Expenses After MovingIt's been a while since we had posts about calculating expenses after moving, so here we go :)

Below are the expenses of a family: husband and wife working, 2 children. They moved to Kerava (Zone D) in May 2022. They didn't want to live in Espoo or Helsinki because the housing would be 200-300€ more expensive, plus there would be longer queues for daycare and doctors.

Apartment with a sauna + parking + water: 1360€Electricity bills: ~40-45€Food + gasoline for the car (driving approximately 1000-1500 km per month): 800-1200€Municipal daycare for two children: 350€ (younger child for a full day, older child considered for a half day, the rest is mandatory free preparatory education - "eskari" in Finnish)
Swimming pool: 58€/10 visitsPilates classes for the spouse: 190€/10 sessionsCommute to the office, 30 train tickets (lasts 1.5-2 months): 112.5€Children's training, sports gymnastics at HIFK in Helsinki, 3 times a week: 450€/4 monthsCar insurance (compulsory third-party liability insurance + comprehensive coverage): ~950€/yearCar tax: 200€/yearApartment insurance: 110€/yearThe total comes out to approximately: ~3000€/month, excluding vacation/entertainment expenses.

Thanks to Ivan for providing the calculations!

Features of Work Culture in FinlandMost companies that invite specialists for relocation already have foreigners on their staff, making them international to some extent. However, Finnish companies still embody Finnish work culture to a greater or lesser degree. Share in the comments the features you have experienced. Here is an overview by Robert Brooks (a British individual) with our additions.

- PunctualityThis is probably the most important point to highlight. Finns take their schedules very seriously. It is crucial to respect other people's time.

If a meeting starts at 10, it means it starts exactly at 10:00. You should already be in the meeting room with your computer on. If you enter the office at that time, you are already late.

It's important to notify in advance if you will be delayed, specifying the exact time of your arrival. Finns are polite and understanding. If you say you will be five minutes late, they will likely wait for you, and the meeting won't start without you. However, if you actually arrive 15 minutes later, it would be considered very rude.

The same punctuality applies to any other deadlines. If you promised to deliver a report by 4:00 PM on Friday, it is expected to be there on time. Notify about any delays in advance.

- IntroductionFinnish people shake hands during the first professional or personal meeting. After the epidemic, it happens less frequently, but it is still recommended to offer a handshake.

It is considered good manners to introduce yourself with your full name. If Finns have trouble hearing your name, they will ask again until they understand it. Foreign names can be challenging for them because Finnish often lacks the sounds we use in our native language. Therefore, it's easier to learn how to pronounce your name the way Finns do.

- Communication in the officeIf you work together, you are a "työkaveri" to Finns, literally a colleague or work friend. The word "kaveri" describes someone with whom you spend time and do things together, but your relationship is not particularly deep.

Therefore, don't expect close friendships from your Finnish colleagues. In the office, you can discuss topics on which everyone can have their own opinion, but without delving too deep into details and debates.

Safe topics: weather, sports, and hobbies.
Topics to avoid: politics, religion, personal circumstances, children, and health problems.

- Honesty and DirectnessFinns are more straightforward compared to most Europeans, but still gentler in their approach compared to Russians. They value honesty and efficiency. Everything else is seen as a waste of time.

When asking a Finn for feedback, be prepared for an honest opinion. Well-done work won't be excessively praised; it will simply be deemed "okay." If you have done something poorly, you will receive straightforward feedback. It's important not to take it personally. It is an evaluation of what you have done, not who you are.

However, we would not recommend using the directness inherent in our culture, as it may also be perceived as rude. Avoid mocking others' mistakes, even if the person who made them is not present. Strive to provide useful feedback that helps improve the situation.

- Addressing by nameYou will address your boss and even the CEO of the company by their first name.

In Finland, this has been the norm since preschool. Teachers are addressed by their first names, and in higher grades, even by their nicknames.

One aspect of politeness and respectful tone is the third-person pronoun "hän" and the polite form of "you" — "Te." They are used in very formal situations, when speaking to an elderly person, or when talking about dogs (this is not a joke).

