Why Finland? - A Stable and Competitive Market for Growth
Finland is one of Europe’s most attractive and stable business environments. Combining a strong economic foundation, an innovative ecosystem, and a predictable operating environment, Finland offers an excellent platform for international growth.
Stable and Predictable Business Environment
Finland consistently ranks among the top countries globally in transparency, governance, and stability.
- Among the lowest levels of corruption globally
- AAA-level credit ratings (AA+/AA category across major agencies)
- Clear and predictable regulatory environment
This minimizes risk and makes Finland an ideal destination for long-term investments.
Strong and Resilient Economy
Finland has a highly developed, industrialized, and export-driven economy.
- GDP: approx. €273 billion
- GDP per capita: around $54,000
- GDP growth: ~0.8% in 2025 and forecast ~0.8% in 2026
- Foreign direct investment stock: over €83 billion
Finland’s economy is stable, resilient, and closely integrated into global trade networks.
Highly Skilled Workforce
Finland offers a highly educated and productive workforce.
- Population: approx. 5.6 million
- Strong performance in global education rankings
- High share of tertiary-educated young adults
Key strengths include:
- Software and digital technologies
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Clean energy and sustainability
- Health tech and life sciences
Finnish work culture emphasizes efficiency, reliability, and low hierarchy.
Innovation and R&D Leadership
Finland is one of the most innovation-driven economies in Europe.
- Strong public-private R&D collaboration
- Advanced tech ecosystem (Helsinki startup hub)
- Global leadership in 5G/6G and digitalization
Finland’s long-term focus on innovation makes it an ideal environment for technology-driven companies.
Gateway to the Nordics and EU Market
Finland provides access to a large and affluent economic region.
- EU member since 1995
- Eurozone economy
- Trade accounts for a significant share of GDP
From Finland, companies can easily expand into:
- Nordic markets
- The EU single market (450+ million consumers)
- The Baltic region
Advanced Infrastructure and Digital Society
Finland is one of the most digitalized countries in the world.
- Fully digital public administration
- High-quality telecommunications infrastructure
- Efficient logistics and connectivity
This enables fast company setup and smooth day-to-day operations.
Sustainable and Future-Oriented Economy
Finland is a global leader in sustainability and green transition.
- Strong investments in renewable energy
- Ambitious climate targets
- Growing cleantech and circular economy sectors
Sustainability is deeply embedded in business practices and public policy.
High Quality of Life Supports Business Success
Finland consistently ranks as one of the best countries to live and work in.
- Ranked the world’s happiest country (multiple years)
- Safe, clean, and well-functioning society
- Excellent healthcare and education systems
- Population 5.6 million
- EU member with € as currency
- Member of NATO since April 2023
- Time zone: Eastern European Time (EET) corresponds to CET +1 hour
- If you call Finland, you must first dial the country code +358 and then the service number without the leading zero.
- Official languages: Finnish (86.9%) and Swedish (5.2%).
- Largest cities: 1. Helsinki (660 821), 2. Espoo (300 748), 3. Tampere (245 027), 4. Vantaa (241 061), 5. Oulu (209 934), 6. Turku (195 047), 7. Jyväskylä (144 299), 8. Kuopio (121 383)
- Finland’s form of government is a constitutional republic. The highest state bodies in Finland are the Eduskunta, the President of the Republic and the Council of State, i.e. the government. President Alexander Stubb, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
- Finland’s Independence Day is the most important event in Finland (in Finnish Suomen itsenäisyyspäivä) and it is celebrated on December 6. The day counts as the country’s national day and is a flag day
Usefull links for entering the Finnish market:
Fun facts about Finland
Finland has around 3 million saunas for 5.5–5.6 million people
That’s roughly one sauna for every 2 people—and yes, they’re everywhere: homes, offices, and even parliament buildings.
Finns drink more coffee than anyone else
Finns consume about 12 kg of coffee per person per year, the highest in the world
Coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s part of the workday rhythm and social life.
There are not 1,000 lakes… but ~188,000
Finland is called the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but in reality there are around 188,000 lakes
That means nature (and waterfront views) are never far away.
Forest everywhere
About 70–75% of Finland is covered by forest
That’s one of the highest shares in Europe—and one reason why the air is among the cleanest in the world.
The happiest country in the world
Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for multiple consecutive years
Not because life is perfect—but because of trust, balance, and strong social systems.
Silence is not awkward here
Finnish culture values silence. People don’t feel the need to fill every gap with small talk—
instead, silence is seen as thoughtful and respectful
You can walk almost anywhere
Thanks to “Everyman’s Right,” anyone can roam freely in nature, pick berries, or camp (with respect for nature)
Yes, even in privately owned forests.
Sauna + ice water = normal
It’s perfectly typical to:
- Sit in a 80–100°C sauna
- Jump into an icy lake or roll in snow
- Repeat
Strangely enough, people love it.
Heavy metal is huge
Finland has more metal bands per capita than any other country
Even small towns often have their own bands and festivals.
Santa Claus lives here (officially)
Santa’s official hometown is in Rovaniemi, Lapland
You can meet him all year round.
Internet is a legal right
Since 2010, internet access has been a legal right in Finland
Even remote areas are expected to have connectivity.
People actually wait for the green light
Even if there are no cars, many Finns will patiently wait for the green light before crossing.
Rule-following is almost a national sport
“Doing business in Finland means working with people who…”
- value trust over talk
- respect time (and silence)
- balance performance with wellbeing
- and might invite you to sauna after the meeting