The Newcomer’s Checklist: Non-EU citizen

If the documents attached to your application are written in a language other than Finnish, Swedish or English, you must have them translated by an authorised translator. If you are moving from a non-EU country, you also need to legalise these documents. A document can be legalised using an Apostille, if your country has joined the Apostille convention. If your country has not joined the convention, the legalisation is a two-step process.

Information on your marital status and family relations cannot be entered into the Finnish Population Information System without the required documentation. Authorities and schools can only give you information about your children if you are registered as their guardian.

When should this step be done

Before applying for residence permit. Do this if you have family members moving to Finland with you. Please note that you need to bring your translated and legalized family documents with you to Finland.

What you need before this step

If you are married or in a cohabiting partnership:

• Original marriage certificate or if you are not married, proof that you have lived together over 2 years, for example rental agreement under both your names
• Translation of marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation
• Legalisation on both the original document and translation

For your children:

• Original birth certificate
• Translation of birth certificate (if original is not issued by an EU Member State and is not in Finnish, Swedish or English)
• Legalisation of both the original document and translation

Official responsible for this step

Relevant official national authority in the country your documents were issued.

Important terms

Apostille = A certification under the Apostille convention, that makes the legalisation process of official documents easier. Globally 126 countries have joined the convention and therefore the legalisation of documents when moving between those countries, is easier. Check if your country has joined the Apostille convention to understand how exactly you need to legalise your documents. You must apply for the Apostille in your home country.

Legalisation of documents = To have a legal effect in Finland, a foreign document (from outside EU) such as marriage certificate or child’s birth certificate must be legalised. The legalisation process varies depending on where your original documents were issued (e.g. in which country you got married and where your children were born). Document legalisation is mandatory if applying for a residence permit based on a family tie.

If you will stay in Finland more than three months or if you will work in Finland and you are citizen of a country outside the EU, you need a residence permit. The Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) Application Finder opens in new tab opens in new tab helps you find the right application and will take you to the information you need. Please note that you should have the grounds for a residence permit before applying. You should first, for example, secure a job or place to study to meet the criteria for granting the residence permit.

When should this step be done

Before arriving in Finland

What you need before this step

• Passport
• Application-specific attachments (e.g. details on your employment relationship or certificate of acceptance from your educational institution, proof of sufficient funds)
• If moving with family, documents on family relations (translated and legalised)

Official responsible for this step

Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)

Migri is the authority responsible for issuing residence permits in Finland. It is recommendable to submit your application online at EnterFinland opens in new tab opens in new tab. When you apply outside Finland, you need to visit a Finnish mission, consulate or application centre for identification.

Important terms

• Residence permit = A residence permit is a document that allows a person to stay in a country for an extended period of time. There are different types of residence permits available in Finland.

How long does this step take?

The processing time varies depending on which basis you apply. You can use Migri’s Processing Time Checker opens in new tab opens in new tab to get an estimate.

Forms used in this step

• Electronic forms for applying a residence permit: EnterFinland opens in new tab opens in new tab
• Paper forms for applying a residence permit: I want to apply (Migri) opens in new tab opens in new tab

It may take some time for you to be covered under the Finnish healthcare system. To be entitled to use local public services at the rates intended for residents, you need to have a home municipality in Finland. Consider taking out travel or other health insurance for longer stays before travelling, in case you require medical attention. This is mandatory for students from outside the EU. Home insurance is usually required by landlords, and you can purchase this in Finland.

When should this step be done

Before leaving your country of origin for travel/health insurance

Home insurance once you have a home in Finland

Official responsible for this step

If you decide to take out insurance for medical emergencies, it should be arranged before you leave your home country. For home insurances there are different service providers in Finland.

Important terms

• Home insurance (kotivakuutus) = This type of insurance protects you, your belongings and your home from accidents and thefts. Home insurance is usually mandatory in Finland. Third-party liability insurance (=vastuuvakuutus) is a type of insurance that covers if you are responsible for damage to others or their property. There are several companies that provide home insurance, it is a good idea to compare prices before committing.

