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It’s no secret that I love the North and have a special bond with Finland. The land of a thousand lakes is a hidden gem in northern Europe. Known for its pristine nature, world-class education system, sustainable living, and vibrant culture, Finland has become an attractive destination for fur travellers from all over the world, but also for expats seeking a better life.

In fact, looking for info regarding a possible extremely long workation in Finland, I discovered that this natural wonderland has risen in the ranks in recent years, becoming one of the best countries for expats.

Let’s look closer at what makes Finland such a popular destination for people searching for new pastures.

A husky safari in the Finnish Lapland wilderness

Work-life balance 

One of the main reasons why Finland is an excellent destination for expats is its sheer commitment to work-life balance.

In Finland, full-time employees work a maximum of 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. There are rules which guide how much overtime can be done too. Flexibility is a common theme throughout Finland’s modern work culture, extending to flexible work hours, job-sharing, and parental leave. And for each month of full-time work, Finns earn at least two days of annual leave. With its people-centric work environment, it comes as no surprise that Finland is now one of the happiest countries in the world.

Check out Jooble‘s job offers everywhere in the world. You might even find something that suits you in Finland.

Education

According to older research from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Finland boasts one of the best education systems in Europe.

The country’s education system is recognised for its highly personalised approach that promotes creativity, critical thinking and self-expression. With world-class universities and colleges in major cities such as Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, studying and upskilling in Finland is an exceptional opportunity for expats. And for families, having a world-class educational system for their children is a huge benefit. 

Healthcare

The government provides healthcare in Finland through public hospitals. This means that healthcare services are affordable and high-quality, with the population having access to comprehensive medical care from general practitioners to specialised treatment. Many expats have touted the healthcare system as one of the most attractive benefits of moving to Finland.

Nuuksio national park, Espoo

Nature

Finland is a nature lover’s paradise with more than 40 national parks, endless forests, and thousands of lakes. Its outdoor spaces aren’t just a beauty to behold; they’re also an excellent way to stay healthy mentally and physically and connect with the locals. Finns and expats can take advantage of the countless skiing facilities and snowboarding parks in winter, while in summer, they can explore the beautiful Finnish archipelago. And then there’s the Finnish sauna… pure perfection.

Finland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of expat destinations, but it’s clear that it has a lot to offer. From the stunning nature and vibrant culture to the outstanding work-life balance and education system, this country exceeds expectations, making it one of the best countries for expats.

If you’re considering moving, don’t hesitate to do so. You’ll find a tightly-knit expat community eager to support and welcome you. 

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Silvia's Trips

Hi there! My name is Silvia and after 15 years between the Paris Opera and the Palau de les Arts in Valencia I now run a boutique hotel in Cinque Terre, deal with tourism management and blogging, sail, horse-ride, play guitar and write about my solo trips around the world. For more info about me and my travel blog check my full bio.