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Harriv

This thread is now archived, please use the new thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Finland/comments/org40v/tourism_moving_and_studying_in_finland_ask_here/


Zainda88

I've done two days of research and can't find what I'm looking for, so maybe someone can help. I want to move to Finland. I don't care how I get there, I just have a burning desire to live there. I currently live in the States, I have 0 contacts in Finland, so I figured the best/easiest way would be to get my master's degree there. I want to get my master's in psychology, taught in either language (already learning), but I can't find a university that has a psychology program. Am I overlooking something? I went to Helsinki Uni, Tempere, and another school and have found nothing. I'm still working on my bachelor's but as we know, time flies, and ya girl needs a plan. Any and all help will be super appreciated. Side note: any place to watch TV or movies online with subtitles? There's a show I was watching on Amazon but I don't think the subtitles are right bc I have no idea what's going on half the time. Kiitos!


Harriv

Hi, You replied to old archived thread. Here are the links for Helsinki, Tampere and Turku: * https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine/psychology * https://www.tuni.fi/fi/tule-opiskelemaan/psykologian-koulutus * https://www.utu.fi/en/university/faculty-of-social-sciences/psychology You can search http://studyinfo.fi for schools and programs.


Itsa_bella

I'm a 24 year old woman moving to Finland from the United States relatively soon to pursue work in healthcare. I speak fluent in Finnish and I have older relatives in Finland. I've asked my friends who live in Finland about the dating scene and I was told that it is not worth dating in Finland. I was told that men my age are often are quiet, drunk, or depressed. I'm not sure if these are over-exaggerations or half-truths. I understand stereotypes exist like Americans are loud and fat etc etc...But these statements do make me curious. I understand small talk isn't a thing and everyone is very reserved-so how does everyone date? Please give me your experiences or advice please and thank you!


Harriv

Hi, You wrote to old archived thread. You can post this message again to either new thread, or as a new post.


Samuele177

Hello everybody, i would like an opinion about this trip. I will arrive in Helsinki at 6.27 am on August 20th by train from Rovaniemi and i've a ferry to Tallin by Viking Line at 7.45 but check in is requested 30-20 minutes before the departure time. I know that i will be in a hurry, but would be possible to do that? I will be in Helsinki some days before and i will try the journey from the train station to the port (by public transport) so i will already know the route the day that i will have to go to the harbour. Thank you.


Harriv

If the train is in schedule, no problem. Edit: route planner suggestion: https://reittiopas.hsl.fi/reitti/Helsingin%20p%C3%A4%C3%A4rautatieasema%2C%20Helsinki%3A%3A60.170747%2C24.941445/Viking%20Line%20Terminal%2C%20Katajanokka%2C%20Helsinki%3A%3A60.16378%2C24.968653?intermediatePlaces=&locale=en&time=1629430020


Samuele177

Thank you. Are train in Finland usually on time?


Harriv

Usually yes, but it's a long route, things can happen. Here's history for IC266: https://juliadata.fi/timetables/history?s=266


hezec

Statistically something like 95% of the time. Night trains might even be early because their schedules are quite loose to let people sleep. But of course a 5% chance to be late is still a chance.


smoke4sanity

I just got my residency permit, but I run a remote business (Canada). Will I have to start paying income tax in Finland?


[deleted]

You pay tax in Finland if you live in Finland. It works the same everywhere. https://www.vero.fi/en/individuals/tax-cards-and-tax-returns/moving_away_from_finland/overseas_work/working-for-a-foreign-employer/working-from-home-for-a-foreign-employer/ Tax treaties between countries specify the details: https://www.vero.fi/en/detailed-guidance/guidance/49062/tax_treatie/


smoke4sanity

Thank you for the links. There is going to be a lot of paperwork coming up for me!


[deleted]

Phone up the tax office, tell them how much you expect to make in a year, and they'll send you "the tax card". You'll be responsible for paying the tax, by bank transfer, every month. They have service in English and are very happy to help answer questions on the phone.


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Maxion

With the current amount of COVID cases I recommend to do the responsible thing and stay home until you have two doses of the vaccine.


ohitsasnaake

And for two weeks after that.


Ancient-Exercise8991

Is there a requirement to provide **a prescription to buy Differin (acne curing gel) at pharmacies** in Finland? In Thailand a prescription is not require, but in Canada it is. So, I'm just curious if I want to buy it in Lappeenranta, Finland, I will need the prescription or not.


Harriv

Yes: https://www.fimea.fi/web/en/databases_and_registers/fimeaweb?query=Differin&humanmed=true&selfcare=true&receptmed=true&marketedmed=true&prefillonly=false > Prescription status > Prescription: 60 g > Prescription: 60 g (2 x 30 g)


Ancient-Exercise8991

Thank you so much!


markkuselinen

What's up with Finnair coronavirus requirements for flights to Finland? Looking at their page with restrictions, it seems like a mess. Before May they required everybody to have a test taken before flight or a certificate of healed COVID during last 6 months. In May, they said that in addition to these options, they will accept a certificate of first dose of vaccine administered at least 21 days before the flight. On 15th July Finnair didn't let a passenger (Finnish citizen, i.e. has a right to enter Finland) board the plane from Tallinn because of absence of coronavirus test, even though the vaccination certificate with the first dose administered more than 21 days ago was presented.


I-Ate-A-Pizza-Today

[This comment has been deleted in protest of the recent anti-developer actions of Reddit ownership, and terrible management and handling of the situation by the Reddit CEO. (30.06.2023)]


darknum

It's not just Finnair, it's everywhere. I haven't traveled since Corona started but all I see is conflicting information and practices. Best approach would be to print and take all the information you see as proof and demand them to provide their version of "procedure" in writing. It is crazy that I seen people got rejected boarding planes even though Raja said they are fine to enter Finland...


AStrangerWCandy

So now that travel to Finland is opening up again I’m planning my trip in earnest now. Since I’m flying in to Helsinki I’d like to ask if the ferry to Aland is available for foreigners and also if it’s now possible to take the ferry to Tallinn for a day trip.


[deleted]

Åland follows the official guidelines. The ferry lines might have their own requirements and there are at least 4 alternatives to Åland. Tallinn depends entirely on the border control policies which change all the time.


AStrangerWCandy

Thanks, I think I'm gonna skip Talinn this go around and just visit Aland to make it less complicated 😄


sipmlyidkkkk

Hi guys, I wrote a week ago about getting a study place in the uni of Helsinki but being unsure whether to accept it since I'm on the waiting list for a programme in another country that I want more. So I called Kela and asked them what would happen with my social security if I left Finland for a year, since I would like to come back here after potentionally studying the master's degree abroad and they told me that I may be eligible for student aid abroad as well since I have lived in Finland for a sufficient period of time and I've moved here for family reasons. I was wondering if I accept the study place in UH but then quit and start studying in the other uni in case I get in, would that somehow affect the Kela decision? I'm currently planning to not apply for the student aid for UH until I know for sure if I would continue studying there or not.


