Moving to Tampere

Step 1: Register your address in Finland 

As a Nordic citizen, when moving to Finland (more than 6 months) you must register at Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to get your personal identity code and your address in Finland. You can make an appointment prior to your arrival.

Check carefully the instructions at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).

If you don’t have a personal identity code, you can get one in the same appointment. Check instructions at Registration of a foreigner (dvv.fi).

Step 2: Register with Kela  

Check your eligibility and register with the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) to access public healthcare and social security. After you register, you will get a Kela card. More information at Kela card (kela.fi).

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. Because the country is built for digital life, essential services like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts are handled digitally. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely.  

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Other alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Additional steps for integration in Finland:  

Finnish ID card

Once you have your personal identity number (processed by DVV), we advise you to apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. This card is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It is an official photo ID in Finland and can often be used instead of your passport in many situations, such as dealing with public authorities, renting a home, opening a bank account, or using digital government services.

Check about the application for an ID card at Apply for an identity card (poliisi.fi).  

Note: For an identity card application, you will need one passport photo which has been taken no longer than 6 months earlier. In case you want to use a paper photography, you cannot submit your application online. Check more at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

Tax card

To work in Finland, you need to get a tax card from the Finnish tax administration (Vero). Learn more about how to apply at Work in Finland (vero.fi).  

Personal bank account

If you need to open a local bank account, you must have a Finnish personal identity code (which you will get from Migri or at DVV), an official document that identifies you, and your address in Finland already registered at DVV. Bank requirements vary. Please confirm details directly with your bank.

Important: When opening a bank account, ask for the full online banking credentials so you can use the strong authentication – essential to access most digital everyday services in Finland. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.

Coming with a Family  

Supportive information about daycare and education in Finland available at Coming with a Family (tampere.fi).

Support for newcomers

For general guidance, please contact [email protected] or visit International House Tampere - a single service point for supporting internationals with living, working, studying, and connecting with local employers. More at International House Tampere (internationalhouse.tampere.fi). 

Step 1: EU Registration  

If you are a citizen of an European union (EU) member state, a Nordic country, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit. But, if you will stay for longer than 3 months in Finland, you must apply for EU Registration. To register your right of residence, follow instructions from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) at Registration of right of residence (migri.fi).

After your application is complete and paid, book an appointment (Category: EU Registration /Brexit, Service: Registration of an EU citizen) and visit a Migri service point and prove your identity at Book a time (migri.vihta.com).

Check the processing time of your application at Check the processing time of your application (migri.fi).

Step 2: Register your address in Finland

Register your address and retrieve your personal identity code at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). You can make an appointment prior to your arrival.  

Check carefully the instructions at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).

If you don’t have a personal identity code, you can get one in the same appointment. Check instructions Registration of a foreigner (dvv.fi).

Step 3: Register with Kela  

Check your eligibility and register with the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) to access public healthcare and social security. After you register, you will get a Kela card. More information at Kela card (kela.fi).

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. Because the country is built for digital life, essential services like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts are handled digitally. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely.  

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Other alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Additional steps for integration in Finland:  

Apply for a Finnish ID card  

Once you have your personal identity number (processed by DVV), we advise you to apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. This card is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It is an official photo ID in Finland and can often be used instead of your passport in many situations, such as dealing with public authorities, renting a home, opening a bank account, or using digital government services.

Check about the application for an ID card at Apply for an identity card (poliisi.fi).  

Note: For an identity card application, you will need one passport photo which has been taken no longer than 6 months earlier. In case you want to use a paper photography, you cannot submit your application online. Check more at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

Tax card

To work in Finland, you need to get a tax card from the Finnish tax administration (Vero). Learn more about how to apply at Work in Finland (vero.fi).  

Personal bank account

If you need to open a local bank account, you must have a Finnish personal identity code (which you will get from Migri or at DVV), an official document that identifies you, and your address in Finland already registered at DVV. Bank requirements vary. Please confirm details directly with your bank.

Important: When opening a bank account, ask for the full online banking credentials so you can use the strong authentication – essential to access most digital everyday services in Finland. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.

