I'm Finnish, working in US tech — what taxes apply when I move back to Finland?
Short answer: Finland usually considers citizens tax-resident for three years after leaving (the 'three-year rule'), but for those returning, residency starts immediately upon arrival. You will be taxed on worldwide income, including US dividends and RSUs. Under the US–Finland treaty, private US pensions such as 401(k) distributions paid to a Finnish resident are generally taxable only in Finland.
Written and reviewed by Anthony Walsh, Selanis. Last reviewed 2026-10-06.
Why it works this way
Finland's 'three-year rule' (kolmen vuoden sääntö) is designed to keep departing Finns in the tax net. For those *returning*, it's less of a concern than the immediate application of progressive income tax (valtiontulovero) and municipal tax (kunnallisvero) on your US earnings and vestings.
The US-Finland tax treaty (Article 18) states that pensions and other similar remuneration paid to a resident of Finland shall be taxable only in Finland. This differs from other treaties where the US might keep primary taxing rights. US Social Security has its own rule in the treaty, so check how your benefit will be treated before you claim it.
Finnish taxation of capital income (pääomatulo) is flat at 30% (up to €30,000) and 34% thereafter. This applies to US dividends and realized gains. Finland also has a 'deemed acquisition cost' (hankintameno-olettama) rule: 20% of the sale price, or 40% if you held the asset for at least 10 years. This can lower your taxable gain, potentially lowering your taxable gain.
The expensive mistake: Ignoring the Finnish reporting requirements for foreign assets
Finland requires detailed reporting of foreign assets and income. Failure to report US-sourced dividends or stock sales can lead to tax increases (veronkorotus) and interest. The Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) is efficient and increasingly uses automated information exchange with the US (FATCA).
What to do
- Update your address with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency — Your formal return to Finland (muuttoilmoitus) triggers your re-entry into the Finnish tax and social security systems.
- Calculate the 'deemed acquisition cost' for old US shares — If you've held US stock for a long time, check if the 20% or 40% hankintameno-olettama is more favorable than your actual cost basis.
- Review your US health insurance transition — Ensure you are re-enrolled in the Finnish social security system (Kela) to avoid gaps in coverage once your US employer plan ends.