Startup Entrepreneur’s Checklist

To be able to apply for the residence permit for startup entrepreneurs, first you must apply for an Eligibility Statement by Business Finland.

Business Finland provides you with the positive Eligibility Statement after evaluating that your business model, team and resources show potential for rapid international growth. Only one person per startup needs to apply for the Eligibility Statement.

Business Helsinki can help you prepare your Eligibility Statement and other issues related to residence permit, growing your business in Finland and relocating to Finland. We recommend that you contact Business Helsinki before applying for your Eligibility Statement. 

When should this step be done 

Before applying for a startup residence permit.  

What you need before this step 

• CV 
• Copy of passport 
• Any important documents that help validate the value and growth potential of your business idea (such as pitch deck, business plan, financial sheets) 

Official responsible for this step 

Business Finland 

Important terms 

• Positive Eligibility Statement = Shows that you are entitled to apply for the residence permit for startup entrepreneurs. 
• Residence permit for startup entrepreneur = The type of permit you need if you are an international growth entrepreneur from outside the EU and want to build your business in Finland. You can apply only after receiving a positive eligibility statement. This residence permit is often referred to as a ‘Startup Permit’ or ‘Startup Visa’ in everyday language. 
• Business Finland = Business and Funding related government organisation.
• Business Helsinki = The City of Helsinki business branch supports talents, entrepreneurs and business owners. 
• Startup Soft Landing = A service within Business Helsinki, which focuses on supporting international startup entrepreneurs who are planning to relocate to Finland. The soft landing services are organised in collaboration between the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa and cover Finland’s capital region. 

How long time does this step take? 

From 2 weeks to 1 month 

If the documents attached to your residence permit 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 with both your names
• Translation of marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation (if original is not issued by an EU Member State and is not in Finnish, Swedish or English)
• Legalisation on both the original document and translation (if not issued by an EU Member State) 

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 (if not issued by an EU Member State) 

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. 

For you to be able to move to Finland as a startup entrepreneur from outside the EU, you need to apply for this type of residence permit through the Finnish Immigration Services (Migri).

It is recommendable to submit your application online at EnterFinland.

• Please note that you must apply for the residence permit for STARTUP ENTREPRENEUR and not ENTREPRENEUR – this is a common mistake that delays the process for many.
• All co-founders of the startup must apply individually for the residence permit for startup entrepreneurs.  
• After submitting your online application, you need to visit a Finnish mission, consulate or application centre for identification.  
• The Eligibility Statement you received from Business Finland cannot be older than 4 months when you apply for the residence permit. The main applicant of the Eligibility Statement must share the positive Eligibility Statement with all other co-founders so that they can apply individually for their residence permits. 

When should this step be done 

Within four months of receiving the positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland. The residence permit should be applied before moving to Finland.  

What you need before this step 

• Positive Eligibility Statement 
• Proof of sufficient financial resources 
• Valid passport and a colour copy of your passport page that contains your personal data 
• Passport Photo 
• A document showing that you are legally staying in the country from which you submit your residence application (national passport, visa or residence permit)
• If moving with family, documents on family relations (translated and legalised)

Official responsible for this step 

The Finnish Immigration Services (Migri). Identification is done by the Finnish mission, consulate or application centre of the region you live before moving to Finland. 

Important terms  

• Migri = Migri or the Finnish Immigration Service is the authority responsible for issuing residence permits in Finland. It is recommendable to submit your application online at EnterFinland. 
• Enter Finland = the online service of the Finnish Immigration Service.
• Positive Eligibility Statement = Shows that you are entitled to apply for the residence permit for startup entrepreneurs. 
• Fast Track = When applying for the residence permit for startup entrepreneurs you are entitled to use the Fast Track. This accelerates your application process, and you get the permit within two weeks. 

How long does this step take? 

When applying using the fast track, you will receive your permit within two weeks. 

You may have insurance needs to take care of before moving to Finland.

To be entitled to use local public services, you need to have a home municipality in Finland. Until then, it may take some time for you to be covered under the Finnish healthcare system.

• Consider taking out travel or other health insurance valid for longer stays before travelling, in case of a medical emergency.
• You may also want to purchase home insurance when in Finland, since it is often required by landlords for rental accomodation.
• YEL insurance is a mandatory pension insurance for self-employed people 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  

YEL insurance within six months from starting self-employment in Finland

Official responsible for this step 

If you decide to take out insurance for medical emergencies, this would be done before you leave your home country. For home insurances and YEL insurance 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, and it is a good idea to compare prices before committing.  
• ETK = The Finnish Centre for Pensions provides services related to the implementation, evaluation, and development of earnings-related pensions. Find out more about YEL insurance for the self-employed through ETK.

Getting a Finnish phone number makes moving to Finland easier overall and helps you reduce costs of calling. 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 in store if buying postpaid service.  

When you arrive in Finland, you will need to register your information in the Finnish Population Information System. This is almost always done with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).

• When you register your information, you will be given a Finnish personal identity code.
• During this step, your municipality of residence in Finland and information about your family relationships can be entered into the population information system.  
• As a startup entrepreneur, you are eligible for the fast track service, which will speed up your processing time.