Getting a Finnish phone number makes moving to Finland easier overall and can help you reduce costs of calling. You need a local phone number to schedule certain appointments. The easiest alternatives are getting a prepaid SIM card or eSIM. You can get a prepaid subscription in convenience stores, kiosks or at mobile retailers. Postpaid mobile subscription is cheaper and more convenient in the long run, but to get it, you need a personal identity code and permanent address registered. If you are new in Finland, you may need to pay a deposit for a postpaid mobile subscription.

When should this step be done

When you arrive in Finland

What you need before this step

Postpaid service requires:

• personal identity code
• permanent address registered
• possibly strong identification if you purchase the subscription online

Official responsible for this step

Convenience stores and kiosks to buy prepaid options or mobile service providers’ online or physical store if buying postpaid service.

This is a mandatory step for everyone. When you arrive in Finland, it is important to register your information in the Finnish Population Information System. When you register, you will be given a Finnish personal identity code. At the same time, your municipality of residence in Finland and information about your family relationships can be entered into the population information system.

When should this step be done

As soon as possible after arriving in Finland

What you need before this step

• Valid passport
• Other documents that depend on your situation: For example, if your stay is work-related, bring employment contract, and if your stay is study-related, bring certificate of attendance issued by your education institution.
• If necessary, the original, legalised and translated certificates of family relations
• Residence permit

Official responsible for this step

Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

A personal visit is needed when:

1. You do not have a Finnish personal identity code and you need one (Read more) opens in new tab opens in new tab
2. You want to register a municipality of residence

DVV serves customers at International House Helsinki mainly by appointment. Please read more on how to book the appointment and what you need to bring with you to the appointment here.

In some cases, the personal identity code can be issued by the Tax Administration (Vero) or the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). You can request a personal identity code from the Tax Administration when you need it for tax reasons – for example, when you work in Finland.

Important terms

• Personal identity code (henkilötunnus) = often referred to as identity number, ID number or social security number, all meaning the same. A personal identity code includes 11 characters. You need a personal identity code to take care of many things related to everyday life, such as to open a bank account or to obtain a telephone subscription. You also need to give the code to your employer.
• Municipality of residence (kotikunta) = Applying for a Finnish municipality of residence is a very important step to help you access public services and allow you to fully participate in the Finnish society. DVV decides whether a Finnish municipality of residence can be entered for you. If you have a municipality of residence in Finland, in most cases you are entitled to use the services provided by the municipality, such as public health care, daycare and education. It is possible to register with DVV and obtain home municipality even if you are staying in some temporary accommodation. If you move, you need to make a notification of change of address. If you already have a Finnish personal identity code, you can apply for the municipality of residence also online opens in new tab opens in new tab.
• Finnish Population Information System (Väestötietojärjestelmä) = A national register, which includes basic information on all Finnish citizens and foreign citizens who live in Finland temporarily or permanently.

How long does this step take?

Depending on your situation. Registration can often be done during your visit to DVV. You can find information on the average processing times on DVV’s website opens in new tab opens in new tab.

If you are working and receiving pay, or if you are an entrepreneur or receiving some taxable benefit, you need a Finnish tax card. Your employer needs your tax card to know how much of your wages must be withheld for taxes, pension payments and insurance contributions. Please note that it is important to follow your income throughout the year to make sure that you do not exceed the income limit indicated on your tax card. If you will earn more, you should request a new tax card with a higher income limit. Otherwise, your wage is taxed at a higher additional percentage.

In case you are currently not working, you do not necessarily need a tax card.

When should this step be done

After you have received a personal identity code, and you are expecting to receive income in Finland.

What you need before this step

• Finnish personal identity code
• A valid passport or a valid identity card
• An employment contract
• If you work in construction or the shipbuilding sector, you need to visit the Helsinki Area Tax Office at Hämeentie 15 to apply for a tax number and a tax card.

