The northern country attracts Russians with high salaries and living standards, and beautiful nature. To figure out how to move to Finland from Russia from scratch, you need to study the reasons for moving and the stages of emigration. Depending on the purpose of the trip, the list of documents differs. Despite the advantages of living on Finnish territory, foreigners may encounter problems.
Finland is a modern state with a high standard of living.
Advantages of emigrating from the Russian Federation
The main reason for the emigration of Russians from their home country is the economic factor. People tend to move to developed industrial countries where the standard of living is high.
Advantages of emigrating from Russia:
- High salary. Representatives of many professions earn more than in Russia.
- A good education.
- Safety.
- Ecology.
- Good working conditions.
Finland has good education.
The country has high-quality roads, signs and markings are installed everywhere. People here receive high pensions and social benefits.
The state provides financial assistance to the unemployed, which is enough for a normal life.
Standard of living compared to Russia
Many Russians compare the standard of living of Finns with Russia. For clarity, you can look at the following indicators:
- Salary. According to statistics, the average income of a Russian is 36,000 rubles, while the average income of a Finn is 3,000 euros, that is, more than 200,000 rubles.
- Prices. The cost of food in Finland is higher. The living wage has not been established, but living life is expensive. For example, a carton of milk costs euros, but in Russia it costs 0.7 euros. And buying an apartment won’t be cheaper either. But this advantage is offset by the difference in wages and the constant increase in Russian prices.
- Taxes. In the Russian Federation they rarely exceed 13%; in Finland they can reach up to 40%. On the other hand, there is practically no corruption in the European country, and the purchase of an apartment for young people is not subject to tax at all. It turns out that this advantage has also been neutralized.
- Standard of living of pensioners. The average age of death for Finns is 81 years old, while Russians die at approximately 70 years old. The minimum pension is 47,000 rubles. In Russia, this amount is 8,000 rubles in the regions.
No matter how sorry it is to admit it, meeting the needs of the average person in Finland is better than in Russia.
Reasons for Russians moving to Finland for permanent residence
People move to Finland in search of a better life. They offer high-quality medical services, take care of the environment and personal space.
Standard of living
Finland has a developed, stable economy. GDP per capita in 2021 amounted to 47.7 thousand dollars. (19th place in the world). In terms of prosperity, the northern country is among the top five among European countries, and in terms of the happiness index it has become a leader. Housing prices range from 2300 to 3600 euros per 1 sq. m. m, but you can get a mortgage at a low rate (up to 2% per annum).
Nature
Pristine nature is the main attraction of the state. The forest occupies a large area. Finland is called the Land of a Thousand Lakes because there are more than 190 thousand lakes and 2 thousand rivers. The reservoirs are separated by numerous islands and peninsulas. The country has 39 national parks with free entry.
The nature of Finland is amazing with its landscape diversity.
Ecology
Local residents are careful about nature. Finland is moving faster than other countries to the use of alternative energy sources (wind and solar stations). There are no landfills here, since 99% of the waste is recycled. Since childhood, Finns are taught the rules of behavior in nature.
Garbage is thrown away in specially designated areas; killing animals, lighting fires and cutting down trees is prohibited.
Food
The Republic of Finland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but in the last year the price of dairy products and meat has decreased due to an oversupply of goods. Cost of some products in the country (in euros):
- potatoes - 0.75;
- bread - about 1;
- fat milk (0.5 l) - 0.95;
- flour (2 kg) - 0.99;
- cheese - from 8;
- chicken eggs (10 pcs.) - from 1.45 to 2.5;
- apples (1 kg) - 2.65;
- chicken fillet (1 kg) - 12;
- salmon fillet (1 kg) - 15.95.
Food prices are high in Finland.
In supermarkets and chain stores, goods are more expensive than in markets. Products that are past their expiration date are taken to assistance centers 3 times a week. They are given free of charge to those in need.
People and Finnish mentality
A feature of the Finnish mentality is personal freedom. People keep their distance during conversation (about 1 m). Only couples allow themselves closer communication and hugs. Finns are never in a hurry, preferring to enjoy every minute. A measured lifestyle does not prevent you from remaining punctual.
Finns are accustomed to lists and routines because they value their own and other people’s time. Local residents are known for their taciturnity and responsibility.
Healthcare
In Finland, high-quality medical services are provided by municipal and private institutions. Doctors engaged in private practice are required to obtain a license to practice. In public hospitals, a person pays only 20% of the costs, the rest is covered by health insurance. But immigrants do not have the right to use the services of such clinics. The ban does not apply to foreigners who work under an employment contract for at least six months.
