So, you’re thinking about moving to Helsinki?
We’re here to support this bold life choice.
Let’s plan your move to Helsinki. From what paperwork you need to where to live to how to survive your first sauna session, this page has the organisations you need to know to turn Finland’s capital into your happy place. Helsinki is a city that takes wellbeing seriously, diversity drives progress, and innovation shapes a better future—come on in the water’s fine.
Everything you need to know before you make the jump
Services & resources
Your Helsinki starter pack
Looking for a smooth landing in Finland’s capital? We’ve got you covered. From immigration to healthcare, taxes to education, this handy list spotlights the top organisations, agencies, and websites to kickstart your life in Helsinki. Dive in, get familiar, and watch your transition unfold with ease.
Tervetuloa!
The essentials (MVPs of life in Helsinki)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Business Finland
Provides funding, advice, and resources for startups and businesses looking to establish themselves in Finland, including networking events and investor connections.
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.
Commute, live & study (the Helsinki way)
HOAS (Helsinki Student Housing Foundation)
For students looking for affordable housing. HOAS manages a large portfolio of student apartments across the Helsinki region.
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.
VR (Finnish Railways)
For intercity train travel throughout Finland. You can buy tickets, check timetables, and explore travel discount options.
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.
Helsinki Adult Education Centres
Offer Finnish language courses at different levels, as well as other adult education classes (arts, crafts, IT, etc.).
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.
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.
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.
Bonus: Useful websites and portals
Suomi.fi
A central e-service portal for Finland, linking official documents, forms, and information from various authorities.
This is Finland
A government-run site with general info on Finnish culture, society, and work life.
You made it! We know what was a lot. Celebrate with some fun from Helsinki
Choose your Helsinki adventure
Helsinki is officially divided into eight main districts, split into 34 subdistricts—from the hipster hideouts of Kallio to the stylish boutiques of Punavuori, the peaceful shores of Lauttasaari to the buzz of downtown Kamppi. Each neighbourhood has its own quirky vibe. So, choose your adventure. Learn more about Helsinki’s neighbourhoods below. We don’t have all of them but we’re working on it (we know, East Helsinki is not nearly specific enough).