Coming with a Family

Supportive information about daycare and education in Finland available at Coming with a Family (tampere.fi).

Support for newcomers

For general guidance, please contact [email protected] or visit International House Tampere - a single service point for supporting internationals with living, working, studying, and connecting with local employers. More at International House Tampere (internationalhouse.tampere.fi).

Step 1: Apply for a residence card

If you are a family member of a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland citizen planning to stay longer than 3 months in Finland, you must apply for a residence card. Detailed instructions from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) available at Residence card for family members (migri.fi).

After your application is complete and paid, book an appointment (Category: EU Registration /Brexit, Service: Card for a family member of an EU citizen) and visit a Migri service point and prove your identity at Book a time (migri.vihta.com). 

Note: If you are a citizen of an EU Member State, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you DO NOT need a residence permit to stay in Finland – only the EU registration.

Check the processing time of your application at Check the processing time of your application (migri.fi).  

Step 2: Register your address in Finland

Register your address and retrieve your personal identity code at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). You can make an appointment prior to your arrival.  

Check carefully the instructions at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).

If you don’t have a personal identity code, you can get one in the same appointment. Check instructions at Registration of a foreigner (dvv.fi).

Step 3: Register with Kela

Check your eligibility and register with the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) to access public healthcare and social security. After you register, you will get a Kela card. More information at Kela card (kela.fi).

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. Because the country is built for digital life, essential services like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts are handled digitally. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely.  

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Other alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Additional steps for integration in Finland

Apply for a Finnish ID card  

Once you have your personal identity number (processed by DVV), we advise you to apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. This card is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It is an official photo ID in Finland and can often be used instead of your passport in many situations, such as dealing with public authorities, renting a home, opening a bank account, or using digital government services.

Check about the application for an ID card at Apply for an identity card (poliisi.fi).  

Note: For an identity card application, you will need one passport photo which has been taken no longer than 6 months earlier. In case you want to use a paper photography, you cannot submit your application online. Check more at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

Tax card

To work in Finland, you need to get a tax card from the Finnish tax administration (Vero). Learn more about how to apply at Work in Finland (vero.fi).

Personal bank account

If you need to open a local bank account, you must have a Finnish personal identity code (which you will get from Migri or at DVV), an official document that identifies you, and your address in Finland already registered at DVV. Bank requirements vary. Please confirm details directly with your bank.

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. This is an essential method to access most digital everyday services in Finland, like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts.

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Support for newcomers

For general guidance, please contact [email protected] or visit International House Tampere - a single service point for supporting internationals with living, working, studying, and connecting with local employers. More at International House Tampere (internationalhouse.tampere.fi). 

Step 1: Residence permit application

Before moving to Finland to be with a family member (spouse, partner or child), you need to apply for a residence permit based on family ties from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).  

You can check requirements and submit your application – electronically at First Time Family Ties Permits (enterfinland.fi) or paper application via Finnish embassy or consulate. Important: You can pay the application fee online or during the visit to prove your identity (step 2).

Your family member who lives in Finland is called a “sponsor” and usually is a spouse, partner or child. The sponsor must be a Finnish citizen, have a valid residence permit in Finland or be applying for a residence permit at the same time as you. Other requirements might affect the application, so we recommend you check the instructions carefully from Migri before moving forward: Moving to Finland to be with a family member (migri.fi).  

For children under 18 years old, the sponsor is allowed to submit the application simultaneously on their behalf. More information at My guardian is in Finland (migri.fi).

Not sure which residence permit to apply for? Find out using the Application Finder from Migri at I want a residence permit (migri.fi). This will help you determine the type of permit you need to apply based on your status and, therefore, will lead you to check the requirements to obtain the residence permit.

Step 2: Visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate

After your residence permit is submitted, you must visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate to prove your identity, to present the original copies of the attachments required for your application and to have your fingerprints taken. Remember to bring a passport photo with you. Passport photo guidelines can be found on the website of the Finnish police at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

If you are in Finland, you can book an appointment with Migri at Book a time (migri.vihta.com).  

