Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Finland means choosing a country regularly ranked among the safest, most stable, and least corrupt in the world. But experiencing this sense of security on a daily basis when arriving from abroad requires understanding a few local realities: crime, how emergency services work, cybersecurity, winter driving, digital life, health, housing, culture…
This article provides a practical overview of expatriate life in Finland, based on recent data and studies. The goal is to help you prepare calmly, adopting a balanced view, without idealizing or excessively dramatizing the experience.
A very safe country… but not without risks
Finland displays impressive safety indicators. It ranks 13th globally on the Global Peace Index, the 6th safest country in Europe, with a Safety Index above 73 and a level of corruption among the lowest on the planet (87/100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index).
Nevertheless, not everything is idyllic. Understanding where the real risks lie helps in adopting the right reflexes, without paranoia or naivety.
Crime: a generally favorable framework
In 2023, just over 511,000 offenses were reported to the authorities, corresponding to an overall rate of about 91 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants. The majority involve traffic offenses and property crimes. Violent crime remains rare on a population scale, and tourists are very rarely affected.
The table below gives an idea of the scale and nature of offenses in a reference year.
| Indicator (reference year) | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Total offenses (2023) | > 511,200 |
| Overall crime rate (2023) | 91.23 / 1,000 inhabitants |
| Homicides (2023) | 57 |
| Attempted murders (2023) | 355 |
| Share of traffic offenses in the total (2023) | ≈ 25 % |
| Traffic offenses (2016) | 17,308 (5.15 / 1,000 inhabitants) |
| Thefts & burglaries (2016) | 132,105 (31.71 / 1,000 inhabitants) |
Homicides have decreased significantly since the 1990s, but the country retains a higher rate than the Nordic average. Typical situations are far from the cliché of organized crime hits: half of all murders involve men in significant social difficulty, intoxicated, in private conflicts. One-third of homicides are committed by a family member. Street shootings or gang violence are extremely rare.
For an expatriate, the risk of being a victim of a random violent act in public spaces remains low, provided you avoid situations involving heavy alcohol consumption late at night.
Problem areas: alcohol, gender-based violence, youth
Several indicators, however, call for keeping your eyes open.
For violence, alcohol plays a major role:
– Between 61% and 75% of homicide perpetrators are under the influence of alcohol.
– Over 70% of perpetrators of attempted murder or assault are also intoxicated at the time of the incident.
– Half of all thefts are linked to alcohol consumption.
Violence against women is another sensitive issue. For example, a European survey indicated that 17% of Finnish women reported having experienced physical violence from a partner (compared to 9% on average in the EU) and 10% physical violence from non-partners (compared to a 6% European average).
Some studies indicate a relatively high rate of theft, assault, and robbery among youth in Finland compared to other European cities. While the country is not considered dangerous for teenagers, risks exist, particularly in certain urban neighborhoods.
Cities and perception of safety
Most major Finnish cities fall into the “low crime” category. Helsinki, the capital with over 1.3 million inhabitants in its urban area, is still considered one of the safest and most organized capitals in Europe, despite a recent increase in offenses (notably drugs and shoplifting).
| City | Crime Level (index) | Safety Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | ≈ 24–27 (“low” index) | Very safe, localized risks |
| Espoo | Very low | Problems mainly related to narcotics |
| Tampere | “Very low” category | Recent increase, mainly drugs & property |
| Rovaniemi | Very low | Safe even at night |
| Turku | Relatively low crime | Recent spike but still low overall |
| Kuopio | Overall index < 17 | One of the safest environments |
In Helsinki, authorities have set the goal of making it the safest capital for tourists by 2030, with coordinated work on lighting, video surveillance, police patrols, and prevention in vulnerable neighborhoods.
For an expatriate, this translates into great freedom of movement, including for families and women alone, while maintaining basic caution in certain areas after dark (vicinity of large train stations, areas with high concentrations of bars, socially fragile peripheral neighborhoods).
