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Moving to a new place means more than finding a home – it’s about creating a life. In this chapter you’ll find practical information about housing options, home insurance and electricity, as well as tips on how to settle into the community. You will also learn what’s good to know about vehicles, driving licences, traffic, and how to get around in Åland.
Wherever you live in Åland, you’ll be near the sea, your workplace, school and friends. Distances are short and traffic jams are rare. Whether you want to rent or own your home, the options are many: from houses with private gardens to semi-detached houses and modern apartments.
Some employers may help arrange accommodation. When you are searching for accommodation, you can advertise free of charge on the local newspaper’s advertising website, www.marknaden.ax (in Swedish). There, you can also find the rental ads.
Åland’s housing market is relatively small and stable. In Mariehamn, you’ll find both apartments and houses, while houses are more common in the countryside and in the archipelago.
Renting is common, especially in Mariehamn. Rental prices are moderate compared to major cities in Finland and Sweden but can be higher in the town centre. Housing ads are usually posted in Swedish.
Visit Fastigheter.ax to see properties for sale in Åland (in Swedish).
The Facebook groups “Bostäder på Åland” and “Inflyttade ålänningar - New in Åland” can be helpful as well when looking for rental or owner-occupied housing.
Rental housing in Åland mainly consists of apartments owned by large Åland companies such as banks, insurance companies and shipping companies. The City of Mariehamn, through its real estate company Marstad, owns many properties in Mariehamn. There are also rental properties located in smaller buildings of only 4–5 apartments. These properties are often owned by private individuals or small real estate companies.
Here we have gathered information for those who are looking to rent accommodation.
Always visit the property before signing a rental agreement. If you can't visit in person, ask someone you trust to check it for you. It's also wise to investigate the background of the landlord or housing company.
During the viewing:
When you find a home to rent, you will sign a rental agreement with the landlord or housing company. Almost all rental contracts are indefinite-term agreements. In some cases, the agreement can be written in English. If the contract is in Swedish, make sure to get it translated before signing – never sign anything you don’t understand.
Rental agreements in Åland are governed by the Act on Tenancy (1999:19) for the Åland Islands. This law covers key aspects such as the lease term, rent, deposits, subletting, and tenant/landlord obligations. Always make sure you are comfortable with the home before entering into a long-term contract.
Hyreslag (1999:19) för landskapet Åland.
Rental regulations and housing policy on the Åland Government’s website.
Before you move in, the landlord will ask for a security deposit, usually equal to 1–2 months’ rent (maximum 3 by law). The deposit is returned when you move out, provided the home is clean, undamaged (except for normal wear and tear), and all payments are made. Clear communication with your landlord is key to solving any problems.
The average monthly rent per square metre is €12.13.
Source: ÅSUB, April 2024 (in Swedish).
Rent is paid monthly by bank transfer, typically at the beginning of the month. Cash, credit cards, and checks are not used for rent payments in Åland.
Additional costs like water may also be included in your rental contract.
Rent may increase yearly based on the cost-of-living index – this must be stated in the agreement.
Most rental homes in Åland have house rules that everyone is expected to follow. These include quiet hours, rules for shared spaces, and often restrictions on smoking – even on balconies. Always check your rental agreement.
Each apartment building has a property manager or maintenance company. Their contact details are usually posted near the entrance. Contact them for repairs or to report issues like heating problems, water leaks or pests. Notifications are usually made by email or through an online form.
Agree with your landlord when and how to collect your keys – usually when the rental contract is signed or directly at the property. You should receive at least two keys. Only the landlord can usually make copies, and replacing lost keys can be expensive.
It’s a good idea to inspect the home together when you move in. Note or photograph any damage so that both you and the landlord agree on the condition of the property from the start.
If you have a fixed-term contract, you cannot end it early without a penalty. If your contract is open-ended, you can usually give one month’s notice (check your agreement).
If the landlord ends the contract, they must give three months’ notice from the end of the month. If the rental agreement has lasted for at least two years without interruption, the notice period is six months.
If the tenant ends the contract, the notice period is one month from the end of the month.
Tenants are always responsible for any damage — even if caused by a guest or pet. Don’t forget to return the keys when you move out.
Most residential areas are scenic and close to nature. Some homes are by the water and may include a private dock or boat space. Another option is shared ownership, where you own shares in the property.
Here we have gathered information for those who want to buy a home.
Visit fastigheter.ax to find properties from all brokers (in Swedish).
If you want to build your own house, the options are the same as for those who want to buy. This means that you have the possibility to build without the right of domicile (hembygdsrätt) in planned residential areas, in village centres or similar local areas if you first apply for a land acquisition permit (jordförvärvstillstånd).
Most municipalities in Åland offer plots for building your own house for permanent residence. You also apply for a building permit (bygglov) through the municipality.
Contact details and information on permanent settlement areas and building permit can be found on each municipality’s own website.
You should contact the National Land Survey of Åland (Lantmäteriverket) to register a change of property ownership by applying for title registration (lagfart), which is the official recording of ownership in the property information system. You can also get help with the title registration from your bank.
Contact the National Land Survey (Lantmäteriet) in Mariehamn.
When you move to Åland, you can buy a house or a plot of land in a planned area for residence or in a village centre without the right of domicile (hembygdsrätt). You can also buy a house or a plot of land for permanent residence even if it is not a planned area.
To buy land or a house without the right of domicile, you must first apply for a land acquisition permit (jordförvärvstillstånd). When buying land houses for your own home, the Government of Åland generally always grants a land acquisition permit, if you meet the conditions.