The healthcare system in Finland is developed and has potential for growth.
Education
Officially, there are no private universities in the country, but the authorities cover only 64% of the budget of public educational institutions. The rest of the money comes from private individuals. Students study at polytechnics or universities. The following universities are considered the best in the country:
- Helsinki;
- Oulu;
- Aalto;
- Turku;
- Jyväskylä.
Finns and foreigners who know the local language can study for free. For other students, the semester will cost at least 1,500 euros. Diplomas from Finnish universities are recognized in all EU countries.
Salaries
The salary depends on the region, specialty, and age of the employee. Citizens aged 20-35 receive an average of 2,900 euros per month excluding taxes. Older people (36-65 years old) - up to 3600 euros.
Salary depends on specialty.
In 2021, the average after-tax salary by occupation (in euros) is:
- doctor - 4949;
- pharmacist - 3720;
- paramedic - 3261;
- lawyer - 3839;
- teacher - 3107;
- engineer - 2684;
- programmer - 2557;
- accountant - 2431;
- bartender - 2268;
- car mechanic - 2216;
- seller - 2031;
- nanny, courier - 1992;
- nurse - 1840;
- waiter - 1814;
- cleaning lady - 1741.
In the capital, wages are 15-20% higher than in the provinces. Foreigners engaged in unskilled labor receive monthly from 1,500 to 1,800 euros.
Pension provision
Officially, the retirement age is 65 years, but Finns have the right to retire 2 years earlier. Then 0.4% is calculated from payments for each unfinished month.
The average pension in Finland is one of the highest in Europe.
Elderly people receive the following types of pensions:
- Labor. Its size depends on length of service and salary. On average, men are paid 1,656 euros every month, women - 1,450 euros. Pensions are higher in Helsinki and Åland.
- Folk (family). It is paid to those who have not earned a labor pension. Single people are entitled to a maximum of 628.75 euros per month, married people - 557.79 euros.
Foreign citizens who have worked in Finland for at least a few months can receive a retirement pension on the same basis as Finns.
Taxation
Finns and foreigners who live in the country for more than 6 months are required to pay taxes. Finland has a progressive personal income tax rate. For pensions, salaries and other incomes it ranges from 7 to 39%. Property owners pay a one-time payment of 4% of the house price or 1.6% of the apartment price. Additionally, property taxes are paid every year, but the rate is set by the municipality.
Emigration methods
The country's immigration policy has become stricter, but the easiest way to stay here is considered to be marriage to a Finn. Foreigners have the right to come to study, work, live with relatives or do business.
Family reunion
The basis is suitable for minor children and spouses of Finns or foreigners living in the country. A common-law wife (husband) has the right to apply for a long-term visa type D if the couple has lived together for more than 2 years. Entry permits are issued to relatives who are financially dependent on family members living in the republic. The main condition for reunification is the financial condition of the receiving party.
Family reunion is suitable for minor children.
It is enough to have an income equal to the average salary plus 10% for each relative.
Business
This is a profitable way for startup founders, private entrepreneurs, shareholders, company executives, and members of partnerships. First, they receive a residence permit for 1 year with the right to extend. After 4 years, foreigners have the right to apply for permanent residence. Finnish authorities do not impose requirements on the type of activity, number of employees or amount of investment. They do not establish a minimum amount of authorized capital, company turnover, or profit.
Getting an education
Students are issued a national visa D, which allows them to stay in the country for more than 90 days. While studying, you can work a maximum of 20 hours a week in a specialty related to the chosen field. Despite free education at universities, students from a non-EU country will have to pay a minimum of 1,500 euros per semester. A foreigner must have at least 560 euros per month in his account.
International students will have to pay 1500 euros per semester.
If the university provides food and housing, the amount is reduced. When moving with children, you will need an additional 450 euros for each child.
Refugee
Finland grants refugee status in two cases:
- persecution in one's home country on the grounds of race, nationality, religion or political opinion;
- threat to life or health due to war, torture, natural disasters.
Documents for obtaining political asylum are accepted upon arrival at the Finnish border. The Migration Service sends the applicant to a refugee reception center, where he can stay for 1 year. If a person has a passport, 3 months after submitting the application he will be allowed to work.
In the absence of a document, you can find a job after 6 months of stay in the republic.