Strong institutions, rule of law, and minimal corruption
Safety in Finland isn’t just about crime statistics: it’s based on an extremely stable institutional environment.
The country is regularly cited as:
– one of the most stable states in the world,
– a champion of transparency and the fight against corruption,
– an example of press freedom and judicial independence.
Corruption scandals remain rare and often small-scale. The few high-profile cases of campaign funding or media favoritism have mainly served to strengthen oversight mechanisms, without undermining overall trust in institutions.
For an expatriate, this translates concretely into: registering with the consulate for French nationals living abroad, opening a local bank account, subscribing to international health insurance, and registering with the tax authorities of the host country. These steps are essential to secure your administrative status and facilitate daily life abroad.
– predictable administrations that apply rules equally,
– court decisions widely respected,
– clear procedures, even if sometimes cumbersome,
– very little risk of extortion or corruption in daily life.
This climate of trust goes far: “lost wallet” experiments have shown that in Finland, almost all abandoned wallets are returned to their owner. In many families, it’s still common to leave strollers with sleeping babies outside on the sidewalk in cold weather or to let children go to school alone.
Emergencies and rescue: how to react in case of trouble
One of the key levers for a serene expatriation is knowing perfectly how emergency services work. In Finland, everything converges on a single number: 112.
112: The number to know by heart
112 is the single emergency number for:
– the police,
– the fire department,
– medical rescue,
– emergency social services.
It is:
– free from any phone (mobile or landline),
– accessible without a prefix,
– reachable even with a foreign subscription as long as you are on Finnish soil,
– common to all EU countries.
Calls are handled by one of the country’s six emergency call centers. Operators answer with “Hätäkeskus – Nödcentralen” and can manage the call in Finnish, Swedish, or English. For other languages, a telephone interpretation service can be activated.
Single European emergency call number to dial in case of a threat to a life, health, property, or the environment.
In practice, the operator will ask you:
– what happened (nature of the incident),
– where you are (address, municipality, landmarks),
– who is involved (number of people, approximate age, condition).
It is crucial to:
– answer questions calmly,
– follow the given instructions to the letter,
– not hang up before you are invited to do so,
– keep your line available after the call in case services call you back.
The 112 Suomi app: a reflex to adopt
For expatriates, downloading the free “112 Suomi” app upon arrival is an excellent reflex. It notably allows you to:
– call 112 while automatically transmitting your GPS coordinates to the center,
– access other useful numbers (non-urgent medical help, helplines),
– receive regional emergency alerts (fires, chemical leaks, extreme weather phenomena),
– locate the nearest defibrillator,
– access “what to do in case of…” guides, including for recreational boating.
For the hearing impaired or those unable to speak, it is possible to contact emergency services by texting 112. However, this service requires prior registration of your phone number.
Other useful numbers for daily life
Even though 112 remains the single entry point in an emergency, other services are very useful to know for daily life, especially when you’re unsure if the situation is truly critical.
| Service / Situation | Number (Finland) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| General emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) | 112 | Immediate danger to life, health, property, environment |
| Urgent but non-life-threatening medical help | 116 117 | Sudden symptoms, medical advice before moving |
| Poison Control Center | 0800 147 111 / (09) 471 977 | Ingestion of toxic product, suspected poisoning |
| Maritime Rescue | 0294 1000 | Boats in distress, incidents at sea |
| Domestic Violence Helpline “Nollalinja” | 080 005 005 | 24/7 help for victims of violence or threats |
| Missing Children Hotline (EU) | 116 000 | Non-urgent disappearances of minors |
| Police – non-urgent requests | +358 295 419 800 | Permits, passports, administrative questions |
Again, the rule is simple: immediate danger = 112. For everything else, these lines help relieve the emergency centers while providing reliable advice.
