apartment in Finland, as it...
- Glossary
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.
...add any missing deductions (such as commuting costs, unemployment fund fees, or work-related purchases), and submit corrections if needed. Vero then calculates the final tax amount. If you paid...
- Glossary
Vuokra-asunto (rental apartment)
Rental housing in Finland; understanding the rental market, tenant rights, and how to find accommodation.
...central Helsinki one-bedroom apartments often costing 900-1,400 EUR monthly. Other cities like Tampere, Turku, and Oulu offer more affordable options, typically 500-900 EUR for similar apartments....
- Glossary
Vuokravakuus: rental deposit
Security deposit required when renting an apartment in Finland, typically 1-3 months rent returned after lease ends.
...to cover unpaid rent, utility bills, or repair costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear (tavanomainen kuluminen) - such as minor scuff marks on walls or worn flooring...
- Glossary
YEL (Self-employed pension insurance)
Pension insurance for self-employed people; declared work income affects pension and some benefits.
...to minimize their YEL income to reduce current costs, but this directly reduces their social security coverage and pension accumulation. The Finnish Centre for Pensions recommends setting YEL...
- Glossary
A-kassa (Unemployment fund)
An unemployment fund you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment allowance.
An unemployment fund (työttömyyskassa, often called A-kassa) is an organization you can join to potentially receive earnings-related unemployment...
- Glossary
Alko (state alcohol monopoly)
Finland's state-owned alcohol retail monopoly, the only store selling beverages over 8% ABV.
Alko The Finnish state-owned alcohol retail monopoly, exclusively selling beverages with an alcohol content above 8% ABV (and spirit-based drinks...
- Glossary
Ammattikoulu: vocational school
Finnish vocational education and training providing practical skills and qualifications for specific professions.
Ammattikoulu (also called ammatillinen oppilaitos) is vocational school in Finnish, providing practical education and training that leads directly to...
- Glossary
Collective agreement (TES)
Industry-wide minimum employment conditions in Finland, set by collective bargaining.
Many industries follow a collective agreement (työehtosopimus / TES) that sets minimum conditions such as pay scales, working time rules, and bonuses....
- Glossary
DVV: population registry & Finnish ID services
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency; handles population information and identity data services.
DVV (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto) is Finland's Digital and Population Data Services Agency, responsible for managing population information and...
- Glossary
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.
Elatustuki is the child maintenance allowance paid by Kela when a child does not receive adequate maintenance from a non-custodial parent. It ensures...
- Glossary
Employment contract (työsopimus)
Your agreement with an employer covering duties, pay, working time, and key terms.
An employment contract (työsopimus) is your agreement with an employer. It typically covers your role, pay, working time, start date, and other key...
- Glossary
Ennakonpidätys: tax withholding
Tax withheld from your salary by your employer before you receive payment in Finland.
Ennakonpidätys (tax withholding or withholding tax) refers to the amount of income tax that your employer deducts from your salary before paying you,...
- Glossary
Gradunohjaaja: thesis supervisor
The academic supervisor assigned to guide master's thesis (gradu) work at Finnish universities.
Gradunohjaaja is a thesis supervisor in Finnish, specifically the academic staff member who guides a student through their master's thesis (pro gradu...
- Glossary
Hallitus (Government/Cabinet)
The Finnish coalition government led by the Prime Minister, responsible for executive decision-making.
Hallitus The Finnish Government, or Cabinet, which exercises executive power and is led by the Prime Minister. What it means Hallitus refers to the...