Official responsible for this step

Finnish Tax Administration (Vero)

You can apply for a tax card either in person, over the phone or online. You can do this by visiting the Finnish Tax Administration’s (Vero) service desk at International House Helsinki. If you work in construction or the shipbuilding sector, you need to visit the Helsinki Area Tax Office at Hämeentie 15 to apply for a tax number and a tax card.

You can apply for a tax card online at MyTax (OmaVero) only if you have online banking credentials or other means of strong identification in Finland.

Important terms

• Tax card (verokortti) = Shows your tax rate, which all people receiving wages or other income in Finland need.
• Tax number (veronumero) = Everyone working at a construction site, on an installation project or at a shipyard must have a tax number, which is a code number that identifies the taxpayer.
• Personal identity code (henkilötunnus) = A means of identification for individuals that is more specific than a name and needed to get a tax card

How long does this step take?

If you already have your personal identity code, your tax card can usually be issued immediately during your appointment at the Finnish Tax Administration’s (Vero) service desk in IHH.

Public employment services support you to find work, understand the Finnish job market, help adapt to Finland and learn the language. You need to be registered as a jobseeker with the employment services to receive unemployment benefits and to access most of their support services, including integration services. To register as a jobseeker, you must live and have a residence permit with the right to work in Finland.

When should this step be done

After receiving your residence permit and moving to Finland, if you are unemployed.

What you need before this step

• a passport or an official ID card issued in an EU country or a certificate from the police of temporary passport seizure
• a residence permit with the right to work in Finland
• an extract from the population register from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency or a Kela card or other document that you use to prove that you have a Finnish personal identity code
• certificates of employment and education translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English

Official responsible for this step

Employment service of your municipality of residence or employment area

You can register as a jobseeker in person at the employment services.

Important terms

• Unemployed jobseeker (työtön työnhakija) = a person who is without employment, laid off or is not part of the workforce. In the context of public employment services, jobseeker normally refers to a customer who has registered as a jobseeker. As a registered jobseeker you may be entitled to employment services and unemployment security, if certain conditions are met. It is possible to register as a jobseeker even if you are not unemployed (e.g. working or studying part-time), but some services and benefits may be limited only for those whose status is unemployed.
• Unemployment benefit (työttömyysetuus) = A financial benefit during unemployment. This must be applied from the payer after you have registered as a jobseeker in the employment services. Unemployment benefit may be paid by Kela or alternatively an unemployment fund if you have been a member for more than 26 weeks while working.
• Kela = The Social Insurance Institution of Finland
• Labor policy statement (työvoimapoliittinen lausunto) = Before you can receive unemployment benefits, the public employment services will submit a statement on whether you have the right to unemployment benefits or not. The statement is then sent to Kela or your unemployment fund that makes the decision of your benefit.
• Clarification request (selvityspyyntö) = In some situations, the employment services must ask further information to issue a statement about your right for unemployment benefit. Your answer to the clarification request is forwarded to the Development and Administration Centre for ELY Centres (KEHA Centre) which will then issue the labor policy statement.
• Employment or integration plan (työllistymissuunnitelma/kotoutumissuunnitelma) = After you have registered as a jobseeker, an employment service specialist will prepare a personal employment or integration plan with you. The plan specifies the goals and methods for your job search, what services you need, and how you will manage matters in the future with employment services.
• Unemployment fund (työttömyyskassa) = Unemployment funds pay a larger amount of unemployment benefit, as the amount is earnings-based, so it is calculated based on your salary in your previous jobs. They only pay the benefit to their members who meet the work and membership requirement, so it is a good idea to join an unemployment fund when you have a job.

How long does this step take?

Employment services aim at processing all applications as quickly as possible. The processing times are dependent on individual situations and processing queues.

Forms used in this step

Non-EU/EEA nationals cannot register online on the E-services in JobMarket Finland, so you can get the registration form on paper by visiting the employment services in your nearest service point, e.g. at International House Helsinki.

The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) offers support in various life situations. The right to Kela benefits is based on permanent residence and/or employment. There is a separate application for each benefit.

