Welcome to Helsinki!

Thank you for choosing Helsinki as your new home. Now is the time to learn how things work in Finland and adjust to a new life in the capital city. The City of Helsinki’s Integration Services help you to build a good life in Helsinki.

Keskustakirjasto Oodin terassi kesällä.
Image: Jussi Hellsten

How to get started

1. Use the Newcomer’s Checklist
The Newcomer’s Checklist tells you what to do when you arrive in Finland. Choose the right option from 3 checklists: 1. Nordic citizens, 2. EU/EEA citizens, and 3. non-EU citizens. After you have completed the tasks on the list, move on to the next step.
2. Visit Integration Services
After you have moved to Helsinki, register as a client of the city’s Integration Services as soon as possible. At the city’s Integration Services, we can help you find work, study the language and get to know Finnish society. The services are free.
3. Learn Finnish or Swedish
When you learn to speak Finnish or Swedish, it is easier to get to know Finnish culture and society. The City of Helsinki offers many language courses. If you are a client of Integration Services, you can often study Finnish or Swedish for free.
4. Find a job
If you are looking for a job or want to study or start a business, Helsinki Employment Services can help you. If you are a client of Integration Services, you can often study for free.
5. Build a good life in Helsinki
Family, friends, and free time are all important for your well-being. The City of Helsinki offers many activities for you and your family. You can find a new club or hobby or do volunteer work and meet new people.
A free moment between business meetings and nowhere to put down the laptop? The library has peaceful areas for working alone or in group.
Photo: Jussi Hellsten

Do you need more help?

The Helsinki-info advisory service can help you if you need information about the city or immigration. Visit us in person, call us or send us a message in the chat. We speak many different languages and are happy to help!

See contact information for Helsinki-info

Explore our other services

International House Helsinki

International House Helsinki connects you with the authorities you need when you move to the Helsinki area from abroad.

Special Services for Immigrants

The City of Helsinki’s Special Services for Immigrants provide social services and support for daily life in your new home.

InfoFinland

InfoFinland has useful information about life in Helsinki. The website is available in 12 languages.

Welcome Helsinki

The Welcome Helsinki webpages offer practical information about Helsinki for when you move to the capital city.