International mobility of our staff index
International mobility of our staff index
Living in Finland
Preparing for arrival
This page provides information on practices necessary for entering and starting your stay in Finland. Please note that some immigration processes must be started well in advance, up to 6 months prior to coming to Finland. It is good to know, that immigration formalities and registration in Finland varies between persons immigrating from the Nordic countries, EE/EEA countries and Non-EU countries.
Hosting Agreement
Aalto University Hosting Agreement is sent to incoming non-EU staff/faculty members before their arrival by the receiving HR unit. The agreement defines the receiving unit, the inviter and the job description, salary and the working period of the invited person, hence it can be attached to permit/visa applications in place of employment contract.
The Hosting Agreement helps the incoming person to apply the necessary immigration permits (such as visa or residence permit) in the country of residence before the actual work contract has been signed.
Those coming to do research in Aalto with a grant can be invited with the same Hosting Agreement.
Personal Identity Code
Yourpersonal identity code is a priority when coming. It is used for identification purposes for example in banks, hospitals and registers of different authorities.
Apply for the personal identity code from the Digital and Population Data services agency (DVV), International House Helsinki service point in Helsinki, or in the first residence permit application.
Family members and Apostille
In Finnish legislation, the definition of a family member may be narrower than elsewhere. The requirements for the family members’ immigration usually depend on the main applicant’s nationality. Check the requirements for the immigration permits at the Finnish Immigration Service.
Apostille legalized documents, such as marriage certificate and birth certificates for children, are required for the residence permit application.
Arrival Checklists
Immigration formalities and registration in Finland varies between persons immigrating from the Nordic countries, EE/EEA countries and Non-EU countries. Check the necessary registration formalities in the checklists
Citizens of the Nordic countries do not need a residence permit or job permit.
Apply for a Finnish identity code from Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) or from their service point in International House Helsinki.
If you live in Finland permanently (longer than 12 months) you can be assigned a municipality of residence.
With municipality of residence you can
- vote in the municipal elections of your municipality of residence
- use the services that municipalities provide only to their residents - including health care services in local health centers!
- Sometimes you also need a municipality of residence to be able to use the services provided by the state authorities or to be granted financial benefits or support.
To gain the Municipality of residence register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (former Local Register Office) or at their service point in International House Helsinki.
Check list for Nordic citizens:
- Check list for Nordic citizens, pls see attachment end of this page
As an EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you do not need a residence permit. After you have arrived in Finland, register the right to reside in Finland in person at Finnish Immigration Service if you stay in Finland longer than three months.
Apply for a Finnish personal identity code on the grounds of work from Digital and Population Data Services Agency (former Local Register Office) or from their service point in International House Helsinki.
Register a Finnish municipality of residence at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency if you intend to stay here permanently (over one year).
With municipality of residence you can
- vote in the municipal elections of your municipality of residence
- use the services that municipalities provide only to their residents including health care services in local health centers!
- Sometimes you also need a municipality of residence to be able to use the services provided by the state authorities or to be granted financial benefits or support.
Check list for EU/EEA citizens:
- Check list for EU/EEA citizens, pls see attachment end of this page
If you intend to work or stay for longer period than three months in Finland, you will need to obtain a residence permit before arrival from the Finnish Immigration Service.
We recommend you to start the visa and residence permit application processes at least 3–4 months prior to your planned arrival in Finland. Please note that a visa is a permit to only short stays (less than three months) if Finland.
Apply for the Finnish identity code with the application for the first residence permit or from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (former Local Register Office) or from their service point in International House Helsinki service.
Register a Finnish municipality of residence at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency service point if you intend to stay here permanently (at least one year) and you have a residence permit for at least one year.
With municipality of residence you can
- vote in the municipal elections of your municipality of residence
- use the services that municipalities provide only to their residents including health care services in local health centers!
- Sometimes you also need a municipality of residence to be able to use the services provided by the state authorities or to be granted financial benefits or support.
Check list for Non-EU citizens:
- Check list for Non-EU citizens, pls see attachment end of this page
Contact Details to Finnish Authorities
Local Register Office (Digital and Population Data Services Agency)
More info
Human Resource (HR) services contact details
Contact details to Human Resources (HR) services for Joint University services as well as for HR units at Schools and Departments.
Practical issues upon moving
On this page you find information on practical issues concerning moving to Finland, such as about social security, taxation and opening a bank account.
For families and spouses
Moving to Finland? Here you can learn more about practicalities.
Finding a private rental
For longer term accommodation in Helsinki region the best options are either renting or purchasing an apartment or a house. In case you are planning to purchase an apartment we recommend you to contact your bank and/or estate agencies to gain professional assistance and advice. Here you'll find information on renting an apartment, rental rates, and how to find an apartment.
Social life and recreation
Having social networks helps you feel at home! Aalto University organises many events and other possibilities for international staff and their families to meet and mingle and thus hopefully settle in smoothly. Some examples are Aalto Club and Experiencing Finland event. In addition, we have collected tips and links for you to find the most suitable information.