information for immigrants moving to forssa region finland

Transcription

INFORMATION
FOR IMMIGRANTS
MOVING TO FORSSA REGION
FINLAND
Information collected by Elena Ehojoki
The Development Center of Forssa Region
The Regional Center Development Programme
2009
Forssa
Contents.......Sisältö
1. BASIC INFORMATION ............................................................................. 8
Welcome to Forssa Region! ........................................................................ 8
Basic information on Finland and Forssa Region. ....................................... 8
Finnish customs ........................................................................................... 8
Brief history of Finland ................................................................................. 9
Tervetuloa Forssan seudulle ....................................................................................8
Perustietoa Suomesta ja Forssan seudusta . ...........................................................8
Suomalainen tapakulttuuri ........................................................................................8
Suomen historiaa .....................................................................................................9
Politics and administration in Finland .......................................................... 10
Politiikka ja hallinto Suomessa ...............................................................................10
Equality between people ............................................................................. 11
Tasa-arvo ihmisten välillä ....................................................................................... 11
Religion ........................................................................................................ 12
Uskonto ..................................................................................................................12
Traffic ........................................................................................................... 12
Liikenne .................................................................................................................12
Important authorities ................................................................................... 13
Tärkeitä viranomaisia .............................................................................................13
Police ........................................................................................................... 13
Poliisi ......................................................................................................................13
Social insurance institution of Finland – Kela ............................................. 15
Kansaneläkelaitos – Kela .......................................................................................15
Employment Office ...................................................................................... 15
Työ- ja elinkeinotoimisto .........................................................................................15
Social welfare office .................................................................................... 16
Sosiaalitoimisto ......................................................................................................16
Tax office .................................................................................................... 16
Verotoimisto . ..........................................................................................................16
Pension ....................................................................................................... 17
Eläketurva ..............................................................................................................17
Finnish immigration service ......................................................................... 17
Maahanmuuttovirasto .............................................................................................17
Administrative council ................................................................................. 17
Maistraatti ...............................................................................................................17
Do you need an interpreter? ........................................................................ 18
Tarvitsetko tulkkia? .................................................................................................18
2. PERMITS ................................................................................................. 18
Requirements for getting a residence permit ............................................... 19
Bringing your family to Finland .................................................................... 19
Perhe Suomeen .....................................................................................................19
Studying in Finland ...................................................................................... 19
Opiskelu Suomessa ...............................................................................................19
Working in Finland ...................................................................................... 19
Töihin Suomeen .....................................................................................................19
Returnees and persons from areas of the former Soviet Union .................. 20
Inkerinsuomalaiset paluumuuttajat .........................................................................20
Refugees and Asylum Seekers ................................................................... 20
Pakolaiset ja turvapaikanhakijat .............................................................................20
EU Nationals ................................................................................................ 21
EU-maiden kansalaiset ..........................................................................................21
Residence and working in Finland ............................................................... 21
Työlupa ja työskentely Suomessa ..........................................................................21
Business activity .......................................................................................... 21
Liikkeenharjoittaminen . ..........................................................................................21
Study ........................................................................................................... 21
Opiskelut ................................................................................................................21
Rights of residency for family members ...................................................... 21
Perheenjäsenten oleskeluoikeudet ........................................................................21
How to apply for a residence permit ............................................................ 21
Miten anoa oleskelulupaa . .....................................................................................21
The period of validity of a residence permit ................................................ 22
Oleskeluluvan voimassaolo ....................................................................................22
Cancellation of a residence permit .............................................................. 23
Oleskeluluvan peruutus ..........................................................................................23
3. ACCOMMODATION ................................................................................. 24
Living ........................................................................................................... 24
Asuminen ...............................................................................................................24
Rented accommodation ............................................................................... 24
Vuokra-asunto ........................................................................................................24
Rights and responsibilities of tenants .......................................................... 25
Vuokralaisen velvollisuudet ja oikeudet ..................................................................25
Where to find accommodation ..................................................................... 26
Mistä asunto? .........................................................................................................26
Accommodation for the elderly and the disabled ........................................ 26
Vanhusten ja vammaisten asuminen . ....................................................................26
Temporary accommodation in a crisis situation .......................................... 26
Väliaikainen asuminen kriisitilanteessa ..................................................................26
Housing allowance ...................................................................................... 26