Employment
A foreigner who plans to engage in unskilled labor applies for a residence permit for general types of work. Researchers, specialists and company managers will need a residence permit for certain types of activities. The length of stay in the country coincides with the period of validity of the employment contract. Seasonal workers are issued a visa valid for up to 90 days.
Upon employment, a foreigner obtains a residence permit.
Repatriation
A person who is a descendant of Finns receives re-emigrant status. He has the right to immediately submit documents for a residence permit, but the review process lasts up to 5 months. Former Finnish citizens are being repatriated. They can return citizenship using a simplified procedure if its loss was not related to illegal actions.
Marriage
Marriage to a Finn allows you to immediately obtain a residence permit on the territory of the republic. If a woman is married to a citizen of another country who lives in Finland, the procedure becomes more complicated. She is given a visitor visa to enter. After the wedding, documents for a residence permit are submitted to the Finnish consulate in the territory of the native country. The paper review process lasts up to 6 months. First, a foreigner receives a permit for 1 year with the possibility of extension for 4 years. After this time has expired, the foreigner has the right to apply for permanent residence.
Marriage allows you to immediately obtain a residence permit.
Naturalization
This method is suitable for minor Finnish children. If the child's parents are not married, he will have to go through the standard naturalization procedure. After the interview, the migration service issues a residence permit for 12 months with the right to extension. After 5 years, a foreigner has the right to obtain citizenship.
Purchase of real estate
Finnish legislation does not allow obtaining a residence permit based on the purchase of a home. The only option is to purchase commercial real estate through a company. In this case, a business visa is issued. Over time, a person will be able to apply for permanent residence.
When purchasing real estate, you cannot obtain a residence permit.
Obtaining a residence permit, a list of popular professions and doing business in Finland
At first glance, it may seem that emigrating to Finland from Russia is not at all difficult. But many of those who have decided to move to this country note certain difficulties in obtaining residence permits and permanent residence. Emigration to any European country is not available to everyone. However, if you follow all the established rules, moving to Finland is quite feasible.
There are several ways to move to this Scandinavian state:
Work relationship. To officially work in Finland, you must obtain a residence permit. The search for work is complicated by competition for vacancies with Finns and residents of other EU countries, to whom the authorities give greater preference. To find vacancies, you need a good level of education, high qualifications, knowledge of English and, as an advantage, Finnish. The list of professions for emigrants from Russia in the following areas is most relevant:
· In the service sector.
· Industry.
· Construction.
· Medicine.
Engineers and IT specialists are in demand if they have high qualifications.
In addition, Finnish laws provide for some types of work that do not require a residence permit (you can stay in the country for up to 90 days). Such professions include:
1. Athletes, sports judges, coaches, artists.
2. Teachers and translators, researchers.
3. Farm workers (picking vegetables, berries, fruits).
4. Sailors.
5. Organizers of tour excursions.
Studies. Foreign students can obtain a residence permit after enrolling in one of the universities in Finland. They will need to prove their financial independence.
IMPORTANT! For Russians and other foreign students from countries outside the EU, higher education in Finland has become paid. The minimum cost is 1900 euros per year.
Business. In Finland, laws do not restrict foreigners from doing business in the country. To carry out entrepreneurial activities, foreign businessmen must provide a competent business plan that confirms the profitability of the business and prove their financial security. Popular business destinations in Finland:
· retail trade;
· IT services market;
· tourism;
· sphere of production and innovative technologies.
Some types of business in Finland require a license. These include:
1. restaurant business;
2. trade in weapons and medicines;
3. private medicine.
Family reunification. This method is suitable for those who want to move to Finland to live with their relatives. This can be a spouse, partner (same-sex marriage is legal in the country), cohabitant or cohabitant, as well as children under 18 years of age. The main condition for obtaining a residence permit in this case is to prove your financial solvency and ability to support yourself and your family.
See also: Visa to Portugal for Russians 2021
Repatriation (return to historical roots). Former citizens of Finland, as well as foreigners with Finnish roots, have the right to obtain a residence permit without additional conditions. This is the easiest way to move to live in the country.
Stages of moving to Finland from Russia
After arriving in the country, you will not be able to immediately become a citizen. First, the foreigner is issued a temporary residence permit, which can be extended. Then the right to permanent residence appears. And only after 6 years can you apply for citizen status.
