Cultural Differences to Know Before Moving to Finland

Published on May 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Finland isn’t just about changing countries: it’s entering a universe where light, cold, silence, punctuality, and… the sauna shape daily life. The country is regularly ranked number one in the World Happiness Report, boasts a high standard of living, and an educational system admired worldwide. But behind this idyllic image lie codes, habits, and climatic realities that can surprise newcomers.

Good to know:

Before moving to Finland, it’s essential to understand certain local particularities to avoid misunderstandings and ease integration. The climate is extreme, the connection to nature is profound, and communication is direct. The education system is renowned for its egalitarianism, but the cost of living is high. Considering these aspects allows for a better experience.

A Country Shaped by the North: Climate, Seasons, and Light

Before discussing mentality or social etiquette, one must understand how much climate and geography influence Finnish culture. Finland stretches between the 60th and 70th parallels north. In practical terms, this means long winters, short but intense summers, and extreme variations in light.

The weather is surprisingly variable for a Nordic country because Finland lies at the crossroads of several influences: on one side the Atlantic Ocean, softened by the Gulf Stream; on the other, the vast Eurasian continent. The Scandinavian Mountains block some Atlantic storms, while proximity to the Arctic Ocean brings very cold but often dry, clear air in winter.

Long Winter, Fleeting Summer: The Shock of the Seasons

For an expat from Western or Southern Europe, the length of the seasons is often the first shock.

In the south of the country, winter sets in in early December and lasts until the end of March. In northern Lapland, it can start as early as the beginning of October and last until mid-May. Summer arrives late and leaves quickly: around the end of May in the south, a month later in Lapland, and generally ends by mid-September.

Here is a simplified overview of the seasonal distribution by region:

The plant growing season reflects these contrasts: about 180 days in the southwestern archipelago, 140 to 175 days in the South and Center, but sometimes only 100 to 140 days in Lapland. This explains the Finns’ attachment to summer: this short period concentrates social activities, vacations at the “mökki” (country cottage), and outdoor life.

Light and Darkness: Polar Night and White Night

Light is a cultural aspect in its own right. North of the Arctic Circle, there is the winter “polar night”, when the sun doesn’t rise at all for several weeks. In the northernmost part, this darkness lasts 51 consecutive days. Conversely, in summer, the sun stays above the horizon for 73 consecutive days: these are the famous “white nights.”

19

This is the approximate length, in hours, of the daylight day around Midsummer in southern Sweden.

This light/darkness swing has several important cultural consequences:

– In winter, fatigue, the need to retreat indoors, and the extensive use of warm interior lighting are part of daily life;

– In summer, social life explodes, late outdoor evenings become the norm, and many Finns take several consecutive weeks of vacation after Midsummer.

Tip:

For an expat, anticipating the impact of light on daily rhythm is crucial. This involves investing in a good light therapy lamp and learning to manage the nearly white nights. Practical solutions like using blackout curtains and a sleep mask aren’t minor details, but key elements for preserving one’s well-being.

Extreme Temperatures and Ubiquitous Snow

Another often underestimated reality: the temperature range. The national heat record reached 37.2 °C in Liperi, while the lowest measured temperature peaked at –51.5 °C in Kittilä. In practice, the southern coast experiences milder winters (often between 0 and 5 °C) thanks to maritime influence, but cold snaps can drop the thermometer well below –20 °C.

Annual averages reflect the progression of cold toward the northeast: about 6.5 °C annual average in the Southwest, compared to 0 to –4 °C in northeastern Lapland. The difference between South and North is maximal in winter (about a dozen degrees in January) and more moderate in summer (about five degrees in June-July).

Snow is a central component of the Finnish winter. In the south, the ground stays snow-covered generally three to four months a year; in the north, up to seven months. The first lasting snow appears on average in November in the Southwest, but as early as September in Lapland. The snowpack reaches its maximum around March: 10 to 30 cm in southwestern Finland, 40 to 70 cm further east, and up to 60 to 100 cm in the eastern hills and Lapland.

Example:

For an expat, snow influences transportation, home maintenance, and wardrobe. It also changes the ambiance: its whiteness reflects light and can increase perceived brightness by 80%, helping to better cope with short days and winter darkness.