Asumistuki ..............................................................................................................26
Important information on accommodation ................................................... 27
Tärkeää tietoa asumisesta .....................................................................................27
Communal areas for residents: ................................................................... 27
Asukkaiden yhteiset alueet . ...................................................................................27
Rules and regulations .................................................................................. 27
Järjestyssäännöt ....................................................................................................27
4. FINNISH LANGUAGE ............................................................................... 28
Finnish language courses in Forssa ............................................................ 28
Suomen kielen kurssit Forssassa . .........................................................................28
Evening Finnish language courses in Wahren Opisto ................................. 28
Suomenkielen iltakurssit Wahren Opistossa ..........................................................28
Finnish language courses at the Vocational Adult Education Centre .......... 28
Forssan Aikuiskoulutusliikelaitos (FAK) ..................................................................28
Finnish language courses near Forssa ....................................................... 29
Suomenkielenkurssit Forssan lähistöllä .................................................................29
Finnish language on the Internet ................................................................. 29
Suomenkielenkurssit Internetissä . .........................................................................29
Do you need a certificate of Language Proficiency in Finnish? ................. 30
Tarvitsetko todistuksen kielitaidosta? .....................................................................30
5. WORK ...................................................................................................... 31
Who can help in cases of discrimination? .................................................. 31
Kuka auttaa syrjintätapauksissa .............................................................................31
Where to find work? ..................................................................................... 31
Mistä työtä? ............................................................................................................31
Vacancies .................................................................................................... 32
Avoimet työpaikat ...................................................................................................32
Different ways of finding work ...................................................................... 32
Eri tapoja löytää työtä .............................................................................................32
Help in finding employment ......................................................................... 33
Apua työnhakuun ...................................................................................................33
How to look for work .................................................................................... 33
Miten haet työtä? ....................................................................................................33
Ennen työnhakua ...................................................................................................33
CV (Curriculum Vitae) .................................................................................. 33
Ansioluettelo ...........................................................................................................33
Job Application ............................................................................................ 34
Työhakemus ...........................................................................................................34
Job Interview ............................................................................................... 34
Työhaastattelu ........................................................................................................34
What kind of work? ...................................................................................... 34
Millaista työtä? . ......................................................................................................34
6. OWN COMPANY ...................................................................................... 35
Establishing a business ............................................................................... 35
Yrityksen perustaminen ..........................................................................................35
Business plan .............................................................................................. 36
Liiketoimintasuunnitelma ........................................................................................36
Company forms ........................................................................................... 36
Yritysmuodot ..........................................................................................................36
Financing ..................................................................................................... 37
Rahoitus .................................................................................................................37
Obligations and rights of the entrepreneur ................................................. 37
Yrittäjän velvollisuudet ja oikeudet .........................................................................37
Business culture in Finland .......................................................................... 37
Yrittäjänä Suomessa ..............................................................................................37
Financial support during unemployment ...................................................... 38
Turvaa työttömyysaikana . ......................................................................................38
Trade Unions ............................................................................................... 38
Ammattiliitot ............................................................................................................38
Rights and responsibilities of employees .................................................... 39
Työntekijän oikeudet ja velvollisuudet ....................................................................39
Taxation ....................................................................................................... 40
Verotus ...................................................................................................................40
Pension ........................................................................................................ 40
Eläketurva ..............................................................................................................40
7. EDUCATION ............................................................................................. 42
Education System in Finland ....................................................................... 42
Koulutusjärjestelmä Suomessa ..............................................................................42
Educational institutions in the region of Forssa ........................................... 43
Forssan seudun koulutusorganisaatiot . .................................................................43
Primary comprehensive schools .................................................................. 43
Peruskoulut ............................................................................................................43
The Upper Secondary School of Forssa ..................................................... 43
Forssan yhteislyseo (Lukio) . ..................................................................................43
Forssa Vocational Institute (FAI) ................................................................. 43
Forssan Ammatti-instituutti ....................................................................................43
Forssa Vocational Adult Education Centre (FAK) ....................................... 44
Forssan Aikuiskoulutusliikelaitos ...........................................................................44
HAMK University of Applied Sciences, Forssa campus ............................. 44
Hämeen ammattikorkeakouluI . ..............................................................................44
Ypäjän Hevosopisto ..................................................................................... 44
Equine College Ypäjä ............................................................................................44