Obtaining a residence permit
A package of documents is submitted to the Finnish Embassy in the Russian Federation. For employment or training, the applicant is granted a temporary entry permit category B, which is valid for 12 months. For continuous residence in the state, you will need a type A document. It is valid for 4 years, but the basis for travel cannot be changed.
To obtain a residence permit, a package of documents is submitted.
Permission for permanent residence in the country
After 4 years of stay on Finnish territory, a foreigner has the right to obtain a permanent residence permit. This is a type P permit, which is issued without leaving Finland. The grounds for issuing it are considered to be marriage to a Finn and the presence of a permanent job in the specialty. An application for permanent residence must be submitted at least 3 months before the expiration of the 4-year period. An important condition is good knowledge of Finnish or Swedish.
Registration of citizenship
Obtaining citizenship is practically no different from obtaining permanent residence. The procedure is carried out by foreigners who have lived in the republic for at least 6 years. They must not leave the country for the last 2 years. If citizenship is assigned to the wife (husband) of a Finnish citizen, it is enough to live here for 4 years. A person submits an application for a passport to the police department at his place of registration. The waiting time is 2-3 weeks.
Work and average salary for migrants from Russia, Ukraine and CIS countries
There are more than 70,000 Russians and Ukrainians in Finland. They live:
- In Russian-speaking diasporas. Such life is not much different from life at home: working with Russian tourists and other Russian-speaking people allows you not to encounter everyday manifestations of xenophobia. But there are no advantages to living in another country.
- On their own. As a rule, such people know Finnish well and settle according to their abilities. This group contains mostly sought-after specialists.
A strong Russian diaspora exists in Helsinki. But in smaller cities, finding compatriots can be difficult.
The wages of migrants differ little from the wages of native residents - this is regulated by the labor code.
Required documents
To obtain a residence permit or permanent residence permit, you will need standard and additional papers. Their list depends on the purpose for which the foreigner came to Finland.
Basic list
The standard list for obtaining an entry permit includes the following documents:
- application form completed in Finnish, Swedish or English;
- international passport with a validity period of at least 6 months;
- 2 photos measuring 4.7x3.6 cm;
- papers confirming the availability of housing (lease agreement, certificate of ownership);
- receipt for payment of the consular fee.
The standard list of documents includes a foreign passport.
A bank account statement must be submitted to confirm the applicant's financial status. If a foreigner moves to live with a relative, such a document must be presented by the receiving party.
Additional packages by immigrant category
For employment, you will need an employment contract signed by the director of the company, an appendix to the application form in TEM 054 form. The businessman adds the statutory documents of the company. The student submits an invitation from the university, existing diplomas, and a health insurance policy with a coverage amount of at least 100 thousand euros. When reuniting with a family, you need a document confirming the relationship (marriage registration certificate, birth certificate) and an invitation letter. A relative living in Finland presents his passport and account statement.
Petitions for a minor
When moving with children under 18 years of age, you must present a notarized consent for their travel abroad. The document is signed by one or both parents. Additionally, each child's international passport and original birth certificate with a translation into English, Swedish or Finnish are submitted.
Obtaining a residence permit: stages, conditions, procedure
Migrants in Finland who have a residence permit have rights almost equal to ordinary citizens. The only restriction is that they cannot vote in elections. You can obtain a residence permit on the following grounds:
- family reunion;
- homecoming;
- employment under contract;
- obtaining refugee status;
- studying at a Finnish university.
There are no other reasons. To obtain a residence permit, you need to provide documents to the Migration Service at your place of residence:
- international passport;
- two photos with standard design;
- standard application form in Finnish;
- confirmation of the grounds for a long stay in the country - a letter from the university, a contract with the employer, a marriage certificate;
- documents confirming residence in the country: lease or purchase and sale agreement;
- confirmation of payment of the fee;
- income certificate confirming that the applicant pays taxes and regularly receives a salary.
After all documents have been submitted, all that remains is to wait for a response. If everything is fine, a residence permit will be issued.
Procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit
The document for permanent residence is issued at the place of residence in Finnish territory. To obtain it, you need to pass a Finnish language proficiency test and pay a consular fee.
Where to contact
To obtain permanent residence, you do not need to travel outside the Republic of Finland. A person submits an application to the migration service department, which is located in the city of residence. You can submit documents through special centers (analogous to Russian MFCs).
To obtain permanent residence you need to contact the migration service.
