Useful Links

If you are thinking of moving to Finland, or have other Finland-related questions, we have gathered a few resources for you here. You can also post your question(s) in our Facebook group for other FINBEL members to give their input.

Please note: FINBEL Association does not provide immigration or business support.
Info Finland
A multilingual online information service that offers detailed comprehensive information about moving to and living in Finland.
Embassy of Belgium in Finland
For moving, registration, documentation, pets, disputes, and anything else, you best check in with the Belgian Embassy.
International House Helsinki
International House Helsinki provides a wide range of information and public authority services to meet the needs of international newcomers in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Activities and groups for internationals

Some Finland facts:

  • Finland has around 5,5 million inhabitants (2016), with the majority concentrated in the south.
  • Population density: 16 km2 – the most sparsely populated country in the European Union.
  • Capital: Helsinki, with 600.000 inhabitants. Other large cities: Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Oulu, Turku, Jyväskylä, Lahti.
  • Used to be a province of the Swedish Kingdom until 1809, when it became the Grand Duchy of Russian Empire. Finland became independent in 1917.
  • Member of the EU since 1995.
  • Covers an area of 338.424 km2 of which 10 % is water and 86 % forest. Has about 180.000 lakes and 180.000 islands. The landscape is mostly flat with few hills. The highest point called Halti (1.324 m) is found in the extreme north of Lapland at the border between Finland and Norway.
  • Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is spoken as mother tongue by 91% of the population, while 5% have Swedish as their mother tongue. Swedish is spoken most on the western and southern coasts.
  • When you are in contact with authorities (e.g. the TE office), you have the right to use Finnish or Swedish. In bilingual municipalities you can use both languages also when in contact with municipal authorities (e.g. social welfare office).
  • In Lapland, the Lapps speak Saame, which is a recognised regional language.