Relocating to Finland: Relocation Services
Introduction
Relocating abroad is a challenge - with benefits. You may become bilingual, you will almost certainly grow more adaptable, and you will build contacts on an international level. This article will be of interest to people relocating to Finland on a global assignment:
YLE News article Relocated Foreign Executives Happy with Services in Finland:
Finland Relocation Services surveyed 53 foreign executives and experts relocated to Finland. Respondents were generally positive. They praised the support of public authorities and appreciated Finland's public services. They found Finns friendly, honest and efficient, they felt accepted in Finland and were able to get by easily in English. On the downside were low income, high taxes and - for those who tried - the Finnish language.
See also: Finnish culture and cross-culture
What do Relocation Services do?
A relocation service directs and manages the process of relocating a company or family to Finland, with a range of services to ease the transition. Employees enjoy reduced stress and interruption. Companies benefit from increased productivity, commitment and employee retention.Services can include:
- assistance with residence permits, visas and long-term stay permissions
- arranging necessary documents and registrations with local authorities
- finding a new house or accommodation
- finding a school for children
- finding a job for the partner or "trailing spouse"
- informing about social security, for example healthcare & childcare
- arranging Finnish &/or other language training for the family
- introducing the Finnish culture and customs
- helping set up utilities, banking and other services
- providing guidance on import regulations and excise
Process
Relocation services generally contact
new employees before they are due to move, chart their needs,
and create a plan for settling them in Finland
quickly and smoothly.
Finnish Relocation Services
These relocation companies are all well established with good reputations, effectively providing the above-mentioned services:
NextLink
NextLink takes relocation services to a new level, with personal service aimed at making a person’s move to Finland not only smooth but memorable, meaningful and cool rather than a series of mandatory tasks - without breaking the bank! NextLink's special expertise is bringing global IT talent to Finland quickly and easily.
NextLink offers a fully comprehensive relocation package all the way from Visa and Residence Permit applications to helping with every requirement in Finland. For instance, finding an apartment, helping to get personal ID, a bank account etc. NextLink does everything with the person, in person - they will not be unattended at any point of the relocation. As part of NextLink's full relocation package support continues for two months after arrival, but all services are tailored to the client's needs and any part of your relocation can be assisted by NextLink.
For NextLink, creating an excellent relocation experience is the most important aspect of their operations.
Victor Ek
Established in 1885, Victor Ek is known as a reliable, high-quality service provider. Relocation services form part of Victor Ek's comprehensive portfolio of global mobility services, helping you every step of the way, to or from Finland.
Assistance includes consultation prior to the move, immigration guidance and documentation, local registrations and tax matters, opening a bank account and other services, accompanying clients to appointments, school / daycare advice and search, temporary accommodation if needed, and finding a permanent home. A wide selection of additional services are available to meet customers' needs, and Victor Ek can also fulfil your international and domestic moving needs - including pet transport!
Victor Ek's long-term cooperation with a global network of trustworthy partners means they can support you and your family's relocation almost anywhere in the world.
Memberships include the Harmony Relocation Network as well as FIDI, IAM, and SMPY.
Offices in Helsinki, Tampere and Hanko.
Tampere Office: Jokipohjantie 28, 33800 Tampere Map
Return Ticket
Established in 1997, Return Ticket's expertise in personnel internationalisation helps companies, employees and families make assignments in Finland a success. Tailored relocation packages are available, including units in Pre-arrival (ex. visas/residence permits/applications), Home Search & Setup, Daycare / preschool / schooling, Settling in, Spouse support (Education, CV, opportunities, employment), Practical advice, Culture training, and Language training. Each unit is independent and can be ordered separately.
Expat Guide: All Return Ticket clients receive a hard copy of the Expat Guide to Finland, by Marja Saviaro, delivered in advance to their home country. The Guide focuses on planning your assignment in Finland. Step by step, it helps you avoid mistakes and surprises, saves you time, and helps you settle in more quickly upon arrival. Practical instructions and information on matters such as permits, schools, daily life and healthcare are included. The Guide can also be ordered from Guide information
Map
Companies House Finland
Starting life in a new country can be confusing and time-consuming. Companies House aims to have your expat personnel in Finland feeling at home from the beginning, with all types of settling-in support. For foreign companies posting employees to Finland, relocation services are ideal and include for example:
- Assisting employees with work permits and local registrations
- Helping with practical matters such as bank accounts, finding a home, insurance and utilities
- Assisting families in arranging school and daycare
Services are tailored to your needs, and your employees can focus on the business they've come to do. Companies House also provides Business Establishment Services, getting your subsidiary or branch in Finland up and running with minimal effort from you. Services are available in English, Spanish, and Finnish.
Alfa Mobility
Founded in Sweden in 1995, Alfa has emerged as a relocations leader in the Nordic countries. Alfa's full-time team of consultants assists with all practicalities associated with a foreign assignment, providing immigration / visa, work / residence permit, pre-arrival, post-arrival and departure relocation services, along with home finding and temporary accommodation services.
Additional services include international moving and secure storage. Alfa has offices throughout Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and partners with quality global mobility providers worldwide.
Map
Finland Relocation Services (FRS)
In 1994 the family-owned company FRS became Finland's first specialist in relocation, integration and support services for moves to or from Finland.
In 2021 a majority stake in FRS was acquired by Barona Oy, which began life as a 'labour leasing firm' and became sole owner of FRS in 2023.
Barona's parent company Bravedo Oy describes itself as a 'supergroup' and has rapidly expanded through a series of acquisitions. Comprising over 30 companies, Bravedo's jargon-laden website (freedom! humanity! courage!) does not make its operations clear.
In 2024 Finland Relocation Services says it is a 'leader in international talent acquisition' and has declined to communicate with Expat Finland.
International House Helsinki
International House Helsinki (IHH) is not a relocation service as such, but it offers some relocation-related services. Coordinated by the City of Helsinki, IHH provides advice and assistance for newcomers to, and employers in, the Helsinki metropolitan area.
IHH offers a wide range of information and services for immigrants, as well as free advisory services to employers on issues related to an international workforce.
Web: www.ihhelsinki.fi
Address: Lintulahdenkuja 2, 00530 Helsinki
For immigrants, Tel: 09 310 111 11
For employers, Tel: 040 922 5126
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00
Kela can also be contacted with questions about moving to or from Finland:
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-15:00
Tel: 020 634 0200
Related Links
Links to other sites are direct to the relevant page, where possible