So, if you have an office dog, make sure you are polite 🙂

You can read the full article by following the link.

Medium

Navigating Finnish Work Culture

Cultures change, but they change slowly.

Buying groceries in FinlandIf you (like me) have recently arrived in the country, a trip to a Finnish grocery store can turn into a small quest. Below, I will list some of the features that immediately caught my attention.

1. Choice and variety. There are sometimes more variations of a familiar product than there are thoughts in your head. Oatmeal with added oat bran, whole grain flakes, oat and rye porridge combined, or with carrots and cranberries? If you need milk, besides the gradation of fat content, there is, for example, organic and night milk with melatonin, and all the options are often mixed together. When you see lactose-free yogurt with acidophilus and bifidobacteria, you can get a little lost.

2. Everything is in Finnish. You expect to see English at least on the price tag, but no. +5 for using a translator on the go and +10 for learning Finnish at the everyday level.

Speaking of price tags. No matter how any product is packaged, the cost per kilogram or per piece is always indicated.

3. If you have any dietary restrictions or prefer environmentally friendly products, you will be choosing from the same variety of options as people without dietary restrictions. Vegan-friendly, lactose-free, gluten-free... there is a strong tolerance for any dietary habits or diets.

4. Novelty. Something interesting or some kind of cheese always ends up in the shopping basket. Among the latest discoveries are chocolate semolina and spinach pancakes.

These are the points I've gathered. What are your impressions of Finnish grocery stores? If you share in the comments, we can compile an extended list based on your observations.

We have also created an informative and entertaining table showing the average cost of products per kilogram or liter in Moscow (Perekrestok) and Helsinki (S-Market). Date: 14.02.2022, Exchange rate: 1 EUR/85.57 RUB. In six months, we will try to create such a table again to make a comparison.

Text by @tanyasmetana

How to move to Finland for studiesLet's consider an example for IT.

In Finland, you can study at universities of applied sciences (polytechnics) or universities. Polytechnics offer a 3.5-year program, while universities have a 5-year program. Education at polytechnics is more practice-oriented, while education at universities has a stronger research focus, making it significantly different from polytechnics. Both types of education include practical training.

For citizens of non-EU countries and their family members studying in English-language bachelor's or master's programs, education is tuition-based.

Below are examples of applying to a polytechnic and a university.

🎓 Polytechnic: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Information Technology program, Bachelor's Degree.
👉 Documents required for application:

- Foreign qualification granting eligibility for higher education in the corresponding country; or
- Bachelor's or master's degree (documents in Russian must be translated into English and certified by a translator). Documents and education are verified for authenticity!
- Official SAT score report
- Online examination (mathematics, physics + motivation)
- Online interview after successfully passing the examination
The program duration is 4 years.
The tuition fee is 10,000 EUR per year.
The application process takes place online at:
https://studyinfo.fi/oma-opintopolku/

🎓 University: University of Helsinki, Computer Science program, Master's Degree.
If you have completed university studies in the IT field in your country, you can apply directly for a Master's Degree. Otherwise, you need to complete a Bachelor's Degree, which takes 3 years, and then pursue a 2-year Master's Degree.
👉 Documents required for application:

- Foreign qualification granting eligibility for higher education in the corresponding country; or
Bachelor's or master's degree (documents in Russian must be translated into English and certified by a translator). Documents and education are verified for authenticity!
- IELTS Academic test scores report
The program duration is 2 years.
The tuition fee is 15,000 EUR per year.
The application process takes place online at:
https://studyinfo.fi/oma-opintopolku/It's important to note that each polytechnic and university decides which documents, exams, and tests are accepted for admission. The tuition fees may also vary, with lower fees often found in more northern regions. The examples provided here are for general information. The application period for foreign citizens usually runs until the end of January each year. A second application round is also organized in August for unfilled positions from the spring intake.

You can find a list of all polytechnics and universities in Finland here:
https://www.studyinfinland.fi/universities-list-view

Study in Finland

World-leading higher education institutions

Finland has 13 universities and 22 universities of applied sciences (UAS). English-taught degree programmes are offered on bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.

