Digital Nomad Life in Helsinki, Finland

"Helsinki is a great city to meet people, with a variety of activities to choose from. Spend some time getting to know locals by exploring the many neighbourhoods and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, sailing, skiing, and camping. Networking events, coworking spaces, and local meetups are great ways to meet like minded people and get to know locals. Meetup.com is a great resource for finding local events and activities to attend. Coffee shops and bars are also great places to meet people in Helsinki. Make an effort to strike up a conversation with someone new or join a game night. The possibilities are endless," said one expat who made the move to Helsinki.

"I recommend the American Women's Club. They have special interest groups as well as monthly meetings. You can find them in the Internet and go from there. The Club includes Americans, Finns and international english speaking women," explained one foreigner living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Helsinki is generally quite pleasant. The city is known for its vibrant culture, excellent public transportation, and high quality of life. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of activities to keep them busy, from exploring the city's many museums and galleries to taking part in outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. The city also offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it easy to find a place to socialize and meet new people. Additionally, Helsinki is a great place to work remotely, with plenty of coworking spaces and reliable internet access. All in all, Helsinki is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work," explained one expat living in Helsinki, Finland.

"I moved in with my partner so that was fairly simple. He's lived here most of his life," said one expat who made the move to Helsinki.

"Finding a place to live in Helsinki can be relatively easy, as there is a variety of options available. You can search for both short-term and long-term rental options on online sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, and Nimellä. Additionally, websites such as Vuokraovi.fi offer listings for privately owned apartments and houses, many of which are located in neighborhoods conveniently situated for public transportation. Helsinki also has a variety of student housing options, as well as co-living spaces such as Kodit.io and Coliving Society. Helsinki has a number of dedicated real estate agents and require no commission - they are a great option for those who are unfamiliar with the city. Finally, if you’re looking for a more permanent living arrangement in Helsinki, you have the option of purchasing a property. The commonly used websites for searching for a property include Oikotie Asunnot, Uusimaa.fi, and Etuovi.fi," explained one foreigner living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Helsinki offers an attractive quality of life. With its beautiful green parks and an old town that stretches along the harbor, Helsinki provides a great mix of urban and nature living. Of the many cultural events and attractions in the city, some of the highlights include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Aleksanteri Institute, the Design Museum and the Ateneum Art Museum. Strong public transportation and a variety of bike lanes make getting around the city easy. As an expat, you will need to obtain a residence permit and apply for a Finnish personal identity code in order to open a bank account and obtain a Finnish social security number. You will need to submit a valid passport and proof of a secure income as part of the application process. Housing in Helsinki can be expensive, but with a range of options from traditional apartment buildings to luxury, lakefront villas, there is something to meet everyone's needs. Groceries, healthcare, and other necessities are also high compared to other places, so be prepared for the additional costs when budgeting for retirement. Once you are settled, Helsinki offers plenty to explore and enjoy. There are lots of parks and green spaces, with large open-air markets, vibrant art and design scenes, and lots of activities to take part in. Whether you are looking for cultural exploration, outdoor adventure, or just reconnecting with family, Helsinki is an excellent place to call home in your retirement," explained one expat living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Expats in Helsinki appreciate the friendly atmosphere, the lack of judgement and the approachable people, who are relatively open to those new to Finnish culture. The robust public transportation network and relative safety make it easy to explore the city. Additionally, they appreciate the positive work-life balance and the high standards of living. The cultural presence of museums, art galleries, events, concerts, and theaters provides expats a great opportunity to join in the growing cultural diversity of the city, while ample outdoor activities further contribute to the appreciation of what Finland has to offer," explained one person living in Helsinki, Finland.

"Expats often find adaptation to cultural differences and language barriers their most challenging obstacle. Many expats feel a sense of isolation from the locals due to these differences and can feel unwelcome or out of place. Additionally, daily life tasks can be difficult to navigate when living in a foreign country, such as opening a bank account or finding affordable housing. Furthermore, securing work in a host country can be difficult as domestic citizens often have higher prioritization. Other common challenges include maintaining relationships back home, finding support networks in host countries, and struggling with reverse culture shock upon re-entering their home countries," explained one expat living in Helsinki, Finland.

"To legally remain in Helsinki for a period of time, you would need to apply for a residence permit. The specific type of residence permit would depend on the purpose of your stay. You may need an EU Family Member's Residence Card if you are an EU family member, a visa or a residence permit for paid employment or self-employment, or a Long-Term Residence Permit if you are a student, an entrepreneur, or a research scholar. You may also be eligible for an Electronic Residence Permit (e-Residence) if you are an EU citizen or a citizen of an EU-associated state, such as Norway or Iceland," said one person in Helsinki.

"While in Helsinki, it is important to be respectful towards the local culture and customs. Avoid dressing too casually or wearing less conservative clothing in places such as churches, government buildings, and formal events. Additionally, be mindful of the use of personal space, as Finns tend to maintain a greater amount of personal distance than many other cultures. At the dinner table, avoid disrupting conversations, and speaking too loudly or increasingly. As a sign of respect, it is customary to wait for the host to start drinking any alcoholic beverages during meals, and commenting on the taste of food is also generally seen as offensive. Lastly, be considerate of the environment when exploring Helsinki, and take proper measures to minimize your impact," said one expat in Helsinki.

"Healthcare services in Helsinki, are known for their high quality and accessibility. The city's healthcare system is primarily funded by the government, ensuring that residents have access to affordable and comprehensive care. Primary healthcare services are provided through local health centers, which offer a range of services, including general practitioner consultations, dental care, mental health services, and maternity care. In addition to primary care, Helsinki is home to several specialized medical facilities and hospitals, such as the Helsinki University Hospital, which is renowned for its cutting-edge research and advanced treatments. These facilities provide a wide range of specialized care, including emergency services, surgery, and rehabilitation. The healthcare system in Helsinki also emphasizes preventive care, with various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and early detection of illnesses. This includes regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings for various conditions. Furthermore, Helsinki's healthcare services are supported by a robust digital infrastructure, which enables seamless communication between healthcare providers and patients. This includes electronic health records, e-prescriptions, and online appointment booking systems, making it easier for residents to manage their healthcare needs. Overall, healthcare services in Helsinki are characterized by their high quality, accessibility, and focus on both treatment and prevention, ensuring that residents have access to the care they need to maintain their health and well-being," said one foreigner in Helsinki.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the high quality of life, excellent public transportation, and beautiful natural surroundings in Helsinki. They appreciate the safety and cleanliness of the city, as well as the efficient public services. The city's vibrant design and art scene, along with its rich cultural heritage, are also attractive to many. The strong emphasis on work-life balance and the availability of coworking spaces make it an appealing destination for digital nomads. On the other hand, the high cost of living, particularly for housing and dining out, can be a significant drawback for expats and digital nomads. The cold and dark winters, with limited daylight hours, can be challenging for those not used to such conditions. The Finnish language can be difficult to learn, which may make it harder for some to integrate into the local community. Additionally, some expats may find the reserved nature of Finns to be a barrier to making friends and building a social network," wrote one digital nomad living in Helsinki, Finland.