Eerikkilän urheiluopisto ................................................................................ 44
Eerikkilä Sports Institute .........................................................................................44
Career Counseling ....................................................................................... 45
Apua ammatinvalintaan ..........................................................................................45
Where to Find Funding for Studying? .......................................................... 45
Mistä rahoitusta opiskeluun? ..................................................................................45
Acceptance of Foreign Degrees in Finland ................................................. 45
Ulkomaiset tutkinnot Suomessa .............................................................................45
8. HEALTH .................................................................................................... 46
When You Are ill .......................................................................................... 47
Kun sairastat ..........................................................................................................47
Medical organizations in Forssa .................................................................. 47
Forssan terveysasemat ..........................................................................................47
Doctors on duty in Forssa ............................................................................ 47
Päivystävät lääkärit Forssassa ...............................................................................47
Pharmacies in Forssa .................................................................................. 47
Forssan apteekit .....................................................................................................47
Where to get medical help in Humppila, Jokioinen, Tammela or Ypäjä ....... 48
Terveyspalvelut Humppilan, Jokioisten, Tammelan ja Ypäjän asukkaille ...............48
Emergencies ................................................................................................ 48
Hätätilanteet ...........................................................................................................48
Child’s Health ............................................................................................... 48
Lapsen terveys .......................................................................................................48
Occupational Health .................................................................................... 48
Työterveys ..............................................................................................................48
Dental Care ................................................................................................. 48
Hammashoito .........................................................................................................48
9. SOCIAL SERVICES .................................................................................. 49
Family .......................................................................................................... 49
Perhe ......................................................................................................................49
Marriage and relationship ............................................................................ 49
Avioliitto ja parisuhde . ............................................................................................49
Divorce ........................................................................................................ 50
Avioero ...................................................................................................................50
When you are pregnant ............................................................................... 50
Kun olet raskaana ..................................................................................................50
Children and young people .......................................................................... 50
Lapset ja nuoret . ....................................................................................................50
Subsidies and Allowances .......................................................................... 50
Tuet ja avustukset ..................................................................................................50
Day Care ..................................................................................................... 50
Päivähoito . .............................................................................................................50
Bringing Up Children .................................................................................. 51
Lasten kasvatus .....................................................................................................51
Elderly people .............................................................................................. 51
Vanhukset . .............................................................................................................51
Services for the Elderly ............................................................................... 51
Vanhustenpalvelut ..................................................................................................51
Old Age Pension ........................................................................................ 52
Vanhuuseläke .........................................................................................................52
Disabled people ........................................................................................... 52
Vammaiset ..............................................................................................................52
10. CRISE SITUATIONS ............................................................................... 53
Family problems .......................................................................................... 53
Perheongelmat .......................................................................................................53
Domestic Violence ....................................................................................... 53
Perheväkivalta ........................................................................................................53
Problems of children and young people ...................................................... 53
Lasten ja nuorten ongelmat ....................................................................................53
Mental health problems .............................................................................. 54
Mielenterveysongelmat ..........................................................................................54
Alkoholiongelmat ....................................................................................................54
Drug abuse .................................................................................................. 54
Huumeongelmat .....................................................................................................54
Problems with debt ...................................................................................... 54
Velkaongelmat ........................................................................................................54
Racism and discrimination ........................................................................... 55
Rasismi ja syrjintä ..................................................................................................55
Who can help in cases of discrimination? ................................................... 55
Mistä apua syrjintätilanteessa? ..............................................................................55
Violent situations .......................................................................................... 55
Väkivaltatilanteet ....................................................................................................55
Harassment at Work .................................................................................... 56
Työhäirintä ..............................................................................................................56
11. CULTURE AND LEISURE ........................................................................ 56
Culture and leisure in Forssa ....................................................................... 56
Forssan kulttuuri ja vapaa-aika ..............................................................................56
THE LIST OF THE INTERNET-LINKS USED ............................................. 59
1. BASIC INFORMATION
• The country’s total area is 338,145 km2,
10% of which is water
PERUSTIETOA
• The country’s length from north to south is
1,160 km
Welcome to Forssa Region!