When should this step be done

After you have received your personal identity code, you can apply for Kela benefits and/or Kela card according to your needs

What you need before this step

• Personal identity code
• A valid passport or identity card
• An employment contract (if your stay is work-related)

Complete all the forms (see below) before you visit Kela’s service desk at International House Helsinki (IHH). The General Information and Guidance Services at IHH can provide you with help in understanding all the forms.

Official responsible for this step

Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela)

You can visit Kela’s service desk at IHH, which specialises in providing information to newcomers. You can also find out what kind of benefits you may have the right to by calling Kela’s English phone service.

You can apply for Kela benefits by submitting forms. Please find the forms and instructions in English on Kela’s website opens in new tab opens in new tab.

Important terms

• Kela = the Social Insurance Institution of Finland
• Kela card (Kela-kortti) = Kela sends the Kela card to everyone who has the right to health insurance in Finland. By presenting your card at the pharmacy or at many private medical clinics, you can get a direct, on-the-spot reimbursement for your costs. You will then only have to pay the co-payment.

How long does this step take?

See average processing times on Kela’s website. opens in new tab opens in new tab

The foreigner’s identity card is issued by the Police in Finland. Applying for the identity card requires a personal visit at the Police station. You can either go to the police station, take a number and wait for your turn in the same day or schedule an appointment in advance. Please note that if you schedule and appointment, it must be done well in advance, as availability of appointments is limited. Getting the initial appointment might take weeks or even months.

Banks in Finland require a foreigner’s identity card issued by the Finnish authorities to enable non-EU nationals use online banking credentials for strong identification.

When should this step be done

After the information has been registered in the Finnish Population Information System and the Finnish personal identity code and home municipality have been received.

What you need before this step

• Finnish personal identity code
• Home municipality in Finland
• Residence permit

Official responsible for this step

Police

Applying for the foreigner’s identity card requires a personal visit to the Police station.

Important terms

• Strong identification = Using strong identification means that you prove your identity online with your online banking credentials, citizen certificate or mobile certificate.

How long does this step take?

The application processing is usually rather straightforward, and you can expect to receive your ID card within 1–2 weeks after your visit to the police station.

You need a personal bank account to receive salary and benefits and to pay for rent and other bills. The online banking codes can also be used for strong identification, which you need to access most online services in Finland. You can choose any of the Finnish banks. Please note that not all banks provide services in English. Remember to check the requirements for documentation from the bank that you choose to use. A visit to the selected bank is required.

When should this step be done

Check the criteria for opening an account from the bank of your choice. Usually, a permanent address in Finland must be registered for you by DVV first. It is also possible that you must first apply for a Finnish identity card from the police.

It is most convenient to get the Finnish ID card first and then go to the bank to open a bank account and strong identification at the same time. However, if you need to open a bank account fast and do not need strong identification immediately, you can open the bank account first and later, when you have received a Finnish identity card, enable strong identification.

What you need before this step

• Personal identity code
• Address in Finland
• Residence permit
• Possibly a declaration of where your funds have come from
• Foreigners’ identity card for strong identification

Official responsible for this step

Any of the banks in Finland

Important terms

• Strong identification = Most of the online services in Finland can be accessed only by using strong identification. So, to make managing your life easier in Finland, it is important to get the strong identification as soon as possible. The most common method for strong identification is to use the online banking codes, but there are other options also. Other options include citizen certificate, mobile certificate, and Suomi.fi identification.
• Citizen certificate = Certificate that is included in an ID card. It includes a Signing Certificate and an identification and encryption certificate.
• Mobile certificate = A certificate used on the mobile phone, based on two-factor authentication by your PIN code and your phone’s SIM card. Gives you access to almost all services in Finland, both public and private.
• Suomi.fi e-Identification = Can be used for strong identification for public services.

How long does this step take?

The processing time varies between banks and when first appointment times are available. Please ask from the bank of your choice.

