Have you moved from abroad to Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa? International House Helsinki (IHH) can help you settle into your new home.
With our guidance and settling in services, you can get advice on life in the Helsinki region and find support for international newcomers.
Guidance and settling-in is the way IHH helps people who have recently moved to the Helsinki region and are settling into their new homes. It focuses on common questions and topics that are relevant for international newcomers.
There are multiple settling-in services that help newcomers in different ways. They explain education options for international families, explore working life in Helsinki, or help you find friends and services. There is also a dedicated service for accompanying spouses.
For many questions you may have as an international newcomer, a good place to ask is Helsinki-info’s general information and guidance.
Helsinki-info provides general information and guidance for international newcomers in Helsinki.
You can get help on topics such as residence permits, studying Finnish or Swedish, housing, daycare, education and healthcare services, and more. They can also help you fill out forms or understanding the procedures of different public authorities.
Helsinki-info’s specialists provide services in many languages. They also use a quick interpreting service if needed.
Helsinki-info offers information and help with immigration and everyday life. You can also get assistance with public authority services and get service in many languages.
Daycare and education guidance helps international families in Helsinki. Learn about daycare, local education options, application processes, and more.
Employment coaching provides early-stage career counselling to help professionals navigate the Helsinki region's job market.
Do you have questions or problems related to your employment relationship? The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) gives employment counselling to employees with a foreign background.
The Spouse Program helps people who move to Helsinki alongside their partners. International spouses can join a friendly peer community, get career support and access networking opportunities.
Have you recently moved to the Helsinki capital region from abroad? Would you like to make new friends or find people to spend your free time with? Our Friend Program is here to help you get started!
Are you outside of Finland, or have you arrived recently?
If you are abroad and considering or planning a move to the Helsinki region, use our Pre-arrival support.
If you have arrived recently and need to handle registrations with public authorities, use our Registrations and formalities services.
In addition to settling-in services, IHH has easy guides and materials to help international newcomers settle into the Helsinki region.
There are also other guides created by IHH partners that help newcomers in other subjects, such as education options for families.
You can see a selection of resources below, or browse through all of our guides and resources.
You do not need an appointment to visit Helsinki-info at International House Helsinki.
You can contact Helsinki-info by phone, email, or through the chat on Helsinki-info’s website.
Exceptions in opening hours: Helsinki-info at IHH will be closed on Wednesday 13, Wednesday 20 and Friday 29 May 2026.