What is the first thing to do after arriving in Finland?

Book a DVV appointment to register your address and apply for a henkilötunnus — this is the foundation for everything else. EU citizens can walk in at a DVV service point; non-EU citizens should have their Migri-approved residence permit in hand. Without a henkilötunnus, banking, healthcare registration, tax, and many rental applications are blocked.

How long does it take to be fully set up in Finland?

For EU citizens: 2–4 weeks from arrival to being fully set up (DVV, bank, Kela, tax card). For non-EU citizens using Startup or Specialist fast-track permits: 4–6 weeks from permit approval to being fully operational. For standard employed person permit applicants: plan for 2–4 months from permit application to full setup. Starting the process early and sequencing correctly makes the biggest difference.

Can I drive in Finland on my foreign licence?

EU/EEA licence holders can drive in Finland indefinitely without exchanging their licence (though Finnish registration is possible). Non-EU licence holders can drive for one year from establishing residency, after which they must convert to a Finnish licence. The conversion process requires a theory test for most nationalities; some countries have bilateral exchange agreements with Finland.

How do I bring my pet to Finland?

From EU countries: EU Pet Passport + microchip + up-to-date rabies vaccination. From non-EU countries: microchip, rabies vaccination, 21-day post-vaccination wait period, health certificate from an official veterinarian, and advance notification to Finnish Customs. Finland follows standard EU pet import regulations and there are no additional Finnish-specific requirements for most species.

What is Enter Finland?

Enter Finland (enterfinland.fi) is the Finnish Immigration Service's online portal for all residence permit applications, renewals, and status tracking. Non-EU applicants submit all documents electronically through this portal. It is available in English, Finnish, Swedish, and several other languages, and is the authoritative platform for all immigration applications.

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🇫🇮 Finland

Moving Guide

14 days

Permit Processing (Startup)

Fast-track electronic application via Enter Finland

4–12 weeks

Permit Processing (Specialist)

Standard processing; fast-track option available

Same day – 3 weeks

Henkilötunnus Wait

DVV service point; faster for EU citizens

€1,500–4,500

Removal Costs

EU to Helsinki; varies by volume and origin

Available

Import Duty Relief

Household effects exempt if resident 12+ months abroad before moving

EU passport + microchip

Pet Import

EU pets: PETS passport; non-EU: 21-day wait + rabies certificate

Last updated: March 2026

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Overview

Moving to Finland is relatively well-supported by digital infrastructure and clear official processes. The Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) handles permits; the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) registers residents and issues the henkilötunnus; and Kela handles social insurance registration. Most processes can be initiated online via the Enter Finland portal (non-EU) or suomi.fi (residents). The main challenge for non-EU expats is sequencing: permit approval, then henkilötunnus, then bank account, then everything else. Plan for 1–3 months from permit application to being fully set up.

Key Takeaways

Non-EU citizens: apply for residence permit via Enter Finland (enterfinland.fi) at least 3–4 months before planned arrival; fast-track options for Startup and Specialist permits
Step 1 — DVV registration: visit a DVV service point to register your address and apply for a henkilötunnus; bring passport, residence permit (non-EU) or EU ID, and proof of Finnish address
EU origin: no customs duties or VAT on personal household effects; straightforward removal
International House Helsinki (Maahanmuuttajien palvelukeskus): one-stop integration service in central Helsinki; housing advice, language courses, social events, and official registration support

Before You Arrive — Preparation Checklist

The most important pre-arrival steps are securing your residence permit (non-EU) and organising key documents. Starting the DVV registration process before arrival (where possible) reduces the post-arrival administrative burden.

Non-EU citizens: apply for residence permit via Enter Finland (enterfinland.fi) at least 3–4 months before planned arrival; fast-track options for Startup and Specialist permits
EU/EEA citizens: no permit needed; prepare proof of employment/self-employment and proof of a Finnish address for DVV registration
Gather certified/apostilled documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, university degrees, criminal record check — Finnish authorities often require official translations into Finnish or English
Arrange short-term housing for the first 1–3 months (furnished apartment, Airbnb, hotel) before committing to a long-term lease
Open a Finnish bank account: some banks (Holvi, S-Pankki) allow pre-registration; most require in-person visit after arrival
Research schools: if moving with children, contact Helsinki International School, Ressu Comprehensive, or Maunula for English-medium education before arrival
Health insurance: non-EU residents need private international health insurance until Kela coverage is established

First Weeks in Finland — The Essential Setup Sequence

The post-arrival administrative sequence in Finland has a logical order — each step typically depends on the previous one. Following this order minimises delays and frustration.

Step 1 — DVV registration: visit a DVV service point to register your address and apply for a henkilötunnus; bring passport, residence permit (non-EU) or EU ID, and proof of Finnish address
Step 2 — Bank account: visit your chosen bank with passport, henkilötunnus, and employment/income evidence; Nordea, OP, and S-Pankki are most used by expats
Step 3 — Kela card: apply online via kela.fi once you have henkilötunnus; card arrives by post; needed for healthcare and medicine subsidies
Step 4 — Tax card (verokortti): apply via MyTax portal (vero.fi/mytax) with henkilötunnus; provide to employer so correct tax is withheld
Step 5 — SIM card / Finnish phone number: get a Finnish number early — many services require a Finnish number for verification (DNA, Elisa, Telia are main operators; pre-paid available without henkilötunnus)
Step 6 — Suomi.fi authentication: once henkilötunnus and bank ID are set up, activate suomi.fi digital identity for access to all government services digitally
Step 7 — HSL transport card (Helsinki): load the regional travel card online or at R-kiosk; register for monthly passes and digital billing

Shipping, Customs, and Moving Costs

Shipping household goods to Finland from within the EU is customs-free. Non-EU residents importing personal effects may qualify for duty and VAT relief if they have been resident abroad for at least 12 months and are moving to Finland to establish permanent residence.

EU origin: no customs duties or VAT on personal household effects; straightforward removal
Non-EU origin: duty and VAT relief (muuttotavaravapautus) available if resident abroad for 12+ months; apply via Finnish Customs (tulli.fi) before shipping
Typical removal costs: €1,500–2,500 (EU, small load / 1-BR equivalent); €3,000–4,500 (EU, family-size load); international removals add 30–50%
Main international removers to Finland: Muuttomaailma, Niemi Palvelut, Crown Relocations, Santa Fe Relocation
Vehicle import: cars registered in an EU country can be driven in Finland for up to 6 months; permanently importing requires registration and Finnish car tax payment
Pets: EU-registered pets require EU animal passport, microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccination; non-EU pets require microchip, rabies vaccination, 21-day wait after vaccination, and health certificate from a licensed vet

Settling In — Community, Expat Resources, and Support

Finland has a small but growing expat community, particularly in Helsinki and Tampere. Several organisations actively support international residents' integration.

International House Helsinki (Maahanmuuttajien palvelukeskus): one-stop integration service in central Helsinki; housing advice, language courses, social events, and official registration support
International House Tampere: equivalent service for Tampere — particularly active in supporting tech sector arrivals and family integration
Expat Finland (expat-finland.com): comprehensive English-language guide to Finnish life, housing, healthcare, and bureaucracy
InterNations Helsinki: monthly social events for the international community; useful for building an initial social network
Meetup.com Helsinki: tech meetups, language exchange, hiking clubs, and dozens of interest-based groups with active international membership
Facebook groups: 'Expats in Helsinki', 'English-speaking parents Helsinki', 'Tampere Expats' — practical peer advice on all aspects of relocation
Suomi.fi/en: the official Finnish government portal in English — authoritative source for bureaucratic processes, benefit eligibility, and official forms

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