Removals to Finland from UK

Documents you’ll need for removals to Finland:

For a long while, moving house to Finland from the United Kingdom was as smooth as going there on vacation. Those times, however, ended on the first of January 2021. Removals after Brexit make it necessary to comply with the Transfer of Residence procedure in order to avoid paying import VAT (24% of the total value) for the possessions you move to Finland. We, as VanOne, are dedicated to ensure that this reasonably stressful experience will go as smoothly as possible for you.

To achieve that, and indeed even to be able to collect your goods and send them safely on the road to Finland, we will need from you the following documents:

• A copy of ID card or Passport.
• A certificate from the local council in Finland to certify residency. Alternatively, suppose the EU customs agent agrees, it might be enough for you to supply a document confirming that you are an EU resident or intend to become one, for example:
  • If you live with your family in the EU, please ask them to complete and sign this template and provide a copy of their personal ID and a utility bill with the address
  • Or if you are employed in the EU, please provide your EU employment contract.
  • Or if you have living arrangements in the EU, please provide a utility bill with your name and address on it or your tenancy agreement, or the property ownership deed.
• A detailed, signed packing list with the value, size and weight of each listed item. Please fill in all fields provided in VanOne Insurance Form.
• A UK certificate of residence or other evidence that you’ve lived in the UK at least for the last 12 months (e.g. 12 months of council tax bills or bank statements showing address).
• A self-certificate (please use this template) to inform the customs authorities that you’ve used the household objects at your usual residence in the UK for more than six months and that you won’t sell, rent or pledge them after receiving them in your new place and that you aim to remain an EU resident for at least one year.
• A signed authorization for the customs clearance agent to act as your direct representative. A blank form will be supplied to you by VanOne after you confirm your booking.

You must print and sign all the documents and have them ready for the driver in a large envelope. Please also supply completed documents electronically via the customer portal for verification.

The above documents have to be prepared and handed over prior to collection of your possessions. Another document we will need is a CMR form, but this the driver will provide for you to fill in on the day of your move.

If you want to speed up the process or find out more you might want to contact your local customs office in Finland.

You can also visit this government resource for more information about bringing personal effects to Finland.

Moving from Finland to the UK

Are you in the process of moving from Finland to the UK? You’ll need a removals team that can make it happen! VanOne will pick up your possessions from any major Finnish town or city, and deliver them safely to your new British home. Our Finland to UK removals are part of our low price commitment: by never travelling with empty vans, we keep costs to a minimum and we pass the savings over to you.

Whatever your reasons for moving to the UK from Finland, let VanOne take care of the practicalities. We will transport your belongings safely in our spacious vans, crossing the Channel and unloading at your UK destination. To book a move or request a quote, use the online form provided.

Popular Finnish Destinations for UK Movers

Most British expats and international movers settle in these five major metropolitan and cultural hubs:

• Helsinki: The capital and largest city, offering the strongest job market (especially in tech/start-ups), excellent transport, and a vibrant cultural life, though it has the highest cost of living.
• Tampere: Often called Finland’s “second capital.” It’s a growing tech and gaming hub located between two large lakes, offering a dynamic environment with lower living costs than Helsinki.
• Espoo: Part of the Greater Helsinki Area, this city is a major tech hub and a popular choice for families, offering a blend of modern suburbs and nature with easy access to the capital.
• Turku: Finland’s oldest city and former capital. It’s known for its maritime and biotech sectors, rich history, and the beautiful archipelago on the southwest coast.
• Oulu: Known as the “Capital of Northern Scandinavia,” this city is a leader in wireless technology and R&D. It offers a unique Arctic lifestyle and more affordable housing in the north.

Cost of Living in Finland vs. the UK

While both Finland and the UK are relatively expensive countries, Finland is generally considered less expensive overall, primarily driven by rental costs. Groceries in Finland are typically slightly cheaper than in the UK, with some reports suggesting an average reduction of 5–10% on general supermarket expenses. The most significant difference is rent: city-centre apartment rents in Helsinki are often 20–40% lower than those in comparable areas of London. Regarding income, the average monthly net salary (after tax) is often 5–15% higher in Finland, granting residents better overall purchasing power, despite higher progressive tax rates. Additionally, basic utilities and internet costs can be 15–30% cheaper in Finland.

Easy, Safe & Cheap removals to Finland:

We wanted to remind you why we’re different to other removal services out there. It’s because we put you first. Our three core values attest to this. Here is what they mean to you. Our fantastic service means you’ll find it’s a breeze to move to Finland with us, our commitment to caring for your belongings as if they were ours means they will be completely safe with us, and our very cheap prices mean you’ll have more money in your pocket to buy something you really want. So what are you waiting for? Click for a quote.

Still have some questions about removals to Finland? Check out our FAQ page. We’re certain you’ll find the answers there. Get in touch today for more information. VanOne guarantees a safe, cheap and efficient move to Finland. Put your trust in our team.

Contribution by Michael Heisenberg
Last updated on 12th December 2025