In 2022, Finland was once again named the happiest country in the world (World Happiness Report). However, due to the harsh climate and the different lifestyle of the Finns, few people decide to emigrate. For those who are considering economic emigration, a tourist trip, or maybe they are already working in Finland, we have prepared a list: days off and holidays in Finland. How to plan your vacation in 2023?
Entering into Finland
Finland belongs to the European Union, therefore citizens from other European countries traveling to this country have the right to free movement. This means that entry into Finland is possible on presentation of one of the following documents:
- passport
- temporary passport
- ID card
If the stay does not exceed three months, there is no need to report it. In a situation where we want to stay in Finland for longer, we must remember to report our stay at the migration office (located closest to the place of residence) and register in the system.
Necessary documents when registering with the immigration office in Finland are:
- passport (or ID card)
- certificate from the employer or employment contract
- apartment rental agreement
After examining the application, the person receives a Finnish identification number, which makes it possible to deal with most matters in offices and use public health care.
The Finnish government supports the migration policy, because they want to popularize the country among economic migrants. After arriving at the employment office, you can count on support and assistance at every stage of employment.
Days off and Holidays in Finland 2023
When planning an economic or a tourist trip to Finland, you should take into account the statutory non-working days. This is of great importance, e.g. because during the holidays many institutions and tourist attractions are closed. In Finland there are obligatory 14 non-working days. What’s more, some holidays are celebrated on a different date than in some other European countries.
In the table below, we have listed all non-working days and holidays in Finland, together with the exact dates for 2023.
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year’s Day (Uudenvuoden päivä) | 1.01.2023 (Sunday) |
| Epiphany (Loppiainen) | 6.01.2023 (Friday) |
| Good Friday (Pitkäperjantai) | 7.04.2023 |
| Easter Monday (Pääsiäinen) | 10.04.2023 |
| Labor Day (Vapunpäivä) | 1.05.2023 (Monday) |
| Ascension of the Lord (Helatorstai) | 18.05.2023 (Thursday) |
| The sending of the Holy Spirit,Pentecost (Helluntai) | 28.05.2023 (Sunday) |
| Midsummer’s Eve and Midsummer’s Day (Juhannus) – Friday and Saturday between June 19 and 26 | 23-24.06.2023 (Friday-Saturday) |
| All Saints’ Day (Pyhäinpäivä) – Saturday following November 1 | 4.11.2023 (Saturday) |
| Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä) | 6.12.2023 (Wednesday) |
| Christmas Eve (Jouluaatto) | 24.12.2023 (Sunday) |
| 1st Christmas Day (Joulupäivä) | 25.12.2023 (Monday) |
| 2nd Christmas Day (Tapaninpäivä) | 26.12.2023 (Tuesday) |
The above information shows that some holidays are celebrated at the same time as in some other European countries: New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Pentecost, 1st Christmas Day and 2nd Christmas Day (Boxing Day).
This is good news for people who live and work permanently in Finland. This gives them the opportunity to return to their local countries for the holidays, and thus spend this time with their loved ones.
Unfortunately, not everyone has this opportunity. If you are in a similar situation and in 2023 you will not visit your relatives on holidays, we encourage you to read our previous article: How to go through Christmas in emigration?
Vacation in 2023 – when to plan?
The settlement period in Finland starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the following year. For each month worked, the employee is entitled to 2.5 days of annual leave, which gives us 24 days of vacation per year. How to plan a vacation so as to use as few legally entitled vacation days as possible? Here we give a hint!
- January 5-9 (Thursday-Monday)
- April 5-10 (Thursday-Monday)
- April 28 – May 1 (Friday-Monday)
- May 18-21 (Thursday-Sunday)
- June 22-25 (Thursday-Sunday)
- December 6-10 (Wednesday-Sunday)
- December 22-26 (Friday-Tuesday)