If you are abroad, contact the embassy or consulate at Finland's embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates by country (um.fi).  

The application process will start once you conclude your visit to the Finnish Embassy or Consulate to prove your identity and the application fee is paid.  

Note: The applicant must wait for the decision in the country where application was submitted.

Check the processing time of your application (migri.fi).

Step 3: Register your address in Finland

Once you have moved to Tampere, register your address at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). You can make an appointment prior to your arrival. Check carefully the instructions at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).  

After you register your address with the DVV, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code if you have not already received one from Migri. The address registration allows you to access municipality’s services, apply for a Finnish identity card and a driving licence, use official authority services, and receive financial benefits or subsidies if you are entitled to them. Check differences at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).  

Step 4: Register with Kela  

Check your eligibility and register with the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) to access public healthcare and social security. After you register, you will get a Kela card. More information at Kela card (kela.fi).

Step 5: Apply for a Finnish ID card  

Once you have your personal identity number (processed by DVV), we advise you to apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. This card is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It is an official photo ID in Finland and can often be used instead of your passport in many situations, such as dealing with public authorities, renting a home, opening a bank account, or using digital government services.

Check about the application for an ID card at Apply for an identity card (poliisi.fi).  

Note: For an identity card application, you will need one passport photo which has been taken no longer than 6 months earlier. In case you want to use a paper photography, you cannot submit your application online. Check more at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. Because the country is built for digital life, essential services like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts are handled digitally. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely.  

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Other alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Additional steps for integration in Finland

Tax card

To work in Finland, you need to get a tax card from the Finnish tax administration (Vero). Learn more about how to apply at Work in Finland (vero.fi).  

Personal bank account

If you need to open a local bank account, you must have a Finnish personal identity code (which you will get from Migri or at DVV), an official document that identifies you, and your address in Finland already registered at DVV. Bank requirements vary. Please confirm details directly with your bank.

Important: When opening a bank account, ask for the full online banking credentials so you can use the strong authentication – essential to access most digital everyday services in Finland.  

Coming with a Family  

Supportive information about daycare and education in Finland available at Coming with a Family (tampere.fi).

Registering as a jobseeker

If you are unemployed, you must register as a jobseeker with the municipal employment services before getting social benefits and integration services.  

You can register as a jobseeker online using the ‘E-services' section of Job Market Finland. You can also get support to start your job search by visiting the International House Tampere Employment Services, or by contacting the Employment Services by phone +358 40 801 6581 (Monday-Friday 9.00–15.00) or by e-mail: [email protected].  

Looking for more information? Check at Jobseekers in the employment area (tampere.fi).  

Support for newcomers

For general guidance, please contact [email protected] or visit International House Tampere - a single service point for supporting internationals with living, working, studying, and connecting with local employers. More at International House Tampere (internationalhouse.tampere.fi).

Step 1: Residence permit application  

If you are coming to Tampere for work, you must apply for a work residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).  

You can check requirements and submit your application – electronically at Working in Finland (enterfinland.fi) or paper application via Finnish embassy or consulate. Important: You can pay the application fee online or during the visit to prove your identity (step 2).  

In some cases, you might be entitled to apply for a fast-track residence permit. Check if that is your case at Fast track (migri.fi).  

Coming with your family? If a family member (spouse, partner or child) is moving with you, they can submit their residence permit applications at the same time as yours. Check more at Moving to Finland to be with a family member (migri.fi).  

Not sure which residence permit to apply for? Find out using the Application Finder from Migri at I want a residence permit (migri.fi). This will help you determine the type of permit you need to apply based on your status and, therefore, will lead you to check the requirements to obtain the residence permit.

Step 2: Visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate

After your residence permit is submitted, you must visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate to prove your identity, to present the original copies of the attachments required for your application and to have your fingerprints taken. Remember to bring a passport photo with you. Passport photo guidelines can be found on the website of the Finnish police at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

If you are in Finland, you can book an appointment with Migri at Book a time (migri.vihta.com).  

