Nobody is left on their own in Helsinki
Life can throw curveballs—unexpected illnesses, job loss, or just the daily juggling act of family life. But living in Helsinki, you’re never left to face it all on your own. From affordable healthcare to fair work policies and real social support, this city has your back. It’s not about avoiding life’s challenges—it’s about knowing help is always there when you need it. And that makes life feel lighter, even when it gets heavy.
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Housing that makes sure no one is left behind
Finding and keeping a stable home can feel out of reach when life takes an unexpected turn. Around the world, too many people face homelessness without a clear way out, trapped in a cycle that’s hard to escape. But in Helsinki, no one is left to face this alone. Through Housing First Finland, the city has effectively solved homelessness by prioritising stable housing as the first step—without preconditions. Once people have a roof over their heads, they can access the support they need to build a more secure and independent future.
Healthcare that doesn’t add to your worries
Few things are scarier than dealing with a medical issue—and realising you might not be able to afford the care you need. The last thing anyone wants is to choose between their health and their bank account. In Helsinki, healthcare isn’t something you have to stress about.
Whether it’s a routine check-up, dental work, or something more serious, public healthcare keeps the costs low and predictable. A visit to a public health center? Free. Dental work, like filling a cavity? About 15 euros. And thanks to an annual payment cap of 638 euros, you’ll never be stuck with bills piling up. Once you hit that limit, the rest is covered.
Families can breathe easy too. The New Children’s Hospital isn’t just about high-quality treatment—it’s about making tough times easier. Parents can stay overnight, rooms are designed with comfort in mind, and everything feels a little less clinical. And even with such thoughtful care, costs remain affordable—a visit to a specialist doctor is just 39.20 euros. Prefer private healthcare? That’s available too, with private providers working alongside public services to give you more options.
Work-life balance with real protection
There’s nothing worse than feeling like your job controls your life. Long hours, burnout, and never enough time for yourself—sound familiar? In Helsinki, things run a little differently. Work matters, sure, but so does everything else. Whether you’re working in Helsinki or anywhere in Finland, your job won’t be the only thing you have time for. A full-time workweek is around 37.5 hours, and paid vacation isn’t a luxury here—it’s a right. Most people earn up to 30 days off a year (not including public holidays).
And when life happens? You’ve still got protection. Got sick during your holiday? You can reschedule those days. If your kid comes down with something, parents can take up to four days off with full pay to care for them. And if illness keeps you away from work longer, sick leave benefits—based on your salary—can last up to a year.
Even if you lose your job, you won’t be left without support. Unemployment benefits and housing assistance are there to help you stay on your feet while you figure out your next step. Joining a union can also provide added financial benefits and resources to help during difficult times. (Want to know more about how unions can support you? Read our article [insert link].) Finland’s work-life balance is well-known for a reason—it’s designed so you can enjoy life outside of work without the constant fear of falling behind.
Work in Finland is important—but it’s not your whole life. And when things go wrong, you’re not left to deal with it on your own.
Social support for families and individuals
The weight of responsibility can be too much sometimes—especially when you’re raising a family. No one can do it all alone, and in Helsinki, you don’t have to. Whether you’re adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with a loss, or just juggling too many things at once, there’s real help when you need it.
Home care services are available to take some of the pressure off, offering practical support with childcare, errands, or daily tasks. Parents can also turn to free child health visits and counselling, so when things get hard, there’s always someone who knows how to help.
If young people are struggling with mental health, loneliness, or substance issues, the city’s Youth Station offers free, compassionate support. And for adults facing serious challenges, like addiction or domestic problems, confidential services, shelters, and 24-hour helplines ensure that no one has to go through it alone.
Why life in Helsinki feels easier
Imagine what you could achieve if you weren’t spending so much energy worrying about the “what ifs.” In Helsinki, those worries don’t pile up—because when life throws something unexpected your way, you know there’s help.
Whether it’s taking care of your health or taking time off work when you need it, you’ve got the freedom to focus on what matters—your goals, your loved ones, and simply enjoying life.
Thinking about moving to Helsinki?
Come see what it’s like to live in a place where help is always close, and life feels lighter—not because things never go wrong, but because you know you won’t be left to handle it all alone. looking for.
