Helsinki, Finland 🇫🇮
#508
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, known for its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 650,000, making it the largest city in Finland. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average fixed broadband speed is 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces providing free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, widely accepted banking services with options like Nordea and OP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality, sourced from natural springs. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, with Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telia, Elisa, and DNA, with reasonable prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Internationally accepted cards (Visa, Mastercard) and digital banking options like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, short-term rentals, and local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and cash use is minimal. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com, with options ranging from €50-€100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Sampo offers affordable dorms starting from €20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The city center (Keskusta) is ideal for tourists for its attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kumpula and Punavuori are popular among digital nomads for their coworking spaces and local vibe. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hakaniemi Coworking is great for networking and productivity. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kuppausta Cafe, known for its relaxing atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Startup events at Maria 01 and Meetup groups for tech enthusiasts. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Helsinki Expats Facebook Group hosts regular meet-and-greet events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and Uber are popular for rides in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | City bikes available through the Helsinki City bike system. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hietaniemi Beach is a popular summer spot, 20 mins from the center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Finnair serves as the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines include Lufthansa and KLM. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via E18 and E12 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Helsinki Central Station is the main transportation hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Daily, monthly, and seasonal passes available for extensive transit use. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Options available via train (VR) to places like Tampere and Turku. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Helsinki University Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Helsinki Yoga Studio offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness24Seven and Elixia provide various fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat C is a popular self-service laundry option. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Foodora offer extensive delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew), a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veganissimo and Yes Yes Yes are highly recommended. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Esplanad is famous for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Helsinki Market Square for fresh local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Verkkokauppa.com is a popular online shopping platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | K-Citymarket offers convenient grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kallio and Uudenmaankatu streets are vibrant nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas is a popular local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wines and Friends offers an excellent selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food at the Hietalahti Market Hall is a must-try. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Little Italy for authentic Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Helsinki Cathedral and Fortress of Suomenlinna are major attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Ateneum Art Museum is a must-visit. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Uspenski Cathedral is a notable site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Temppeliaukio Church is an architectural marvel. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Helsinki Festival is a major cultural event every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kumpula is known for its student and cultural vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Finnish National Theater offers various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Flea markets at vanha kauppahalli are popular. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at Tavastia Club is highly regarded. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Kumpula offers popular urban art locations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn at the Helsinki Culinary School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Helsinki Art Museum showcases local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Helsinki City Hall is a key architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Helsinki's rich maritime history is reflected in its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nuuksio National Park offers stunning natural landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Helsinki is near Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi National Parks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Helsinki coastline has dedicated cycling and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Observation point at the top of the Torni Hotel offers stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Birdwatching Tower at Vanhankaupunginlahti is popular. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Nuuksio National Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posti provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair Helsinki offers quality repair for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Helsinki is a popular spot for games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Finnish Language School offers various language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Helsinki Central Library Oodi provides great study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Malmi Community Center hosts various cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming Lounge is popular among gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Helsinki offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €160,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €128,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €228,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20%, competitive for startups. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 55.6%, which includes municipal and state taxation. |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, varies by municipality. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% for buyers of residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from specific tax treaties for foreign income. |