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Country Commercial Guides
FY 2000: Finland
CHAPTER IX: BUSINESS TRAVEL
Business Customs
Finland is a modern, commercially mature country that enjoys close relations with its Nordic neighbors. Social and business protocol is similar to that in the United States and requires no special mentions of taboos. It is worth noting that relationships are important within the social and business world as Finns prefer to deal with people they know and trust.
Travel Advisory and Visas
With the exception of Nordic (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland) citizens, citizens of all EU countries (except Greece), and citizens of Switzerland, San Marino and Liechtenstein, foreigners entering Finland must have a valid passport. A tourist or business visa is not required for stays of up to three months (Note: the 90-day period begins when entering any of the Nordic countries. Also, during any 6-month period, the maximum total time a foreigner can stay in the Nordic area is 90 days.) If a foreigner stays less than 90 days, he may return to the Nordic area for only the balance of the 90-day period unless he has been out of the Nordic area for more than 6 months. For non-EU citizens a visa is needed for stays exceeding 90 days.
To work in Finland, a foreigner needs a work permit. Visas and work permits must be obtained from a Finnish consulate in the applicant's home country before arriving in Finland. EU citizens outside the Nordic countries need to apply for ETA-card from the local police for stays exceeding 90 days. ETA-card is a combined work and residence permit.
Holidays
The national holidays in 2000 are: New Year's Day (January 1); Epiphany (January 6); Good Friday (April 21); Easter (April 23-24); May Day (May 1); Ascension Day (June 1); Mid-Summer (June 24); All Saints' Day (November 4); Independence Day (December 6); Christmas (December 25-26).
Work Week
The average Finnish work week is 40 hours per week, with annual leave of 25 days, 12.5 free days, and 9 paid holidays. Part-time employment averages to 17.8 hours per week.
Business Infrastructure
Transportation and communications
See section Infrastructure
Language
The two official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish. About 93% of the population speak Finnish and 6% speak Swedish. Both languages are compulsory at school. English is widely spoken in Finland, especially among younger people and in major cities.
Education
Children attend comprehensive schools for nine years, beginning at the age of seven. The municipalities pay teachers' salaries, books, health care, and school meals. After completing comprehensive school, students may attend high school for three years or receive an occupational education. High school prepares students for university studies. Tuition at universities is minimal.
Helsinki has international, English, German, Russian, French and Jewish schools in which classes are taught partly in foreign languages and partly in Finnish. The International, English, German and Jewish schools are private and charge tuition. University level education is mainly in Finnish, with the exception of English language B.B.A and M.B.A programs in certain universities and B.B.A. programs in certain polytechnics.
Medical Services
Medical facilities are widely available. The public hospital system will not honor foreign credit cards and/or U.S. insurance coverage. However, private hospitals and clinics that accept major credit cards are widely available. Travelers have found that, in some cases, a letter from their carrier describing supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.
A foreigner is usually covered by the Finnish social security after moving to Finland, with health care as one of the benefits. Services are provided within each municipality. The quality of public health care is equivalent to care given by private doctors. In addition, occupational health care is subsidized by the employers.
Housing
Most people in Finland own their own housing. The cost to rent an apartment varies depending on the size, age, condition and location. Rents are generally quite high, especially within the Helsinki area, and most places come unfurnished.
Food
Despite prices converging with other EU levels, Finland's price structure regarding food and household needs is the lowest of the Nordic countries and only slightly above the OECD average. Finnish food is consistent to produce that is in season, which provides an array of berries, mushrooms, seafood etc. Potatoes are a main staple and accompany most evening dishes.
Temporary Entry of Goods
See section Trade Regulations, Customs, and Standards
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Note* International Copyright, United States Government, 1998 (or other year of first publication). All rights under foreign copyright laws are reserved. All portions of this publication are protected against any type or form of reproduction, communications to the public and the preparation of adaptations, arrangement and alterations outside the United States. U. S. copyright is not asserted under the U.S. Copyright Law, Title17, United States Code.