Preparing your family for emergencies
For an expatriate with children, a good practice is to:
– clearly display the full home address near the phone,
– teach children to dial 112 and to state their name and address,
– explain situations that justify a call (e.g., an unconscious parent, a fire, a serious accident),
– install the 112 Suomi app on teenagers’ phones.
In Finland, any person, regardless of nationality or residence status, has the right to emergency care. If you are not covered by the Finnish healthcare system, costs may be billed later, but rescue services will not be denied.
Cybersecurity: a central aspect of safety in Finland
A highly connected country, very advanced digitally, Finland has made cybersecurity a full-fledged public policy. For an expatriate, this translates into both a fairly protected environment… and a high expectation regarding individual best practices.
A robust institutional ecosystem
Since its Cybersecurity Strategy adopted in 2013, Finland aims to be a reference country in preparing for and responding to digital threats. Several key players structure this system:
– NCSC‑FI (Kyberturvallisuuskeskus): the National Cyber Security Centre, under the communications regulator, collects information on incidents and publishes technical and practical recommendations.
– Traficom: the Transport and Communications Agency, which for example requires phone operators to combat fraudulent calls (caller ID spoofing).
– Data Protection Authority: tasked with advising individuals and organizations on personal data protection.
– Hybrid CoE: European centre dedicated to hybrid threats (disinformation, cyberattacks, interference).
For a foreign resident, these structures are mainly visible through alerts and advice published online, sometimes relayed by the media or employers.
Phone and banking scams: a real risk
Finland is not immune to digital fraud. In recent years, the most problematic attacks have been:
– fraudulent international calls, with spoofing of a bank’s or government agency’s phone number,
– phishing SMS messages, notably in the name of Finnish banks, which can be inserted into existing genuine message threads,
– fake bank or public service websites.
A few simple rules avoid most traps:
– banks almost never insert clickable links in their SMS or emails,
– no public institution (including the City of Helsinki) will ask for your bank access codes or your full card number by phone, email, or post,
– if a call asks you to install remote control software on your computer or to “confirm a transaction” by giving your codes, hang up immediately and contact your bank directly through its official channels.
Since 2022, the law requires phone operators to block or filter calls with falsified caller IDs. This measure has reduced, without completely eliminating, phone fraud attempts.
Securing your phone and connections
The smartphone has become the main gateway for attacks: malware disguised as apps, trap links, fake SMS, identity theft. Authorities and private actors (like Europol or F‑Secure) recommend a series of simple actions:
– keep the operating system and apps updated,
– install a recognized antivirus solution,
– protect phone access with a strong code or biometrics,
– download apps only from official stores,
– check and limit permissions granted to each app (geolocation, access to microphone or contacts),
– perform regular backups (secure cloud or external drive),
– prefer encrypted connections (https) and avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi‑Fi, or use a VPN.
Most operators also allow you to freely block outgoing calls and SMS to certain types of numbers (international outside the EU, premium-rate numbers), which can be useful for families with teenagers. Lifting this block may incur a charge.
In Finland as elsewhere, social media plays a major role in daily life and expatriate integration (support groups, classifieds, associations). This requires mastering a few key concepts:
Three essential digital realities to know for navigating the internet with awareness.
Platforms record a significant amount of your data (photos, habits, location, opinions) which can be cross-referenced to create a detailed profile.
Algorithms shape what you see, which subtly influences your perception of the world, politics, or certain social groups.
Everything published online, even in a private group, can potentially become public via screenshots, hacking, or data leaks.
Authorities encourage you to:
– think before publishing detailed information about yourself, your children, or loved ones (school, address, daily routes),
– regularly review privacy settings of the services you use,
– be selective in accepting “friend” requests from strangers,
– check if your email address has already been leaked on the dark web using tools like F‑Secure’s Identity Theft Checker, and change your password accordingly.
For an expatriate, the combination of a high level of digitalization (banking, dealings with administration, health, schooling) and a demanding security context requires considering cybersecurity as an integral part of personal safety.
