Quick Guide: Moving to Helsinki

Whether you’re moving to Helsinki for work, studies, or a new adventure, get ready to explore a city where urban convenience meets natural beauty. With a strong support system for newcomers, Helsinki is ready to welcome you. Here’s your quick guide to settling in and living in Helsinki.  

Welcome
home

an old building next to a new building Family at home in Toukola neighbourhood (7) Life in Kallio

Before you move 

Get a residence permit 

First things first: Apply for a residence permit if you’re moving to Helsinki from outside the EU. Visit the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) for details on how to apply, including required documents and processing times. 

Find a job

Here are two helpful job-seeking resources:

If you’re starting a business, Business Helsinki offers free advice and services. 

Find your new home 

For rentals, start with websites like Oikotie and Vuokraovi. If you need a short-term place while you settle in, Airbnb or serviced apartments are solid options. Most rental agreements in Finland require tenants to take out home insurance on their belongings.

Check out our Helsinki plan your move page for more tips.

Bring your family

Helsinki has plenty of family-friendly perks, from affordable daycare to centrally-located playgrounds. Look into local support services like the Spouse Program to help your partner transition to living in Helsinki. Bringing a pet? The Finnish Food Safety Authority outlines what you should know. 

Organisations you should know

Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)

If you need a residence permit or want to check the status of an application, Migri provides all the necessary forms, guidelines, and updates.

Migri

Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

Formerly the Local Register Office (Maistraatti), DVV handles official registration tasks. You will need to register your residency in Finland, get a personal identity code (if you don’t have one already), and update your address.

DVV

Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela)

Kela administers Finland’s social security benefits (e.g., health insurance, unemployment benefits, student financial aid). Once you are registered in Finland, you may be eligible for Kela coverage.

Kela

Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)

THL provides public health and welfare information, statistics, and guidance. It’s a good resource for understanding the Finnish healthcare system and health-related updates.

THL

City of Helsinki Official Website

The City of Helsinki site includes detailed information on local services such as public health, libraries, sports facilities, day care, and events. It also directs you to customer service points (e.g., Helsinki-info) for in-person assistance.

Helsinki City

InfoFinland

A multilingual website with practical information on living in Finland—from housing to education, to working life. It’s maintained by various public authorities and is especially helpful for newcomers.

InfoFinland

International House Helsinki

A one-stop service center for newcomers to the Helsinki region. You can handle administrative tasks (registration, tax, social security) and get guidance on integration and job seeking.

IHH

Getting settled 

Registration and personal identity code 

Once you move to Helsinki, your first stop should be the Digital and Population Services Agency to register as a resident and get a personal identity code—essential for everything from banking to healthcare. 

Health & social security

Register with Kela, Finland’s social security system, to access healthcare services and receive social benefits. 

Banking & finances

Popular banks include Nordea, OP, and Danske Bank. You’ll also want to download MobilePay for easy transactions—it’s how locals split bills. 

Tax registration

Register with Vero, Finnish Tax Administration, to ensure your taxes are in order. Like most services in Helsinki, they offer excellent customer support in English, both online and in person.

Foreigner’s identity card 

Apply for an identity card from the police. This will make your life simpler when proving your identity in Finland.

Set up your phone and internet 

Getting a phone and internet plan in Helsinki is easy and affordable, and many apartments already come with fast internet.

Start learning the language 

While almost everyone in Helsinki speaks English, you can start learning Finnish (or Swedish, Finland’s other official language) to ease your integration and meet other internationals. Check finnishcourses.fi for classes near you. 

Work, business & other grown-up stuff (aka adulting in Helsinki )

Job Market Finland

As of January 2025, Finland’s public employment services have shifted from TE Offices to local municipalities—meaning more personalised support for jobseekers and employers alike. While TE-palvelut.fi is still around, the new star is Job Market Finland (Työmarkkinatori)—your single stop for job listings, career guidance, and local resources.

