Frequently asked questions
1. Who can I contact regarding questions on applying for income support?
Basic social assistance will be paid by Kela
The application forms are available at Kela offices and online at www.kela.fi/web/en/forms
Supplementary and preventive social assistance will continue to be provided by the City of Helsinki
Supplementary and preventive social assistance will continue to be provided by the City's social services. However, as of January 1st 2017, you will first need a decision from Kela concerning basic social assistance before applying for supplementary or preventive social assistance.
Telephone numbers for social assistance advice to remain the same
The telephone advice service provides information and advice on matters related to applying for social assistance. You can call the telephone service to ask for information on the grounds for granting social assistance Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
- Finnish-speaking clients tel. 09 310 56257
- Swedish-speaking clients tel. 09 310 44967
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2. How can I find out where the nearest health station is?
The Telephone Health Service, tel. 09 310 10023, provides information on Helsinki’s health services and medical advice around the clock.
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3. How can I apply for a day-care place for my child?
The information service of the Education Sector provides advice related to day-care, playground activities and play clubs by telephone Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 44986.
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4. How can I obtain a resident parking permit?
The Urban Environment Division manages parking control, resident parking permits and parking control equipment. The customer service point is at Sörnäistenkatu 1. Open Mon 8:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Tue–Thu 8:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Fri 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 22111.
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5. Who is responsible for the maintenance of streets and parks, as well as cleaning up street dust?
The Urban Environment Division. For more information you may contact the customer service: Mon 8:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Tue–Thu 8:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Fri 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 22111. For information on seasonal matters, please refer to the news section on the Urban Environment Division's website.
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6. How can I obtain a construction permit or advice on permit processes?
Building Control Services' Service Point Tellinki provides advice on common questions related to permits and launching projects Mon-Thu 9.00-13-00, address Sörnäistenkatu 1. Phone service Mon-Thu 9.00-13.00, tel. 09 310 26363. If the service point is closed, you can contact Urban Environment Division’s customer service tel. 09 310 22111 that is open Mon 8.15-17.00, Tue-Thu 8.15-16.00 and Fri 10.00-15.00.
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7. How can I obtain more information regarding an invoice received from the City?
The City’s invoicing matters are handled by the Financial Management Services, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 25300. The same service also handles the payroll administration of all City Divisions as well as other matters, such as dog tax. City of Helsinki invoices can be paid at the Public Service Cash Desk at Toinen linja 4 A, Kallio Office Building, open Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
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8. How can I apply for rental housing from the City?
To apply for City-owned rental housing, use the City’s e-services or a self-service terminal at Stadin asunnot customer service location. Address: Itämerenkatu 3, open Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. and Thursdays 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 13030.
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9. How can I obtain information on issues related to indoor air quality problems?
The City Environment Sector's housing health information service provides advice on matters related to, for example, indoor air, moisture, mould and noise Mon, Wed–Fri 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon, Tue 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 15000. Information related to, for example, food and quality of household water is available Mon, Wed–Fri 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon, Tue 12:00 noon–3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 14000.
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10. How can I obtain information on zoning, city planning and new construction in Helsinki?
11. What is on in Helsinki?
Major events are listed on the City of Helsinki tourism pages such as myhelsinki.fi. You can also contact Helsinki Tourist Information, tel. 09 310 13300. Helsinki Tourist Information opening hours: 15 September–14 May, Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sat–Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and 15 May–14 September, Mon–Sat 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sun 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
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12. How can I find the shortest route to my destination using public transport?
Information on public transport routes, schedules and fares is available from the Helsinki Region Transport customer service, Mon–Fri 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m., Sat–Sun 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., tel. 09 4766 4000. A Journey Planner is available for finding the shortest route to your destination.
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13. How can I obtain information on becoming an entrepreneur in Helsinki?
NewCo Helsinki offers business expertise and advisory services to entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs in the Yrityslinna building at Ensi linja 1. Reserve an appointment, tel. 09 310 36360, e-mail: yrityshelsinki@hel.fi
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14. How can I obtain a seasonal sales permit or a regular vending stall at market squares or flea markets?
The Wholesale Food Market at Vanha talvitie 10 H (2nd floor) leases out vending stalls in market halls and squares. The customer service is open Mon–Thu 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Fri 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 23565, e-mail tukkutori@hel.fi
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15. How can I obtain information on the decisions made by the City Board and City Council?
The City of Helsinki Registrar's Office serves the entire City organisation. The Registrar's Office provides information on the progress of pending administrative affairs and decisions throughout each process. The Registrar's Office is at Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13, open Mon–Fri 8:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 13700
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16. How can I apply for City grants for association?
17. What services are available via City of Helsinki e-services website?
18. I am an EU citizen and I would like to move to Helsinki. How do I go about it?
As an EU citizen you are allowed to stay in Finland for three months at your own expense. If you wish to stay in Helsinki and register as a Helsinki resident, you must have a job or active company, a place of study or long-term family ties.
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19. How can I find Finnish language courses in the Helsinki metropolitan area?
Finnishcourses.fi website lists courses in Finnish and Swedish. The course search tool provides information on courses that are open to the public.
finnishcourses.fi
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20. My fixed-term residence permit is expiring soon. Where can I renew it?
21. I have reserved an appointment at a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service, but my residence permit will expire before the appointment date. What should I do?
According to the Finnish Immigration Service, a residence permit must be renewed before it expires. It is not sufficient that the applicant has made a reservation for an appointment if the residence permit expires before the date of the appointment. Residence permit holders in this situation should go to a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service without an advance reservation to wait in line and take care of the matter before the expiration of the residence permit.
You can find the service points of the Finnish Immigration Service from here: www.migri.fi
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22. Am I allowed to work while I wait for a decision on a residence permit application submitted on the ground of employment?
You are not allowed to work while your first residence permit application submitted on the grounds of employment is still being processed. An exception to this rule is work that does not require a residence permit. However, you should note that you are only allowed to perform such work without a residence permit for the duration of the validity period of your visa or visa-exempt status.
If you have previously been issued a residence permit on the grounds of employment, or some other residence permit that entitles you to work, you can continue to work under the terms of your previous permit while your application for an extended permit is being processed. For this to apply, you must apply for an extended permit before the expiration of your previous permit.
Further information: www.migri.fi
Also read about work that does not require a residence permit (”Employment without residence permits”; Aliens Act, Section 81).
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23. Is it possible for me to obtain a Finnish residence permit for my parents?
A residence permit on the grounds of family ties may, under certain circumstances, be applied by family members other than members of the nuclear family. You can not apply for a residence permit on their behalf but they have to apply for themselves. Residence permit applications are processed by the Finnish Immigration Service.
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24. How do I apply for Finnish citizenship?
25. I have moved to Helsinki from abroad and I have school-aged children. How can they start school?
A child can be provided with preparatory education to improve his or her Finnish or Swedish language skills. Preparatory education is intended for all immigrant children who do not speak Finnish or Swedish. The preparatory education typically lasts for one year, after which time the pupil will start in a regular classroom.
On matters related to comprehensive school and preparatory education, please contact Helsinki City Education Sector. Information service open Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., tel. 09 310 86400, electronic form: Ask questions or give feedback
On matters related to daycare and preschool, please contact information service Mon-Fri 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. tel. 09 310 44986, electronic form: Ask questions or give feedback
Education Sector
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19.03.2019 12:30