Together with Helsinki Partners, we have prepared important tips for you when applying to Migri (Finnish Immigration Service). The article was prepared in February 2022 and is relevant at the time of writing.

Applying for a Residence Permit for SpecialistsWe have collected your most frequently asked questions to Migri, asked them to official representatives, and supplemented the information based on your experiences.

1. Applying with family:- If you apply together, the processing time for all applications is up to 1 month. It is preferable to apply on the same day because once one application enters the "under consideration" status, it cannot be linked to other applications. Currently, the processing can sometimes be very fast.
- Important! All family members must come to confirm their identity together; otherwise, the applications may become detached.
- If you apply separately, other family members join the queue for "family reunification," which takes from six months to one year.
- Children can be included in the application from either parent's account; there is no difference.
2. Apostille:- The marriage certificate and birth certificates (only for your children) need to be apostilled.
- The correct sequence (some companies provide "double apostille" services):
1. The institution that issued the original document should provide the apostille on the original.
2. Translation into English and notarization.
3. Apostille from the Ministry of Justice.
- The diploma does not need to be apostilled; a translation with a stamp (e.g., notarization) is sufficient.
3. Blue Card and Residence Permit for Specialists:- The only difference in the application is the expected gross salary before taxes. For a specialist, it is €3,000, and for the Blue Card, it is €4,929.
- When applying for the first permit, Migri suggests that if your salary allows, why not apply for the Blue Card as well. It may make it easier to move to another European country later. However, in any case, you will need to apply for the Blue Card again if you decide to relocate.
- During the renewal, the Residence Permit for Specialists can be issued for a maximum period of 4 years, while the Blue Card is issued for a maximum of 2 years.
-The spouse always receives a Residence Permit with the right to work, but not a Blue Card.
4. Date of entry:-Usually, the Residence Permit starts from the date of your job offer because from that point onwards, you start paying taxes and enjoying social benefits. You can specify an earlier date, but there is no guarantee that it will be approved.

5. If you don't have a diploma:If you are a specialist but do not have a diploma, you need to prove your competencies and at least 3 years of work experience in the field. The following documents may be suitable:

CV (including those with relevant diplomas).
Employment contract (with translation).
Certificates of course completion/examinations (with translation).
Contracts with employers/clients.
6. If you have a civil partnership (cohabitation):To relocate, you need to prove 2 years of cohabitation, which can be demonstrated by:
- Joint rental agreement.
- Extract from the housing cooperative confirming that you live together at the same address.
- Testimonials from neighbors.
The main thing is to be able to prove 2 years of cohabitation. However, it is easier to get married because although cohabitation is considered equivalent to a legal marriage in Finland, a marriage certificate is still a very important document when returning to your home country.
7. If you are a freelancer:You should consider applying for a Residence Permit for Entrepreneur.
We express our gratitude to Helsinki Partners for their assistance.

Helsinki Partners

Helsinki Partners - Welcome to Helsinki!

Welcome to Helsinki, the most functional city in the world! Did you know that more than 300 start-up companies are founded in Helsinki each month?

What an IT specialist needs to arrange after moving to Finland1. Social security number (ID number, henkilötunnus)
The number consists of your date of birth and four additional characters.
- Obtained from DVV (Population Register Agency), International House Helsinki (IHH), or Tampere.
Issued free of charge, and the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 weeks.
- To obtain it, you need a residential address. A temporary apartment with a mailing address (not a hotel) will suffice. It is also possible to use the office address, and your company can assist you with that.
- Even if you already have a Social security number on the back of your Residence Permit card, you still need to visit DVV and receive a paper extract from the registry.
2. Vero cardAn A4-sized paper containing information about your tax percentage.
- Obtained from Vero at IHH or at a Vero office. If you have a Social security number, you can order it by phone.
- Distributetd free of charge on the day of application.
3. Kela card- A plastic social insurance card.
- Obtained free of charge from Kela at IHH or the nearest Kela office.
- The card will be sent by mail within approximately 3 months. However, you can use public healthcare immediately after submitting the application.
- You can also apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) right away.
4. ID card- A plastic card that serves as an internal passport.
- Fresh passport-sized photos are required for the application.
- The card is issued at the local police station. Some agencies recommend applying through police offices in Helsinki for faster processing.
- The processing time is 2-4 weeks, and the cost is €60.
5. Bank card-S-pankki, OP, Danske, Nordea, and other banks.
-Opening a bank account requires an appointment at the bank, and the time to open the account can range from 1 day to 1 month, plus the time for card delivery.
- If you already have an ID card, you will be provided with banking authorization codes. Otherwise, you can obtain them after opening the account.
- While waiting for banking authorization, you can use limited access methods for various services:

