Finland
Finland is a comparatively LGBTQIA+-friendly and a safe country located in Northern Europe, with legal protections for trans and queer people. Finland shows strong social acceptance towards LGBTQIA+ community and institutional support, but struggles with bureaucratic and trans-specific healthcare access challenges.
Why Finland?
Finland ranks as world's happiest country for eighth year in a row.
Why does Finland rank as the happiest country in the world by the UN World Happines Report. The answer is rooted in the fundamental trust present throughout the Finnish society, enabling individuals to feel safe and relaxed. Another reason is the proximity of nature and the disconnection it offers. Finland has a good quality of life, education, safety, press freedom, and low levels of corruption. It offers a social welfare system, good public healthcare and education, a stable democracy, and good public services. Finland also has clean nature, low pollution, and a high degree of gender equality and respect for human rights.
Sisu’ affects Finns' experience as the world's happiest people. It is a unique Finnish concept combining grit, resilience, and determination.
How does the salary level in Finland compare to other EU countries?
Finland's average salaries are relatively high compared to many other EU countries, particularly in skilled sectors. However, salaries are generally lower than in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, or Denmark. The Finnish system also includes high taxation, which funds extensive public services. The minimum wage is not defined by law but is regulated through collective agreements by industry.
What is the rent level in Finland compared to other EU countries?
Rental prices in Finland are moderate by EU standards. In major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, or Turku, rents are higher, especially for small apartments. However, compared to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Dublin, rent in Finland remains relatively more affordable, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Social housing and housing support are also available for those eligible.
Why is Finland considered an LGBTQIA+ friendly country?
Finland is regarded as one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly countries in the EU. Anti-discrimination laws protect individuals on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal, gender-affirming healthcare is publicly funded (although under a gatekeeping model), and public attitudes are generally progressive. Pride events are widely celebrated, and LGBTQIA+ rights are actively supported by many civil society organizations.
In Finland, people who belong to sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+) do not frequently encounter verbal harassment or threatening situations in public, even though not everyone in society supports these rights. Public safety remains high, and anti-discrimination laws provide legal protection.
Political Situation in Finland
Finland is a parliamentary republic with a multi-party system, meaning that no single political party has enough support to govern alone. As a result, coalition governments are the norm.
Finland is a parliamentary democracy with multiple political parties. One of the major parties is the Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset), known for its right-wing populist and nationalist stance. The party is often critical of immigration, EU integration, and progressive social policies, including some LGBTQIA+ rights. While they have gained significant support in recent years and are part of the current coalition government (as of 2023–2025), their views have sparked considerable public debate and protest. Nevertheless, Finland’s legal protections and strong civil society continue to uphold fundamental rights for all people, regardless of the ruling parties.
In recent elections have indicated a shift in public sentiment:
Left-Wing Gains: In municipal and regional elections, left-wing parties, the Social Democrats and the Left Alliance made significant gains, while the Finns Party experienced a notable decline in support. This shift suggests growing public support for progressive policies and a potential reevaluation of the current government's direction.
Despite this progress, divisions within the current right-leaning coalition have led to setbacks:
Conversion Therapy Ban Stalled
In March 2025, the Finnish Parliament voted 125 to 49 in favor of a citizens' initiative to ban conversion therapy. Despite this parliamentary support, the government has decided not to advance the proposal during its current term.
Withdrawal from Equality Initiatives
In September 2024, Finland opted not to join the Ukraine Equality Alliance, a decision attributed to Minister Ville Tavio of the Finns Party. The alliance aimed to promote gender and sexual minority rights in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. This move sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Minister Tavio has been reported to avoid including LGBTQIA+ topics in official speeches and has made remarks perceived as dismissive towards LGBTQIA+ issues. Such positions have raised concerns about the government's commitment to promoting equality.
Legal gender recognition
Act on Legal Recognition of Gender was reformed in 2023, allowing adults in Finland to change their legal gender through self-determination, without medical or psychiatric evaluations. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, provide a considered written request, and undergo a reflection period before confirmation. The law removed the previous requirements of infertility, medical diagnosis, and sterilization, aligning Finland with international human rights standards.
Even if you are not a Finnish citizen, you can change your legal gender in Finland as long as you are a legal resident and have a registered your municipality of residence. This application is free of charge. However, aligning your gender marker and name between your Finnish ID and those issued by your country of origin depends on that country's own laws and policies.