Deadlines for review and status tracking
Review of documents for the issuance of permanent residence lasts from 3 months to 3 years, depending on the reason for the move. You can track the status of your application on the website of the Finnish Migration Service using the assigned application number and date of birth. If documents were submitted in person at the office, you can call an employee of the institution. If the request is approved, the applicant will receive an email and SMS.
Exams and fees
Those wishing to live in Finland must take a consular exam (YKI-testi). To obtain permanent residence, a basic knowledge of Finnish (A1-A2) is sufficient. To study at a university for a master's degree, you need to speak the language at level C1-C2. Each test consists of 5 blocks: listening, conversation, text comprehension, writing and grammar. After passing the tests, the person receives the appropriate certificate.
To obtain permanent residence, foreigners take an exam.
The amount of the consular fee for issuing permanent residence depends on the type of permit. They pay 159 euros for processing the application. For students, the document will cost 300 euros, for foreigners who are engaged in business or got a job - 450 euros. When engaging a service center, a fee of 25 euros is paid.
Reasons for refusal and methods of appeal
Common reasons for denial of a travel permit request include incomplete documents, providing false information, or insufficient funds in the account. Foreigners who have broken the law and have unpaid fines will not be allowed into the country. You can appeal the refusal in an administrative court within 2 months after receiving the response.
Life in Finland after immigration
After moving, the foreigner must register to receive a special card, which is needed to open a bank account. Accommodation in the country is not cheap; the rent includes additional services (snow removal, garbage removal, repairs).
Opening a bank account
An account is opened on the basis of a passport and identification card. The procedure does not require an electronic digital signature, so production of the media takes about 2 weeks. Without a card, you cannot receive a salary or pay taxes. After registration, you need to ask for a bank login, since many transactions take place online.
A bank account is opened on the basis of a passport and identification code.
Obtaining a permanent address
The person is registered with the local magistrate as a temporary or permanent resident. Next, you need to visit the police department at your place of registration to obtain an identification card, which contains letters and numbers.
Job search
First, you can visit the portals of the Ministry of Employment and Economy, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and specialized job search sites. The second option is to contact a recruitment agency. Specialists will select vacancies based on a person’s request, but they will have to pay 150-300 euros for the service. Students are offered paid internships. If a foreigner knows the local language, you can contact Finnish companies directly.
To find a job, you need to visit the portal of the Ministry of Employment.
Rental of property
The rent depends on the city of residence. Living space is about 40-50 sq. m. m will cost 500 euros monthly. In Helsinki, you will have to pay 20% more for housing, but in rural areas you can rent a small townhouse for the same amount.
Rent
On average, they pay 4 euros per 1 sq.m. for an apartment. m. Compensates costs for free repair of batteries and other faults, sewer cleaning. This amount includes payment for heating, garbage removal, snow removal, and maintenance of communications in working order. If you have electric heating, the rent decreases, but the electricity bill increases.
Standard of living of ordinary citizens
Local people love their country. The standard of living consists of many indicators:
- Housing. Real estate prices are consistently high: the national average is 2,300 euros per 1 sq. m. m in secondary housing and 3600 in new buildings. You can take out a loan.
- Food basket. Bread – 1 euro, 400 grams of beef – 3, vodka – 20, milk – 1 euro, bananas – 0.7 euro. Grocery products cannot be called cheap.
- Basic goods and services. Transport is relatively cheap, but services are comparable in price to grocery products.
- Medicine. Finland has free healthcare and private clinics. Dentistry is the most expensive.
- Benefits and pension. The pension in Finland is slightly less than the average salary in the country, but generally depends on length of service and can reach up to 3,000 euros. Plus, pensioners are entitled to benefits.
- Average salary. Salaries depend greatly on the sector, but the national average is 3,000 euros.
- Lifespan. The average is 80 years. According to statistics, there are about a hundred pensioners over 100 years old living in the country.
- Tax policy. Taxes are levied on both wages and tax payments. The rate ranges from 7 to 40%.
- Infrastructure. Big cities have everything that is familiar to residents of St. Petersburg and Moscow. But in small ones, culture can be represented to a minimum, and the only shops are a grocery store.
- Availability of education. Education is free, every child must receive a secondary education, plus the state often pays for higher education.
- Crime situation. Crime in Finland is rare. In the last year, there were only 200 life prisoners in the whole country. Most often, criminals serve a sentence of 10 months in prison. Cases of violence in prisons are rare, and the judicial system is considered one of the best in the world.
In general, ordinary people live quite well in Finland, so it is not without reason that it is considered one of the most prosperous countries in the European Union.
