"ARRIVING IN FINLAND"

BORDER IMMIGRATION

• When you arrive in Finland, the border authorities may ask you to prove that you still meet all the requirements for a residence permit.

• This verification process is a crucial step in ensuring that all incoming residents comply with the legal and financial standards set by the Finnish government. The authorities are tasked with maintaining the integrity of the immigration system, and as such, they have the right to conduct thorough checks on individuals seeking to establish residency in the country.

• Among other things, the authorities may ask you for information about whether you have enough money to live in Finland. This inquiry is particularly pertinent for individuals arriving as spouses of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or immigrants who hold a Finnish residence permit, as well as for those entering the country as students. The financial requirement is designed to ensure that newcomers can support themselves without relying on public assistance or social welfare programs. For students, this often means demonstrating that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, housing, food, and other living expenses for the duration of their studies. The amount required may vary depending on the length of stay and specific circumstances, but it is essential to have adequate financial resources to avoid complications during the border check.

• It is important to note that exceptions exist within these regulations. For instance, spouses of Finnish citizens are not subject to the same income requirement as those married to OFWs or entering as students. This policy reflects the Finnish government’s recognition of the unique circumstances surrounding family reunification and the importance of maintaining family unity. Therefore, if you are a spouse of a Finnish citizen, you will not need to provide proof of income or financial means, which can significantly ease the process of obtaining a residence permit in Finland.

DVV REGISTRATION

• Contact the Digital and Population Data Services Agency to get a municipally of residence and personal identity code.

• If you were not issued a personal identity code together with your residence permit card, you must visit a service location of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency in person.

• The Digital and Population Data Services Agency enters your personal details, information about your family relations and your address in the Population Information System. You can also apply for a municipality of residence at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

For more information, visit the website of the Digital and Population Data Services AgencyLink to an external website, Opens in a new tab (dvv.fi)

OPENING A FINNISH BANK ACCOUNT

• Having a Finnish bank account is crucial when you choose to settle in Finland, as all services require a strong e-identification to access your tax information, personal details in DVV, Enter Finland, banking, and more.

REGISTRATION AT TE OFFICE

• Register at the TE Office on the first day of unemployment. You cannot register retrospectively. If you have online banking access codes or a personal chip card, you can register online. Otherwise, visit the TE Office.

• The TE Office will issue a statement to the unemployment fund regarding your eligibility for earnings-related allowance. The unemployment fund can only pay earnings-related allowance if the TE Office statement includes no objections.

• If you have caused the termination of the employment or refuse work or training, the TE Office may issue a waiting period during which you will not receive daily allowance.

Registration at TE Office - Teollisuusliitto

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR INTERGRATION CLIENTS

• Register as a jobseeker in your city. When you register as a jobseeker, you start your job search and customer relationship with the employment services of your area. As a jobseeker, you can apply for unemployment benefit from Kela or your unemployment fund.

• The employment authority advises and guides you in applying for work and offers other services that help you integrate and get work. Such services may include integration training and multilingual social orientation, where you can find information about Finnish society.

• The initial interview or the assessment of the competence and integration service needs examines your study and work history, language skills and other matters affecting your integration and employment. In addition, your language, reading and writing skills may be tested.

• The integration plan supports your integration into Finland.

• It sets out an agreement on studying Finnish or Swedish that corresponds to your study readiness and skills, as well as on participating in the services that promote employment and best suit your situation.

• If you have a Finnish personal identity code and can identify yourself electronically, start your job search in the e-service.

• If you do not have a Finnish personal identity code or cannot start a job search in the e-service, contact the employment services in your region.

• You can get support for using the E-service from the Job Market Finland's E-services advice.

To whom and on what terms

• In order to register as a jobseeker, you must have the right to work in Finland. The right to work is based on a valid residence permit or the citizenship of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland.

• The employment authority in your area will assess what kind of services you need to support integration and employment.

KELA REGISTRATION

To register for Kela, follow these steps:

• You can apply for a Kela card either through a form or in the OmaKela e-service. The application can be submitted online.

  
  

• After entering the Population Information System, you can apply for a Kela card, which proves your entitlement to social security benefits.

  
  

• You can also register and apply for a Kela card at your local Kela service point, which is necessary for accessing health services and other benefits.

  
  

• Kela's online customer service allows you to check your data and apply for benefits, making it easier to manage your Kela-related transactions.

  For more detailed information, you can visit the official Kela website.

APPLY FOR POLIISI ID CARD

You can apply for a standard identity card online or by visiting the police station of your choice. It is easiest to do this online.

1. Have your passport photograph taken. The photography studio sends your passport photograph to the Police electronically. You will receive a photograph retrieval code as a text message or e-mail message for attaching the photograph to the application.

2. Fill out the application in our online serviceLink to an external websiteOpens in a new tab. Attach the photograph retrieval code you have received to the application. Select delivery time and collection point. The system will tell you if you need to visit a police station. Pay the application fee online. You can also monitor the progress of your application online.

3. Book an appointment with our online serviceLink to an external websiteOpens in a new tab if you need to visit a police station in order to apply. Remember to take your current passport or identity card with you if you have one.

4. Pick up your new identity card from the collection point you chose when you receive the collection note.

If you cannot or do not want to submit the application online, you can also do so at a police station. Please note that submitting the application online is cheaper and quicker.

Online application forms are available for standard identity cards, a minor's identity card without travel right and a foreigner's identity card. You cannot apply for a temporary identity card online.

WELCOME TO FINLAND KABAYAN!