Moving to Levi, Finland, is more than just a change of address—it was an opportunity to embrace an eagerly anticipated lifestyle change shaped by the closeness of nature and simplicity. Levi is at the heart of Lapland and is known for its gently mountainous snowy landscapes, untouched forests, glittering lakes, skiing, and the occasional reindeer wandering by, offering a peaceful environment far removed from the hustle of life in the UK.
If you’re considering taking the leap, here’s the story of how our family turned the dream into reality.
1. The Dream Begins: Research and Planning
When the idea of moving to Levi first took root, we dove headfirst into research. From comprehending the Finnish way of life to calculating the cost of living, we armed ourselves with as much knowledge as possible.
But before dreams could turn into plans, we needed to understand the practicalities.
- Finnish immigration laws;
- Education opportunities for my children;
- Entertainment for kids of various ages and us, grown-ups;
- Property markets and laws for international buyers; and
- Cultural nuances.
This became our nightly reading.
Our first visit in May 2023 was pivotal. It wasn’t just about scouting the land but feeling the essence of Levi.
2. The First Visit: Finding Home in the Unknown
I landed at Kittilä airport on a crisp May evening, weary from a day of travel yet energised by the possibilities ahead. The journey from Heathrow with Finnair (an amazing airline) involved a smooth transfer in Helsinki.
By the time I reached Levi’s Panorama Hotel, I was smitten, it felt like I was coming home. The pine-scented air and epic landscapes were everything I had imagined—and more. I instantly felt at peace, it was an unusual, calm state of mind this place had to offer.
The next few days were a whirlwind of viewings, questions, and logistics. Armed with an itinerary (which I meticulously planned), I explored properties, met local estate agents, and tried to envision life here with the family.
The total cost for this reconnaissance trip (approx £800) was manageable, but the insights I gained were invaluable.
3. Making the Leap: Securing Our Dream Home
Back in the UK, I shared my findings with my wife and children. Within days, we found ourselves making an offer on a stunning property that was still being built.
The Finnish property process was vastly different from what I knew:
- A 10% deposit
- A lawyer fluent in the local laws, and a
- A Finnish bank account
were all needed.
The hurdles were small, but simple solutions—like using Wise for transfers and empowering a Finnish lawyer with power of attorney—made it very doable.
4. The Visa Maze: Entrepreneurship Opens Doors
Relocating to Finland as a family required careful navigation of the visa system. As a UK resident, I applied for the Entrepreneur’s Visa, leveraging my UK Limited Company to meet the requirements.
A trip to the Finnish embassy in London secured my application and with that, my residency. For my wife, an EU citizen, the process was much simpler. If your spouse isn’t an EU citizen, I highly recommend applying together to streamline the process.
Note: regardless of my wife being part of the EU I would have been granted residency based on the choice of Visa I opted for.
5. Living Arrangements: A Home in Progress
While our newly built home was being finished, we made multiple trips to Levi, each time falling more in love with the area. Hotels and short-term rentals became our temporary havens, and each visit brought new discoveries—from snowshoeing in the forests to meeting the warm and welcoming locals, including those from Belgium, Poland, Spain and Netherlands along with the Finnish.
6. Education and Integration
One of our biggest concerns was ensuring a smooth transition for our children. Levi’s schools came highly recommended, and the local community was incredibly supportive. With some help from expat forums, we secured the necessary school documents and started preparing our kids for a bilingual adventure.
During this time, we also focused on obtaining residency permits and healthcare documents for the family. The Finnish authorities, known for their efficiency and clear guidance, made the process straightforward. We combined a trip to the immigration office in Rovaniemi with a family outing to Santa Claus Village—a magical experience that added excitement to the bureaucratic steps. The kids were thrilled to meet Santa, while we were relieved to tick off a critical task on our relocation checklist.
Finland’s reputation for accessible and organised public services proved true, and every step brought us closer to feeling settled in our new home.
7. A New Chapter: Embracing Levi Life
By the time we finally made the move, Levi had already begun to feel like home. We traded our UK VW campervan for a Ford Ranger and drove across Europe to settle into our new life. The journey was epic—a story for another day—and worth every mile.
From first property viewing and property completion and signing the deed took 5 months.
Now, we wake up to the stillness of snow-blanketed mornings, spend evenings skiing and weekends exploring frozen lakes, and cherish family dinners under the glow of the Northern Lights. In the summer: it only gets more exciting. We eat our breakfast in our forested garden, picking wild blueberries from the undergrowth, and counting the reindeer passing by. Life is simple here, and moments are all the more memorable.
A few pictures of Levi Lapland Living…
Moving to Finland isn’t without its challenges. From navigating bureaucracy to understanding local utilities, every step taught us something new. However, each hurdle was met with helpful solutions, and the process became a rewarding learning experience. Here are my top tips for a smooth transition:
- Start your Finnair Plus journey early. Free blueberry juice on flights is a bonus, and the Avios points you can transfer quickly add up, making travel more economical.
- Embrace the Finnish language. Learning even a few basic phrases—like “Kiitos” (thank you) and “Moi” (hello)—goes a long way in showing respect and building connections with locals. Many Finns speak English, but the effort to learn their language is always appreciated.
- Visit Kittilä Municipality. Arranging a meeting with the local team there was one of the best decisions I made. They were incredibly helpful, offering advice and guidance on settling in, registering documents, and understanding local services.
- Use a trusted property lawyer. It’s worth every Euro for peace of mind when navigating contracts and legalities, especially if Finnish isn’t your first language.
- Nordea makes banking straightforward. Their English-speaking staff were excellent in helping set up a Finnish bank account, which is essential for managing local transactions and receiving wages or payments.
- Plan for every scenario. Whether it’s Plan A (moving full-time), Plan B (keeping the property as a holiday home), or Plan C (renting it out), having options reduces stress and keeps you flexible as you adapt to a new environment.
- Register for a Kela card. This card grants access to Finland’s social security and healthcare system. It’s a straightforward process, and the benefits are essential for long-term residents.
- Check out the unique events across Lapland. Finland is full of quirky and fun traditions that bring communities together. From wife-carrying competitions to tree-hugging championships and air guitar contests, these events are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in local culture.
- Consider starting a business. If you’re an entrepreneur, Finland offers excellent support, including the possibility of a startup grant and access to free business advice. Invest in Finland is a great resource to explore opportunities and learn about incentives for new businesses.
Each of these steps helped turn our relocation into a manageable and even enjoyable journey. The Finnish systems and people are incredibly welcoming, making it easier to feel at home in this beautiful country.
Could Finland, Lapland or Levi Be Your Next Adventure?
Relocating to Levi, Finland, is a bold move, but one filled with promise. It’s a place where the pace of life slows, nature becomes your neighbour, and opportunities to connect with both people (including your own family) and the wildlife around. We quickly discovered that most things that we packed our life with back in the UK were not at all necessary – simple goes further.
If you’re considering a move, I hope our story offers both inspiration and practical guidance. Every family’s journey will differ, but one thing is certain: Levi, Lapland and Finland is a place where dreams can take root and grow.
Have questions about moving to Levi? Need help planning. Or maybe you’ve already made the leap? We’d love to hear your story!