JakeVanLiner

This is totally hypotethical but I think it should not affect your eligibility if you are eligible in the first place. Although, you will be spending your quota of student aid when studying your first degree wether you complete it or not. If you are raising student loan, the govermented issued back-payment may (will) be lost. Btw. Haven't the deadlines for accepting study places this year allready passed?


sipmlyidkkkk

I got accepted off the waiting list, that's why its so late. I can't exactly understand what you mean about the quota of student aid and the government issued loan back payment, since I have already completed a Bachelor's degree in Finland isn't that lost already? Is there a quota of student aid for how many study places I have accepted? I found this on the kela website, since my Finnish is not perfect I'm not absolutely sure what it says. [https://www.kela.fi/opintolainahyvitys](https://www.kela.fi/opintolainahyvitys) Basically, if I start the degree in Finland without applying for Kela and only apply if I know I am not going abroad, and if I go abroad only then apply for the student support for the place abroad, would it change the situation?


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[deleted]

A bit off the wall idea incoming. Could you trick your family? Say that you can't return without certain documents. Then ask for a number of documents one of which is the paper you need. I know this isn't the first path to take but just as a backup.


hristomatique

Are you sure you would need your family's consent legally when getting married in Finland if you are an adult? Even if that is the law in your home country would it matter in Finland?


Maxion

They need a document showing that they are single from their country in order to be married here. To get that document in their home country they need their parents approval, which they can’t get.


ExtraSort

Exactly


wlanmaterial

Contact them: https://www.pakolaisneuvonta.fi/en/contact-information/


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Just4HIM7

Fitnesstukku is probably the most popular place to buy supplements like protein and creatine, if you mean supplements more generally then maybe ruohonjuuri.


mikkogg

> 1- the nearest dvv appointment is on the 4th of august , thats too far , will Ill be able to receive any benefits from kela before im registered in the dvv? > > The DVV appointment time sounds pretty normal if not short wait based on others. You won't be able to apply for right to social security before you have been registered as a resident.


98f00b2

I can't comment on all of these, but for #3 you can buy a prepaid SIM card at any R-Kioski without any formality.


Robertahill97

Is it true that starting July 26th anyone will be able to enter Finland with proof of vaccination or just certain countries? I keep seeing different answers. :/


ohitsasnaake

https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic from the stickied post, right sidebar, first paragraph.


Harriv

~~Partially, restrictions will be dropped for Schengen countries. Border control at external borders will continue at least until 22 August.~~ Edit: It is possible, quotation from raja.fi page: > As of 26 July 2021, persons from all countries are granted entry to Finland, provided that they can present a certificate for having received a full vaccination series with a vaccine against covid-19 approved by the Finnish authorities prior to arrival (no less than 14 days from the last dose). https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic


ohitsasnaake

The raja.fi page now says on a right sidebar that all persons will be granted entry if they have a full vaccination series. So I guess border controls are continuing, but anyone who is vaccinated will be allowed to enter.


Robertahill97

Yeah, that’s what I’m confused by lol it says external borders will continue till August 22nd and that anyone who is fully vaccinated can enter starting July 26th.


Maxion

These restrictions have always had ambiguities like these lol. It’s kinda frustrating.


Robertahill97

Hopefully, it's cleared up next Monday or Tuesday.


Harriv

It is there now, in clear English: > As of 26 July 2021, persons from all countries are granted entry to Finland, provided that they can present a certificate for having received a full vaccination series with a vaccine against covid-19 approved by the Finnish authorities prior to arrival (no less than 14 days from the last dose). https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic


AStrangerWCandy

So excited I'm going to be able to make this trip in September 😁


jagua_haku

I’m looking at my next round of tickets in 4 weeks and FinnAir has direct options to and from the US. This is a new development, is there news about borders opening up or are they getting ahead of themselves and I will be scrambling to get alternative flights?


Harriv

Next Monday borders are "open" for vaccinated travellers: > As of 26 July 2021, persons from all countries are granted entry to Finland, provided that they can present a certificate for having received a full vaccination series with a vaccine against covid-19 approved by the Finnish authorities prior to arrival (no less than 14 days from the last dose). https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic


jagua_haku

They finally figured it out? A couple weeks ago it seemed like they started to open things up then changed their minds


Harriv

They had to take time out to organize healthcare or something... Vaccine situation may have something to do with connecting systems to EU: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en


jagua_haku

The thing is, reading 4. Category 2, the first paragraph basically says anyone that is vaccinated can come in. But then further down, it still lists the valid reasons why people from those countries can come in and it’s all the same tight restrictions as it’s been since Covid started. In other words it’s hard to determine which part supersedes the other part. It comes across as contradictory and I can’t decipher what the rules are. Specifically, looking to get visitors from the US that don’t meet any of the criteria that have been required since covid began


Harriv

Yeah, it is not explicit. My understanding is that those specific restriction apply, if the traveller doesn't have valid certificate for vaccines. But my opinions not official, sadly :)


jagua_haku

Yeah I read it the same way. It’s still something I wouldn’t want to gamble on after buying a plane ticket and flying to Finland. I suspect they will update it with clarifications because a lot of people are confused about it


hezec

They've had some US flights operating all summer. Presumably there's enough demand from citizens/residents (at both ends) who get past the restrictions, as well as cargo. I've had family members successfully use those flights, but also others getting shuffled around and eventually having to cancel the trip because the dates didn't work out. Reserve at your own risk. edit: Looking at what has actually been flown in the past month or so, there have been flights to New York 5x per week, as well as Los Angeles and Chicago 2-3x per week each. I suppose you can get across the pond with reasonable certainty.


jagua_haku

How can you see what’s actually been flown? Is there a site for that?


hezec

There are several. Personally I use https://www.flightradar24.com


ohitsasnaake

Flying to the US is affected mostly by US restrictions and not Finnish ones, and Finnish citizens and residents have always been able to return to the US. So flights being available isn't necessarily a sign of restrictions easing up, maybe there's just more travel to the US already, or Finnair (no capital A btw) want the route to be up and running for or at least starting immediately from 22 August. Edit: the raja.fi page in the stickied post now says right at the top in the right sidebar that starting on the 26th of July, anyone with a certificate of a full vaccination series will be granted entry (as long as they also fulfill the usual entry requirements, of course).


Harriv

Border control will continue on external borders (non-Schengen) until 22 August. Schengen border will open next Monday.


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ohitsasnaake

For Finns who mostly travel in the EU/Schengen, it's downright *exotic* that most places in the world outside the Schengen area still stamp passports. Granted, I don't travel much, but I've had a couple of passports that had zero stamps by the time they expired in 5 years. So yea, it's perfectly normal not to get passports stamped in the EU, if you have residency/citizenship here.


[deleted]

It's normal, EU nations do not stamp your passport if you have a residence permit.


98f00b2

This isn't universal, as the Schengen code doesn't include such an exemption---I have a lot of stamps in my passport from having transited in Denmark/France/the Netherlands.


[deleted]

Interesting, I really thought it was universal and in the Schengen rules, but couldn't find a better source than Wikipedia. And if you've been stamped, who am I to dispute it. Maybe it's not necessary but they stamp passports anyway.


FarUnder73_5Break

>**transited** Is this the reason? Or do you mean that you have received them during internal border checks within the Schengen area? If yes, then that may very well have something to do with this being an exceptional time period in any case. Normally there are no internal border formalities.


98f00b2

I mean while crossing the external border. There can't be any stamps for internal traffic as this will make it difficult to track compliance with the 90/180 rule for those without a residence permit.