If you are abroad, contact the embassy or consulate at Finland's embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates by country (um.fi).  

The application process will start once you conclude your visit to the Finnish Embassy or Consulate to prove your identity and the application fee is paid.  

Note: The applicant must wait for the decision in the country where application was submitted.

Check the processing time of your application (migri.fi).

Step 3: Register your address in Finland

Once you have moved to Tampere, register your address at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). You can make an appointment prior to your arrival. Check carefully the instructions at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).  

After you register your address with the DVV, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code if you have not already received one from Migri. The address registration allows you to access municipality’s services, apply for a Finnish identity card and a driving licence, use official authority services, and receive financial benefits or subsidies if you are entitled to them. Check differences at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).

Step 4: Register with Kela  

Check your eligibility and register with the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) to access public healthcare and social security. After you register, you will get a Kela card. More information at Kela card (kela.fi).

Step 5: Apply for a Finnish ID card  

Once you have your personal identity number (processed by DVV), we advise you to apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. This card is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It is an official photo ID in Finland and can often be used instead of your passport in many situations, such as dealing with public authorities, renting a home, opening a bank account, or using digital government services.

Check about the application for an ID card at Apply for an identity card (poliisi.fi/).  

Note: For an identity card application, you will need one passport photo which has been taken no longer than 6 months earlier. In case you want to use a paper photography, you cannot submit your application online. Check more at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

Step 6: Tax card

To work in Finland, you need to get a tax card from the Finnish tax administration (Vero). Learn more about how to apply at Work in Finland (vero.fi).  

Step 7: Personal bank account

If you need to open a local bank account, you must have a Finnish personal identity code (which you will get from Migri or DVV), an official document that identifies you, and your address in Finland already registered at DVV. Bank requirements vary. Please confirm details directly with your bank.

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. This is an essential method to access most digital everyday services in Finland, like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts.

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Additional steps for integration in Finland

Coming with a Family  

Supportive information about daycare and education in Finland available at Coming with a Family (tampere.fi).

Support for newcomers

For general guidance, please contact [email protected] or visit International House Tampere - a single service point for supporting internationals with living, working, studying, and connecting with local employers. More at International House Tampere (internationalhouse.tampere.fi). 

Step 1: Residence permit application  

If you are coming to Tampere to study, you must apply for a student residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Depending on your studies, you might get different residence permits (A or B). Check different requirements at Residence permit application for studies (migri.fi).

You can check requirements and submit your application – electronically at Student (enterfinland.fi) or paper application via Finnish embassy or consulate. Important: You can pay the application fee online or during the visit to prove your identity (step 2).  

Coming with your family? If a family member (spouse, partner or child) is moving with you, they can submit their residence permit applications at the same time as yours. Check more at Moving to Finland to be with a family member (migri.fi).  

Not sure which residence permit to apply for? Find out using the Application Finder from Migri at I want a residence permit (migri.fi). This will help you determine the type of permit you need to apply based on your status and, therefore, will lead you to check the requirements to obtain the residence permit.

Step 2: Visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate

After your residence permit is submitted, you must visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate to prove your identity, to present the original copies of the attachments required for your application and to have your fingerprints taken. Remember to bring a passport photo with you. Passport photo guidelines can be found on the website of the Finnish police at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

If you are in Finland, you can book an appointment with Migri at Book a time (migri.vihta.com).  

If you are abroad, contact the embassy or consulate at Finland's embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates by country (um.fi).  

The application process will start once you conclude your visit to the Finnish Embassy or Consulate to prove your identity and the application fee is paid.  

Note: The applicant must wait for the decision in the country where application was submitted.

Check the processing time of your application (migri.fi).

Step 3: Register your address in Finland

Once you have moved to Tampere, register your address at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). You can make an appointment prior to your arrival. Check carefully the instructions at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).  

After you register your address with the DVV, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code if you have not already received one from Migri. The address registration allows you to access municipality’s services, apply for a Finnish identity card and a driving licence, use official authority services, and receive financial benefits or subsidies if you are entitled to them. Check differences at Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland (dvv.fi).