A Changing Climate, and a Society Adapting

The country is warming significantly, with projections of +4 to +6 °C on average by the 2080s compared to the 1961‑1990 period. Winters are shortening, snow melts earlier and stays on the ground for less time (up to two months less in the south, one month less in the north). Annual precipitation could increase by 15 to 25 %, especially in winter, with more extreme events (heavy rains, heatwaves, floods).

Finland has made climate adaptation a full-fledged public policy: a National Adaptation Plan is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with all ministries and close cooperation between the public, private, and associative sectors. Key issues: water and flood management (21 identified risk zones), urban planning considering microclimate (wind, runoff, sunlight), long-term building resilience (buildings designed to last 50 to 100 years).

This culture of climate anticipation is found in daily life: very well-insulated buildings, efficient district heating, work organization that considers the seasons, equipment adapted to inclement weather. For an expat, this mainly requires understanding that the climate isn’t a “problem” to constantly complain about, but a structuring reality around which society has organized itself.

Finnish Values: Equality, Honesty, Discretion… and Sisu

Behind the endless winters lies a very particular society. For many newcomers, one of the most striking paradoxes is the contrast between a people perceived as reserved, sometimes taciturn, and a country officially “the happiest in the world.”

The key lies in a set of deeply rooted values: equality, sense of justice, honesty, respect for rules, attachment to nature, and that famous often untranslatable “sisu”, a blend of courage, perseverance, and endurance in adversity.

An Egalitarian and Pragmatic Society

Finland is a very egalitarian country, whether in terms of gender, relationship to authority, or social redistribution. The law enshrines equality between men and women, and in practice, it’s found almost everywhere: women present in senior civil service, research, business, the Lutheran Church (including as bishops), a rather balanced sharing of domestic and parental tasks.

Note:

In this culture, egalitarianism implies a strong distrust of any ostentatious behavior. Boasting, speaking too loudly, or seeking to stand out is considered in poor taste. Modesty, diligence, and seriousness at work are cardinal virtues. Social status is acquired and legitimized mainly through concrete actions, rather than titles or appearances.

Trust is another pillar: trust in institutions, the police, the administration, but also in others. People easily leave their belongings unattended, children travel alone on foot or by public transport to school, and verbal agreements carry real weight. In a country where incomes are relatively equal, this trust is also fueled by the feeling that “the system” is generally fair.

The End of Small Talk Illusion

For a Latin or Anglo-Saxon expat, the almost total absence of small talk can be disconcerting. In Finland, people don’t spontaneously approach strangers on the bus, they don’t make long preambles to “break the ice.” Finns place great importance on the weight of words: what is said must be relevant and sincere. They therefore speak less, but consider that speech is a commitment. An oral promise is taken very seriously.

This does not mean Finns are cold or hostile: they are simply economical with words, value silence as a normal component of communication, and find a stream of chatter suspect. Interrupting someone is frowned upon; one lets the other finish, reflects, then answers. This “serial conversation” is the opposite of the permanent loud debate found in some cultures.

Finnish Communicative Behavior

Another notable difference: compliments. They are rare and measured. Excessive flattery often makes people uncomfortable because they take it literally and don’t necessarily know how to respond. Similarly, overflowing emotional expression in public (anger, demonstrative joy, noisy arguments) is poorly perceived. One can disagree, but without raising one’s voice or pathos.

Sisu and Relationship to Difficulty

The concept of “sisu” is often invoked to describe the national character: it refers to the ability to continue even when everything seems lost, to endure blows without complaint, to withstand cold, war, crisis. It’s not heroic in a theatrical sense; it’s a form of silent resilience.

For an expat, this implies two things. First, don’t be surprised if your Finnish colleagues remain stoic while you judge the situation very tense: they will express little, but will act. Second, understand that respect is earned by demonstrating consistency, seriousness, and reliability rather than brilliant discourse.

Language and Communication: The Weight of Silence and the Subtleties of Finnish

The linguistic shock in Finland is twofold: on one hand, a national language reputed to be difficult; on the other, Finns often very comfortable in English, but who don’t practice the same communication style as English speakers.

Finnish, a Complex Language Laden with Symbols

Finnish belongs to the Uralic family, more precisely to the Finno-Ugric group. It is close to Estonian and Hungarian, and very distant from Indo-European languages like French, English, or Swedish. It has no articles, no grammatical gender (the pronoun “hän” means both “he” and “she”), and relies on a system of 15 noun cases, with abundant use of suffixes.

