Doing business in Finland is made easier by the country’s excellent social welfare system, which helps integrate foreigners into society, including helping you look for jobs and learn Finnish or Swedish to reduce language barriers in the workplace.

Finland’s efficient economy is reflected in how well and easily business is conducted. The country promotes entrepreneurship and makes starting a business easier by lowering fees and reducing processing times for online business registrations.

When relocating to Finland, you should take time to understand business culture and etiquette to avoid confusion in business and social settings. Here are some key points to consider.

Fast facts

Business hours

Finland’s workweek is 40 hours, and office hours are normally Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, with a lunch break of around 30 minutes to one hour.

Business language

Finnish and Swedish are the country’s official languages. Although learning the language is difficult, you should make an effort to learn at least some Finnish. Free or subsidised Finnish language courses are available to residents through integration training, adult education centres, and open university programmes.

Dress

Business dress is generally conservative, formal, and stylish, often in dark suits or dresses.

Greetings

A firm handshake, a smile, and direct eye contact are the norm for greetings. Finnish colleagues call each other by their first names in nearly all settings, and even senior managers are typically addressed this way. When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to introduce yourself with your first and last name.

Gifts

Gift giving is not common in business settings. When invited to a Finn’s house, suitable options include chocolate, wine, or flowers. Avoid white or yellow flowers and potted plants, as these are associated with funerals.

Gender equality

Finland has strong gender equality standards that are reflected in its employment practices, and most women with children continue to work. Finland ranks well globally on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index, although a gender pay gap persists and remains the subject of active government policy.

Business culture in Finland

Communication

Finns tend to be direct. Communication is fairly open, although personal topics such as salary, religion, and politics are best avoided until you know someone well. Conversational tones should be moderate, courteous, and respectful, without interrupting anyone.

Hierarchy

Finns take pride in their egalitarian society and culture. As such, the workplace hierarchy is generally flat with open communication, and junior staff members are often given authority to make decisions.

Relationships

Long-term relationships are valued, although small talk in formal business settings isn’t. Relationships and friendships are built in more informal settings. Restaurants and saunas are both popular places to get to know colleagues better.

Values

Punctuality is valued in Finland; working hours and meeting times should be adhered to. You should let your colleagues and peers know if you expect to arrive late.

Dos and don’ts of business in Finland

• Do be humble and modest 
• Do say what needs to be said in business meetings, getting straight to the point, avoiding small talk 
• Do manage your time well 
• Do exchange business cards when meeting for the first time; there is no elaborate ritual, but treat the card you receive with respect 
• Don’t interrupt when someone is speaking, as this is rude 
• Don’t be late; punctuality matters in both business and social situations 
• Don’t ask personal questions about salary, religion, or politics
• Don’t drink alcohol at lunch; Finns rarely do, and a clear head during business hours is expected 
• Don’t be surprised if you get invited to a sauna; Finland has roughly 3 million of them for a population of around 5.6 million, and the sauna is central to social life