Researchers coming to Finland

Roadmap - your way to Finland

1. What to do before arriving in Finland - entry and residence

It is important that you leave enough time to complete all the necessary paper work and formalities: passport, visa (if required), residence permit, work permit, insurance issues and other permits you may need. Please note that depending on your country of origin, different regulations may apply.

For more information: Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Directorate of Immigration, Police (license services)

Needed documents

• Passport or official identity card
• All foreigners except citizens of the Nordic countries need a valid passport for entering Finland. Citizens of the Nordic countries need an official identity card in order to prove their identity.
• Visa
• A visa is granted for a maximum period of three months. A visa cannot be extended in Finland and it must be applied for before departure to Finland in the country of permanent residence of the applicant.
• Residence permit
• Nordic country citizens do not need a residence permit; however, they do need the internordiskt flyttningsbetyg (obtained from their home country). In Finland this document should then be taken to the local register office.
• EU/EEA citizens and citizens of Switzerland need a residence permit if the intended stay is longer than three months. The place to apply for a residence permit (EU/EEA card) is the police department of the applicant's area of residence.
• Non-EU/EEA country citizens intending to stay in Finland for a period longer than three months have to obtain a residence permit through the Finnish embassy or legation in their home country before arrival in Finland.
• Work permit
• For regulation and issues concerning work permits please see: Ministry for Foreign Affairs / work permits, Directorate of Immigration / working in Finland.

Other things to consider

Please contact your Finnish host research organisations.

• Insurance issues
• Housing and accommodation

2. What to do after arrival

The normal office hours in Finland are Mon-Fri 8-16.15, though opening and closing times may vary and you are advised to check them with the office concerned.

Before visiting any of the below mentioned bureaus, please do consult them first for further information concerning the necessary documents in order to ensure you bring all the needed papers with you.

Notice of moving and registering at the Local Register Office

Within one week of your arrival in Finland you should make a notice of moving (muuttoilmoitus) either by filling out a form at a post office or at your Local Register Office (maistraatti).

If your intended stay in Finland is longer than a year you have to register at your local register office. Like the Finns, you will be registered in the Population Information System and you will get a personal identity number which is needed for e.g. taxation.  Together with your address information, having the personal identity number will make numerous other things easier to acquire; such as getting a mobile phone contract or opening a bank account.

Population Register Centre (Väestörekisterikeskus) offers more information.