Moving to Tampere

If you are a citizen of an EU Member State, a Nordic country, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you do not need a visa or permit but you must apply for EU registration if you plan to reside in Finland for a longer period than three months without interruption.

Step 1: Submit application with e-service via EnterFinland : EU registration (enterfinland.fi)  You need to submit the application yourself and pay online. For spouses/dependents, a separate application must be filled. You cannot fill up an application for a spouse on their behalf.

Step 2: You will need to visit a service point of the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) to prove your identity and to present the original versions of any attachments required for the application. You can book an appointment in Migri’s appointment system online  on Migri - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.vihta.com)

Step 3: Register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (also known in Finland as the DVV). 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 one 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 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 verfication in stores, post office and others. 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.

Additional Steps: Depending on your status and reason for move, you would need to do the following:

• Get a tax card from Vero, the Finnish tax administration:   Work in Finland – Finnish Tax Administration (vero.fi) if you are earning income in Finland.
• Register with Kela - Finnish Social Insurance institution (kela.fi) , and find out about the social benefits in Finland.
• Open a bank account. Please refer to 'Banking' for more info

If you are coming to Finland from outside the EU for more than 90 days, you must apply for a residence permit. You need to apply for your residence permit personally. You cannot for example, apply for a residence permit on behalf of your spouse or employee. For more information on which type of permit you should apply for, you can use the  application finder by the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) on : I want to come to Finland - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.fi)

Studying:  

You need a student resident permit for studies longer than 90 days. For postgraduate studies, you can apply for the scientific research resident permit. Please refer to the application finder link above for guideline.

Step 1: Submit application for student residence permit, either via e-application at at Enter Finland:  Student - EnterFinland (enterfinland.fi) OR paper application via Finnish embassy or consulate. Note: Once you have been accepted by an educational institution here, please ensure you meet the requirements before applying for your student residence permit. Find out more on Residence permit application for studies - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.fi)

Step 2: Visit Finnish Embassy or Consulate: For online application, you need to make an appointment and visit the embassy/consulate after you have submitted your application to prove your identity, fingerprint registration, hand in your photo and documents requested. For paper application, you can make an appointment with the embassy and hand in your application form, photograph and documents. You can pay the application fees at the same time.To find embassies or consulates near you  go to  Finland’s embassies and other missions abroad - Finland abroad (finlandabroad.fi) Note: The application will only start to be processed when the application fees are paid and the applicant must wait for the decision in the country where the application was submitted.

Step 3: Register with DVV. 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 one 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 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 verfication in stores, post office and others. 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 bank account: Ensure you have a Finnish ID, residence permit, student certificate 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).

Additional Steps: Students are allowed to work here up to a maximum of 30 hours per week. If you are working, you need to apply for a tax card at Vero( the Finnish tax office). For more info about studying and working in Finland, go to Studying in Finland - Finnish Tax Administration (vero.fi)   

Generally, you need a residence permit to work in Finland. In some cases, you can work for less than 90 days without a residence permit, find out more on Work without residence permit - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.fi) if you qualify to work without a permit for 90 days. For those who need a permit or planning to work more than 90 days, please refer to I want to come to Finland - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.fi) to find the most suitable type of permit.

Step 1: Find out on I want a residence permit - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.fi) the right type of residence permit to apply. This will help you determine the type of permit you need to apply based on your status. Start by selecting 'I am a citizen of some other country’. After answering all the questions, you can click on the link ‘Residence permit application for...’ to apply for the respective permit with further instructions on supporting documents.

Step 2: Visit a Finnish Embassy or Consulate: For online application, you need to make an appointment and visit the embassy/consulate after you have submitted your application to prove your identity, fingerprint registration, and hand in your photo and documents requested. For paper applications, you can make an appointment with the embassy and hand in your application form, photograph, and documents. You can pay the application fees at the same time. Go to  Finland’s embassies and other missions abroad - Finland abroad (finlandabroad.fi) to find embassies or consulates near you. Note: The application will only start to be processed when the application fees are paid and applicant must wait for the decision in the country where application was submitted.

Step 3: Register with DVV. 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 one year or more. Instructions on the application process can be found at 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 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 bank 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 6: Apply for a tax card from Vero. Please ensure you send this card to the company’s HR department after receiving it as this will be the reference on your salary tax deduction. Information and instructions can be found on Work in Finland - Finnish Tax Administration (vero.fi).

Additional Steps: Your company may be providing you with healthcare benefits, however it is advisable to apply for a Kela card as you will need this to gain access to public health services. . Go to: Kela Services - Finnish Social Insurance Institution (kela.fi) for information about Kela services.

If you are moving to Finland to join your spouse, please fill in a separate form. Your sponsor (spouse) must have a residence permit in Finland or he or she must apply for a residence permit at the same time as you and be granted a residence permit. For children under 18 years old, the permit can be applied as with spouse of sponsor. Please go to Moving to Finland to be with a family member - Finnish Immigration Service (migri.fi) to check the requirements and which type of spouse permit to apply before Step 1.

Step 1: Submit application for residence permit, either via e-application at : First Time Family Ties Permits - EnterFinland (enterfinland.fi) OR paper application via Finnish embassy or consulate.

Step 2: Visit Finnish Embassy or Consulate: For online application, you need to make an appointment and visit the embassy/consulate after you have submitted your application to prove your identity, fingerprint registration, hand in your photo and documents requested. For paper application, you can make an appointment with the embassy and hand in your application form, photograph and documents. You can pay the application fees at the same time.You can pay the application fees at the same time. Go to  Finland’s embassies and other missions abroad - Finland abroad (finlandabroad.fi) to find embassies or consulates near you.  Note: The application will only start to be processed when the application fees are paid and applicant must wait for the decision in the country where application was submitted.

Step 3: Register with DVV. 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 one 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 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 verfication in stores, post office and others. 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.

Additional Steps:  

• Visit Kela to apply for a Kela card as you will need this to gain access to public health services. Go to Our Services - Finnish Social Insurance Institution (kela.fi)
• If you are unemployed and would like to participate in the integration programme, please make an appointment to visit the Employment and Economic Development Offices (TE Offices).  You can find more info about TE on Tasks of the TE Offices – Integration Finland (kotoutuminen.fi).  If you would like guidance and talk to an officer regarding unemployment and integration services, please go to: Guidance for personal customers - Job Market Finland (tyomarkkinatori.fi).
• If you have a spouse and/or children who needs daycare or education, please refer to Education and Coming with a Family.
• In general, should you need more guidance, please contact us at: [email protected]

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.