Why Helsinki

Greater Helsinki is a thriving business hub located in the heart of Baltic Sea Region, next to Russia and only an 8-hour flight away from Beijing and New York. Helsinki has extremely well-functioning business environment, it boasts one of the world’s most talented workforce and has impressive figures to show on investments made in R&D. It’s also a clean, stable and secure region with a very high standard of living and welfare. The Helsinki region outnumbers other Nordic capitals in total amount of FDI projects & cross-border venture and M&A deals. There are over 2,000 foreign owned enterprises employing 172,000 staff and accounting for 30% of the region’s corporate R&D spend.

Skilled workforce

Over a third of the Helsinki region inhabitants have a higher-level education and Finnish students are consistently ranked amongst the smartest on the planet. Finns have the work ethics and trans-sectorial skills needed to succeed in knowledge-intensive businesses in a global economy. Supported by an unmatched, modern infrastructure, it's no wonder Finns are constantly ranked as one of the world's most productive workforces.

You can find more specific information about the talent we have in different industries on the Helsinki Business Hub website.

International accessibility

Helsinki is your quick access to the EU and the world, being the fastest gateway between Europe and Asia. The city is situated right in the middle of the Baltic Sea region, surrounded by fast growing markets, such as the neighbouring parts of Russia. Helsinki also has easy air access beyond Europe and Asia far to the West. Its strategic location makes it an internationally accessible hub and thus a good location for regional headquarters and other business functions that go beyond the national borders.

You can find more specific information about the just how quick and easy it is to access Helsinki from around the world on the Helsinki Business Hub website.

Easy business environment

Foreign companies are welcome in Finland and the process of establishing a business is quick and easy. The incorporation process involves very few procedures and only takes 2 to 3 weeks. If setting up a business is runs smoothly, so does doing business. Finland is the 2^nd least corrupt country in the world, and over two thirds of us speak English. Finland was 13th out of 183 economies in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2016 global rankings.

You can find more specific facts about the ease of doing business in Helsinki on the Helsinki Business Hub website.

Leading tech startup hub

With the world’s best educational system and exceptional research opportunities, we host a culture of fresh thinking. Finland is also home to startup events such as Slush and Arctic15 and has Europe’s highest level of venture investment in relation to GDP, according to a study by FVCA. Around 70% of venture investment deals and up to 80% of venture investment value goes to companies located in the Helsinki region (source: BVD Zephyr).

Quality of life

We constantly rank among the top 10 nations in the world in quality of life and happiness. We get to live very close to the nature, breathe clean air and enjoy the changing seasons. Finland has the best primary and higher education systems in the world. To be honest, the reasons for our high quality life are endless, including also functioning public services, light summer nights, safe streets, neighbourly atmosphere, and maybe even the famous kalsarikännit. Check out this video from the city of Helsinki explaining the top 10 reasons making Helsinki a famously liveable city.

However, you have to experience life in Finland to find your own reason. Helsinki is waiting for you.

Support and incentives

Even though landing and doing business in Helsinki is easy, you don't have to do it alone. Foreign-owned companies in Finland are eligible for a wide range of government and EU incentives on an equal footing with Finnish-owned companies.

A helping hand is just one phone call away. Helsinki Business Hub, the regional development agency for the Finnish capital region, is here to ensure you a smooth landing in the Helsinki region.

We make Helsinki the best place for your business!

Focus industries

Helsinki is a major center for Information Technology, Marine & Harbour, Health & Medical, Cleantech and Energy & Environment.

Learn about our Focus industries.