Step 4: Check Kela for student’s healthcare

Check if you are eligible and register with Kela to access public healthcare and social security. More information at Kela card (kela.fi).

If you are completing a higher education degree and are registered as attending, make sure you pay the student healthcare fee to the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) to use the services of the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS). More information available at Healthcare fee for students in higher education (kela.fi).  

Step 5: Apply for a Finnish ID card  

Once you have your personal identity number (processed by DVV), we advise you to apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. This card is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. It is an official photo ID in Finland and can often be used instead of your passport in many situations, such as dealing with public authorities, renting a home, opening a bank account, or using digital government services.

Check about the application for an ID card at Apply for an identity card (poliisi.fi).  

Note: For an identity card application, you will need one passport photo which has been taken no longer than 6 months earlier. In case you want to use a paper photography, you cannot submit your application online. Check more at Passport photographs (poliisi.fi).  

Step 6: Personal bank account

If you need to open a local bank account, you must have a Finnish personal identity code (which you will get from Migri or at DVV), an official document that identifies you, and your address in Finland already registered at DVV. Bank requirements vary. Please confirm details directly with your bank.

Important: Strong Authentication in Finland

In Finland, strong authentication is usually obtained through full online banking credentials when you open a bank account. This is an essential method to access most digital everyday services in Finland, like taxes, healthcare, banking, taxation, and contracts.

Strong authentication is a secure way to prove your identity online at a legally recognised level. The strong authentication ensures that only the right person can access and manage sensitive information safely. Please check with your Finnish bank for detailed instructions on how to apply for and activate this service.  

Alternatives for strong authentication are Mobile Certificate, Finnish Police-issued ID Card (with Citizen Certificate), Finnish Authenticator Identification Service and eIDAS (for EU Citizens).  

Additional steps for integration in Finland 

Tax card

To work in Finland, you need a residence permit that allows you to work and then get a tax card from the Finnish tax administration (Vero). Learn more about how to apply at Work in Finland (vero.fi).

Coming with a Family  

Supportive information about daycare and education in Finland available at Coming with a Family (tampere.fi).

Support for newcomers

For general guidance, please contact [email protected] or visit International House Tampere - a single service point for supporting internationals with living, working, studying, and connecting with local employers. More at International House Tampere (internationalhouse.tampere.fi). 

If you are planning to move here as a startup, you need to officially sort out a few things before you can start developing your business in Tampere, Finland. We have put together a Tampere Startup Kit, where you will find everything you need to know to get you started with your business in Tampere. You can find information on the permit and registration process as a startup entrepreneur at Check if you need a residence permit | www.tampere.fi.

Startup Founder

The startup residence permit only applies to non-EU citizens. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you need to register your right of residence at the Finnish Immigration Service and if you are a citizen of a Nordic country (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland) you have to register your right of residence with the DVV.

If you are unsure about the application process, you can get a consultancy service from our expert here: this link.

Startup Founder (non-EU resident)

Step 1: Obtain a positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland via EnterFinland by choosing residence permit for “Startup Entrepreneurs” and selecting the option; “I want to apply for an Eligibility Statement on behalf of my whole team.” Please refer to Finnish Startup Permit-to find out eligibility requirements and instructions.

Step 2: After receiving a positive “Eligibility Statement” from Business Finland, your next step is to apply for the Finnish Startup Permit via EnterFinland, by choosing again residence permit for “Startup Entrepreneurs” and selecting the option; “I already have a positive Eligibility Statement from Business Finland and I want to apply for a residence permit”. You can use “Fast Track Service” to get your decision in two weeks. More info on the application: Start-up entrepreneur | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi)

Step 3: Register with DVV ( the Digital and population data services agency). Upon arrival in Finland, make an appointment to register with DVV for a personal identity code (if not given along with your resident permit) and register your temporary or permanent address in Finland. Permanent address means the address you are living long-term here in Tampere for 1 year or more.  Instructions on the application process can be found on Registration of a foreigner | Digital and population data services agency (dvv.fi). You can fill up the form before the appointment but please DO NOT sign the form or write the date before your appointment. You have to sign the form in front of DVV during your appointment.