Particularities of the Finnish Language

Discover some distinctive traits of the Finnish language that illustrate its structure and politeness conventions.

No word for “please”

Politeness is expressed mainly through tone of voice, sentence formulation, and the frequent use of the word “kiitos” (thank you), which can sometimes serve as “please” in a request.

Very long compound words

An entire sentence can condense into a single word, as prepositions and other grammatical relationships are integrated directly into the noun as suffixes.

The U.S. Foreign Service classifies Finnish among the most difficult languages for English speakers, requiring about 1,100 hours of study to reach a good level. In practice, “spoken Finnish” (puhekieli) is simpler and often more useful daily than “standard written Finnish” (kirjakieli), which is highly standardized. For an expat, it’s more realistic to first aim for oral basics: a few greetings, polite phrases, understanding simple sentences.

Paradoxically, Finns don’t expect foreigners to speak Finnish. But they are sincerely touched when someone makes the effort to learn a few words. Many quickly switch to English to “make things easier” for you; if your goal is to practice, you’ll sometimes have to gently insist: “Puhutaan suomea” (let’s speak Finnish).

Direct Communication, Few Unspoken Meanings… but Few Words

Culturally, Finnish communication is both direct and economical. People say what they think, without embellishment, but don’t repeat it ten times. Verbal agreements count enormously: a “let’s do that” is heard as a serious commitment, not just a vague phrase.

A few traits to integrate before moving:

– Don’t ask questions considered intrusive: salary, wealth, love life are private subjects.

– Don’t interrupt, even in a lively meeting.

– Silence is neither awkward nor negative; it can mean reflection, comfort, or simply no need to speak.

– Criticisms, when formulated, are frank, focused on facts and solutions, not the person.

– Avoid aggressive polemics during meals or social moments; debate exists, but generally remains calm.

In public (bus, train, queue), it’s normal for everyone to keep their distance and remain silent. This doesn’t mean people are hostile: if you pull out a map or need help, it’s common for someone to spontaneously offer assistance… then return to their reserve.

Daily Social Codes: Punctuality, Discretion, and Home Life

For an expat, many “small details” of daily Finnish life are actually strong cultural markers. They may seem trivial, but condition your integration.

Absolute Punctuality and Respect for Others’ Time

Punctuality is a language in Finland. Arriving on time, or even slightly early, is a way to show respect. A delay of more than 10-15 minutes, without warning, is perceived as impolite. Meetings start at the scheduled time, as do concerts, movie screenings, and medical appointments.

This rigor is linked to a very structured conception of organization: Finns are excellent time managers, and full schedules are rather valued. Unlike some cultures where “being very busy” can be a sign of poor planning, here it often means one is managing many responsibilities efficiently.

Good to know:

Between Midsummer and the end of July, Finland operates in slow motion. Many residents leave for their mökki (country cottage), email responses can take weeks, and it’s difficult to organize professional meetings. This is a seasonal ritual, not a lack of seriousness.

Sacred Interior, No Shoes Allowed

The home occupies a central place in Finnish sociability. Hosting at home is more common than going to a restaurant, for both cultural (intimacy, value placed on the home) and economic (eating out remains expensive) reasons. Being invited to someone’s home is therefore a sign of trust and closeness.

First reflex to adopt: systematically take off your shoes upon entering. This is the norm, even at a party or slightly formal dinner. If you’re unsure, simply ask: “Should I take them off?”; your host will appreciate this attention. For big occasions, some guests bring more formal indoor shoes.

Tip:

Gifts for the host are appreciated but should remain modest: prioritize a bottle of wine, chocolates, coffee, or sometimes flowers. Avoid perfumes or colognes with strong scents, as many Finns are sensitive to them. It is also appreciated to offer help in the kitchen or clearing the table, especially in country houses.

Discreet Politeness, Measured Gestures

Greetings are usually done with a brief, firm handshake, no hugs or kisses. One looks the other person in the eye, signaling frankness and honesty. Embraces and cheek kisses are not common; they exist among close friends or family members, but remain rare between acquaintances.

On the street, a nod or a “Moi,” “Hei” may suffice. Neighbors don’t necessarily greet each other at every encounter; this doesn’t mean they’re ignoring you, but that they respect your personal space. In intimate spaces like sauna or pool changing rooms, a verbal greeting is optional.