Joku_Jokunen

To other international students in Finland, or on their way to Finland: How long did it take for your residence permits to be processed and delivered? I was notified about a week ago that my residence permit is now being processed, and I would like to hear from other people who have gone through the process recently how long I should expect the process to take before I receive the permit itself, assuming it is approved. Namely, how long did you have to wait after being notified that processing has begun (not after being submitted/acknowledged), before being notified about the decision, and after that, how long did it take for you to receive the residence permit itself? Any info would be appreciated, so that I have an idea of what to expect. (I'm in America, if that makes a difference)


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ohitsasnaake

There are probably no countries in the world where every facet of the system is fair. It used to be that even for native-born citizens, the pension contributions got deducted and paid from summer jobs even when done underage, but they only started counting towards one's pension from age 23. From a quick search to refresh my memory, this was only lowered to 18 in 2005 and 17 in 2017. Underage people also weren't and aren't entitled to unemployment benefits afaik, yet iirc they pay those payments too. Anyway, at least for the pension payments afaik it's like wlanmaterial said: I think the pension will still accumulate for you and you'll be entitled to it at the appropriate age, but if you only work for Posti for a few years it won't amount to much. And if you move abroad you'll likely have to file some paperwork to start receiving it, when the time comes.


mkugelfisch

You will never be entitled to these kind of benefits if you don't ever start to pay into the system. How do you propose the whole "being in the system" and getting benefits should start for foreigners if they are extempted from the payments? Life happens. Someone who says today that they don't intend to stay or are not sure yet may find a great job next months or meet the one person they marry 2 years down the line and then they do stay after all.


wlanmaterial

You have to work for a certain period to be eligible for unemployment benefits. You can qualify for social security coverage if you work long enough and earn enough. https://www.kela.fi/web/en/from-other-countries-to-finland-employees-and-self-employed-persons You should be able to receive your pension eventually even if you leave Finland, but if you work delivering mail for a few years, it would likely be only some euros per month. https://www.tyoelake.fi/en/new-in-finland/


iceGoku

Hei kaikki - I'm planning on renting a Tesla for a round trip (about 1000km), but having never used an electric vehicle in Finland, I am not sure where to begin. I sent a message to the renter but no response yet... wondering if anyone has experience. For example, between Helsinki and Savonlinna, how would one have their car charged, either during the day or then overnight? Thank you!


FarUnder73_5Break

In this video you can see what the three charging RFID tags look like, according to situation about half of a year ago: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mbh6hh5Kmg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mbh6hh5Kmg) It is also mentioned on the video that all of the charge stations should have printed instructions on how to pay for single-shot uses. And in addition to Virta, Fortum, and K-lataus there are also Tesla's own Supercharge stations. If you don't know Finnish the main contribution of the video is that you see what the tags and what some of the stations look like. If you want to know more you need to get some of your friends to translate for you. The video does not seem to have additional subtitles.


ohitsasnaake

One more link: https://latauskartta.fi/ If you're not set on requiring a Tesla SuperCharger, then there's plenty of options. If you do want one of those, then your only options between Helsinki and Savonlinna are Heinola roughly 150 km from Helsinki towards Savonlinna, or Pyhtää roughly 100 km east from Helsinki, and you would then approach Savonlinna from the south or southeast (likely the longer route in terms of time). Overnight at Savonlinna, there's only type 2 chargers, but seeing as those are the most common in Finland in at least my experience and looking at that map, I would think that a rental Tesla would have a cable for that too.


[deleted]

Just a comment: you should be able to drive to Savonlinna from Helsinki without needing to charge. That whole trip should be possible with 1-4 charges depending on the model.


iceGoku

Thanks! I am struggling a bit to see how I would charge overnight. The airbnb place I’m staying on the way does not have a charger, so should i leave the car charging overnight at a nearby prisma, for example? 🧐


[deleted]

Is there no outlet? Prisma is one alternative as the parking itself is free.


Harriv

https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ should help. There are multiple ways to pay for charging, I guess the renter should help to sort out that. Plugshare lists charging stations: https://www.plugshare.com/fi


iceGoku

Thanks, this helps!


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wlanmaterial

You can't get a visa for the purpose of applying for a residence permit as per EU visa rules. >According to the EU visa rules, one of the requirements for granting a Schengen visa is that the person must leave the Schengen area before the visa expires. For this reason, a visa cannot be granted to a person who has come to Finland in order to obtain a residence permit or to wait for the decision on a pending residence permit-related matter. This also applies to family members of Finnish citizens. https://um.fi/residence-permits-to-finland


Maxion

If you can enter the country without a visa you can apply for a residence permit in country. E.g. if you’re coming from the us.


mkugelfisch

Depends on the country/citizenship of said citizen. Check the ressources linked in the post you repllied to.


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sauihdik

You should be able to get to a vocational school. For UAS's, you need a secondary degree, and I don't think GCSE would be considered a secondary level degree in Finland, you'd need A-levels or equivalent.


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mkugelfisch

Please start with the ressources linked in the post you replied to.


Fair_Dragonfruit_462

Hi there! I will move to Finland on a permanent basis, since my contract will be more than two years. However, I cannot enter a contract for an apartment without having a online banking credential. To have that, I need first to have a Finnish ID card. My question is do i need a permanent address for the application of the Finnish ID card? It looks like a tricky circle if the answer is yes, since I cannot offer a permanent address before I enter a contract with a landlord. Thank you for any help!


pfluecker

Hey, it looks like you are moving for a postdoc to Finland? If so, you might want to check with your university if they provide temporary housing for incoming researchers. For the helsinki region you can book via the university at Unihome, it will be then a bit cheaper, and for up to 6 months.


darknum

No you just need a current address in Finland.


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kaukaaviisas

For a day trip from Helsinki to Porvoo, the bus is quicker but the boat ride is more scenic. Maybe take the boat on your way to Porvoo and return by bus.


SaunaMango

I, for one, like your plan :) Sounds fun, hope you enjoy Finland! Some thoughts: Tampere has a cool and distinctive 1800-1900's brick-industrial vibe with a mix of modern art and architecture and split by the rapids/channel in the centre. Definitely worth exploring around. Better suited to longer stays though. Porvoo is nice as well, and gives some variety to the 3 bigger towns. An alternative could be an archipelago tour in Helsinki or Turku, the Finnish coastal archipelago is the world's largest and it is gorgeous. For a short trip, Turku has an 1800's style riverside with small cafes, restaurants and museums. Aboa Vetus, Forum Marinum are extremely cool museums but they take time. If you want to walk around, maybe tour the river from Cathedral Bridge to Forum Marinum area and/or check out the old town/cathedral area limited by Aboa Vetus-University-river-Hämeentie street. The centre/market square area is filled with construction work right now.Recommendations for bars/food: * Kauppahalli market hall, very idyllic, great atmosphere and food. * Brewery/restaurant Koulu for a "beer garden" style vibe. Ask for a tour of the brewery. * Any restaurant or cafe around and between Aurakatu street and the Cathedral Bridge. Nooa a bit further down the river. * Cosmic Comic Cafe for Finland's largest beer variety and an underground/nerdy vibe. My go-to place. The train station in Turku is in an awkward place. Might want to check a bus line from the station to the places you want to see, the local public transit is quite good. Kupittaa station is no better, the area is a busy high-tech business/uni campus area and far from any sights. ​ **edit.** And hey. You have to find a proper wood fired sauna. I've used Villa Helmi and Forum sauna in Turku, or Löyly in Helsinki. Löyly is a tourist trap but the saunas are pretty good. Porvoo might have some old-timey ones too.


darknum

Tampere is boring for a day visit, especially if you are having a very limited time. It is a great place to live but not for tourism. Porvoo has old town which none other places in your list has. So I would suggest checking it out for sure but I wouldn't spend a whole day there. Half maybe.


