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, EU/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
Finnish personal identity code 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. Read more here.
Arrival Checklists
Immigration formalities and registration in Finland varies between persons immigrating from the Nordic countries, EU 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. Please, read carefully the check list for Nordic citizens for necessary registrations after arriving in Finland
- Check list for Nordic citizens (to be updated)
As an EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you do not need a residence permit. Please, read carefully the check list for EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens for necessary registrations after arriving in Finland
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.
Please, read carefully the check list for Non-EU citizens for necessary registrations after arriving in Finland
Contact Details to Finnish Authorities and other source of information
Digital and Population Data Services Agency DVV
Finnish Immigration Service Migri
International House Helsinki IHH
Guide for International Researchers and Their Families (office.com)
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 Experiencing Finland and Aalto Club events. In addition, we have collected tips and links for you to find the most suitable information.
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