Move to Finland

Checklist Before Moving to Finland

Use this checklist to prepare the most important documents and practical tasks before your move to Finland. Tick items off on screen and continue later from the same device with your progress saved automatically.

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Important: Some items depend on your nationality and reason for moving. The residence and permit section is especially important, because the exact documents can differ for Nordic citizens, EU citizens and non-EU citizens.

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1. Identity and core personal documents

Collect the documents you may need repeatedly before and after arrival.

Valid passport or national ID cardMake sure it is valid for the full travel and early settlement period.

Printed and digital copies of passport / IDKeep copies in cloud storage and on your phone.

Passport photos if neededUseful for applications or local paperwork if requested.

Birth certificateEspecially useful for family registration or later paperwork.

Marriage certificate / divorce papers if relevantBring originals if your family status may matter for registration.

Children’s birth certificates and custody documents if relevantImportant when moving with children.

2. Residence basis and immigration documents

Prepare the documents that prove your right to live and work in Finland.

Check whether you need a residence permit, EU registration, or another legal basis for residenceThis depends on your nationality and reason for moving.

Approved residence permit or visa documents if requiredBring approval letters, permit cards and application references.

EU citizen registration plan if relevantIf you plan to stay in Finland for more than three months, you usually need to register your right of residence.

Documentation of basis for residenceEmployment contract, study admission, family documents or other supporting basis.

Family member documentation if moving with spouse / childrenBring documents showing the family relationship and the main person’s residence basis.

3. Work and income documents

Prepare the papers that make salary, tax and employer setup easier.

Signed employment contract or written job offerThis is one of the most important documents if you are moving for work.

Employer contact detailsSave HR name, company address, phone number and manager details.

Recent payslips or proof of income if relevantUseful for housing, banking or documentation questions.

CV, diplomas and certificatesBring originals or certified copies if your profession requires proof.

Professional authorisation documents if relevantImportant for regulated professions and licensed roles.

4. Housing documents

Housing paperwork is often needed very early in Finland.

Temporary or permanent housing planKnow where you will stay during your first weeks.

Rental contract or housing confirmationUseful for registration and practical settlement after arrival.

Proof of Finnish address if availableBring lease, landlord statement or housing confirmation.

Consent from host if staying at someone else’s addressUseful if you are not the main tenant.

Move-in budget for deposit, rent and setup costsThe first housing payment is often larger than a normal month later on.

5. Health and insurance documents

Bring enough information to manage healthcare before your Finnish setup is fully active.

European Health Insurance Card if relevantUseful for temporary coverage if applicable.

Private travel or health insurance for the first period if neededEspecially useful before your local setup is fully in place.

Prescription list and medical summary if relevantBring names of medicines, dosage and diagnosis information if needed.

Vaccination records if relevantUseful for children, school or healthcare follow-up.

Enough medicine for the first periodBring what you legally can, plus prescriptions and doctor notes if necessary.

6. Money, bank and tax preparation

Prepare the financial side before arrival so your first month is easier.

Budget for the first 1–3 monthsInclude rent, deposit, food, transport, phone, furniture and unexpected costs.

International payment card that works abroadTest it before departure.

Some accessible funds for the first weeksUseful before your Finnish bank account is ready.

Prepare for tax card process if you will work in FinlandAll people working in Finland need a tax card.

Documents for later bank account openingPassport, work contract, address proof and Finnish personal identity code documents may be useful.

7. Family and children

Extra items to prepare if you are moving with family.

School records and report cards for childrenHelpful when contacting schools in Finland.

Childcare / kindergarten documents if relevantPrepare vaccination records, IDs and previous daycare information.

Family passports and ID copies in one folderKeep all family documents together digitally and on paper.

Translated and legalised documents if neededForeign documents such as birth, marriage, divorce and diploma documents may need legalisation and translation.

8. Travel and moving logistics

Handle the practical details before departure.

Travel tickets bookedFlight, train or car route confirmed.

Luggage and moving plan preparedKnow what you are bringing now and what may come later.

Important documents packed in hand luggageNever place passports, contracts or permits in checked baggage only.

Phone access ready for FinlandCheck roaming, SIM card options and two-factor login access.

Emergency contacts saved offlineKeep key numbers available without internet access.

9. Very early tasks after arrival

These are not “before moving” tasks, but they are so important that they are worth keeping on the same checklist.

Get your Finnish personal identity code if you do not already have oneYou often need it for work, tax and everyday administration.

Complete EU right-of-residence registration if requiredThis is separate from registering your residence in the Population Information System.

Apply for or confirm your tax cardImportant so salary is handled correctly.

Open a Finnish bank account when readySalary is usually paid to your bank account, and opening an account is easier with a Finnish personal identity code.

Notify the authorities in your country of origin about your moveThis can affect social security, pensions and taxes.

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