Note: You can use “Fast Track Service” for growth entrepreneurs for registration DVV

Step 4: Apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. Once your personal ID is processed and approved at DVV, it is advisable to get a Finnish ID from the police station. This is not an absolute mandatory but it is useful as this card is important for official ID verification in stores, post office and others (instead of carrying your passport around). Most banks also require that you have an ID card for full access banking services (without a Finnish ID card, you will only get basic banking services online). Go to Apply for an identity card - Police (poliisi.fi) for application info and process.

Step 5: Open a personal bank account. Ensure you have a Finnish ID, residence permit and local address to open a bank account. Remember to apply for online bank codes to access Finland's e-services and online banking (full service valid only if you have a Finnish ID card)

Step 6: After you have secured your insurance for entrepreneurs (YEL) you can apply for the social security from Kela.

Step 7: Establish your company in Finland. Go to Establish Your Company– Startup Tampere KIT and file a startup notification from the YTJ.

Step 8: Open a corporate bank account. Please refer to Suomi.fi for information and instructions to open a corporate account. Visit Opening a bank account for a company – Suomi.fi (suomi.fi) and Business Finland’s fact sheet about opening a corporate bank account.

Additional Information:

• Finnish public authorities accept only documents in the following languages: Finnish, Swedish, or English.
• Apply for social security (Kela) only after obtaining the YEL insurance (Self-employed person’s pension insurance)
• Get access to Startup services Startup companies - Business Finland 

If you are planning to move here as an entrepreneur, you need to officially sort out a few things before you can start developing your business in Tampere, Finland. The entrepreneurship residence permit only applies to non-EU citizens. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you need to register your right of residence at the Finnish Immigration Service and if you are a citizen of a Nordic country (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland) you have to register your right of residence with the DVV.

If you are unsure about the application process, you can get a consultancy service from our expert here: this link.

Entrepreneur permit  for non- EU Citizen

If you are planning to move here as an entrepreneur, your business operations need to be profitable - your means of support must be secured by your income from your business.

We highly recommend booking a consultation with our Business Coordinator to ensure you have the correct requirements and processes in place: Guidance For Entrepreneurship Services - International House Tampere

Step 1: Get your business ID by filing the startup notification through  YTJ - Start-up notifications. Select the type of business you are planning to start:

• a private trader, in other words, a private entrepreneur
• a partner in a general partnership
• a general partner (not a silent partner) in a limited partnership
• a member of a cooperative who has an unlimited liability for refinancing
• entrepreneur in a limited liability company

Step 2: Prepare your business plan, financial tables, and supportive documents. Make sure you have all the attachments needed to apply for the residence permit.  If necessary, have the attachments translated and legalised.  To see the attachments required go to New entrepreneur (Migri.fi).  Translate legalized and proof of living costs. If your documents are not in Finnish/Swedish/English, please ensure they are translated and legalised before submission.

Step 3: Apply for a residence permit in Enter Finland and attach the documents to the application. Fill out the application carefully and pay for the application Submit application (Migri.fi)

After receiving a positive decision, you can move to Tampere.

Step 4: Register with DVV (The Digital and population data services agency). Upon arrival in Finland, make an appointment to register with DVV for a personal identity code (if not given along with your resident permit) and register your temporary or permanent address in Finland. Permanent address means the address you are living long-term here in Tampere for 1 year or more.  Instructions on the application process can be found on Registration of a foreigner | Digital and population data services agency (dvv.fi). You can fill up the form before the appointment but please DO NOT sign the form or write the date before your appointment. You have to sign the form in front of DVV during your appointment.

Step 5: Apply for a Finnish ID card at the police station. Once your personal ID is processed and approved at DVV, it is advisable to get a Finnish ID from the police station. This is not an absolute mandatory, but it is useful as this card is important for official ID verification in stores, post office and others (instead of carrying your passport around). Most banks also require that you have an ID card for full access banking services (without a Finnish ID card, you will only get basic banking services online). Go to Apply for an identity card Apply for an identity card (Poliisi.fi) for application info and process.  

