Fancy a move to Finland? The Nordic country is tempting tech workers with a free 90-day relocation package to capital Helsinki. Olivia Palamountain reports
Tech workers are being invited to relocate to Finland through the “90 Day Finn” campaign, following a surge of interest in applications for residence permits over the last six months.
The initiative offers global tech workers and their families a free 90-day relocation package to Helsinki where they can take advantage of Finland’s vibrant startup scene and competitive industry salaries.
Joonas Halla, head of talent boost at Business Finland says: “We are seeing a growing trend of high flyers who want to relocate to start a new life. These are people who love nature, and are interested in innovations and solutions to solve big world problems. We welcome these fascinating people to thrive as part of Finnish society.”
Famous for its quality of life, Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world in the World Happiness Index for the second year running.
The survey, conducted by Gallup, uses a three-year rolling average of survey responses around six factors: GDP per capita; social support; life expectancy; freedom to make life choices; generosity; and corruption levels. Finland scores well on all factors but excels in generosity.
The Nordic country also offers generous parental leave and universal healthcare, some of the cleanest air in the world and an excellent education system.
In terms of tech, it’s considered a superpower. Birthplace of Nokia, the SMS and 5G, Finland is also a leader in cybersecurity thanks to its active cooperation between public and private sectors. Global companies like Google, Bayer and GE Healthcare have established campuses in the country.
IT salaries are among the highest in Europe; experts working in data and analytics or software engineering can expect to earn up to €4,113 and €4,021 gross per month, with low competition for roles.
Ann Sarimo, chief marketing officer at Infinited Fiber Company moved to Finland from California. She says: ”Coming from the US, I found the parental leave and child benefits in Finland to be phenomenal. It was such a relief to have leave plus a percentage of my salary for a full year, and all medical care paid for. My husband also got great paternity benefits.”
Finland is following in the footsteps of other destinations such as Barbados, Bermuda and Estonia that have recently created “digital nomad visas” to entice professionals to relocate for up to a year.
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