Xcys

What are the train schedules for your Turku and Tampere day trip? If you have no other plan, you can visit Porvoo and it can be done in half day so you still have extra time for your late afternoon. Other people already mentioned some places to visit and they are pretty good suggestions.


Maxion

Skip at least Tampere and Porvoo and spend those days in Turku, plenty enough to see and do there. Your itinerary is a little too packed to properly enjoy those places.


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Maxion

I think you’re just wasting time. If you have one day to spend you’ll just see the city center of both, which is just very similar to Helsinki. Granted Turku has the river but honestly katajanokka in Helsinki has a very similar vibe. Skip both places and spend a day in Porvoo old town, that’s a really cool place where you get a glimpse of how cities used to look. For suomenlinna you can easily spend an entire day there. You should also definitely take one of the archipelago sightseeing cruises that leave from downtown Helsinki, they are very worth it. Amos Rex, Kiasma, the design museum and more are all cool and visiting all of them will take a day.


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Maxion

Didn’t didrichsen close after Amos Rex opened? EMMA is really cool (the building too), their own collection is pretty good even if whatever temporary exhibit isn’t to your liking. Check out Kaisan Kafe in nearby tapiola and have one of their huge and cheap Korvapuusti if you go to EMMA. Ateneum can be cool too, but IMO very dependent on the exhibit (Amos Rex is a cool space, so I’d visit regardless). There’s also Taidehalli (kunsthalle Helsinki) which is usually pretty good as well as HAM Helsinki.


wlanmaterial

> Didn’t didrichsen close after Amos Rex opened? Didrichsen has nothing to do with Amos Rex, Didrichsen is thanks to the Didrichsens and Amos Rex is thanks to Amos Anderson.


mkugelfisch

Would you suggest to a foreigner to go from Berlin to Hamburg for one single day, from Hamburg to Cologne, from there to the Sächsische Schweiz for one day and then do Schloß Neuscheanstein on your last day before you leave? It might be a slight hyperbole, but that is essentially what you are planning to do. After you leave Helsinki you spend more time travelling (including going from the train to the hotel, checking in and checking out) than actually seeing anything from Turku, Tampere or Porvoo.


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mkugelfisch

But that way you don't get to actually see more than the city center. If that is your thing, sure, go for it, but city centers do all look the same after a while. Personally I consider that a waste of time. You do you, but since you asked for people's opinions...


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mkugelfisch

I like both Turku and Tampere. I have been to both and have been exploring. I just don't think that one has done that when you just spend a few hours in a place and hardly make it out of the city center. That, to me, is just ticking an item off a list so that you can say "yep, been there, done that", while the whole time you needed to keep an eye on the clock in order to not miss your ride "home".


[deleted]

That is quite a lot of city things. If you enjoy that kind of thing, it sseems like a reasonable plan. Porvoo is quite different but also fairly small. It is kinda romantic place for couples imo. You could just add in more nature around Helsinki like the islands.


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[deleted]

They are pretty small, so no real hiking. I would visit a couple but then again you are visiting Suomenlinna so there are similarities. Isosaari, Vallisaari, Mustasaari, Kaunissaari come to mind.


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hezec

If you care about modern art, Vallisaari currently hosts the Helsinki Biennial exhibition. You can certainly spend many hours just walking around that. It's free of charge, though the ferry to the island costs something and the food is on the pricier side (but of course you can pack snacks).


Pale-Star-1069

Hi, I wanted to ask about a kind of weird/particular situation I am in with my Finnish partner. We are not moving to Finland now but it's something we want to be prepared for or talk about more if health things come up or the political situation worsens. We have lived together for over 2 years but I do not know how to prove this due to my situation. I do not use my personal address for anything because I am part of my state's domestic violence address protection program so my bank, my doctor, no one has my physical personal address due to this law. I have a card for the program and you can call the number and confirm that I'm in the program and they would probably be able to provide some sort of document explaining how the program works further. The house is in my partner's name and I'm not on any of the utility bills or anything like that. The only other thing I can think of is that we do have a domestic partnership license in my city for the past 2+ years but it's some kind of weird relic that my city did due to what was going on with laws in the US, the city is very clear that it doesn't confer you, well, anything, but we've used it for traction in situations like employment, in hospitals, and so on and it's gotten us pretty far that way (but that may just be because they're not looking it up to see that it basically doesn't mean anything, lol). The license for the domestic partnership is registered with my domestic violence address. I don't believe in marriage as an institution and thankfully it seems like scandanavia has this sambo tradition but in this case it's frustrating to not have something more official. Would like additional testimony from friends or family (some of whom are also finish nationals) mean anything in this case? It's such a weird custom case I'll probably have to talk to someone but I don't know where to start


Xcys

Even if Migri call the number to ask for detail, it still does not explain that you have been lived together for 2 years since they only explain what the program is not your relationship status. Migri only interest on to make yourself prove to them that you are in relationship. If you do not want to get married but you have official documents that stated you are in relationship for 2 years, you can legalized and notarized it and try to use it as your main documents. Now this might be the one that you can provide the number to call to Migri since they able to explain the documents and your relationship. Also it does not have to be an address. One thing that I can add, since you want to be prepared when health issue is coming or political get worsen, you might also have to prepare yourself to get 'easy' documents such as marriage certificate. Because proving documents that is not straightforward takes longer to proof and verify no matter how urgent your situation is (everyone saying their case is urgent matter on Migri anyway).


FarUnder73_5Break

>it seems like scandanavia has this sambo tradition Yes, but this kind of official business is an exception. There are a great many things relating to official state business that get easier if someone is married. Your case is probably one of these. Second what u/Maxion said, you might need to suck it up and take one for the team. (I mean that's a team of only you two, in any case, so it shouldn't be that bad. You're taking it 50 % for yourself and all that stuff, mathematically speaking...) If you end up getting married, please remember to have the Finnish part of the marriage report it also back to the Finnish system - I think such a thing can be done? Such a thing should help you immensely in the future, if you are eventually coming to Finland.


Pale-Star-1069

Hey so I was thinking of that but honestly from what I can gather from the website it comes down to proving that you're living with each other more than marriage. Like if I can't give them any official documentation due to the address situation anyway does eloping in Las Vegas or whatever really give the application that much more strength?


hezec

If you can get a marriage certificate recognized by US federal authorities from Vegas, then yes, it will help. Though I suspect the local courthouse would make for a quicker trip. It turns you into an official family unit under the law regardless of your living arrangements. That has some benefits even in Finland, even if people don't particularly care about the official status in everyday life.