When you move to Åland, start by contacting your new municipality of residence. The municipality is responsible for helping you settle in and will guide you through the integration process.
You can receive support with finding housing, enrolling your children in school, arranging childcare, understanding elder care and social services, and learning about working life in Åland.
AMS (the Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services) is also a partner and can assist you with employment matters.
Contact your home municipality.
Contact AMS for more information about employment and study support.
The cost of living in Åland is comparable to that in mainland Finland and other Nordic regions. Housing, food, and transportation are the main expenses. Rental prices vary depending on location – Mariehamn, and surrounding areas, tends to be more expensive than rural areas or in the archipelago.
Basic groceries and consumer goods may be slightly more expensive than in larger cities due to the island’s location and smaller market. However, many services such as healthcare, education, and childcare are publicly funded and affordable.
Mobile phone subsciption and broadband internet in Åland are generally priced below the EU average, offering high-quality connectivity at reasonable rates.
Dining out and purchasing alcohol tend to be more expensive than in many other countries, mainly due to transport costs and taxation.
Overall, while Åland may not be a low-cost destination, the high quality of life, safety, and access to nature offer good value in return.
For detailed information, you can visit Statistics Finland or ÅSUB (Åland’s official statistics bureau) (in Swedish).
Contact details for moving companies in Åland (in Swedish).
As a property owner, you receive an annual property tax assessment and pay property tax.
Read more about property taxation in Åland.
Once you have found your home, it is a good idea to take out home insurance. Home insurance protects your home and its contents. Home insurance is sold by insurance companies.
In Åland you can take out home insurance with insurance companies listed below, which also offer other types of insurance, for example, personal and car insurance.
Ömsen insurance
Pohjola Insurance
Lokaltapiola Åland
To get electricity in your home, you need to sign an electricity contract. In Åland, the electricity network and distribution are managed locally by Mariehamns Energi or Ålands Elandelslag, depending on where you live.
Electricity services are divided into two parts:
Many residents sign a contract directly with the local energy provider, who handles both supply and distribution in one agreement. You can usually choose between a fixed-term contract with a set price, or a flexible contract based on hourly market rates.
Electricity prices vary depending on usage and contract type but are generally considered reasonable. If you're unsure, ask your landlord or contact the local energy company for advice.
For information on local services such as municipal technology, please contact your home municipality directly.
Visit the Government of Åland for information on municipal technology and other activities.
To contribute to a more sustainable environment, it is important to sort your waste at home before you throw it away. Sorting procedures differ slightly depending on which part of Åland you live in. Instructions can usually be found at the waste containers where you live. If you do not know how to sort your waste, contact your municipality or landlord.
Here you will find companies and organizations in the field of waste management and recycling in Åland (in Swedish).
You can get to and from Mariehamn by bus and/or archipelago ferry every weekday, regardless of which municipality in Åland you live in. The bus routes generally follow the main roads into Mariehamn. Both the bus and ferry timetables are adapted to the working hours of those who live in the countryside or in the archipelago and work in the town.
Åland Transport – bus routes and archipelago ferries.
The Mariehamn bus runs frequently every weekday (Monday-Friday). The fare is the same, regardless of the route. Children under 12 pay half price and children under 6 travel free.
Urban traffic.
Kommunikationskartan fr Visit Åland, fungerar den som bild? De har ev reviderat den!
Here you can find out more about local public transport and travel to and from Åland.
More information: Good to know when travelling to Åland from Visitaland.com.
Good to know when travelling in Åland from Visitaland.com.
Ålandstrafiken – information about the archipelago ferries and public transport in Åland.
The Government of Åland’s map portal (in Swedish).
There is right-hand traffic in Åland and in the rest of the Nordic coutries. The traffic culture is calm.
It is compulsory for cars to always drive with dipped headlights (low beam) and to have winter tires in winter. In winter you can use either studded or friction tires. When it is dark outside, it is important that pedestrians use reflectors to be visible in traffic.
The police monitor compliance with traffic rules. If you break the traffic rules, you will be fined. It is an offense to drive any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Read more about road safety at regeringen.ax.
A driving license is a document that shows that you are authorized to drive a motor vehicle, off-road motor vehicle, tractor and/or motorized equipment. Anyone driving a licensed vehicle (e.g. a car) on public roads must have a valid driving license. A driving license is not a valid travel document or an official identity document.
A driving license issued in the Nordic countries can be used in Åland for its entire period of validity. If you live in Åland and want to renew your driving license, contact the Åland police authority at least 1 month before the expiry date.
Read more about driving licenses on the police website (in Swedish).
To obtain a driving license, you need to pass a driving test:
Theory tests and driving tests for those who want to get a driving license or a new driving license category take place at the Åland Vehicle Administration (Fordonsmyndigheten) (in Swedish).
Here you can find driving schools in Åland (in Swedish).
If you have a car, you must take out vehicle insurance with an insurance company:
Ömsen Insurance
In Åland and in Finland, cars must be inspected and registered. Inspections are carried out at the Åland Vehicle Administration (Fordonsmyndigheten) at Norra Möckelövägen 58. This is the only inspection station in Åland. You can register your car at the inspection station, insurance companies and car dealers, for example.
For more information on booking, payment and inspection intervals, please visit the Åland Motor Vehicle Authority (Fordonsmyndigheten)(in Swedish).
You must book your inspection appointment yourself.