Driving in Finland: road safety and the pitfalls of winter
Finland has a relatively safe road network by international standards, with about 3.5 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and a national goal of halving fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. But weather conditions can hold surprises for newcomers.
Basic rules and checks
Some essential rules:
– drive on the right,
– seat belts mandatory for all, front and rear,
– headlights on at all times, summer and winter,
– no right turn on red,
– speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas (default), 80 km/h outside, 100–120 km/h on some highways in summer (often lowered in winter),
– phone use prohibited without a hands-free device,
– alcohol: limit of 0.5 g/l of blood, with frequent checks and severe penalties,
– children in car seats or boosters until 135–140 cm (recommended until 150 cm).
Speed checks on major roads are largely automated and signaled by signs with a camera pictogram. The fine system is based on the “day-fine” principle, where the amount is proportional to the offender’s income, potentially reaching very high sums as reported in the press.
Winter, snow tires, and invisible black ice
For an expatriate, the real challenge is winter.
– Winter tires (studded or non-studded) are mandatory from November 1st to March 31st whenever conditions require, with a reinforced performance requirement (marking “3PMSF” or studding) from 2024.
– The legal minimum tread depth in winter is 3 mm, but authorities recommend at least 5 mm for a good safety level.
– So-called “black ice” is particularly treacherous: a thin, transparent layer hard to see, frequent around 0°C, in the early morning or evening, on bridges, shaded areas, or near bodies of water.
– Roads are plowed, rarely salted: you often drive on a thin layer of packed snow.
On icy roads, braking distances increase significantly. For example, at 80 km/h, it can take nearly 200 meters to stop. It is therefore advised to adapt your speed, even well below the posted limits, and increase the safety distance.
In winter, the state lowers speed limits on many roads (e.g., from 100 to 80 km/h). This measure is estimated to prevent several deaths and dozens of serious injuries each year.
Practical driving and equipment to plan for
To drive with peace of mind:
– avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and unnecessary lane changes,
– deactivate cruise control in slippery conditions,
– slow down before curves rather than braking in them,
– in case of skidding, release the accelerator and steer gently towards the desired trajectory, without panic.
In terms of equipment, it is recommended to always have in the car: a fluorescent vest, a warning triangle, a first aid kit, and basic tools for minor repairs.
– a snow brush and ice scraper,
– a warning triangle and reflective vest,
– very warm clothes, gloves, hat, boots,
– a flashlight and external phone battery,
– possibly a small shovel and sand or gravel to get unstuck.
It is strictly forbidden to drive with accumulated snow or ice on the roof, hood, or windows of the vehicle. In addition to being subject to a fine, this poses a real danger to other road users, as these elements can detach and cause an accident.
In the north and Lapland, the cold season can last 5 to 8 months. If you rent a car for a trip between the south and north during the shoulder seasons, always inform the rental company of your destination to ensure you have the appropriate equipment.
Wild animals, kings of the road
Outside cities, encounters with wildlife are part of the landscape.
– In the reindeer herding area (about one-third of the country, covering Lapland and part of the northeast), over 4,000 collisions with reindeer are recorded each year.
– Moose are massive and particularly dangerous in a collision, especially at dawn and dusk, notably between September and November.
Triangular signs with silhouettes of reindeer or moose signal risk zones. If an animal crosses the road, authorities advise, if possible, to try to pass behind it rather than in front, and to call 112 in case of a collision.
Health, environment, and public health safety
Safety in Finland is also the guarantee of a healthy environment and a robust healthcare system.
A universal and high-performing healthcare system
Finland has a universal healthcare system, funded by taxes and social contributions, with:
– local health centers (terveysasemat) for primary care,
– district hospitals for specialized care,
– five university hospitals for the most complex cases.
Any stay in Finland entitles you to emergency care, regardless of your immigration status. For non-urgent care, access conditions and billing levels depend on your situation (resident, worker, student, tourist…). An expatriate with a municipality of residence and covered by Finnish health insurance benefits from moderate, capped fees.