Using the ID card and a card reader (request this authorization option during your visit to the police station).
Using the ID card and a mobile application.
Using a mobile certificate if you have a SIM card with a contract in your name.
**For the family:

Social security number (SSN) - for everyone.
Kela card - for everyone.
Vero card - only if there is any income, including benefits.
Bank card - for those who need it.
ID card - for those who need a bank account; it can be optional afterward. ⬇️ Under you can find very usefull links for learning language and finding job 😊**
- Job market platform - Job market platform for spouses - Free courses for mothers and children - Finnish language courses - Language caffe at library - Finnish language online school - https://www.italki.com/

Digi- ja väestötietovirasto

Registration of a foreigner | Digital and population data services agency

I received an offer, what's next? The process of obtaining a Finnish residence permit.We hope this post will be useful soon for participants of the job fair 😉

We will cover the current situation with other visas to Finland in upcoming posts.

Here are the documents you will need for the resident permit application:- Valid passport. If your passport expires within less than 2 years, it is advisable to obtain a new one in advance.
- Civil passport.
- Recent photography taken within the last 6 months.
- Contract or job offer from the company you will be working for.
- Original diploma and its notarized translation. Important note: No apostille is required. If you do not have a diploma in the relevant field, you can demonstrate your qualifications with a translated copy of your work history, employment contracts in English, and your CV.
- If you are relocating with your family, you will need marriage and birth certificates for your children. The original documents should be apostilled, then notarized translations should be made, and finally, the translations should be apostilled by the Ministry of Justice. You can also relocate with your partner in a "common-law" marriage, for which you need to provide evidence of at least 2 years of cohabitation.
Filling out the residence permit application:The application is filled out on the Enterfinland.fi website. If you are relocating with your family, make sure to apply together on the same day, as family reunification applications take significantly longer, up to six months. ⬇️
After submitting the application, book an appointment slot on the embassy/consulate website to confirm your identity. It is also advisable to do this together as a family on the same day to avoid accidentally "unlinking" your applications. If there are no available slots, contact them directly via email.

The approval of the application takes up to 2 weeks. The residence permit card will be sent to you by a courier service, or you can pick it up at the visa center. Previously, delivery took about a week, but now it may take longer.

After receiving the residence permit, our collection of articles for relocating will definitely come in handy. It includes detailed posts on how to prepare, what to expect upon arrival, which documents need to be processed, and much more.

Share your experience in obtaining a residence permit in the comments; it will be very helpful for newcomers! 👇🏻

enterfinland.fi

Residence permits, EU registrations, citizenship

Find all the information you need and apply at enterfinland.fi

An important post for us.And we will categorize it under the #recruiting_tips tag.

When you go for interviews, please have a preliminary discussion with your family. Read our channel and understand how seriously you plan to relocate.

A lot of time is spent on interviews. We don't hesitate to invest it for each one of you. We revise your CV together, discuss how to better prepare for the interview, and provide information on crossing borders and preparing documents. We also talk about how children enroll in schools and daycare facilities. We answer dozens of questions, some of which we prepare articles for on our channel.

But in addition to our time, the company's time is also spent. You communicate with the recruiter, your test is evaluated, you interact with the team, and you ask many questions about the company's processes, projects, and relocation support.

It is very disheartening when, after all the work done, you cannot accept the offer because you did not discuss everything in advance with your family.

