1. Residence Permit and Registration
If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you need a residence permit. You can apply for a residence permit based on work, studies, or family ties. More information is available on the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) website
EU citizens can register their stay in Finland. Registration is done through the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)
Citizens of Nordic countries can register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)
2. Personal Identity Code, Municipality of Residence, and Change of Address
After submitting a change of address notification, you can obtain a Finnish personal identity code and municipality of residence, which entitles you to local services in Akaa.
These are applied for at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)
Your municipality of residence is important for access to healthcare and education.
Submit a change of address notification to DVV and the Post Office. This is mandatory if you plan to live in Finland for more than three months. Read more
3. Identity Card
Once you have a residence permit, personal identity code, and municipality of residence, you can apply for a Finnish identity card. The card is issued by the police
There is no police station in Akaa. The nearest stations are in Valkeakoski and Tampere.
You need a Finnish identity card, for example, to open a bank account.
4. Employment and Social Security
If you are moving for work, make sure your employer assists with the necessary permits.
To work, you need a tax card from the Tax Administration. You can apply online
If you do not have a job, check your eligibility for Kela’s social security. Kela’s decision depends on the duration and purpose of your stay. Read more
5. Education and Finnish Language Studies
Children (ages 7–16) can attend Finnish-language comprehensive school. Education in Finland is free. To enroll, you must have a registered municipality of residence. The child will be placed in the nearest school to their home.
Six-year-olds must attend compulsory pre-primary education.
Adults can participate in integration training and Finnish language courses. Integration training is available through employment services. If you are unemployed, register as a jobseeker in the Tampere region employment area
6. Healthcare
Once you have a municipality of residence in Akaa, you can use public healthcare services.
Akaa is part of the Pirkanmaa wellbeing services county (Pirha). More information about health and social services is available on Pirha’s website
Before that, you may need private health insurance.
Remember to apply for a Kela card from Kela. Read more
7. Living in Akaa
Look for housing well in advance. You can rent privately or apply for municipal rental housing.
Information about rental housing in Akaa is available at Akaan Asunnot website