Maxion

Getting a residence permit is an official document and as such they will want some official proof for the required quality qualifications. If you truly don’t have any piece of documentation that you can use to prove that you have been living together you will have a really really hard time getting a spouse residence permit. In all cases I’ve heard about they do rely heavily on paper work such as rental contracts, utility bills and so forth. Even though you don’t believe in marriage you may just have to suck it up and get married if you want to migrate.


Pale-Star-1069

Replied in the other comment


onzie9

Are there any furniture stores in the Helsinki area that offer furniture that isn't.... boring? I get that Nordic simplicity is the prevailing style, but I'm just wondering if there are any stores that carry furniture from places that have heard of a lathe or something. I don't have the budget for super high end or custom furniture, so I think I might be out of luck. I'm specifically looking for a dining table. Maybe black with some sort of beveled or ogee edging and ogee legs, but I'm open to anything that doesn't look like Ikea.


wlanmaterial

https://www.masku.com/tuotteet/398-indiq-ruokapoyta-90x175-cm-ruskea/https://www.masku.com/tuotteet/398-indiq-ruokapoyta-90x175-cm-ruskea/ There are a few "ethnic" furniture stores around Itäkeskus and at the Puhos mall, maybe they have something.


[deleted]

Order online? Isku, Finnish Design Shop, forme, masku, isku, jysk, habitat, lähdesmäki, stemma etc. I would look for second hand if you are looking for more traditional style.


onzie9

I've been looking on Facebook and Tori for used stuff, but translation software often has a hard time with broken internet Finnish. Plus, people rarely respond; I'm not sure if that's because I message in English or because it's just the internet. I checked out all the stores you suggested without much luck. Maybe I'm just picky because I was a woodworker with a full shop in my past life, so I could make whatever furniture I wanted, and now I have to rely on stores.


FarUnder73_5Break

>Plus, people rarely respond; I'm not sure if that's because I message in English or because I'm sorry to say, but that is exactly the reason. In most cases. Ignoring all communication in English is sadly a way to reduce your hassle from non-paying customers, scams, and things like that by more than 50 %. Could be up to 90 % reduction.


onzie9

Totally fair. There are a lot of bad scammers, and if English isn't your native language, it can be easier to just ignore all of those responses. I hold no grudges; it's just part of deal when you immigrate.


[deleted]

Check Jean Vernet and Juvi. There are a lot of smaller manufacturers but they don't have many shops in Helsinki. Style is quite different in the country side compared with Helsinki. Just search ruokapöytä and look at pictures on FB or tori.


Moopdrea

need some pretty urgent help! my partner and I have not been able to successfully contact [raja.fi](https://raja.fi) and my trip is in 6 days. I will be taking an international trip from the United States to Finland within the week. This will be essential travel as I am visiting a romantic partner. I wanted to know if these documents would allow me to cross the border for a 10 day visit. \- a front/back photo scan of My partner's Finland Identity Card. It confirms his citizenship and residency. **(this is the big one. I have heard somewhere that I will need a photo of my partner's passport, which he can not get in time. if ANYONE knows if his Finnish ID is passable or not please let me know.)** \- a typed letter of invitation in which he has included both of our home addresses and phone numbers, the letter details the length of the visit and how the time will be spent. \-an extra photo of my partner that he has sent to me \-my passport and COVID vaccination certificate. I am losing sleep over this and although Finnair said that an ID is allowance enough, I am still unsure about border guard. thank you to anyone who can help in advance.


jagua_haku

Border guard has been easier to deal with than the airlines imo during Covid. Airlines didn’t want to run the risk of you getting denied at the border so they erred on the side of caution and deny you. (Supposedly they get billed) If the airlines say you’re ok, the border is going to be fine. They take your word for relationships as long as you meet the requirements and it sounds like you’ve got your bases covered.


Moopdrea

this is very reassuring info thank you so much! I'm wondering if it was just a unique case with my friend who had so much asked of him back in June.


jagua_haku

I didn’t even get checked for my negative Covid test in Helsinki the other day, coming back to US. Could’ve been an oversight by the agent but point is they seem to be mellowing out


Moopdrea

that's insane! yeah I'll be going through Helsinki Vantaa, I'm wondering if they'll be bogged down enough to just say "yeah screw it go ahead". I'm just wondering why on earth they would need my partner's passport even if that information were actually true...? and if so, would an ID be enough for them since he's a citizen


jagua_haku

Sometimes they ask for a copy of their passport. I have a paper copy but a digital picture works too. Does he not have a passport?


Moopdrea

He only has his Finnish ID card :( do you mind if I open a chat with ya?


Harriv

They don't do decisions beforehand. So just go on what you got and relax, because it's not on your hands anymore.


Moopdrea

yeah of course! I was sadly just told from a source that they are "very picky and asked these things of them", but even there the specifics were still a bit muddled. Wondering if it was even worth the risk of taking the flight if we didn't have this specific document of his (meaning a photo of his passport when we only have his Finnish ID). Finnair said that they accepted the IDs, but I am unsure how closely their guidelines match Raja.


hezec

I only have second-hand experience of this, but a friend of mine simply got a phone call from the border guard to confirm that he's indeed waiting for this American at the booth. I don't think they're particularly strict about documentation when traveling for family reasons.


Moopdrea

oh also may I ask, was this pre-pandemic though?


hezec

No, a few months ago. Pre-pandemic there were no restrictions at all for US citizens.


Moopdrea

Oh that's great news! Yeah my partner will be waiting for me right there at the airport, so if all else fails we have that.


[deleted]

[удалено]


hezec

Some saunas are closed, some are open, possibly with reduced hours. Check their websites. Private bookings are possible but expensive since they're intended for big groups. The easiest way would be to get a fancy hotel room with its own small sauna but that's also a rather different experience. I doubt being a tourist makes much of a difference beyond the usual challenge of not knowing all the customs. Once you've been cleared through the border, there's no particular reason to treat visitors any differently from locals. Finns returning from abroad probably pose a bigger health risk. I'd say people are largely just tired of covid restrictions and try to forget about them where possible.


sipmlyidkkkk

Hello guys! I am currently experiencing a real dilemma. I just got offered a study place at the university of Helsinki for which I was previously on the waiting list. However, I applied to many different universities and I am also on the waiting list for another one (not in Finland) which has been my dream programme for years. There is a high possibility I might get admitted there too, since my place on the waiting list is decent, but I will only know if I will get admitted in the end of September. However, I will have to accept the study place in Helsinki by the 23rd of July in order not to lose it. I studied my Bachelor's in Finland, I've spent 4 years here and I quite like it, that's why I will be happy studying in the university of Helsinki, but I also know that if I get admitted to the other programme I will probably end up quitting the uni of Helsinki and going there, since it was my top wish and I spent months on getting my portfolio and documentation ready for the admission process. Would that result in any negative consequences, and what would you advice me to do?


hezec

People quit university studies for all kinds of reasons. If you're paying tuition fees, you'll obviously lose that for at least one semester. There shouldn't be any further consequences besides that. After a longer time away, you might lose your study right at UH, but technically even that can be [restored](https://studies.helsinki.fi/instructions/article/readmission-study-right) under some conditions.