Everyone in Finland must submit a notification of move to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) when their address changes. Please note that this step should not be followed if you are currently moving to Finland from another country, only if you have already had one address on record in Finland before. Follow the instructions on DVV’s page “Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland” when moving from another country.

When should this step be done

Always when you move from one address to another in Finland.

What you need before this step

• Proof of identity (+ strong identification)

Official responsible for this step

Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

Can be done online and in person. If you have a Finnish personal identity code and strong identification, you can submit the move notification electronically on the Notification of a move service opens in new tab opens in new tab. Paper forms are available in all post offices and DVV service points, including IHH.

A person moving from another Nordic country to Finland must visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) in person in addition to submitting a notification of move.

Important terms

• Temporary address = A temporary address can be registered with DVV for a period of up to 12 months. If you are moving to Finland until further notice you should register a permanent address, because with a temporary address you cannot receive a municipality of residence in Finland, which means you are not entitled to public services.
• Permanent address = This is valid until further notice, meaning until you submit a notification of change of address. When the permanent address is registered, a municipality of residence can also be registered. You need this to be able to use public services.

You can buy your ticket in advance using the HSL card or app, or pay for adult single fares directly on board with contactless payment by selecting your zones and tapping your debit or credit card on the reader. In the HSL app, you can buy single or season tickets (such as a monthly ticket), find routes and stay updated on service changes.

You can buy a HSL card from a HSL service point or order one online via the HSL card service. The HSL app is available for download in your app store.

When should this step be done

When you want to use public transport (bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services) in the Helsinki capital region.

What you need before this step

• Identification, e.g. passport or ID card
• To be able to purchase season tickets at lower, residential prices, you need to have an address registered in the HSL region by DVV.
• To get full benefit from the HSL app, you need e-identification.

Official responsible for this step

HSL = Helsinki Regional Transport Authority

Do this if you want to exchange a valid driver’s license issued by another country for a Finnish one.

If you have a valid driving licence issued in a country that has ratified the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention or Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan, you can exchange your licence without passing the driving examination (for most common license types). To exchange without the driving examination, you must exchange your driving licence within two years of having a permanent address in Finland and before your licence expires.

If you do not have a driver’s license and you want to drive, you need to complete driving instruction and examination to get a license.

When should this step be done

When your stay in Finland has lasted at least 6 months but less than 24 months

What you need before this step

• Proof of identity, such as passport or other official ID
• Valid foreign driving licence
• Medical certificate (valid for 6 months) stating your driving ability
• Two passport photos

Official responsible for this step

Ajovarma handles vehicle inspections, registrations, and driving examinations in Finland, including both theory and driving tests for all driving licence categories. Forms for the driving licence permit application are available at Ajovarma, and it is best to book an appointment in advance to submit your application.

To bring your pet to Finland, you have to prepare many things with the veterinarian before moving. The regulations are different for different pets, make sure to check online exactly what steps your pet must go through.

When should this step be done

Before travel, up to several months before moving.

What you need before this step

Depending on the animal and country you are moving from. Vaccination records and pet passport are important, but make sure to read the specific requirements for your pet and your country.

Official responsible for this step

The Finnish Food Authority is responsible for the guidelines on bringing pets to Finland.

You can bring your car to Finland with you when you move. The regulations are different based on where you are moving from, so it is important you check the requirements. In Finland you are not allowed to drive an unregistered car, so there are a few steps you must go through to be able to drive your car.

What you need before this step

• Certificate of conformity (COC) makes the process easier.

Official responsible for this step

• Tax administration (Vero) to submit declaration of use
• Traficom for vehicle registration, in person
• Customs (Tulli)

It might be easier to find short-term housing first, while looking for a more long-term solution. The housing market and the availability of different types of housing varies, therefore it is good to start researching the different options early in your planning process. However, tenants have only one month notice period and therefore rental apartments on the market are usually available either immediately or from the beginning of the consequent month.

When should this step be done

Soon after arrival. Temporary housing can be secured already before arriving.

What you need before this step

Some rental agencies might require a Finnish personal identity code.