The implicit rule is: do not invade. People speak softly on public transport, don’t push in lines, and scrupulously respect rules (red lights, queues, pedestrian right-of-way). Collective trust relies heavily on this daily self-discipline.

Work, Education, and Childhood: Another Way of Thinking About Equality

Moving to Finland often means discovering a radically different relationship to work and school than in French-speaking countries.

At Work: Flat Hierarchy and Work-Life Balance

In Finnish companies, hierarchy is not strongly marked. People address each other by first name, even with the CEO, honorific titles are rarely used, and a directive management style is frowned upon. Decisions are often made collegially, after consultation and discussion, which can give an impression of initial slowness but facilitates buy-in later.

Work is measured by results, not hours present. The standard week is around 37.5 to 40 hours, and presenteeism is poorly regarded. Systematically staying late at the office can even be interpreted as a lack of efficiency. Coffee breaks (“kahvitauko”) are true moments of breathing and internal sociability, almost sacred.

Good to know:

Annual paid leave is about five weeks, often taken in summer. Parental leave is among the most protective in the world. Flexibility (telecommuting, flexible hours) is a very widespread practice, predating its international generalization.

At School: Trust, Play, and Equal Opportunity

The Finnish education system fascinates many expats, especially parents. It is based on a very clear philosophy: reduce inequalities, prioritize well-being and autonomy over academic competition. Compulsory education extends from age 7 to 18, with a nine-year comprehensive school, then either general or vocational secondary education, both of which have become compulsory.

From early childhood, the focus is on play, socialization, and cooperation, more than on early acquisition of knowledge. Almost all children attend preschool, considered a right, with fees modulated based on income. Formal instruction in reading and math is delayed, and learning happens through play, discovery, and group work.

Good to know:

Classes have small numbers of students, in a relaxed atmosphere (many children in socks or slippers), with frequent breaks and limited homework, especially early in schooling. There are no recurring national standardized tests. Private schools are very rare and are not allowed to select students or charge tuition fees.

For an expat, several elements are often surprising:

– School lunch is free for all and aims to cover about one-third of daily nutritional needs;

– Textbooks, materials, and even field trips are covered;

– Academic competition is strongly downplayed, mutual aid is encouraged;

– In high school, students can choose between the general (lukio) and vocational (ammattikoulu) tracks, without as marked a hierarchy of value as elsewhere.

Teachers, all holding a master’s degree and recruited very selectively, enjoy great pedagogical autonomy and strong social trust. External control is minimal; evaluation is mainly internal. The central idea: if you recruit highly competent professionals, you don’t need to constantly monitor them.

For expat families, the presence of international schools and bilingual programs (including in English, French, German, Russian, Spanish) offers many options while allowing for immersion in the local culture if desired.

Cost of Living, Housing, and Consumption: Happiness… Comes at a Price

Finland is not a cheap country. It ranks among the most expensive European countries, with a price level significantly above the EU average. For an expat, this requires calibrating one’s budget and adjusting certain consumption habits.

Overall Budget and International Comparison

Data from sources like Numbeo or Livingcost.org indicate that a single person spends on average around €1,700 per month including rent, and a family of four about €4,700 to €4,800. Average salaries, around $4,200/month, partly offset this price level, but the feeling of expensiveness remains if coming from a less costly country.

Compared to other developed economies, Finland is in the upper tier for prices, but not at the top:

This extra cost is found in food, services, leisure, and especially alcohol. Eating out is significantly more expensive than in many countries. A 0.5 l draft beer is around €7, a simple meal around €14, a dinner for two in a mid-range restaurant can easily reach €80.

Housing: Small Spaces, High Demand, Tight Markets

Housing is one of the major budget items. In large cities, and especially in the Helsinki region, demand is strong and supply limited. Rental apartments are often small, mostly studios or two-room apartments, well-insulated and equipped with a private or shared sauna in the building.

Average Rents

They give an idea of the price range in the real estate market.

In the capital and its outskirts, rents are even higher: for a studio, one often hears €600–900; for a large family apartment, €2,000 to €3,000 unfurnished. Most rental units are empty: only fixed kitchen elements (cabinets, fridge, oven) and sometimes wardrobes are included. Light fixtures are not always provided, which surprises many expats.

The practices of the rental market are also specific:

– A security deposit equivalent to one to three months’ rent is the norm (three months maximum legally);

– Contracts are almost always in writing, often for a minimum of twelve months;

– Punctuality is crucial for viewings, and the pace is very fast in big cities;

– Rent payment is only by bank transfer, never in cash.

