Finland is undergoing a significant reassessment of tax policy. The government has proposed changes to car taxation, maintained the varainsiirtovero (English: transfer tax) on property transactions, and tightened taxation on soft drinks and mining minerals. At the same time, opposition proposals to reduce taxes have sparked debate. The changes particularly affect mobility, housing, and consumption. Motorists face an entirely new tax system, while the varainsiirtovero on property transactions remains contested. Taxation on soft drinks and mining minerals is tightening as part of health and environmental policy objectives.
Finland
Autovero (English: car tax) is being reformed during 2026. Experts anticipate an entirely new tax system that will replace the current autovero. The new model will likely be based on a per-kilometre charge or an emissions-based system. Exact figures have not yet been published, but the change will affect all motorists. Source: Uusi Suomi, September 2025. In practice, the new autovero could raise annual driving costs, particularly for those who drive long distances. A per-kilometre model would mean that every kilometre driven carries a cost. This changes the calculations especially for people living in rural areas and those with long commutes. Electric vehicles may be offered transitional relief. Alternatives to Finland include countries where autovero is lower or does not exist at all. In Estonia, for example, autovero is significantly lower, and in Germany there is no autovero as such, only an annual vehicle tax based on emissions. These differences can influence in which country it makes sense to keep a vehicle registered. Compare your situation with Finland → The varainsiirtovero on property transactions remains at 4%, despite opposition demands for its abolition. The Finns Party describes the tax as an "unreasonable burden" that slows down the housing market. For example, a buyer of a 300,000 euro home pays 12,000 euros in varainsiirtovero. Source: Uusi Suomi, December 2025. A slowdown in the housing market has been visible in Finland. The varainsiirtovero raises the threshold for buying a home, particularly for first-time buyers. Abolishing the tax could revive the market, but the government is holding on to the revenue, which amounts to approximately 500 million euros per year. This is a political choice that balances tax revenue against market mobility. The situation varies in comparison countries. In Belgium, the varainsiirtovero is regionally 10-12.5%, making Finland's 4% relatively moderate. In Denmark there is no varainsiirtovero at all, making property transactions more flexible. In Portugal, the varainsiirtovero (IMT) is progressive and can rise to 6%, but first-time buyers receive relief. Compare your situation with Finland → The virvoitusjuomavero (English: soft drinks tax) tightens by 15% from the start of 2026. The change applies to sugary drinks and is part of health policy. At the same time, taxation on mining minerals is tightening, raising costs for mining companies. Source: Finnish Government, September 2025. For consumers, this means higher prices in shops. For example, a 1.5-litre bottle of soft drink may become around 20-30 cents more expensive. The aim is to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health. The tightening of mining mineral taxation, in turn, affects industry and may push up construction material prices. Similar taxes are in use in other Nordic countries. In Norway, a sugar tax has been in force for years, and in Denmark it was tried but then abandoned. In Sweden, the sugar tax is more moderate than in Finland after the new tightening. These differences can affect cross-border trade, particularly in northern Finland. Compare your situation with Finland → Taxation on transport fuels is easing slightly at the end of 2025. The Ministry of Finance announced the reduction as part of energy policy. The change is, however, small compared to the other tax increases. Source: Ministry of Finance, October 2025. In practice, this means a reduction of a few cents per litre. For motorists, the relief is marginal but symbolically significant. At the same time as autovero is being reformed and tightened, the easing of fuel taxation balances the overall picture slightly. This is a political compromise in which the government is trying to avoid too much opposition. Fuel taxes vary considerably in comparison countries. In Estonia, petrol is around 20-30 cents cheaper per litre than in Finland, making fuel runs across the border worthwhile near the frontier. In Norway, fuel taxes are higher than in Finland, but the prevalence of electric vehicles compensates for this. Compare your situation with Finland → Finland's tax policy reflects choices between taxing mobility, housing, and consumption. The autovero reform, the retention of the varainsiirtovero, and consumption tax increases are raising the cost of living. At the same time, the easing of fuel taxation offers minor relief. The impact of these changes depends on where you live, how you travel, and what you consume. In Libaros Freedom Score dimensions, Finland retains its strengths in passport mobility and rule of law, but the tax burden dimension is tightening. A comparison with other Nordic countries and the Baltics is worthwhile if mobility and taxation are central to your decision-making.