Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- 1000-1600 EUR
- One bedroom, suburbs
- 800-1300 EUR
- Three bedrooms, city center
- 1700-2800 EUR
Country research
Retire in Finland
Retirement planning in Finland depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.
60Overall research score
98Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living67.6/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety98/100Safety index
Healthcare86/100Quality index
Average temperature2.6°CYearly average
Why Finland
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Whether Finland fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
What stands out
- Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
- Strong welfare/pension.
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 400-600 EUR
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- 180-280 EUR
- Health insurance
- Public healthcare coverage
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- No dedicated retirement visa; residence requires another eligible permit
- Minimum annual income
- Not listed
- Processing time
- Varies by pathway
- Income tax
- 56.95% Max. CGT: 34%. Inherit: Progressive 10−33%.
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 98/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.010 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 10 days per year
- Doctor visit
- Covered by public healthcare
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in Finland
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in Finland
What is the cost of living in Finland?
The relative PPP price-level score for Finland is 67.6/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 1000-1600 EUR, while health insurance is Public healthcare coverage.
Is Finland safe for expats and retirees?
Finland has a safety index of 98/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.010 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in Finland?
The healthcare system in Finland has a quality index of 86/100. A doctor visit costs Covered by public healthcare, and health insurance typically costs Public healthcare coverage per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in Finland?
Finland lists the route “No dedicated retirement visa; residence requires another eligible permit”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by pathway. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in Finland?
Retirees in Finland face income tax rates of 56.95% Max. CGT: 34%. Inherit: Progressive 10−33%.. Property tax is Municipal property tax varies by property type and municipality and inheritance tax is Progressive inheritance tax generally 7–33%. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in Finland?
Finland has approximately 514,432 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Helsinki.
Other destinations to compare
Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
France
France may suit retirees who value broad healthcare infrastructure, cultural amenities, and varied urban, rural, and coastal regions. A long-stay visitor route requires sufficient resources, accommodation, insurance, and no ordinary work.
71.5overall score
97.2safety
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Australia
Australia may suit retirees who value established services and varied urban and regional lifestyles, subject to visa eligibility, local costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
60.8overall score
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Austria
Whether Austria fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
72.7overall score
98.2safety
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Belgium
Whether Belgium fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
72.5overall score
97.8safety
86healthcare
Canada
Canada may suit retirees who value established services and varied urban and regional lifestyles, subject to immigration eligibility, local costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
61.8overall score
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Denmark
Whether Denmark fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
58.8overall score
98.3safety
85healthcare