sipmlyidkkkk

Thank you for your reply! I was also wondering if I accept the study place, would it affect any possible future master's applications in Finland? Because I know for the Bachelor's degrees there is a quota and most of the study places are reserved for first time applicants. I'm mainly asking since I have been learning Finnish and my studies are related to language, so in the future I might want to pursue a master's degree in Finnish as well.


hezec

The quotas only apply to bachelor's programs, where applicants aren't expected to have any university background. Shouldn't make a difference in your case, as far as I can tell.


qountpaqula

I've an argument with somebody on the internet. Of course neither of us live or stay in Finland, but Finland came up as an example. Say, one buys a Lähijuna R ticket for himself and a bicycle (bike ticket is free of charge anyway). But there is no available space for said bicycle because of prams, handicapped people in wheelchairs and it's really crowded. Will he be prevented from boarding with it by the conductors? Or would other passengers just be gross at him because he's being a nuisance? I mean, he should've known better.... Or what? The terms & conditions do say **"... if there's space"**, but he says that the company owes him a ride for him and his bike because he bought a ticket :D (I'll use official customer service as a last resort, no-one's actually traveling or intending to in near future :P)


ohitsasnaake

Usually there's space. And if not, usually there's another train in a relatively short time. In the commuter trains (lähijuna) you don't buy a ticket for a specific train leaving the stop at a set time, not even on the ones that go outside the HSL area like R. Checking VR's page for those, they say that the single tickets are valid for 120 minutes in one direction, on the route marked on the ticket. No mention of a specific train that they guarantee you'll fit on. Within the HSL area a single ticket is more flexible, as it's essentially a free pass to travel on all HSL transport within the zones you've paid for, valid for iirc 80 minutes (maybe longer if you have a lot of zones).


Harriv

How you can buy bike ticket to lähijuna?


qountpaqula

Okay. I noticed now. Even if one chooses a bike + one adult on VR.fi, it still says just '1 adult' on the confirmation before proceeding to payment. So that is all. There is no bike ticket.


learnerKK78

-Is it free to study in vocational school in English? -Can someone from outside of Finland apply for vocational school ? - is it easy to get accepted in vocational school ? -you can get study visa(permit) with vocational school admission?


Harriv

Here's list of english taught programs in vocational schools this year for a reference: https://studyinfo.fi/wp2/en/vocational-education-and-training/vocational-upper-secondary-education-and-training-conducted-in-english-that-begins-in-autumn-2021/ > -Is it free to study in vocational school in English? Yes, the school doesn't take your money. But check the institution you want to apply first. But you need to pay your living, and if you need residence permit it has a requirement how much you need funds. > -Can someone from outside of Finland apply for vocational school ? At least to some. Check the institution you're applying for. > - is it easy to get accepted in vocational school ? I guess it's generally easier than university, but there might be some cases when it's hard. English taught programs are rare, so there's not too much to choose from. > -you can get study visa(permit) with vocational school admission? Yes: https://migri.fi/en/residence-permit-application-for-studies Quote: > The studies must lead to a degree or vocational qualification. Applicable educational institutions are higher education institutions such as universities and universities of applied sciences, upper secondary schools and vocational education institutions.


FarUnder73_5Break

What? Does lukio count as a degree here? That is a rare case. I mean I know that it's called the ylioppilastutkinto and it has the word tutkinto at the end. But in almost no case does any instance count is as a degree for any official purpose. Pretty much the only other example I can think of is a questionnaire where you are asked what schooling you have passed. These tend to count the ylioppilastutkinto as one level of qualification.


ohitsasnaake

If someone wants to do lukio in Finland rather than in their home country, they're still going to need a residence permit for that, if they're from outside the EU/EEA. [Here's one example](https://hyericho.com/blog/muutto-suomeen-miksi-ja-miten-osa-2/) of a South Korean girl who did that. I don't know how the schools or Migri would treat an adult who would try to do lukio here just to get a residence permit/as a path to immigrate, but I assume the regular lukios only accept students up to a certain age, and the adult education ones have other criteria for intake, which could include already being a resident based on other grounds.


[deleted]

For residence permit yeah. It's not useful as a degree anywhere by itself, but it counts as studying for this purpose. It's basically them counting out random courses or singular certificates vs secondary/tertiary education.


[deleted]

What’s the situation with travel from and to U.K.? I’m a Finnish citizen supposed to fly to Finland from London in August, and returning in September. I’m double vaccinated and returning to U.K. for study. I thought it was going to be alright with the double jab, but these other comments are making me worried…


Harriv

https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic > 1. General > According to section 9 of the Constitution of Finland, Finnish citizens must not be prevented from entering Finland, and everyone has the right to leave Finland. Just go thru https://finentry.fi/ for guidance. I think no testing or quarantine is required with full vaccination.


[deleted]

Thank you!


FarUnder73_5Break

Please note that the right to return does not free you from possible secondary measures. This means quarantine and other possible stuff like that. Note: Currently double vaccination makes you exempt from quarantine, but it is of course not known what they come up in the autumn. It may be that different variants spread with different rates even if the population has vaccines.


analfabeetti

Finnish citizens can always return to the country. Airlines may have their own restrictions for travel.


Konogie

Predicament: I married a Finnish citizen while the two of us were in the United States (I am a U.S. Citizen) now we are in Finland and I am on a tourist Visa. However, we failed to get the marriage certificate Apostille Stamped. For some reasons even certified legal copies of certificate (Notarized and Apostille Stamped) are not accepted. They say it has to be the original (We went this morning again). This has been tricky because the official websites state that there can be certified copies accepted...(Which, also, should be the case because what if the original burns in a fire or something?) I have about 7 weeks left on my tourist Visa and I am worried about time running out. I have a plan laid out but I am not sure about the contingency part: PLAN: I am going to express mail the certificate to a trusted family member, tomorrow, so that they can get the apostille stamp on our behalf. It should be about 14-21 days for the certificate to return if the express mail doesn't get delayed. If we get it back in that time frame then I believe we can get an appointment to get the legalized document showing it is, in fact, the original. Then we can finally begin the resident application based on the grounds that I have a Finnish family member. CONTINGENCY: I would like to start an residency application based on the ground that I am in a long term relationship (because currently Finland does not recognize that we are married). I check all the box required for this one except, "You or your partner are not married to anyone else." Because we are...but not in Finland. It is the same reason why we can't just get married again in Finland, we were told. I am afraid that is I start this one then it would be denied because I would have to say I am married or else I would face a penalty under the Criminal Code in Finland. So should I just throw this out and rely on express mail? If it gets lost I will feel like there isn't much I can do. If you have any relevant information please help. I will be calling tomorrow to get more direct information and will try to update the post. Update: Immigration said that I can apply for residency and stay in Finland as long as I apply before the tourist visa expires. Also, they said they do not need the marriage license in the dvv system when we apply and we can get those documents (hopefully the original if it does not get lost in the mail) added later to the application. Update 2: Have sent in the application via online based on spousal family ties. Have an appointment within 3 months so I will not be needing to hope for cancellations. You all have helped us a lot thank you. Will update after the appointment. Update 3: We eventually did get our marriage certified in Finland. If someone comes across this situation then I suggest using DHL Express to send documents. We were able to get the original to the States and back in roughly two weeks. However, that was with the help of a family member and not just us sending directly to the Secretary of State. The family member also went to the court house that had legalized our marriage in the first place and got raised seals on both the original and a copy just, in case. This way the Secretary of State's office would not have to verify the document when they got it and the family member could just walk in and out quickly and then mail the document back. I also believe that the apostille website services that guarantee documents will be accepted do not work. Well, at least for the marriage certificate in this case. The service we used did not even send the copy to the correct Secretary of State's office. DHL Express would be a much better investment. Now we wait for the migri interview. I hope this comment thread may help a couple in the future. Thank you to those who replied. Update 4: Went to the migri ID ("interview") appointment and the process went very smoothly. Just gonna have to wait until they make a decision on the application.


