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Results for “cost of living”
188 results
- Glossary
Municipality of residence (kotikunta)
Your official municipality of residence, which can affect access to public services.
...infrastructure. The quality, availability, and cost of these services can vary between municipalities. When you move between municipalities within Finland, you must update your address with DVV,...
- Glossary
Muuttoilmoitus: change of address notification
Official notification to Finnish authorities when you move, required for updating your registered address in the population system.
...mail from your old address to your new one. This costs a fee but ensures you don't miss important correspondence. You can order this service at posti.fi or at post offices. Related terms DVV:...
- Glossary
Ammattikorkeakoulu: university of applied sciences
Professionally-oriented higher education institution offering practical degrees with strong industry connections.
Ammattikorkeakoulu (University of Applied Sciences, often abbreviated AMK or UAS) is a type of Finnish higher education institution that provides...
- Glossary
Maistraatti (Local Register Office)
The former local register offices in Finland, now merged into DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency) since 2020.
Maistraatti was the Finnish local register office that handled civil registrations, name changes, marriages, and population data services. Since...
- Glossary
Sisu: Finnish concept of resilience & determination
A Finnish concept describing extraordinary determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Sisu is a uniquely Finnish concept that describes a special kind of inner strength and determination. It represents more than just perseverance; it is...
- Glossary
Verotoimisto (Tax Office)
Local offices of the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) where you can handle tax matters in person.
Verotoimisto A local office of the Finnish Tax Administration (Verohallinto) where residents can handle tax-related matters. What it means...
- Glossary
Lapsilisä (Child Benefit)
A monthly tax-free payment from Kela for every child under 17 living in Finland, regardless of family income.
...from Kela for every child under 17 years of age living in Finland. The benefit is not income-tested, meaning all eligible families receive it regardless of how much they earn. Detailed explanation...
- Glossary
Ruokalisa (Meal Allowance)
A tax-free employer benefit covering part of employees' lunch costs through vouchers or digital payments.
...by employers to subsidize employees' lunch costs during the workday. What it means Ruokalisa is the meal allowance or meal benefit that Finnish employers can provide to their employees. It...
- Glossary
Ansiosidonnainen: earnings-related unemployment allowance
Finland's highest unemployment benefit tier, paying 50-70% of previous salary to qualified unemployment fund members.
...good salary Fund membership fee: A small monthly cost (about 3-11 EUR) that's worth paying for this protection Continuous membership: If you change jobs, maintain your fund membership without gaps...
- Glossary
Asumistuki (housing allowance)
Kela's general housing allowance that helps low-income residents in Finland cover their rent or housing costs.
...of Finland with low income cover their housing costs. It is one of the most commonly claimed Kela benefits, especially among students, low-income workers, and unemployed residents. Detailed...
- Glossary
Jokamiehenoikeus (everyman's right)
The Finnish freedom to roam, allowing everyone to access nature regardless of land ownership.
...Hiking, skiing, swimming, and foraging cost nothing beyond your own transport Cultural integration: Participating in outdoor activities helps connect with Finnish culture and values Health...
- Glossary
Korkeakoulu: higher education institution
Term for higher education institutions in Finland, including universities and universities of applied sciences.
...though scholarship programs often cover these costs for qualified students. Doctoral programs are free for all students regardless of nationality. The academic year runs from September to May,...
- Glossary
Oleskelulupa: residence permit
Official authorization for non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Finland for extended periods.
...types, and the current Finland residence permit costs. Related guides cover residence permit extension in Finland, residence permit card renewal and the spouse visa route into Finland. Family...
- Glossary
Rivitalo: row house / terraced house
A common suburban housing type in Finland, offering more space than apartments with a small private yard.
...or as a permanent home that balances space, cost, and convenience. They are found in virtually every Finnish city and town, typically in suburban neighborhoods with good access to schools and...
- Glossary
Toimeentulotuki (Social Assistance)
Last-resort financial aid from Kela for residents in Finland who cannot cover basic living expenses through other means.
...such as food, clothing, minor healthcare costs, local transport, telephone, and personal hygiene. Housing costs (rent, water, heating) are covered separately. Kela calculates your entitlement...
- Glossary
Arvonlisävero (VAT/ALV)
Finland's value-added tax applied to goods and services, with rates of 25.5%, 13.5%, and 10%.
...helps with budgeting, especially when comparing costs with your home country. If you start a business in Finland, you must register for VAT when your annual revenue exceeds 20,000 euros and charge...
- Glossary
Etätyö: remote work
Remote work policies and practices in Finland, one of the world's leading countries in flexible working arrangements.
...monitor) for home offices, contribute to internet costs, or offer a monthly remote work allowance. The employer remains responsible for occupational safety even when the employee works from home. How...
- Glossary
Kansallispuisto (National Park)
Finland's 41 national parks offering free access to pristine wilderness, hiking trails, and campfire sites.
...offering world-class nature experiences at no cost. They provide an accessible introduction to Finnish outdoor culture, with well-signed trails and excellent infrastructure. Even beginners can...
- Glossary
Kaupunkipyörä (City Bike)
Shared bicycle systems in Finnish cities offering affordable short-term bike rentals at docking stations.
...and flexibly. A season pass in Helsinki costs approximately 35 euros, making it one of the cheapest transport options available. The bikes are sturdy, well-maintained, and equipped with...
- Glossary
Korko (Interest Rate)
Interest rates in Finland, especially Euribor-linked mortgage rates and how they affect housing costs for residents.
...rise, as they did sharply in 2022–2023, monthly costs can increase substantially. Some banks offer fixed-rate periods (3–10 years) for borrowers who prefer predictable payments. How it affects...