Good to know:

Regulations protect tenants by capping rent increases and setting clear notice periods: one month for the tenant, and three to six months for the landlord, depending on the length of occupancy.

Grocery Shopping: Supermarket Chains and Local Tips

Regarding consumption, the major supermarket chains are K‑Market, S‑Market, and Lidl. The latter is known as the cheapest. There are also neighborhood convenience stores like Alepa or Sale, and market halls (kauppahallit) where one can buy fresh produce, fish, specialties like reindeer or elk.

Monthly grocery expenses vary greatly depending on lifestyle, but we can outline ranges:

Finns have developed a culture of hunting for discounts on products near their expiration date, often marked down by 30 to 50 %. Loyalty programs (K‑Plussa, S‑Etukortti) are widely used.

The other major difference compared to many countries is the importance given to recycling and sustainability: very thorough waste sorting, deposit on bottles and cans, omnipresence of second-hand markets. About 60% of Finns have bought second-hand items in the past year.

Socializing and Making Friends: The Patient Conquest of the Finnish “Coco”

Socially, many expats describe Finns as “cocos”: hard shell, soft heart. Difficult to approach at first, but of enduring loyalty and warmth once a relationship is established.

Stable Circles of Friends, Few “Acquaintances”

A particularity often noted is the stability of friend circles: many Finns maintain the same relationships since childhood, high school, or university. They invest little in superficial relationships, leaving little room for “acquaintances” in the weak sense of the term. Either you are a friend, or you remain at a polite distance.

For a newcomer, this means two things: integration into an existing group can take time, and the initiative largely rests with you. You will often have to make the first move, suggest activities, follow up on contacts, without waiting for the other person to “come to you.”

Activities Rather Than Chit-Chat

Social interactions happen more through shared activities than through long verbal exchanges. Joining a sports club (soccer, hockey, frisbee golf, Gaelic sports in some big cities), a choir, a book club, creative hobby workshops, or yoga classes is often the best way to get closer to Finns.

Good to know:

Several structures facilitate creating social links: language courses, summer universities, and adult education centers (kansalaisopisto). Neighborhood associations, municipal events, and “friend program” schemes, like those offered by the Finnish Red Cross or municipal services in Helsinki, can also connect local residents and foreigners.

Social networks play an increasing role: Facebook groups like “Meet new friends in Helsinki,” apps like Meetup or even Bumble BFF are used by young urbanites to expand their network.

Sauna and Coffee: Invitations That Count

In this context, certain invitations have a particular symbolic value. Being invited to a sauna, especially in a private context (at someone’s home or in a mökki), is a strong sign of integration. The sauna is a hybrid space, between family intimacy, relaxation, and sometimes an informal extension of professional discussions.

Good to know:

In Finland, per capita coffee consumption is the highest in the world. Offering or accepting a coffee, whether at work or at home, is much more than a courtesy gesture: it’s an important social ritual that facilitates personal exchanges.

However, one must accept the slowness: trust builds over time, through repeated interactions and consistency in your behavior. Trying to “force” friendship or multiply superficial acquaintances risks clashing with the local relational style.

Sauna, Nature, and Festivals: Major Identity Markers

No exploration of Finnish cultural differences would be complete without mentioning three pillars: the sauna, the relationship with nature, and some very particular national festivals.

The Sauna, a Social and Almost Sacred Institution

With about 1.5 million saunas for some 5.5 million inhabitants, the sauna is everywhere: in apartments, buildings, pools, companies, cottages. UNESCO has inscribed the Finnish sauna culture on its intangible cultural heritage list.

For an expat, it’s crucial to understand it is neither a luxury spa nor a purely hygienic activity. The sauna combines cleanliness, relaxation, socialization, and, for some, a quasi-spiritual dimension. People go to wash, relax, talk calmly, sometimes conclude business in a less formal setting.

A few codes to know:

Good to know:

Nudity is the norm, but it is asexual and natural; men and women generally go in separate spaces. It is mandatory to always sit on a small personal towel. A shower is required before entering and again after the session. The atmosphere should be calm: silence or low-voice conversations are the norm, loud voices are frowned upon. Traditionally, the most experienced or oldest person often has the responsibility of managing the water thrown on the hot stones (löyly).

