Week 1
Residence permit (Enter Finland)
If you are a non-EU citizen, the first residence permit is applied for before you come to Finland, online in the Enter Finland service. Processing is subject to a fee, which you pay when you submit the application, and you then prove your identity at the nearest Finnish diplomatic mission within three months. Coming for a job? Ask your employer to fill in the terms and conditions of employment: processing only begins once they are attached. While your first permit is being processed, you do not usually have the right to work.
InfoFinland, work in Finland (residence permit) · Enter Finland, apply and follow your application
Week 1
Register as a resident and get your personal identity code
If you are granted a residence permit for Finland, you are registered in the Finnish Population Information System and get a Finnish personal identity code at the same time. You are not yet registered in a municipality, though: book an appointment with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) and bring a valid passport or EU photo ID card, your residence permit card or other proof of legal residence, and an account of your work or studies. A municipality of residence (kotikunta) usually requires moving to Finland for at least one year; with it you have the same rights, services and obligations as permanent residents.
InfoFinland, registering as a resident · InfoFinland, municipality of residence
Week 2
Kela card and social security
Your right to Kela benefits depends on whether you move to Finland permanently or whether you work here, and it is assessed when you apply. If you work and earn at least EUR 800.02 a month, you can get certain Kela benefits from the start of the job, and a Kela card (Kela-kortti). Notify Kela of your move when you apply for benefits or the card. The card proves your right to Kela reimbursements, for example at a private doctor or dentist; you do not need it for public healthcare, which is based on being registered with DVV as a resident of a Finnish municipality.
Kela, benefits when you move to Finland · Kela, coming to Finland · Kela, Kela card
Week 2
A travel card for buses, trams, metro and trains
Public transport in the Helsinki region is run by HSL. Download the HSL app for routes and tickets, buy a travel card and top it up with money as you need, or pay an adult single ticket with a contactless debit or credit card: select the zones you need and show your card to the reader. The ticket is valid on all HSL transport, including trams, the metro and commuter trains.
MyHelsinki (City of Helsinki), getting around
Weeks 2–3
Your Helmet library card
Helsinki City Library works together with the libraries of Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa: the same card is accepted at all of them and you can borrow from any Helmet library. You can apply for a card at any library; bring identification with a photograph. The card is free of charge, and without a Finnish personal identity code you can get one for a limited time. Libraries are open to all and free, with computers and quiet reading rooms.
City of Helsinki, libraries · InfoFinland, libraries
Week 3
Practise Finnish at a language café
Many libraries and organisations run language cafés and discussion groups where you can practise speaking Finnish, so you can start talking before you sign up for a course. You can also read the news and books in plain Finnish (selkokieli). Look for a café near you in the events below or at your local library.
InfoFinland, studying Finnish · InfoFinland, libraries
Weeks 3–4
Your first Helsinki plan
After you have moved to Helsinki, register as a client of the City's Integration Services as soon as possible. Work through the Newcomer's Checklist (three lists: Nordic citizens, EU/EEA citizens, non-EU citizens) task by task. International House Helsinki connects you with the authorities you need when you move to the Helsinki area. Then pick one activity from the City's culture and leisure pages or from the events below.
City of Helsinki, Welcome to Helsinki · InfoFinland, moving to Finland checklist · International House Helsinki · City of Helsinki, culture and leisure
Rules change: always confirm on the official page before you go.
Free or low-cost places, open to everyone, where you can chat, practise a language and make friends. Check each page for upcoming dates.