Tap water is drinkable everywhere, air quality is excellent, food hygiene standards are strict. Finland stands out for very low infant mortality, excellent vaccination coverage, and very measured antibiotic use.
Climate, nature, and small risks to know
The main climatic challenge for safety is winter: prolonged darkness, sub-zero temperatures, black ice, heavy snow. Buildings are, however, very well insulated, central heating is common, and infrastructure is designed for these conditions.
In summer, the risk comes more from: outdoor activities, heatstroke, dangerous swimming, and road accidents.
– Ticks in wooded areas (risk of Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis),
– numerous mosquitoes in some lake and marsh regions,
– forest fires between April and September when vegetation is dry,
– drownings for swimmers unaccustomed to cold water or currents.
Anti-tick protection during hikes (covering clothing, body inspection upon return) and cautious behavior in water are generally enough to limit these risks.
Housing and daily life: a safe but demanding environment
Finland is regularly cited among the best countries to live in, with a high standard of living, limited income inequality, and a generally high-quality housing stock. This directly contributes to the feeling of security.
Housing: regulated buildings and clear rules
Constructions are governed by strict energy and safety standards. Buildings typically have:
– mandatory fire alarms (whose maintenance will gradually shift from resident responsibility to owner responsibility),
– clearly identified emergency exits,
– precise rules regarding storage, noise, parking, smoking, etc.
For an expatriate tenant, a few key points increase safety:
For a rental in Finland, always sign a written contract (vuokrasopimus) after checking the landlord’s reliability. Never pay a deposit or rent without having visited the apartment or having a trusted person do so. Document the condition with photos or videos upon entry and exit. Take out home insurance, often required and highly recommended. Finally, respect the building rules, especially waste sorting and safety instructions (like the ban on charcoal barbecues on balconies in many buildings).
Neighborhoods, mobility, and nightlife
Major Finnish cities are relatively homogeneous in terms of safety, although some neighborhoods concentrate more social problems and nuisances (alcohol, drugs, vandalism).
The city centers of major Finnish cities, like Kluuvi or Punavuori in Helsinki, are known to be safe and lively. The public transport network (metro, tram, bus, ferries) is considered very reliable, even in the evening. From primary school, it’s common for most children to travel alone to school, on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
The main situations requiring increased vigilance:
– high density of bars and nightclubs (late-night bar exits, alcohol-related brawls),
– areas around large shopping malls and train stations, where pickpockets are more active,
– supermarket parking lots or very busy neighborhoods for bike thefts.
Pickpockets mainly target bags left unattended in cafes, restaurants, malls, and crowded transport. Locking your bike with a good lock, keeping your ID and payment methods on you, not displaying large sums of cash: the same reflexes as elsewhere in Europe work here.
Safety in Finland is also linked to a particular social fabric, made of trust, clear rules, and a certain reserve.
Social norms: discretion, honesty, respect for rules
Punctuality is a mark of respect. It is important to respect privacy by avoiding intrusive questions about money, religion, or politics. Communication is generally direct, which can seem abrupt. Respect for rules (queues, speed limits) is common. The relationship with alcohol is ambivalent: consumption concentrated on weekends is tolerated, but drunkenness on weekdays or in public is socially condemned.
This culture of rules and trust makes life very predictable… provided you accept and adapt to it. For an expatriate, scrupulously following laws and regulations is not only essential but also morally expected.
A very safe country, but not always “easy” to integrate into
Surveys among expatriates show an interesting contrast:
– Finland gets excellent scores for quality of life, personal safety, environment, or digitalization of services,
– but it ranks low for ease of making friends, social life, and sometimes even job satisfaction.
Many foreigners say they feel safe, but also isolated, especially at the beginning, faced with a demanding linguistic environment (Finnish is perceived as difficult by over three-quarters of expatriates surveyed) and sometimes closed social circles.