• Finland is divided into six provinces: Southern Finland, Western Finland, Eastern Finland, Oulu and Lapland.
Tervetuloa Forssan seudulle
Are you interested in finding employment • There are 431 municipalities
in the region of Forssa, Finland? Have
you come to Finland as a student?Have • Finland borders Russia (in the east), Norway
you come to Finland as a refugee or asy(in the north) and Sweden (in the west)
lum seeker?
• Forssa Region is situated in South-West Finland, in Häme province. In Forssa-town there
In other words, you are contemplating immigration to Finland or you are already
are 17 890 inhabitants, and on the whole
resident in Finland.
in Forssa Region, including also Jokioinen,
Humppila, Tammela and Ypäjä, there are
I was asked to collect information for immi35500 inhabitants.
grants moving to Finland – in order to help
them to integrate into Forssa region. Read ba- Wikipedia, a multilingual web-based encyclosic information on Finnish society and culture, pedia, contains a lot of general information
permits needed by those settling in Finland, about Finland:
housing, studying Finnish, finding employment http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finland
and starting a business, education, health care,
social services, getting help in a crisis, cultural • General information on Forssa Region:
and leisure services. Every topic contains links
www.forssaregion.fi
• General information on town of Forssa:
www.forssa.fi
• General information on municipality of
Humppila:
www.humppila.fi
Jokioinen:
www.jokioinen.fi
Tammela:
to websites where you will find additional inforwww.tammela.fi
mation.
General information on municipality of Ypäjä:
www.ypaja.fi
Basic information on Finland and Forssa Region.
Perustietoa Suomesta ja Forssan seudusta
Finnish customs
Suomalainen tapakulttuuri
• Finland is a republic and a member of the It is easier to get along with Finns when you
European Union
know a little bit about Finnish customs. Under• Official languages: Finnish and Swedish standing Finnish customs also helps you to see
(Swedish is the native tongue of 5.5% of why people have certain expectations of you.
In Finland, the same customs pretty much apFinns)
ply throughout the country. That is why Finnish
• Population: c. 5,300,000
people sometimes avoid the unfamiliar and
• The capital, Helsinki, has a population of c. new ways of doing things. Then again, everyone
560,000
is equal in Finnish society and has to be treat8 - Survival Guide
ed equally fairly. Equality between women and The Swedish Reign
men is important to Finnish people.
Finland was part of Sweden for over 600 years
Finnish people may at first come across as – from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the
rude and quiet. They say things straight and 19th century. During this time, Sweden and
honestly. Conversation is informal and peo- Russia fought over Finland on several occaple usually refer to each other by their first sions, sometimes in armed conflict. In the Treanames. Finns mind their own business and ty of Nöteborg in 1323, the countries decided
respect other people’s privacy. It has been that the areas currently known as Western and
said that Finns may be difficult to get to know, Southern Finland belonged to Sweden and that
but once you do, you have made a friend for Eastern Finland was under Russian power.
life. In modern Finland, society is built on Later, as a result of the wars fought in the 16th
individuals, not families. The culture revolves and 17th century, the Swedish occupation
around respecting the individual, as in many oth- of Finland expanded considerably. The wars
er western countries. Hard-working, determined fought in the 18th century, however, saw Swepeople are esteemed.
den surrendering territory, and eventually in
Finnish people want to make the most of their time. 1809 the entirety of Finland to Russia.