When should this step be done 

As soon as possible after arriving in Finland.  

What you need before this step 

• Valid passport
• Original and legalised / translated documents of family relations (if needed)
• Residence permit / certificate of registration of the right of residence of an EU citizen 

Official responsible for this step 

Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) 

You will need an appointment with DVV if: 

• You do not have a Finnish personal identity code and you need one. Read more 
• You are moving permanently to Finland from another Nordic Country. Read more 
• You want to register a municipality of residence. Please note that if you already have a Finnish personal identity code and have received a decision on Finnish Immigration Service’s (Migri) EU registration less than 12 months ago, you do not need to visit DVV. Read more 

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. 
• 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? 

As a startup entrepreneur, you are eligible for the fast track service. The processing of your application at DVV typically takes around two weeks. The fast track service is designed to expedite the process, so a decision can be made more quickly compared to regular processing. 

You can find information on the average processing times from DVV’s website. 

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. 

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 estimate of your expected income 

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. 

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. 

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 having registered information in the Finnish Population Information System and receiving a Finnish personal identity code and a home municipality. 

What you need before this step 

• Finnish personal identity code
• Home municipality in Finland
• Residence permit or EU citizen’s right of residence 

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 (or in another EU/ETA country, depending on bank)
• Residence permit or EU citizen’s right of residence
• Possibly a declaration of where your funds have come from
• Foreigners’ identity card for strong identification if you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA region. 

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 identification = Can be used for strong identification into 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. 

As a new startup entrepreneur, you can apply for a startup grant for financial support.

• The startup grant provides some financial security for the new entrepreneur during the estimated time required to get the business up and running, up to a maximum of 12 months.
• The amount of the startup grant in 2025 is approximately 740€/month.
• There are certain eligibility criteria to receiving the startup grant. Read more about them here: https://www.hel.fi/en/business-and-work/startup-grant

When should this step be done 

Apply for the startup grant BEFORE registering your company with Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH). Once you applied for the startup grant you can go ahead and register your company. You don’t have to wait for a decision on the startup grant.

What you need before this step 

• Business plan and profitability calculations
• Certificate of paid taxes/tax debts, less than three months old (Order a tax debt certificate or a certificate of paid taxes)
• The lease/ (pre-) rental contract or agreement if your company needs its own premises
• Proof of identity
• Residence permit
• Other attachments requested by the employment office employee 

Official responsible for this step 

Startup grants are awarded by the public employment services. Employment services are provided by municipalities or employment areas.

Company registration in Finland is crucial as it establishes your business as a legal entity, ensures compliance with Finnish laws and regulations and gives you access to funding.

• When you register your company, you choose your business structure and a business name and receive a Business ID.
• Please note that if you plan on applying for the startup grant (above), you must do it before registering your company.
• Consider seeking assistance from legal service providers (Business Helsinki can provide recommendations) to support you through this process. 

When should this step be done 

After receiving a decision on your residence permit from Migri. Can be done after you have arrived in Finland. The step is faster if you already have strong identification.  

What you need before this step 

• Articles of association (for limited-liability company, or Oy in Finnish)
• Specify the company’s business activities
• Details of the company’s board members and shareholders 

Official responsible for this step 

Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH, Patentti ja Rekisterihallitus) 

You can submit your registration application and required documents to the PRH either electronically or by mail. Once you have the strong ID, you can do it online, which is faster than in person. 

Important terms 

• Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) = government agency responsible for registering companies, trademarks, patents, and design rights in Finland 

Different business structures in Finland:  

• proprietorship = toiminimi
• partnership = avoin yhtiö
• limited partnership = kommandiittiyhtiö
• limited company = osakeyhtiö
• cooperative association = osuuskunta 

How long does this step take? 

You can find up to date processing times on the PRH website: https://www.prh.fi/en/kaupparekisteri/kasittelyajat.html  

You are required to open a business bank account in Finland in order to operate your business. A dedicated business account is necessary for handling your company’s transactions and ensures that your business and personal finances are kept strictly separate.

Each bank may have different documentation requirements and processes for opening an account. If you are unable to open an account with a traditional Finnish bank, consider online banking alternatives. Business Helsinki can advise you further on these options.

When should this step be done 

Once you receive a copy of your company’s startup notification from PRH

What you need before this step 

When opening a bank account for your business, the banks usually require at least the following documents and information: 

• an extract from the trade register (no more than three months old) 
• business plan or description of your company’s operations 
• an estimate of the number and size of your company’s financial transactions 
• a personal identification documentIf you are opening the account before registering your company, instead of the trade register extract, you should provide:
  
• a copy of your company’s startup notification 
• a certificate from the Trade Register proving that you have submitted a startup notification 

Official responsible for this step 

You can choose any of the Finnish banks. Please note that not all banks provide services in English. Depending on the bank, you can open the account either online or by visiting a branch in person. 

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. 