Foreigners living in Finland
This dimension also impacts psychological safety: settling in a very safe country where you feel lonely can generate stress, seasonal depression (accentuated by winter darkness), and adaptation difficulties.
Some strategies to limit this risk:
– learn the basics of Finnish as soon as possible, even though English is widely spoken,
– join clubs, associations, sports or hobby classes,
– participate in neighborhood events, activities at libraries, cultural centers, hiking clubs,
– frequent saunas and common spaces (which are also places for socializing),
– diversify your network beyond just the expatriate community.
Working and teleworking in Finland safely
Finnish work culture values work-life balance, flexibility (widespread telework), and trust. This leads many companies to rely on digital tools, which reinforces the importance of security best practices.
Best practices for telework
To work remotely safely, it is crucial to follow your employer’s guidelines regarding the use of tools and networks. Keep all software and systems updated. Prefer connections via secure Wi-Fi networks, using a VPN if necessary. Use only the professional equipment provided for sensitive tasks. Adopt strong, unique passwords in the form of passphrases for each service. Be vigilant about suspicious emails or messages and avoid clicking on dubious links. Finally, refrain from discussing confidential topics with strangers, even in informal contexts.
Beyond the technical aspect, respecting breaks and rest is part of the recommendation. Working exhausted increases the risk of data handling errors or clicking on malicious content.
Companies and data protection
Many Finnish companies – including subsidiaries employing expatriates – must appoint a chief information security officer, or even a data protection officer when sensitive data (e.g., health data) is processed on a large scale.
For employees, this often means: time savings, improved working conditions, and better quality of life.
– regular cybersecurity training,
– simulated “phishing” exercises,
– clear procedures in case of suspected leaks or incidents.
This culture indirectly reinforces expatriate safety, insofar as the greatest risk of data leakage remains human error. A work environment that trains and supports significantly reduces this risk.
Online shopping, banks, and scams: staying calm with your money
Finland is among the most advanced countries for cashless payments: cards, mobile payments, instant transfers. Cash is tending to disappear, which limits some risks (assaults for cash theft) but develops others (online fraud).
Online shopping: simple but constant vigilance
Advice relayed by Europol and widely disseminated in Finland can be summarized in a few principles:
– only order from known or well-reviewed sites,
– be wary of outrageously low prices,
– always check for “https://” and the padlock in the address bar,
– prefer payment by credit card, which generally offers better protection in case of dispute,
– monitor your bank statements regularly.
If in doubt about a debit, contact your bank immediately. They can block your card and, depending on the conditions, sometimes cancel the transaction.
Bank codes and public services
In Finland, many services (online administration, health, taxes, banking) rely on strong authentication via online banking credentials.
This implies:
– never sharing your bank codes with anyone, even a relative,
– never entering them on a site you are not absolutely certain of,
– never communicating them by phone, even if the caller claims to be from the bank.
Municipal services, like the City of Helsinki, regularly remind that they will never ask for bank access codes, not by phone, email, or post.
In summary: how to turn a safe country into a serene expatriation
The data is clear: Finland offers an exceptionally safe environment, both physically and politically, as well as in terms of health and digital life. Violent crime exists but mainly affects specific circles (private conflicts, heavy alcohol use), emergency services are efficient, the justice system works, institutions are reliable, the environment is healthy and calm.
To live safely in Finland, master the basics of physical safety (112, winter driving, child protection) and cybersecurity (passwords, phishing). Leverage the strengths of the system (health services, police, digitalization). Anticipate integration difficulties (isolation, language, winter) and respect the local culture (punctuality, discretion, rules) to reinforce collective safety.
By combining an objectively safe environment and a few habits of context-adapted prudence, Finland offers expatriates a living environment where you can truly focus on what matters: building a new life, for yourself and your family, in a country that has made trust and safety its hallmarks.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