Job Market Finland

Finnish Tax Administration (Vero)

If you work in Finland, you’ll need a tax card (“verokortti”). The tax administration website covers everything from personal taxation to VAT for businesses. You can also order your tax card and handle annual tax returns online.

Vero

Business Helsinki

A free service by the City of Helsinki offering guidance, coaching, and courses for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups. They also host events and networking opportunities.

Illustration of two people shaking hands Business Helsinki

Business Finland

Provides funding, advice, and resources for startups and businesses looking to establish themselves in Finland, including networking events and investor connections.

Business Finland

Helsinki Region Infoshare

Provides open data about the Helsinki metropolitan area. Useful if you’re interested in city data, statistics, or research about the region.

HRI

Commute, live & study (the Helsinki way)

Oikotie & Vuokraovi

Two popular Finnish websites for finding apartments to buy or rent.

Oikotie

HOAS (Helsinki Student Housing Foundation)

For students looking for affordable housing. HOAS manages a large portfolio of student apartments across the Helsinki region.

HOAS

HSL (Helsinki Region Transport)

Oversees public transportation in the Helsinki region, including buses, trams, trains, and the metro. Their site has route planners, ticket info, and current schedules.

HSL

VR (Finnish Railways)

For intercity train travel throughout Finland. You can buy tickets, check timetables, and explore travel discount options.

VR

Finnish National Agency for Education

Oversees education standards, national curricula, and other areas related to schools and universities in Finland. Good for overall info on the Finnish education system.

OPH

Helsinki Adult Education Centres

Offer Finnish language courses at different levels, as well as other adult education classes (arts, crafts, IT, etc.).

Helsinki Adult Education Centre

Live like a local 

Understand Finnish culture 

Finns are known for their honesty, respect for personal space, and a love of nature. Punctuality is important, and work-life balance is taken seriously. And of course, saunas are a huge part of life here—not just for relaxation, but also for socialising. For a crash course in understanding Finns, check out Finnish Nightmares.  

Enjoy all four seasons

Summers in Helsinki bring long days and endless activities, while winters might surprise newcomers (ever had frozen eyelashes?) But don’t worry, with the right gear—like a warm coat, sturdy boots (with spikes), gloves, and plenty of layers—you’ll be ready to embrace even the coldest months

Transportation 

Helsinki’s public transport system is accessible and easy to use. Download the HSL app to zip around on trams, metros, buses, and trains. The city bike network also has you covered from spring to autumn. If you’re planning to drive, check whether you need to exchange your license for a Finnish one

Find communities and make friends

Helsinki is an inclusive city with a thriving expat community. Join meet-ups through social media platforms or Meetup.com for everything from language exchanges to forest walks. Finns might seem reserved at first, but joining a hobby or sports club can open the door to lasting connections. 

Events and cultural life

From Helsinki Design Week to summer music festivals, the city offers a rich cultural calendar. See all upcoming Helsinki events here

Connect, integrate & mingle (local life on a platter)

International House Helsinki

A one-stop service center for newcomers to the Helsinki region. You can handle administrative tasks (registration, tax, social security) and get guidance on integration and job seeking.

IHH

Integration Training (via TE Services)

TE Services also organises integration courses and language training for immigrants seeking to improve their Finnish skills and job prospects.

TE-Palvelut

Neighbourhood Facebook groups and expat communities

Search for specific Helsinki neighbourhood groups on Facebook or LinkedIn (e.g., “Expats in Finland”) to get tips, find activities, buy/sell secondhand items, and build a network.

Startup/Tech communities

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship or tech, Slush and Maria 01 communities host events, meetups, and innovation programs.

an illustration of a unicorn factory Maria 01

Your Helsinki adventure starts here  

Welcome to your new home, or as we say here, tervetuloa! We’re so happy you’re here. Remember, you can always revisit the links in this guide whenever you need a hand.