Moving to Turku

More information about Moving to Finland.

International House Turku provides services to immigrants and those who are planning to move to Finland and whose native language is not Finnish. International House Turku offers help and guidance in matters related to moving and finding services related to settling in and enjoying life in Turku.

In addition to Finnish, International House Turku provides guidance and information services in 14 languages. Services are not available in all languages on each day. Please check the schedule for your desired language in advance by visiting the International House Turku website.

International House Turku, Monitori Market Square
Aurakatu 8 | KOP-kolmio
FI-20100 Turku

Guidance and information services in several languages are also available at the Monitori Skanssi information point.

Monitori Skanssi
Shopping Centre Skanssi, 2nd floor
Skanssinkatu 10, FI-20730 Turku
Tel: +358 (0)40 175 9584

Email: ihturku(at)turku.fi

The Finnish Immigration Service handles all residency permits, registrations for European Union citizens and citizenship applications. The Finnish Immigration Service is located in Helsinki but it has service points across Finland. The service point closest to Turku is in Raisio.

Service point of the Finnish Immigration Service:
Nallinkatu 8
FI-21200 Raisio
Tel. +358 (0)29 5419600

You should reserve an appointment prior to visiting the service point. Reservations can be made electronically using the Finnish Immigration Service appointment reservation service.

If you are unable to reserve an appointment, your permit is about to become obsolete, and you are unable to submit an electronic application, you may queue at the service point using a queueing number. However, be prepared for the likelihood of the queue being very long and that it may not necessarily be possible to handle your case during the same working day.

Several residence permits and EU registration can also be applied for on the Internet using the Enter Finland service. If you are unfamiliar with using a computer, fill in an application on paper and return it to the service point of the Finnish Immigration Service.

When you move to Turku as a permanent resident, you must register as a resident of the municipality at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (former magistrate). Southwest Finland Digital and Population Data Services Agency, Turku unit:

Itsenäisyydenaukio 2
PL 372
FI-20101 Turku, FINLAND
Tel: +358 (0)29 553 9441

When visiting the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, bring with you:

• personal identification (e.g. a passport)
• your residence permit and residence card oleskelulupa ja oleskelukortti (if you require a Finnish residence permit)
• a registration certificate for your residence permit (if you are an EU citizen)
• a marriage certificate
• the birth certificates of your children.

Please note that foreign documents must be translated into Finnish, Swedish or English and legalised.

Additional information on the registration of foreign citizens into the Finnish Population Information System and declaring one’s place of domicile can be found on the website of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Read more: Registering as a resident

When you move to Turku from elsewhere in Finland or permanently to another residence within Turku, you must submit a notification of change of address. The easiest way to submit a notification of change of address is on the Internet, using the joint online service of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency and Posti (the Finnish Post Office).

Read more:

If you are experiencing problems or uncertainties concerning your residence permit, you can contact the Finnish Immigration Service.

If you have questions concerning international protection, residence permits, family reunification or other foreign matters, you can contact the cost-free judicial guidance service of the Finnish Refugee Advice Centre by telephone on weekdays (10:00–12:00), tel. +358 (0)9 2313 9325

Email: neuvonta(at)pakolaisneuvonta.fi

Guidance primarily offered in Finnish and English.

If you are residing in Turku as an undocumented migrant, you can contact the guidance service for undocumented migrants hosted by Kaikkien naisten talo (”House for all women”). The service proves advice concerning health, right to remain, and clarification and guidance related to services one is entitled to. Kaikkien naisten talo hosts a weekly health service point in collaboration with the Finnish Red Cross and Global Clinic, as well as a daily health information service for evaluating the need for treatment. Further, Kaikkien naisten talo organises group activities intended for women and children.

Read more: Residence permit problems