Step 6: Open a bank account for both the company and personal.

• For company account: Please refer to Suomi.fi for information and instructions to open a corporate account. Go to Suomi.fi for information and instructions to open a corporate account Opening a bank account for a company - Suomi.fi and Business Finland’s fact sheet about opening a corporate bank account: fact-sheet-opening-corporate_bankaccount.pdf (businessfinland.fi)
• For personal account: Ensure you have a Finnish ID, residence permit, employment contract and local address to open a bank account. Remember to apply for online bank codes to access Finland's e-services and online banking (full service valid only if you have a Finnish ID card)

Step 7: Once you have secured your insurance for entrepreneurs (YEL) you can apply for the social security from Kela

Additional Information:

• Find out more about residence permit application for an entrepreneur Residence permit application for an entrepreneur | Maahanmuuttovirasto (migri.fi).
• Find out info and steps on how to set up your business and handle tax matters: Checklist for the founder of a new business (Vero.fi)
• Apply for a tax card with Vero: Individuals tax cards and tax returns (Vero.fi)
• Business guide on setting up a business in Finland: BUSINESS GUIDE. HOW TO SET UP BUSINESS IN FINLAND (businessfinland.fi)

The address of Tampere-Pirkkala airport is Tornikaari 50, 33960 Pirkkala. The airport website is: Tampere-Pirkkala - Finavia (finavia.fi)

Taxis: Taxis are on call at the taxi stand in front of the airport in accordance with flight schedules. At the airport, there is a taxi stand in front of Terminal 1 and a free phone for calling a taxi in case no taxis are available.

If you want to ensure a taxi is available for you or you have special requests, you can book a ride in advance from the companies below:

• Taksi Tampere: Services - Taksi Tampere (taksitampere.fi)
• Taxi Service Kivelä: Service 24/7 - Taxi Service Kivelä (taksipalvelukivela.fi)
• Menevä: Book a Taxi in Tampere - Menevä (meneva.fi)

Bus: There is a bus that runs between Tampere-Pirkkala Airport and Tampere city centre. The bus stops and picks up passengers in front of terminal 1 at Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. For more information on planning your bus journey, please refer to Tampere's public transport website, Nysse’s Journey Planner or download the app. Journey planner - Nysse (reittiopas.tampere.fi)

Unsure what, where and when to take the bus or tram? You can also plan your schedule via  Journey planner (reittiopas.tampere.fi) or download  the Nysse app to your phone by going to: Nysse for Mobile - Tampere regional transport( Nysse.fi)  (check 'How to buy a mobile ticket')

Car rental: A rented car makes your journey easier. Several car rental companies are located at the airport. Some of them are open only by prior reservation, so make sure to check the opening times and other information in the car rental companies’ websites. Car rental which operates at the airport are: Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.  For more information: Tampere-Pirkkala car rentals - Finavia (finavia.fi)

Tampere is accessible via train, bus, and car from Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

Train: You can take a train from Helsinki airport to the Tampere train station. The train station is located directly under the airport terminal. It is accessible by lift or escalator. Please follow the train sign to take you to the train terminal. Please note that you will need to transfer to another train at Tikkurila train station. Find out the train’s schedule and price from Helsinki airport to Tampere: VR-Group (vr.fi)

Bus: You can take a bus to Tampere outside Terminal 2. The bus will arrive at Tampere’s main bus station. You can purchase your ticket online or in the bus. Tampere bus terminal is located at the city centre. Find out the timetable and price on how to get to Tampere from Helsinki airport via bus with the bus search tool Bus Radar: Bus from Helsinki Airport (HEL) to Tampere(TRE) – Bus Radar (busradar.com)

Car rental:You can also hire a car when at the airport Renting a car at Helsinki Airport - Finavia (finavia.fi). Their service desks can be found in the Terminal 2 arrival hall. You can pick up the rental cars easily from the parking hall P3. You can pre-book a rental car by calling to the car-rental dealership or from their websites.