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Retiring in Finland | Expat Exchange
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Retire in Finland

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 11, 2023

Summary: Retirees are attracted to Finland for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent quality of life. Finland is known for its clean air, low crime rate, and excellent healthcare system. The country also offers a wide range of activities for retirees, such as skiing, fishing, and hiking. The weather in Finland is generally cool, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit in the summer and the mid-teens to the mid-30s Fahrenheit in the winter.

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What is it like to retire in Finland?

"Finland is a great place for retirees to enjoy their golden years. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and excellent healthcare system, Finland offers retirees a high quality of life. There is an active expat community in Finland, with many retirees from other countries choosing to settle here. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the many museums, galleries, and theaters. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, skiing, and fishing. For those looking for a bit of nightlife, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. All in all, Finland is a great place for retirees to enjoy their retirement," remarked one retiree in Finland.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Finland?

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Finland is the high cost of living. Finland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, and the cost of housing, food, and other necessities can be prohibitively expensive for retirees on a fixed income. Additionally, Finland has a complex tax system, which can be difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with the system. Furthermore, Finland has a very cold climate, which can be difficult to adjust to for those who are used to warmer climates. Finally, Finland has a language barrier, as Finnish is the official language, and many people do not speak English," remarked one retiree in Finland.

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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Finland?

"Retiring in Finland offers a number of rewarding aspects, such as access to excellent healthcare, a high quality of life, and a generous pension system. Finland also offers a wide range of leisure activities, from outdoor pursuits to cultural attractions, making it an ideal place to enjoy retirement. Additionally, Finland is a safe and peaceful country with a low crime rate, making it a great place to relax and enjoy life. Finally, Finland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes and a vibrant culture, making it a great place to spend your retirement years," said a person in Finland.

What are healthcare services like in Finland?

We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Finland. They wrote:

"In Finland, healthcare services are provided by the public sector and are free of charge for all citizens. Healthcare services are comprehensive and include preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The Finnish healthcare system is based on the principle of equal access to healthcare services for all citizens, regardless of their income or social status. The Finnish healthcare system is also highly decentralized, with local governments responsible for providing healthcare services in their respective regions. In addition, Finland has a strong focus on preventive care, with a range of health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in place," said a retiree who moved to Finland.

How do I meet people in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"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," said one retiree in Helsinki.

"Expats in Finland often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending events hosted by the local expat community. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as these can be great ways to connect with other expats and locals," commented one retiree living in Finland.

What is life like in Finland?

When we asked people living in Finland what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Finland is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent public services, a safe and secure environment, and a strong economy. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its vast forests, lakes, and islands. The country also offers a wide range of cultural activities, from museums and galleries to music and theatre. Finland is also a great place to work, with a highly educated and tech-savvy population, and a business-friendly environment. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's excellent healthcare system, and its generous social security system," said a retiree who moved to Finland.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What do I need to know before retiring in Finland?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Finland, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Finland should be aware that the country has a cold climate and long, dark winters. It is important to research the cost of living in Finland, as it is generally higher than in other European countries. Expats should also be aware that the Finnish language is widely spoken and it is beneficial to learn some basic phrases before moving to Finland. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Finland and make sure they have the necessary insurance coverage. Finally, expats should be aware that Finland is a very safe country with low crime rates," explained a retiree in Finland.

What type of recreational activities are there in Finland?

"In Finland, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as outdoor parks, beaches, and forests. There are also many indoor recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports halls. Finland also has a wide range of cultural activities, such as museums, theatres, and art galleries. Additionally, Finland has a number of ski resorts, which offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Finally, Finland is home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as music festivals, food festivals, and cultural celebrations," said one person who retired in Finland.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Finland?

"People living in Finland typically buy groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers' markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, specialty stores, and online retailers," remarked one retiree in Finland.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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