Refusing a sauna invitation is not a disaster if you cite a health reason or genuine discomfort, but it’s better, at least once, to try the experience with Finns to grasp what it represents.

Nature Accessible to All: Everyman’s Right

Finland is covered 75 % by forests and dotted with more than 180,000 lakes. The relationship with nature is therefore intense and structuring. Thanks to the principle of “Everyman’s Right,” almost the entire territory is accessible to the public: one can walk, pick berries or mushrooms, camp temporarily, even on private land, as long as the environment is respected and no disturbance is caused.

Many Finns own or rent a mökki, a small country house often by a lake. They spend summers there, fish, have sauna sessions, cut wood, sometimes with rudimentary comfort (no running water or electricity). For a foreign guest, accepting an invitation to the mökki is a direct dive into the heart of local culture… provided one doesn’t panic at the sight of dry toilets or mosquitoes.

Festivals and Rituals: Christmas, Midsummer, and Vappu

The main national festivals also revolve around family, nature, and a certain gravity.

Good to know:

Christmas is a family-oriented, reflective holiday, centered on Christmas Eve and lighting candles on graves. Independence Day, December 6th, is a solemn commemoration, marked by the televised broadcast of the presidential reception. May 1st (Vappu) blends workers’ day and student celebration in a carnival-like atmosphere, with picnics and student caps, although the cost of alcohol limits excesses. Finally, Midsummer sees city dwellers leaving for their country cottages (mökki), celebrating light and nature, often festively but away from urban centers.

For an expat, understanding that Christmas and Midsummer almost always take place with family, rarely with friends, avoids many misunderstandings. It’s common for shops to be closed, transport schedules to change, and invitations to become scarce around these dates.

Health, Safety, and Public Services: A Welfare State Culture

Finland is an advanced welfare state, where many public services structure daily life: health, education, social benefits, infrastructure. These systems are not just public policies; they reflect strong cultural expectations regarding solidarity and equality.

Healthcare System: Universal, Reliable, and Highly Codified

All permanent residents have access to the public healthcare system, tax-funded, covering general medicine, hospital, maternity, pediatrics, etc., with co-payments capped by law. Emergency care is provided to anyone, regardless of nationality or status.

Good to know:

The Finnish healthcare system is structured on three levels: primary, specialized, and highly specialized care. It was recently reorganized around 21 “well-being services counties” plus the city of Helsinki. For an expat, it’s these structural differences that are most striking.

– The central role of health centers: this is the first point of contact to see a doctor, often after assessment by a nurse;

– Wait times can be long for non-urgent consultations, despite legal “wait-time guarantees”;

– A more expensive private sector, but faster, often partially reimbursed by social security for residents (via Kela).

The country ranks very well in user satisfaction and performance for value for money. This generous coverage comes with high expectations regarding individual responsibility (following treatments, prevention, lifestyle).

Safety, Rules, and Trust in Institutions

Finland is among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is rare, children go to school alone, street assaults are exceptional. This safety rests on a combination of factors: low inequality, strong social cohesion, effective community policing, and above all a culture of respect for rules.

Example:

In Finland, there is strong social adherence to rules, such as respecting red lights even with no traffic, forming orderly queues, or systematically returning deposit bottles. The sanction system, like traffic fines indexed on income for fairness, illustrates this culture. The many laws are generally perceived by the population as protective rather than repressive.

Trust in the administration also translates into widespread digitization of services: taxes, health, administrative procedures, everything goes through secure online portals, accessible via banking IDs. For an expat, getting used to this “all digital” approach is essential.

Conclusion: Taming the Difference to Take Root Better

Moving to Finland isn’t just about facing an endless winter or learning a few words of Finnish. It’s accepting a coherent set of values and practices: direct but non-chatty communication, a fiercely defended equality, a relationship to time marked by punctuality and seasons, an emotional attachment to nature and home, a taste for transparency and loyalty.

Good to know:

The first year of expatriation in Finland can be difficult, marked by climate shock, a certain isolation, and social reserve. However, by persevering, learning to appreciate silence, cultivating quality relationships, and adopting local customs like the sauna, the mökki (cottage), and the long summer evenings, one discovers a country with a profoundly human character.

Knowing these cultural differences in advance allows one to transform surprises into curiosities, misunderstandings into learning opportunities, and, little by little, to make Finland not just a host country, but a true home.

Cyril Jarnias

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.

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