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.

Photo Svante Gullichsen
Girl jumping to the sea in Helsinki

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.

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

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

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

Bonus: Useful websites and portals

Suomi.fi

A central e-service portal for Finland, linking official documents, forms, and information from various authorities.

Illustration of a media notebook Suomi.fi

This is Finland

A government-run site with general info on Finnish culture, society, and work life.

Finland.fi

Finlex

A database of Finnish legislation in English and Finnish.

Finlex.fi
Photo Duotone
a person holding a phone at the Helsinki airport

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).