Arriving to South Karelia
Welcome to Finland and South Karelia!
This page contains information about arriving in Finland. We guide to information and services offered by various authorities, as well as to other useful information to help you arrive and settle in Finland. If you are a student, you can also obtain information on official matters from your educational institution. As an employee, you may obtain additional information from your employer.
Information about authority services
It is useful to sort out residence permit matters first, usually before arriving in Finland. The Finnish Immigration Service processes applications for residence permits, citizenship, and asylum.
The Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) issues personal identification numbers and registers municipality of residence, housing information, and personal data in the Finnish Population Information System.
If you work or receive income in Finland, you will need a tax card, which you can obtain from the Tax Administration.
To access social security benefits, such as Kela compensation, you must also apply for a Kela decision (social security).
The Employment Area provides advice and guidance on integration services offered by municipalities and employment authorities, and you may also have the opportunity to register as a job seeker and access related services.
Other useful information
When you arrive in Finland, you can also visit the website Settling in Finland, which offers a wide range of information on topics ranging from banking to leisure activities.
You can find local information in the other sections of the International South Karelia website and on the websites of your current or future municipality of residence. The Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities website lists the municipalities in South Karelia and their website addresses