Living and working in Finland: relocation made easy with KOCH Moving Logistics

Finland – the land of a thousand lakes, endless forests and Finnish sisu – delights with a unique blend of breathtaking nature, vibrant metropolises and a deeply rooted connection to the environment. For many emigrants, moving to this innovative, safe country becomes an exciting career step – and KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner. Discover what makes living and working in Finland so special.

Finland ranks among the most innovative and competitive economies in Europe, driven by a strong export industry in mechanical engineering, electronics, forestry and chemicals. A pioneering role is played by the digitalised economy with global companies such as Nokia, Supercell and Rovio Entertainment in the gaming sector. The vibrant economic centres are the Helsinki capital region, Tampere – known as "Finland's Silicon Valley" – and Oulu, an important hub for cutting‑edge technology in 5G and cybersecurity. Unlike in Germany, where the economy is strongly shaped by export‑oriented small and medium‑sized enterprises, Finland is dominated by innovative tech corporations and a booming start‑up culture. Thanks to EU freedom of movement, access to the labour market for Germans is completely straightforward.

The Finnish labour market is characterised by a relatively low unemployment rate compared to many other EU countries, especially for skilled professionals. German skilled workers are in high demand, particularly in the booming IT sector (software development, cybersecurity, AI), in engineering, healthcare and education. The demand for English‑speaking skilled professionals is high in the tech centres. Unlike in Germany, English is accepted as a working language in many international companies in Finland – knowledge of Finnish is, however, required for the public sector or customer contact. The average gross annual salary in Finland is about 54,000 euros, which is below the German level of 66,700 euros. Starting salaries range between 3,000 and 4,000 euros per month.

Finnish work culture is characterised by flat hierarchies, clear communication and a strong sense of personal responsibility. Unlike in Germany, where formal titles still have significance in some sectors, the interaction in Finland is very informal – everyone uses the informal "sinä", and managers are usually approachable with a handshake. Finns are known for their direct, honest communication. Overtime is the exception, and work‑life balance is highly valued. A phenomenon unknown in Germany to this extent is the summer shutdown common in Finland: many companies close in July to allow employees a long, shared holiday break.

Finnish work culture places great importance on equality, reliability and factual, direct communication. A firm handshake with direct eye contact is the usual form of greeting – both in private and in professional life. Finns are not known for small talk, but in return expect clear, honest communication where what is said is meant. There are also major differences from Germany in terms of hierarchy: the work culture is extremely flat, titles hardly matter. Gender equality is firmly anchored by law and in society, and punctuality is seen as a sign of respect in Finland – if you are late, you apologise.

Finnish employees are entitled to 25 days of holiday (5 weeks) per year – a standard similar to the German level of 24 days. The working week is generally 37.5 to 40 hours. From May to September is the main holiday season, when many Finns visit their summer cottages – a phenomenon that does not exist in Germany in this form. In addition, there are numerous public holidays, including Vappu (Labour Day) on 1 May, which is celebrated in Finland with a special student flair, and Midsummer (Juhannus) in June. On Christmas Eve (Jouluaatto) and New Year's Eve (Uudenvuodenaatto), businesses close after 1 p.m. – a tradition that does not apply in Germany.

Finland offers one of the highest qualities of life in the world. The cost of living in Finland is about 15 percent higher than in Germany. For a single person, monthly living expenses (excluding rent) are about 1,000 to 1,400 euros. Rental prices in Helsinki are about 700 to 1,000 euros for a one‑bedroom apartment in cheaper areas, quickly reaching 1,200 euros in more exclusive locations, comparable to German cities such as Cologne or Hamburg. In Tampere or Turku, rents are significantly cheaper at 600 to 900 euros. Food and restaurant prices in Finland tend to be higher than in Germany, while the public transport network in Helsinki with metro, trams, buses and ferries is very well developed. A monthly ticket costs about 70 euros here. Finns are also keen cyclists – though not quite as intensively as the Danes.

The Finnish transport system is efficient and well developed. Public transport in Helsinki is very reliable with the metro, trams, buses and ferries to the offshore islands. The country has a dense rail network. The state railway company VR operates a fast long‑distance network connecting Helsinki with cities such as Tampere, Turku and Oulu. The high‑speed trains are modern, and many stations offer convenient connections. The airports (Helsinki‑Vantaa, Turku and others) are also well connected to the long‑distance road network and local transport.

The Finnish housing model differs in some respects from the German one. Asumisoikeus (right of occupancy) is a hybrid form between renting and owning. You pay a one‑time fee (about 15 percent of the purchase price) and then a monthly, rent‑like fee – this form is almost unknown in Germany. Rental apartments (vuokra‑asunto) are offered either by private landlords, cooperatives or municipal companies, with public waiting lists potentially lasting years. The deposit is usually two to three months' rent.

Rental prices in Finland vary greatly: in Helsinki, a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about 1,200 euros, on the outskirts about 850 euros. In Tampere and Turku, prices are more moderate at 600‑900 euros for a one‑bedroom apartment. In eastern Finland, in cities such as Joensuu, rents are significantly cheaper at under 10 euros per square metre. KOCH Moving Logistics supports you in your apartment search.

KOCH Moving Logistics supports you with your move to Finland with comprehensive services tailored to your needs. From planning to execution, our team ensures that your move runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most: your new life and work in Finland.

• Personal advice: Individual solutions for your move.
• Logistics expertise: Efficient planning and implementation.
• Local network: Support with integration in Finland.

KOCH Moving Logistics not only offers standardised moving services but also places special emphasis on personal advice and tailor‑made solutions. Our experts are on hand at every stage of the moving process to ensure that all your needs are met. We help you to quickly find your feet in your new surroundings and offer support with administrative matters. Experience the smooth transition to your new adventure with the comprehensive service of KOCH Moving Logistics. Contact us and start your move to Finland today!