FAQ

We answered the most popular questions about what we do. If you didn't find the answer here, we'll be glad to help you via e-mail or telegram.

Email: eor@sentia.dev

Telegram: @sentiadev_hr

What is an EoR company?

An Employer of Record (EoR) is a third-party organization that takes on the legal responsibilities of employing workers on behalf of another company. This includes handling payroll, tax compliance, benefits administration, and other HR functions, allowing the client company to focus on its core operations. The EoR acts as the legal employer, while the employees work directly for the client company.

Why Finland?

Finland is an attractive country for both living and working for many reasons. For the 8th year in a row, it has been ranked the happiest country in the world!

Society
The high proficiency in English here allows for a comfortable life and work experience right after moving, even if you haven't mastered Finnish yet. People in Finland are known for their kindness and responsiveness, and the culture of saunas and a balanced lifestyle contributes to mental well-being.

State
Finland is a parliamentary democracy known for its high ranking in global measures of rights and freedoms, creating a secure environment for its residents. The Finnish passport, ranked third globally, offers extensive travel opportunities. Social security is robust, with support from unions, benefits, mutual aid funds, and high-quality public healthcare. Finland's urban infrastructure is thoughtfully designed, featuring bike paths, parks, and areas for active recreation, enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Digitalization
Finland leads in digitalization within the EU, which minimizes bureaucracy in all service sectors, including banking and public utilities. All public services are available online, and all government agencies are integrated into a unified distributed system. Private clinics can access data from public institutions with a single click (with the client's consent), and vice versa. Exceptions exist only in interactions between different municipalities and only in systems specific to the municipal level, such as local tax or medical institutions with different digital systems.

Internet
Finland also boasts high-quality mobile and fiber optic internet services. The country has extensive coverage of 4G and 5G networks, virtually eliminating the possibility of unexpectedly losing internet access.

Life and Nature
The summer climate in Finland is cool and refreshing, influenced by the Finnish Gulf. The country is rich in parks, green spaces, and lakes, offering excellent conditions for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. If you are curious about climate comparisons, you can compare the weather in your city with Helsinki to see how they differ.

How does the relocation process work?

Relocating to Finland as a specialist is a fast and efficient procedure. Once we have all agreements signed, you'll need to submit an application for a Residence Permit for specialists via Enter Finland. We specialize in this type of permit because it has a high approval rating—approximately 95% according to Migri. Approval can take up to two weeks, though it often happens much quicker, ranging from a few days to one week.

What are the labor rules in Finland?

Labor regulations in Finland are designed to ensure fair compensation and work-life balance for employees.

Maximum Hours
The standard work week is capped at 40 hours, typically spread over 5 days with 8 hours per day.

Overtime Pay

The first two hours of overtime are compensated at 150% of the employee’s regular hourly rate.
Any additional hours are paid at 200% of the regular rate.

Maternity Leave

Mothers can take a total of 105 weekdays off (around 4.2 months).
A maternity allowance is provided by Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland).

Paternity Leave

Fathers are entitled to 54 weekdays off.
This leave can be split into up to four periods, with the first usually taken immediately after the child's birth, and the rest used before the child turns two.
Funded by Kela.

Parental Leave

After maternity leave, either parent can share 320 weekdays of parental leave (approximately 12.8 months).
This leave can be shared or split between the parents.
Also provided by Kela.

Sick Leave

Employees can take sick leave if they are medically unfit to work.
The employer pays for the first 9 days, after which Kela provides a sickness allowance.

Public Holidays

Finland celebrates several public holidays such as New Year's Day, Epiphany, Good Friday, Easter Monday, and others.
Employees get a day off on public holidays. Working on a holiday entitles employees to additional compensation, often at double the regular pay rate.

Changes to payroll, such as bonuses, are subject to tax implications.

How can I relocate with my family?

Finland provides comfortable conditions for families with children, including good free education in English and adaptation programs for relocating students. To relocate with your family to Finland, you will need an apostilled marriage certificate and a birth certificate for your child.

In addition to spouses, a registered partner or a cohabiting partner—someone you have lived with for at least two years in a marriage-like relationship, or with whom you have joint custody of a child—is recognized as a family member under Finnish immigration law. Such partners are granted the same rights and benefits as spouses, including access to family-based residence permits, integration support, and social services.

In addition to your salary, you can also sponsor your family members using funds from your bank account. However, meeting the salary requirements remains paramount. It is crucial for those considering relocating with their family to calculate the net salary required to support non-working family members.

Expenses for dependent persons are:

€1210 for the first adult (applicant)
€610 for the second adult (spouse/partner)
€610 for the first child
€480 for the second child
€360 for the third child

What about rent?

Keep in mind that finding accommodation can take up to a month. Rental contracts are almost always signed for a year with a deposit equivalent to 1-2 months' rent. You may also be asked to purchase home insurance. Alternatively, you can try using specialized services that own their apartments or houses, where no deposit is required and renting can be faster, but they usually impose more restrictions on tenants.