This damages our reputation as recruiters, and we value it greatly because our relationship with the company allows our candidates to be interviewed out of turn. Our candidates are initially perceived as vetted and ready for relocation. On our part, we also hold back from sending candidates in batches to prevent the company from having to choose from a multitude. We want your chances to be more realistic.

So, when you decline an offer, it not only affects your interests but also ours, the company's interests, and most importantly, the interests of future candidates who will not be trusted and received as openly as you were. And don't think that this introduction to the company will make it easier for you to get in later; many companies simply do not consider candidates who change their minds at the last moment. It poses both temporary and financial risks for the companies.

Family is probably the most valuable thing in our lives, so please discuss these important matters with them in advance.

Yours, Olga and Julia

A real life story of a specialist recently relocated to Finland from India

My Journey from India to Finland

Greetings! I am Tanaya (@Tanaya137), a driven and determined individual who embarked on an extraordinary journey from my beloved India to the beautiful country of Finland. Fueled by my passion for IT and the desire to build a life with my soulmate, my story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering pursuit of personal and professional growth. Allow me to share the remarkable experiences that have shaped me on this transformative journey.

A New Beginning in Finland: From the moment I discovered my future husband, who hails from Finland, I knew that a new chapter in my life was about to unfold. Eager to embrace this change, I set out on a mission to find employment opportunities in my husband's country. With a strong background in IT and expertise as a full-stack developer, I embarked on my job search in Finland, with unwavering support from my loving husband.

Opportunities and Challenges: After undergoing rigorous interviews, I was thrilled to secure a position at Ainak Oy, a Finnish company. However, due to unforeseen financial constraints, the startup had to temporarily lay me off. Although faced with this setback, I remained undeterred in my quest to find new professional opportunities. I soon realized that Finnish language proficiency, was often a prerequisite for many job prospects in Finland. Nonetheless, I focused my efforts on international companies and startups, where language barriers were less prominent.

Professional Growth: Throughout my professional journey, I have continuously honed my skills and pursued certifications to enhance my expertise. I proudly obtained my Scrum Master certification from scrumalliance.org, underscoring my commitment to agile project management methodologies. My roles as a Scrum Master and Project Manager at Ainak Oy allowed me to lead and coordinate a dynamic software development team in a SAFe environment. I facilitated effective communication, ensured the delivery of high-quality results, and fostered a collaborative work environment.

The Visa Process: When it came to securing my specialist visa for Finland, I navigated the process with great diligence. After submitting the necessary documents and completing the online application, I eagerly awaited an appointment date. After some back and forth with the visa agency, I finally secured an appointment on the 13th of June. To my surprise, within 24 hours of the appointment, we received the decision that I had been granted a specialist visa for two years. This milestone marked the beginning of my official journey in Finland and fueled my determination to establish a successful career in my new home.

Cultural Integration: The warm and diverse community I encountered in Finland has profoundly influenced my perspective. Meeting individuals from various backgrounds, both Finnish and international, has made me feel welcome and at home. I deeply appreciate the supportive environment and the assistance extended by the Finnish government. While initially faced with challenges due to the language barrier, I have found solace in international settings, where my technical knowledge and skills are highly valued.

Looking Ahead: As I reflect upon my journey, I am on my learning path paved by the opportunities I have embraced and the challenges I have overcome. With my strong engineering background, proficiency in agile methodologies, and extensive experience in full-stack development, I aspire to evolve into a Generalist, assuming greater responsibility and overseeing comprehensive projects. Humbly acknowledging that there is always more to learn, I am committed to continuous improvement, open to new challenges, and eager to make meaningful contributions in my field.

Conclusion: My journey from India to Finland has been a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. Guided by my unwavering determination, I have embraced new experiences, seized

Tax refunds are issued to the bank account specified in OmaVero. If the tax authority does not have your account number, the refund will be sent by mail or through the Nordea bank. If necessary, all the documents mentioned above can be downloaded from the personal account on OmaVero Other usefull links: Verovähennykset Tax decisions and pre-completed tax returns Deductions Tax refunds – individual taxpayers Submitting or changing your bank account number Back taxes – individual taxpayers