Moving to Finland

Moving to overseas is an adventure, but it also requires a lot of planning and research! If you are relocating to Finland, read on for detailed customs information and helpful tips on the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into your new home country!

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY

When relocating to Finland, there are important documents necessary to gain entry and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to ensure that you have all the essential paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.

When moving to Finland, you will need:

• Passport (Copy)
• Proof of Employment
• Customs Declaration
• Inventory (in English, Finnish, German or Swedish) stating exact number of packages, showing detailed contents of each carton, alcohol and any other dutiable items
• Owner's Declaration stating goods are his property, have been used abroad and are for his continued use in Finland
• Bill of Sale may be required by Customs for dutiable items

SHIPPING REGULATIONS

If you are moving to Finland permanently and have lived outside the European Union for the previous 12 months, you may import both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) free of duty and tax if:

• You are in Finland at time of customs clearance
• Goods have been owned and used abroad
• Goods will not be re-sold for at least six months
• Goods must not be imported for commercial use
• The goods are intended for the same use at the new permanent place of residence
• Removal goods may not be lent, given as security, hired out or otherwise transferred to another person, even free of charge, until 12 months after the date of entry

PROHIBITED ITEMS

In Finland, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:

• Explosives, fireworks, clasp-knives and other dangerous edged weapons
• Automatic weapons
• Narcotics and drugs
• Pornographic material
• Copyright-infringing products

RESTRICTED ITEMS

Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Finland. These items include, but are not limited to:

• Food and fabrics
• Milk, meat and animals products
• Precious metal objects
• Professional or business equipment
• Firearms and ammunition (will be held by Customs until valid Firearm Certificate is obtained)
• Collectors items which are plugged and unusable may be imported with restriction
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are subject to high duties
• Plants and vegetable products ( Phytosanitary Certificate required, without it items will stay in custody for inspection and charges will be billed to customer)
• Walkie-talkies and radios
• Medicines with proof of prescription by doctor, limited to amount for one year's use
• Products of animals coming under the protected species regulations. For example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

If you are planning to ship your vehicle with you for your move to Finland, you will need the assistance of international vehicle shippers with thorough knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to safely transport your car for you.

Your car may be admitted into Finland duty-free if:

• The vehicle was owned and used abroad for at least six months
• Duty free value is limited up to $34,000.00--if the car's value exceeds this amount the remaining value is dutiable
• The vehicle must be owned at least three years (at least one year in Finland) before it can be sold or otherwise used by others
• If your vehicle does not qualify for exemption, import taxes will be 50 to 60 percent of the retail price of a similar new vehicle in Finland
• Duties levied will depend on the amount and type of accessories and equipment on the vehicle
• The vehicle must comply with European exhaust regulations

You will need the following documents:

• Purchase-deed and receipts of payment
• Registration documents
• Employment Certificate proving auto bought with earnings from abroad
• Passport
• Finnish insurance policy
• Foreign insurance policy
• Driver's License

PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS

Your pet is part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for your move to Finland without mishap. To successfully cross Finnish borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:

• Import Permit from Ministry of Agriculture
• Duty-free if proof of ownership is available
• The animal must be marked for identification with a microchip (or a clearly readable tattoo if before July 2011)
• Dogs and cats must have a valid vaccination against rabies at least 21 days before import
• Pet certificate, which contains the identification of the animal, proof of rabies vaccination and medication against echinococcosis, and a possible rabies antibody test
• Subject to minimum of three months quarantine and veterinary examination
• Dogs must have a certificate issued by a veterinarian verifying that the dog has been given an appropriate dose of an approved medicine against tapeworms that cause echinococcosis one to five days prior to arrival

INTERNATIONAL MOVES

International moving is tedious process, which requires knowledge, preparation, and the assistance of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing a company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and well-versed in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from falling victim to a common moving mistake.

Need help finding reliable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.