The social security of a startup entrepreneur is based on the YEL insurance payments that you pay yourself. Read about YEL insurance and when you should start paying it here. YEL insurance provides income security in old age, and in the event of disability or the death of a breadwinner. The YEL insurance payments also determine the amount of daily allowances paid by Kela in the event of illness or family leave, for example. Please note that this does not determine your access to health services. Your entitlement to public health services depends on whether you have a registered home municipality in Finland, even if you have not yet started paying YEL contributions.

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 
• Extract from the Trade Register or another official document proving the operation of the business
• Certificate of YEL insurance

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: https://www.kela.fi/forms  

The social security of a startup entrepreneur is based on the YEL insurance payments that you pay yourself. Read about YEL insurance and when you should start paying it here.

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: https://www.kela.fi/average-processing-times  

As a startup entrepreneur, you must arrange your own mandatory pension insurance (YEL). YEL insurance determines your future pension and also affects your social security, such as sickness and parental allowances.

The amount you pay, and the pension you will later receive, are based on the income you estimate from your self-employment.

When should this step be done

The insurance must be taken out within six months from starting self-employment.

Official responsible for this step

You can arrange YEL insurance either through an earnings-related pension insurance company or, if available in your field, a pension fund.

You can find suitable space in Helsinki for your startup by researching options that Helsinki provides: coworking spaces, offices and warehouses. You can search online using the word “toimitila”. Business Helsinki can help you in the right direction.  

What you need before this step 

Coworking spaces have their own requirements. Once you find an interesting space, visit the place, check availability and apply according to their instructions. 

Official responsible for this step 

Depends on your needs. A popular coworking space is for example Maria 01. Startup Incubators and Accelerators, such as A Grid, Startup Sauna and Vertical Accelerator can help provide office space, mentorship, and support services to early-stage startups. 

As a startup founder in Finland, you have access to a wide range of funding opportunities. Some sources specifically support research and development, while others focus on helping you take your product to international markets. Business Helsinki can guide you in identifying the most suitable options and support you in the application process.

When should this step be done 

After startup company registration 

What you need before this step 

An overview of available Business Finland funding opportunities and their criteria can be found here:

Funding – Business Finland

Official responsible for this step 

Business Finland 

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 if you move from one address to another. 

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. Paper forms are available in all post offices and DVV service points, including IHH. 

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.  

You are allowed to drive in Finland using a licence issued in an EU or EEA Member State, for as long as the licence is valid.  

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 (can be done online, but needs bank ID or other method of strong identification for EU citizens)
• 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. The different cities also have their own rentals, which are at a slightly lower price point than private rentals. However, you may have to queue for a long time before an apartment is offered to you.

Everyone in Finland has the right to emergency medical treatment, but the treatment can be very expensive if you do not have the home municipality registered in Finland or do not have another 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. You can use health services even if you have not started paying the YEL insurance. 

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. For EU/ETA citizens they provide services at the same price as for locals, 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.  

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. 

Helsinki: https://www.hel.fi/en/childhood-and-education/basic-education/comprehensive-schools 

Espoo: https://www.espoo.fi/en/childcare-and-education/basic-education/comprehensive-schools  

Vantaa: https://www.vantaa.fi/en/services/service/basic-education-vantaa  

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. 

If your spouse is unemployed, employment services can support your spouse to find work, understand the Finnish job market, help adapt to Finland and learn the language. Your spouse needs to be registered as an unemployed jobseeker with employment services to receive unemployment benefits and services. To register as a jobseeker, your spouse must live and have the right to work in Finland. 

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). Your spouse can inquire for both services through the public employment services of your home municipality. 

When should this step be done 

As soon as your spouse arrives if they are unemployed.  

Non-EU: After your spouse has received their residence permit.  

What is needed before this step 

• a passport or a certificate from the police of temporary passport seizure 
• a residence permit or a certificate of registration of an EU citizen’s right of residence 
• 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 

Non-EU: Your spouse needs to visit the local employment services in person to register as a jobseeker. 

EU: Online on Job Market Finland 

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. 
• 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.  

How long does this step take? 

Employment services aim at a 14-day processing time, but it can take longer depending on the situation. 

The residence permit for startup entrepreneurs is valid for a maximum of two years. If you are planning to stay in Finland and plan to continue running your business, you need to apply for an extension of your residence permit for Startup Entrepreneurs. You can do this directly through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) and do not have to apply again for an Eligibility Statement. You can only apply for an extension of your residence permit when physically in Finland. 

If you have strong identification you can go to Enter Finland, access your profile and apply from there for an extension of the Residence Permit for Startup Entrepreneurs. Please note that you apply for an extension of Residence Permit for Startup Entrepreneurs and NOT for an extension of Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs. 

When should this step be done 

Before your residence permit expires, but not earlier than three months before the expiration date. 

What you need before this step 

• Updated account information, proving that you have the necessary personal resources for another two years
• Valid passport and a colour copy of your passport page that contains your personal data 
• Passport photo 

Migri will always reach out first if documents are missing before deciding on the extension of the Residence Permit. 

Official responsible for this step 

Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) 

You can do this online on Enter Finland if you have strong identification. 

If you do not have strong identification, you must do this in person at the Finnish Immigration Office.  

How long does this step take? 

1–2 months