The average cost of rent varies depending on the area and size of the apartment:

Studio: €600-700 per month
One-bedroom apartment: €900-1100 per month
Two-bedroom apartment: €1200-2450 per month

How can I move to Finland with pets?

To relocate with your pets, they must have a veterinary passport, be microchipped, and be vaccinated against rabies. You can bring no more than five animals per person, and they must be at least four months old.

Finland is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. Cities have designated areas where your dog can run and play freely without a leash. Many modern residential complexes have amenities for pets, such as special rooms for washing dogs, play areas, and training grounds. Additionally, there are many pet-friendly cafes and shops in Helsinki and other cities. We can also help you with booking pet-friendly hostels and pet hotels in Helsinki

Keep in mind that some landlords may require an additional fee for pets, so it’s important to clarify these details in advance. The apartment owner may also ask you to obtain home insurance that includes coverage for any damage caused by your pet.

What should I know about owning and operating a car in Finland?

If you move to Finland from a non-EU country and become a permanent resident, you must exchange your foreign driver's license for a Finnish one within two years. You are also required to register your vehicle locally. This registration process involves paying a car tax, which is calculated based on the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. The tax rate can indeed vary, often falling within the range of 20-30% of the car's value as determined under Finnish regulations.

For driving any car in Finland, mandatory traffic insurance (liikennevakuutus) is required. It covers damages for which the driver is liable to another party. Additionally, there's an optional comprehensive insurance ("Kasko") covering various damages to your own vehicle, such as those from storms or parking accidents. The costs and coverage of "Kasko" vary based on the insurer and the policy details, averaging about 40-70 euros.
Besides these, a driving power tax (käyttövoimavero) applies annually to vehicles. This tax varies depending on the vehicle's specifications and fuel type (higher for diesel), ranging widely from 150 to 700 euros.

If you're looking for more up-to-date or specific information regarding vehicle registration and taxes in Finland, it would be best to visit the official Finnish Transport and Communications Agency website.

If you need to convert your foreign driver’s license, read this step-by-step guide.

Some more information about cars in Finland:

The average cost of gasoline in Finland is about 1.9 euros per liter.
All vehicles must undergo an annual inspection, which costs around 50-100 euros.
The cost of parking varies. In the city center, parking can cost about 100 euros per month, while in residential areas, it is around 30 euros.

What about medical care in Finland?

Medical care in Finland is known for its high quality and comprehensive coverage.

Public Healthcare System
Finland provides an extensive public healthcare system funded through taxes, ensuring residents, including their families, have access to essential medical care, including general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, and hospital treatments.

Key points include:

General medical care, specialist consultations, hospital treatments.
Employees are entitled to various benefits provided by Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland), including sickness allowances and parental leave compensation.
If your annual drug expenses exceed 600 euros, Kela compensates a portion of the excess costs.

What are the living costs in Finland?

The cost of groceries and household goods in Finland is not very high. Cost of living in Finland is cheaper than in 63% of countries in Western Europe.

Weekly shopping will cost you about 50-100 euros per person when purchasing groceries at supermarkets like K-Market, S-Market, or Lidl.
Dining out will be pricier — on average, 12-20 euros for a meal in an café. Dinner in a mid-range restaurant will cost 30-50 euros per person.

Any service involving personnel, such as delivery, taxis (Uber and Bolt), and barber shops, tends to be more expensive. For instance, cleaning services in Helsinki will cost you about 50 euros. In summary, the total living expenses per person will amount to 700-1000 euros, excluding rent.

What is the average monthly cost of living in Finland for a family?

Here is an approximated breakdown of monthly living expenses for a family living in Finland. Please note that housing costs can vary significantly depending on the city, apartment size, and availability — we recommend checking rental platforms such as Oikotie or Vuokraovi for current prices. You can find more information about rent on our Renting Accommodation in Finland page.

These estimates are also based on the assumption that your children attend government-funded daycare and schools, which are either free or heavily subsidized and do not include additional expenses for medicine beyond insurance coverage.

Before reviewing the numbers, it’s important to understand how Finland’s social system significantly reduces many everyday expenses. Despite higher taxes, families benefit from a wide range of free or low-cost public services that help balance the overall cost of living. Key examples include:

Free dental care for children up to age 18
Fully covered vaccinations and regular child healthcare
Public kindergarten (päiväkoti) is income-based; free for families earning under approximately €5600/month gross
Public schools in Finnish are free, including school meals and materials
Free city-sponsored children's activities and programs
Volunteer support programs that help families with children and language practice
Interpreter services at Kela and daycare are provided free of charge when needed
Libraries offering free services, including equipment/tool loans, workspaces, and events
Free public ice rinks in local neighborhoods throughout the winterFree public transport for one adult traveling with a stroller
Apartment buildings often include laundry rooms and storage spaces at no extra cost
Access to a shared sauna in many buildings for as little as €15/month
Seasonal city bike pass available for around €35
Unemployed individuals in training programs receive an additional €9/day on top of benefits for lunch

These benefits, combined with Finland’s reliable public healthcare (Kela reimburses all medication costs once annual expenses exceed €600), demonstrate how the system helps residents manage living costs.