Official responsible for this step

There are several housing providers. Each city also offers its own rentals, which are priced slightly lower than private rentals. However, you may have to queue for a long time before an apartment is offered.

Everyone in Finland has the right to emergency medical treatment, but the treatment can be very expensive if you do not have your home municipality registered in Finland or do not have a certificate of right to treatment. If you have registered your home municipality already, you can access public health services for the same small fee as locals. The primary point of care is the local health station (terveysasema) during office hours. Emergency number in acute crisis: 112 (police, emergency medical services, fire and rescue services or social services).

During emergencies outside office hours children in the capital region can go to the New Children’s Hospital. Adults are served in local Emergency Departments.

• In Helsinki: Malmi or Meilahti Emergency Departments
• Vantaa: Peijas Emergency Department
• Espoo: Jorvi Emergency Department

When should this step be done

After you have registered your home municipality, you can use the public health services.

What you need before this step

• Home municipality registration at DVV
• Other certificates of entitlement to treatment, if you do not have a home municipality in Finland:
  • European Health Insurance Card or an equivalent
  • Certificate of entitlement to treatment benefits in Finland (from Kela)
  • Passport (persons coming from a Nordic country or Australia)
  • Certificates of entitlement to medical care issued by the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
  • Official personal identification (persons coming from a Nordic country)

Official responsible for this step

Public health care:

• Health station in your neighbourhood
• Emergency: Hospital emergency departments

Private health care:

• There are several private health care providers in Finland, though the prices are higher than public services.

All children have the right to early childhood education. Most commonly children under 6 years go to daycare centres. Compulsory education starts with preschool, which begins in the year the child turns 6 and first grade begins in the year the child turns 7. If your child does not speak the local language, school begins with preparatory education.

In Helsinki, first and second graders have the right to attend a local school in their neighbourhood, even if they do not know Finnish or Swedish yet. In Vantaa this applies for first graders. In Espoo children attend group form preparatory education, determined by the Multicultural Education Services of the Espoo Finnish Education Unit.

Basic education is also offered in other languages at some schools.

When should this step be done

• Daycare: Four months before expected start date (application can be done before moving to Finland)
• Pre-primary education for six-year-olds: enrol immediately after coming to Finland
• School for children aged 7 and older: enrol immediately after coming to Finland

What you need before this step

• Home municipality needs to be registered before enrolling in daycare or school.

Official responsible for this step

Municipality of residence: City of Helsinki if moving to Helsinki, City of Vantaa if moving to Vantaa and City of Espoo if moving to Espoo.

Learning Finnish is important for integrating better into Finnish society and possibly for better career opportunities. You can find many organisations and educational institutes in the Helsinki capital region offering Finnish language courses. You can also study Finnish or Swedish as part of your integration training.

When should this step be done

Whenever you are ready

Official responsible for this step

You can study Finnish online or in person, depending on your preferences.

Integration services offered by municipalities help you to settle in Finland, learn the language, and find your place in the society and working life. You can receive a personal integration plan, services and support based on your skills and needs. Integration services are generally intended for people who have lived in Finland for less than three years.

To access integration services, you must generally register as a jobseeker in the public Employment services. Municipalities also offer integration services for those who are outside of working life (e.g. at home caring for your child, over 65 years old, or have a disability or illness). You can inquire for both services through the public employment services of your home municipality.

When should this step be done

Your first integration plan needs to be made within three years from the starting date of your first residence permit.

What you need before this step

• A passport or an official ID card issued in an EU country or a certificate from the police of temporary passport seizure
• A residence permit with the right to work in Finland

Official responsible for this step

Employment service of your municipality of residence or employment area

Important terms

• Initial assessment (alkukartoitus) = First interview to evaluate your skills and needs
• Integration plan (kotoutumissuunnitelma) = Personal plan made together with an integration specialist working in your municipality listing your integration goals and needs and the services to support them.
• Integration training (kotoutumiskoulutus) = Full-time course to learn Finnish or Swedish and skills needed in the Finnish society and working life.