Moving From Finland to the UK in 2025 — 5 Years After Brexit
It’s now five years since the UK officially left the European Union on 1 February 2020. Brexit was supposed to make moving harder. Visas replaced free movement and customs became more complicated. Many expected the UK to lose its appeal for Europeans.
From the perspective of Finland’s leading international moving company, things look different. The UK is still one of the most popular destinations for our clients. We move people there every month for jobs, studies and family reasons. London is the main hub, but Finns also move to Manchester, Edinburgh and Brighton.
Moving Trends Since Brexit
Before Brexit, moving from Finland to the UK was simple. No visas, no customs and no border checks. Today it takes more planning, but the demand is still there.
- About 20,000 Finns live in the UK, most in London.
- Visas are now required, usually for work, studies or family sponsorship.
- EU migration has fallen overall, but the UK continues to attract Finns.
The motivation is clear. Career opportunities, good universities and a rich cultural life still pull people across.
Why Use a Moving Company?
Driving your own van might work for a move to Sweden. To the UK it is more complicated.
- Such a long move calls for sea, road or air transport, along with thorough planning.
- Customs clearance is mandatory and paperwork must be correct.
This is why many Finns prefer a professional mover. It gives reassurance, smooth customs handling and avoids unpleasant surprises on arrival.
Customs & Import Rules in 2025
Every move to the UK now goes through customs. The key system is the Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief. This allows you to bring in your used household goods without paying duty or VAT if:
- The UK will be your new main home.
- You have owned and used the items for at least six months.
- You apply for ToR before shipping and keep the goods for at least a year.
This applies to all household goods, even valuable ones like furniture, electronics or cars. The price does not matter as long as they are for personal use.
Do not confuse this with travellers’ duty-free allowances. Those apply only to small amounts of goods carried in person, not a full household shipment.
Items That Need Attention
Some things are restricted or banned, including:
- Meat, dairy, plants and animal products.
- Weapons, knives and controlled medicines.
- Cash amounts over £10,000.
With the right documents and good packing, customs clearance is usually straightforward.
Why Finland → UK Still Works
Even with the extra steps, the UK remains a top destination for Finnish expats. The reasons are clear:
- Strong job and study opportunities.
- A large Finnish community, especially in London.
- Predictable customs processes with ToR in place.
- Peace of mind when using an experienced mover.
Brexit changed the rules, but not the connection.
Helping families and professionals move from Finland to the UK remains one of the moves we handle most often and one we know best.