Family with Two Children

Category	Amount (€)	Notes
Rent / Mortgage	1300	2-bedroom apartment in a large city (e.g. Helsinki) or 3-room elsewhere
Utilities	150	Covers electricity and water; heating is usually included in rent, as is basic apartment insurance. Apartment insurance typically costs around €60 per quarter for a 2-bedroom apartment
Internet + Mobile (2 adults)	60	2 mobile plans + home broadband
Groceries	800	Includes basic food and children-specific items
Daycare	0	Income-based; capped and reduced with multiple children
Transport	100	Public transport for adults or fuel for one car
Clothing	100	Adults and children (averaged monthly)
Hygiene & Household Supplies	60	Cleaning supplies, personal care, diapers
Children’s Needs	70	Toys, books, sports, small activities
Healthcare / Pharmacy	100	Over-the-counter and prescription expenses
Leisure & Dining Out	100	Cafés, local outings, small trips

Estimated total: approx. €2900–3200/month

Family with One Child

Category	Amount (€)	Notes
Rent / Mortgage	1200	2-bedroom apartment
Utilities	140	Slightly lower depending on usage. Heating typically included in rent
Internet + Mobile (2 adults)	60	Same as above
Groceries	650	Lower volume of food and supplies
Daycare	0–100	Income-based, varies by region and fees
Transport	100	Same as above
Clothing	90	One child + adults
Hygiene & Household Supplies	50	Slightly less, fewer diapers etc.
Children’s Needs	50	Fewer toys and activity costs
Healthcare / Pharmacy	100	Same
Leisure & Dining Out	90	Less frequent family outings

Estimated total: approx. €2400–2600/month

Couple Without Children

Category	Amount (€)	Notes
Rent / Mortgage	1100	1-bedroom or compact 2-bedroom apartment
Utilities	130	Less water/electricity usage. Heating typically included in rent
Internet + Mobile (2 adults)	60	Standard plans
Groceries	500	Two adults
Transport	100	Public transit or shared vehicle
Clothing	60	Seasonal shopping averaged monthly
Hygiene & Household Supplies	50	Personal care and cleaning products
Healthcare / Pharmacy	80	Basic coverage + occasional costs
Leisure & Dining Out	120	Dining, cafés, small trips

Estimated total: approx. 2000–2200/month

In general, total monthly expenses per person (excluding rent) range between €700–1000, depending on lifestyle and location.

When can I obtain Finnish citizenship?

Despite recent changes to Finland’s Citizenship Act, most residents can still apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence. Vacations and secondments outside of Finland do not interrupt your period of residence. Although the law mentions an eight-year period, the five-year rule applies to those who meet the language requirements (intermediate proficiency in Finnish or Swedish). Spouses of Finnish citizens, stateless individuals, and Nordic citizens may also benefit from shorter residency periods.

Exceptions to the language requirement are rarely granted but may apply to individuals over 65, those with learning disabilities, or other special cases.

Finland allows individuals to hold dual or multiple citizenships.

When can I obtain an old-age pension in Finland?

As a Finnish citizen, you can qualify for an old-age pension from Kela upon reaching the age of 65. To be eligible, you must either live in Finland or have resided in the country for at least three years after the age of 16. You can calculate your estimated pension amount using the official formula available on Kela's website.

What about taxes In Finland?

In Finland, a progressive tax system is utilized, meaning that the tax rate increases in proportion to the rise in income levels. You can calculate your taxes with the calculator provided by the official Finnish tax office.

How to do it quickly

In the Background section, select Civil Register for Parish and complete the rest of the page.
Under Income, only fill in "Pay and fringe benefits: estimate for the entire year.
Skip the Deductions section.
To view the tax calculation, scroll to the bottom of the page; your personal tax rate is the total of the "tax rate" and "insurance contribution" (7.94%). The Additional Withholding Rate applies only if you receive more than your declared income.

Additionally, there are significant tax deduction opportunities in Finland, such as deductions for travel expenses and remote working. This is also includes instruments for work like laptops, some furniture (such as a table and chair), and internet costs. You can find more detailed information on these deductions here and fill it out at your own discretion.

Telegram: @sentiadev_hr
Phone: +358923161495
Email: slava.moshchik@sentia.dev
LinkedIn: @slava-moshchik

Slava Moshik

Head of HR

I know all the ins and outs of the relocation process and am happy to help you!
Book a meeting with me via Calendly or just send me a message

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