Settling-in
International House Helsinki (IHH) provides a number of services for international newcomers. You can always consult our IHH International Recruitment Services to learn how you can best support your new employees settling in the Helsinki capital region.
Services for International Newcomers
International House Helsinki offers Newcomer information sessions for those in the process of relocating to the Helsinki capital region for work. These free online sessions are held in English.
Our Newcomer information sessions cover topics like:
- The steps to take before and after arriving in Finland
- Housing
- Healthcare
- The Finnish education system
- Support for accompanying partners
- The Helsinki capital region’s startup ecosystem
Your future employee should visit our International House Helsinki service centre upon arrival to handle all official matters. Taking care of official matters at IHH upon arrival reduces the chances of challenges such as delays in salary payments due to the person not having a suitable tax card or them needing a personal identity code to open a bank account.
We recommend that the family members of your future employees also visit our International House Helsinki service centre. To begin with, family members should also register with the local officials in person. If a spouse is looking for employment, they can register as a jobseeker and get information on family, unemployment, and other benefits at our International House Helsinki service centre.
International House Helsinki’s services for international newcomers include:
- General information and guidance
- Registration of EU citizen’s right of residence
- Registration of municipality of residence, issue of personal identity code, and change of address
- Tax card and tax counselling
- Social security & benefits
- Employment services and registering as a jobseeker
- Pensions and pension insurance
- Daycare and education guidance
- Employment coaching
- Employee rights advisory service
Many of our services are offered by appointment only and it is important to complete each step in the correct order. Learn more about our services for international newcomers.
Settling in to the work community
Supporting a new employee in settling in both at work and in the Helsinki capital region allows them to focus on work and start working quickly after arriving in the capital region.
The instructions and information concerning safety, obligations, rights, and work duties should be in a language the employee understands. More information about your obligations as an employer of an international employee. Additionally consider what internal documentation might be most crucial to provide for your new international employee in a language they understand.
Your organization could also offer collegial support during the onboarding program to help the new employee get to know their colleagues early on. This is a great way to help your new employee learn more about Finnish working culture and your organization’s culture.
Financial support from the Targeted Mobility Schemes project can be used to support the onboarding and integration of a new employee. Learn more about other available financial support.