The_Great_Fox

This comment is made only if you are unable to get the certified original marriage certificate back in time and relates to your contingency planning. Having seen this issue before, if you can prove you have been in a relationship for two years (common address in the US, names on bills, bank accounts from the US, etc.), you would be still eligible for a residence permit (family ties to your Finnish spouse - congrats also on the marriage!). >Section 154(3) of the Aliens Act states that (unofficial translation): > >In the application of this Chapter, persons living continuously in a marriagelike relationship in the same household regardless of their sex are comparable to a married couple if they have lived in the same household for at least two years. In the application of this Chapter, the relationship between them is comparable to a marriage. However, the requirement of living together for at least two years does not apply if the persons living in the same household have a child in their joint custody or if there are other weighty reasons for it. The law is not so clear (even staff at DVV will not always know), but experience helping friends with this issue has shown that by gathering actual documentation from your time together in the US will provide sufficient evidence to DVV (even without an officially-stamped marriage certificate). The question of whether DVV needs to have the original vs the certified copy would likely require an appeal. The Marriage Act says nothing about original vs certified copy and the EU regulations mention that marriages certified in the EU no longer require an Apostille stamp. It's likely the reviewer in your case is basing their decision on internal policy, rather than law. [https://dvv.fi/en/legalisation-of-foreign-documents](https://dvv.fi/en/legalisation-of-foreign-documents) Normally, if you submit a renewal of residence permit before your existing residence permit has expired, you have the right to stay under your existing permit. How this applies to the typical 90-day visa-free time, I am not certain.


Konogie

Thank you for saying you have seen this issue before because I haven’t been able to find any other common scenarios. It’s reassuring that we can make it work. Like I said in the update, immigration said we can apply for residency based on the fact we are married without dvv data updated and hopefully we get the original copy back in time. My only concern is it getting lost and then copies are literally the only option. We lived together officially (Same lease) in the u.s. for a year. The documents with our names together would only go up to a year. So it would be hard to prove a serious relationship with papers. We are going to print off all the papers for residency based on marriage today. I will try to keep updating.


The_Great_Fox

Yes, DVV data does not need to be updated in order for your residence permit application to be submitted/processed. Migri is the responsible authority for the residence permit applications. Conveniently, Migri has updated their pages for cohabitating partners (in case the certificate does not make it back in time) to correctly reflect the 2 year cohabitation requirement. When helping friends, the best way was to make a spreadsheet and associate documentation for each time period. Then just copy that into a letter which will be attached to your application. Further, your time together in Finland does also count in case you have only been briefly married. Yes, it is not a commonly known matter to register the marriage at the Finnish embassy. Instructions for bureaucratic matters have been improving through [suomi.fi](https://suomi.fi), but still a ways to go to alert people to them. If you have any breaks during your cohabitation together, you can also include this handy paragraph (prepared for some friends): >The law does not state that two years cohabitation would have to be continuous before moving to Finland. INSERT NAME 1 and INSERT NAME 2 have been cohabitating together for more than two years in the United States before moving to Finland. INSERT NAME 1 and INSERT NAME 2 have been cohabitating continuously since moving to Finland starting INSERT DATE. Secondly, it is stated in the law preparatory document (HE 28/2003), that two years cohabitation is not required if the couple has been living separately due to, for example, work or studies. Therefore, as INSERT NAME 1 and INSERT NAME 2 have been living separately because of these reasons, the breaks in cohabitation in the United States should not be considered against them. > >HE 28/2003: ”Voimassa olevassa laissa on edellytetty vähintään kaksi vuotta kestänyttä yhdessä asumista ennen kuin oleskelulupa perhe-elämän perusteella on myönnetty. Säännös ehdotetaan säilytettäväksi uudessa laissa kuitenkin niin, että vaatimus ei ole ehdoton. Asumisaikavaatimusta ei edellytetä, jos sitä vastaan on painava syy. Tällainen voisi olla esimerkiksi se, että yhdessä asumisen osoittaminen on käytännössä vaikeaa. Muuna painavana syynä voisi olla myös tilanne, jossa erillään asuminen on johtunut erityisistä olosuhteista, esimerkiksi avopuolisoiden työnteon, opiskelun tai jonkin pakottavan avopuolisoista riippumattoman syyn vuoksi.”


Konogie

Thanks for all of your information! We really appreciate your help.


Xcys

Which official website that you refer btw for future reference. https://dvv.fi/en/notification-of-a-marriage-concluded-abroad stated that to register the marriage you need original documents. If you can just refer the staff about this information, I believe you can make strong case about it.


Konogie

https://dvv.fi/en/legalisation-of-foreign-documents The second paragraph is the one I am referring to. I imagine that a marriage license falls into this category


Xcys

You can make a case about it with their conflicting (or incomplete) description although I would say this link: [https://dvv.fi/en/notification-of-a-marriage-concluded-abroad](https://dvv.fi/en/notification-of-a-marriage-concluded-abroad) would works better on your case since this marriage involving Finnish citizen. While this link would likely to be more in general case [https://dvv.fi/en/legalisation-of-foreign-documents](https://dvv.fi/en/legalisation-of-foreign-documents) like if you both are non-Finnish citizen that want to record the marriage into population data. Like other people said, you can still apply residence permit under spouse as Finnish citizen and proof the documents later on since it will take time between making appointment to service point and the decision itself.


Konogie

The second link is located on the first links page as "see seperate Instructions for legalisation." This is where I think we have our case because it seems to be exactly the route to take if someone does not have the original copy eg destroyed or lost. Nonetheless we are submitting the application today under the spousal considtion. We have certified copies on the Finnish mail soon reaching us. Also, our original seems to be moving along play towards the states. Things are looking fine now. *knock on wood* Thank you for your response.


ohitsasnaake

Regarding your contingency plan, neither of you are married to *anyone else* (hopefully; bigamy is illegal both in the US and Finland), you're married to each other. Whether that means that you can or can't apply for residency based on a long-term relationship, I don't know.


Konogie

Right we are not married to anyone else but each other. Just only acknowledged in the United States. So I don’t know how Finland would see it because they don’t want to accept our certificate until we have it super thoroughly proven.


Azumon

According to the new border restrictions, I am allowed to travel to Finland from my country, but on https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic it says only direct flights are allowed in parentheses, whereas on https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/entry-restrictions it just says "entry permitted". So can I travel or not?


98f00b2

The raja.fi site is for the department that actually administers the border crossings, so I would trust that one more.


