Sisters moving to Finland (Helsinki area)

by **NaughtsApproach** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:40 pm

My sister and I have been looking into moving to Finland for a while now. I have done a lot of research, and know some of the basics about how to go about moving to another country, like visa's and such. although there is a lot of information out there, and it is a bit overwhelming. So, i was hoping that this forum could give me some pointers on what i would need to know. What are the most important things to know about moving to Finland. Information on Jobs/money, living, and culture. How difficult would it be for two, single, 23 year old women with Bachalor's degrees in Culinary arts, and fine arts, to make it in Finland?

I know this seems to be a bit of a wide topic. but it would be so much easier if i had a good guideline to go off, of instead of guiding myself through the entirety of the internet, and all of it's resources.

**Sponsor:**

by **Illiniguy** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 7:57 pm

Well, I've been here for about 3 months and definitely enjoy it. But, a couple of things to warn you about. First, Helsinki is an extremely expensive city to live in. I'm from the US and things are at least 50% more expensive in Helsinki. Second, unless you speak Finnish, it might be a little difficult to get a job unless you are working for a major international company. Everyone speaks English here, so that makes the transition a bit easier. But, from everything I've heard, it is kind of difficult to work here without knowing Finnish.

I've found the people here to be pretty friendly, honest (actually, almost too honest) and generally helpful. Public transportation is pretty good here as well.

I know I've spoken in generalities, but if you have any questions, just send me a message.

by **NaughtsApproach** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:11 pm

Yes, with the research i have been able to do i have found that the main issue will be the language. My part of the US does not really give good options for language learning unless it is Spanish. So finding the resources to learn Finnish is difficult, but learning it with the two of us being the only ones to know a hint of Finnish is harder. Learning a language is much easier if you can have a conversation with other people.

for jobs i would be uncertain of what would be open to a fine arts major there. Culinary is a bit easier for jobs for my sister, but mine is a bit of a narrow field.
Although i think that would an issue in any country, not just Finland.

It is good to know it is an easy going kind of place...aside from the money and job searching.
Although i have heard that Everything is not as expensive as it is America, but Taxes and such are what get you. Is this true?
I have also heard that finding a place to live is difficult, and not many places rent, unless it is only rented for a short term lease... so one would have to buy a place out right...is this also the way it is?

by **Jukka Aho** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:27 pm

NaughtsApproach wrote:I have also heard that finding a place to live is difficult, and not many places rent, unless it is only rented for a short term lease... so one would have to buy a place out right...is this also the way it is?

See this post for some vocabulary and then:

Oikotie.fi – myytävät asunnot (apartments/houses for sale)
Oikotie.fi – vuokrattavat (apartments for rent)
Etuovi.com – asunnot (apartments/houses for sale)
Vuokraovi.com – vuokra-asunnot (apartments for rent)

by **Upphew** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:37 pm

NaughtsApproach wrote:My sister and I have been looking into moving to Finland for a while now. I have done a lot of research, and know some of the basics about how to go about moving to another country, like visa's and such.

Visa is for visiting, residence permit is for residing. You'll need RP to work here. You'll need to study, work or get married to Finnish resident to get RP. If the work to get RP and RP to get work sounds like catch-22... it is.
http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/Default.asp?language=EN

NaughtsApproach wrote:although there is a lot of information out there, and it is a bit overwhelming. So, i was hoping that this forum could give me some pointers on what i would need to know. What are the most important things to know about moving to Finland. Information on Jobs/money, living, and culture. How difficult would it be for two, single, 23 year old women with Bachalor's degrees in Culinary arts, and fine arts, to make it in Finland?

I know this seems to be a bit of a wide topic. but it would be so much easier if i had a good guideline to go off, of instead of guiding myself through the entirety of the internet, and all of it's resources.

You'll do yourself a favor if you spend couple of hours looking at this forum. It should give you ideas for further questions.

by **NaughtsApproach** » Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:44 pm

Wow...
looks like i will have to do a lot of research to the RP

I will for sure look around this site for a few hours.

by **Pursuivant** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 1:16 am

I do not know if you sisters share your marbles, but the one who lost them ought to put them back in place, take two doses of reality and wake up in the morning and smell the coffee.

by **NaughtsApproach** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:31 am

Why should moving to Finland not be in our reality? I see nothing wrong with the want to move somewhere with my sister, and i have enough "marbles" in my head to try to correctly research before i act.

I know it wont be easy...but nothing in life is, is it?...

by **rinso** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:07 am

Why should moving to Finland not be in our reality?

- no "reason" for a residence permit
- no Finnish
- professions that are in no demand (there is no food culture to speak of and how many fine arts professionals do you need for 5 million people?)
- anti immigrant tendencies getting stronger since the recent elections.

by **ajl** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:20 am

Why do you want to move to Finland? Have you visited the country? Know someone from here?
The lack of understanding what you'll need to get an RP belies how much research you've done.

by **tizlit** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 9:07 am

Indeed, have you ever visited Finland? Pack your suitcase and come here, preferably during winter months, to see the reality.
Soon the depression will catch you as well.
Finland is an expensive country, the weather does not help either, people tend to be introvert, bureaucracy unbelievable (you must prove your are not a camel).
:lol:

by **Pursuivant** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:13 am

NaughtsApproach wrote:Why should moving to Finland not be in our reality?

Because you have no realistic chances. What do you expect doing - just hopping on a plane and "moving"? It doesnt work that way.

I see nothing wrong with the want to move somewhere with my sister, and i have enough "marbles" in my head to try to correctly research before i act.

Your daydreams are probably entertaining to some. Go back to play with barbies and dont strain your windtunnel.

by **Oombongo** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 10:43 am

NaughtsApproach wrote:Although i have heard that Everything is not as expensive as it is America, but Taxes and such are what get you. Is this true?

Everything is expensive in Finland, and salaries here are not as good as in US. Taxes are higher than in your backyard.
For comparison, I pay 500€ for a studio in a decent (means not top class) neighborhood in Helsinki.

Trust me, you have more opportunities in US than in Finland. Infact, I might move in your backyard after 2 years (at least this is my plan) after saving and researching a bit about this giant leap :mrgreen:

by **ajl** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 11:45 am

4$/gal is cheap gas; people in the US complain about things being expensive when
they have no idea. Very few things are less expensive in Finland, except that some
things are not there.

Frugal Americans are on par with spendthrift Finns.

by **Illiniguy** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:22 pm

Well, basically everything is more expensive here. The only things that are about the same price are a pack of cigarettes (about 7 dollars), yogurt, milk, pudding, frozen pizzas and public transportation. For a beer at a bar, you're going to pay about 8 dollars if not more probably (it's your lucky day if it is only 7 dollars). But, if you are your sister are willing to share a 200-300 sq. foot place, you could probably get a place for 500 Euros in an OK (buit definitely not great) area.

The darkness in the winter can be a bit depressing, but I'm from Chicago and it's about as cold in Chicago as it is in Helsinki (actually a bit colder in Chicago), but stays colder for longer in Helsinki. But, in the summer, it's sunlight until past 11 pm and sunrise is before 4 am.

You might look for an au pair job if you're looking to come here. The pay is horrible and you work a lot, but you should be OK with just knowing English and can get you situated with learning Finnish (which from everyone has told me, takes about 4-5 years to learn).