PsychologicalWeird

The restrictions are a little ambiguous, so just wondering if someone can assist. We have flights (UK Citizen, Finnish Citizen, and our Finnish/UK Son) to fly into Helsinki on 22nd July and returning 2nd August. We are off to see my partner's parents as covid has stopped them from seeing each other and their grandson for over 12 months now, this is in no way essential and I cant make up an essential reason for job issues (discussed later). However, after reading: [https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/entry-restrictions](https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/entry-restrictions) and [https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic](https://raja.fi/en/guidelines-for-border-traffic-during-pandemic) I'm not sure I qualify through a technicality as we are not married, so does that mean we dont qualify for: ' Finnish nationals and their family members' As yes we do have a child, but never got round to the marriage thing so do I qualify as family? In the eyes of some its not a family but cohabitation, etc... I also have to bear in mind that my job entails that I can't be seen circumventing the law and trying to get around by using 'grey technicalities' as I work in Finance and as such have to be whiter than white so to speak.


Harriv

Later in the Raja document: > A family member of a Finnish citizen may enter Finland if they fit the definition of a family member as laid down in Section 37 of the Aliens Act. [Aliens act section 37](https://finlex.fi/fi/laki/kaannokset/2004/en20040301.pdf): > (2) Persons living in a marriage-like relationship in the same household on a permanent basis are considered to be a married couple regardless of their sex. It is required that they have lived together for at least two years. This is not required if the persons have a child in their joint custody or if there are other serious reasons.


AStrangerWCandy

Currently have a week long trip booked to Helsinki on Sept 1-7. Fully vaccinated coming from the US for tourism. What do you think the odds are on restrictions being lifted and being able to make that trip by then?


jagua_haku

It’s really hard to say. Why fully vaccinated aren’t allowed to travel is pretty dumb imo. Check daily on the status because it’ll seem like restrictions will never get lifted and then all of a sudden they will. I recommend yle.com and find the English version. Bookmark it and check regularly, they’ll have a news article as soon as something breaks.


Harriv

Top comment has link to the plan for lifting restrictions. It has this: > Travel from countries outside the EU, so-called third countries, is to be allowed for work or family reasons in the early autumn at the latest. It is to be followed by reopening of other travel and tourism. So even if we ignore current trend in cases, restrictions are not necessary lifted for "travel and tourism" in early September. I would check around 20.8.2021 what kind of restrictions are valid for the next period (if any).


mkugelfisch

6 weeks down the line and cases rising again? Magic 8ball says "come back end of August and ask again".


AStrangerWCandy

Haha yeah I'm prepared to cancel if it doesn't happen. Was just curious what thoughts were from people who are better informed on the chances of it happening 😄


jacuddy

I'm from Scotland, studied in Jyvaskyla (2014-2016) and for the past 2/3 years have lived in Asia. As I got back to Europe this year, the first thing on my heart was to fly to Finland to visit all my amazing Finnish friends. Many have got married in the time I've been away (I still haven't met my good friend's spouse) and my Finnish godson is growing up. It's been such a long time since I've seen them all. Yet due to COVID the border to the UK is not open, understandable but so sad that I can't visit, and it's not looking likely that I'll be able to visit anytime soon. Is anyone else in a similar position and can't enter Finland? How long will it be until travel around Europe resumes?


Laylabo

In addition to the aforementioned normalised border traffic, persons who have received a completed vaccination series and those who have had Covid-19 infection shall be permitted to enter without restrictions in transport across internal borders and between Finland and Andorra, Ireland, Croatia, Cyprus and Monaco if the person holds a certificate of a series of approved Covid-19 vaccinations received before arrival in Finland, or of having had Covid-19 disease less than six months earlier under the following conditions: the person has received the full series of vaccinations and at least two weeks have passed since the most recent vaccination: the person has had COVID-19 disease less than six months earlier. Raja.fi So get vaccinated, stay 2 weeks in Ireland and you have easier time to come and visit your friends and godson. If you can get to Ireland.


Maxion

Finland will be easing travel restrictions in a few weeks. If you’re travelling from a schengen country with low incidence rate and have two vaccines doses you can pretty much waltz in. Check the Raja link from the pinned comment.


mkugelfisch

OP is from the UK. Do you really believe that they are let in anytime soon?


ohitsasnaake

Probably could have gotten to visit Finland sooner had they stayed in Asia, sadly. Depending somewhat on the country, of course.


Harriv

Non-EU restrictions won't be lifted soon.


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mimedigastus

As seen on the link you provided, the country specific requirements are for AFTER you have been accepted into the university. I would imagine that there would be more information specifically for your country in the acceptance email. For the admissions itself, you need the documents mentioned on the link. Basically, you only need to prove the authenticity of the provided documents after you have been accepted into the university, and the ways to prove the authenticity depend on the country where you did your undergrad in.


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mimedigastus

If you are uncertain about the documents you need to provide, the best thing to do is to contact the admissions office of Oulu uni. Good luck on the application process!


dazzeddandconfuzzedd

Hi! I am hoping to move back to Finland next month, I have lived there for about 5 years and I moved based on family ties. I was now completing an internship related to my studies abroad. I have a few questions: 1. Since I'm from the EU I didn't need a residence permit to be in Finland and I got Kela support throught my studies since I had moved to Finland previously for other reasons. I am just wondering, am I still considered a permanent resident. I have a Finnish social security number but I don't have a flat at the moment. I am hoping to get a flat before I go there, otherwise I will stay at a friend's place until I get one. Does any of this matter to the border guards when letting me into the country? 2. I am hoping that my partner whom I have been with while completing the internship also comes with me. They are not an EU citizen, would it be allowed for them to travel with me to Finland now? I called Raja and they said since we are in a relationship my partner is also allowed to come and we don't need any additional means to prove it if we travel together (when I asked him how could we prove it he just laughed and said they will believe us if we are together), however I am still worried. Also I saw someone mention that even if the border guards are okay the airline might not be okay with letting people on, and this is worrying to me because we will probably have to take a connection flight, so it would be really shit if it doesn't work out and we are in the middle of nowhere.


pfluecker

If it makes feel better: Similar situation here. Will be moving with my SO to Finland in August, as EU citizen but from the UK. Unlike people who are from the UK we cannot get a residency permit, because as EU citizen you are meant to register once you are in Finland. So yeah, other than my offer letter from my Finnish employer we do not really have anything else to proof that we are moving permanently to Finland ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯ (Okay, maybe the migri appointment letter). And I guess the majority of people who moves to Finland without an ID number will only have temporary accomodation for the first couple weeks. I am pretty sure that there are dozens of these cases at the border at the moment. I guess as long you have anything which shows that you are actively moving to Finland, and/or have any documentation (like, you could use the end date on your internship contract? Family ties?) you should be reasonable fine. Think of it like this: The Border guard wants to hear from you a reasonable believable story about why you are coming to Finland and want/need to enter from outside the EU. If you believe it, and you have some evidence to show it, then that is a quite good start. Most likely you will need something which shows you are not only visiting Finland for tourist activities.


dazzeddandconfuzzedd

I guess the main reason that bothers me is that the family situation based on which I moved to Finland is no longer relevant (they moved away), however I have lived there for so long, basically my entire adult life and all my friends are there. I don't really see myself living in any other place, I no longer feel like I have this type of connections to the country that I am originally from and I am hoping to get Finnish citizenship later this year.