They plan things ahead and stick to agreed sche- Finland as a Grand Duchy of Russia
dules. They keep their promises and expect
During Russian rule, Finland enjoyed the posiothers to do the same.
tion of an autonomous Grand Duchy, whose adFinns prefer to sort out controversies by talking. ministration was left in the hands of Finland’s
They do not want to put anyone in an awkward own government, the Senate, but whose Grand
situation. Finns also prefer not to show their Duke was the Emperor of Russia. During the
feelings in public. The things that Finnish peo- Russian reign, Finland had its own currency
ple value the most include nature, peaceful- and, for a long time, the Russian army included
ness and the sauna. Finns go to the sauna with a separate Finnish unit.
their family, their friends and even business
partners. It is not unheard of to conduct even The Finns used their autonomous position cleverly to their advantage, promoting their own inimportant political negotiations in a sauna!
terests. The Finnish language, Finnish culture
It is good to remember that we all have our own and the Finnish economy strengthened concultural background which influences the way siderably during this period. In the early 20th
we perceive things. It is easier to understand century, however, the relationship between the
others and their cultures when you try to see Finns and the Russian rulers soured, as Rusthings from their point of view. If you do not un- sia launched a policy of Russification which the
derstand something, be brave and ask about Finns did not accept.
it! There will be fewer misunderstandings if we
talk about things openly and honestly.
The Independent Republic
On 6 December 1917, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, the Finnish Parliament
passed a declaration of independence, which
separated Finland from Russia.
Brief history of Finland
Suomen historiaa
Prehistory
Finland was first settled after the last ice age,
around 10,000 years ago. The settlers came
from the east, from what is now Russia, and
from the south via the present Baltic States. The
roots of the Finnish language, which belongs to
the Finno-Ugric group of languages, originate
from Central Russia, but elements from the
Baltic and Germanic languages, amongst others, have also been thrown into the mix.
In early 1918, Finland experienced a brief but
bitter civil war between “the reds”, a force
mostly made up of landless rural and industrial
workers, and “the whites”, representing the interests of the bourgeoisie and wealthy peasantry. The war ended in May 1918, once the whites
had overcome the reds.
The newly independent Finland became a republic, which instead of a king and an emperor
has a president, elected on a six-yearly basis by
Survival Guide - 9
the Finnish nation, and whose laws are made fare. Public services were developed through
by a parliament elected by the nation.
the creation of public education, healthcare
and social security systems, which turned FinWinter War and Continuation War
land into a modern welfare state.
The Soviet Union launched an attack on Finland
on 30 November 1939, marking the beginning Finland in the New Europe
of the Winter War. During the Second World After the cold war ended in Europe at the end
War, Finland fought the Soviet Union twice: in of the 1980s, Finland was able to revise its forthe Winter War in 1939-1940 and again in the eign policy as well. In 1995, Finland became
a member of the European Union, the EU. In
2002, Finland was amongst the first EU member states to adopt the common European currency, the euro, and to give up its own currency,
the Finnish mark.
Continuation War in 1941-1944.
As a result of the wars, Finland had to concede
Karelia and a few other territories to the Soviet
Union. The 430,000 Finns who lived in these
territories had to flee their homes and resettle
in the remaining Finnish territory. Most importantly, however, Finland was not occupied at
any point during the Second World War and the
country retained its independence despite the
territorial concessions.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union at the
beginning of the 1990s, the Finnish economy
drifted into a state of severe depression following, amongst other things, the loss of trade with
the Soviet Union. It also became apparent that,
in addition to the traditional paper industry, the
Finnish economy would need new, successful
enterprises in other industries as well. The keys
to success were eventually found in mobile telephones and other high-tech products, which
have given the Finnish economy a new, modern
look.
Links relating to Finnish history. Vilma provides
information on Finnish history and Finnish society for immigrants. The text on the website is
written in simple Finnish. You can choose the
level of difficulty of the language when you first
enter the site: http://virtuoosi.pkky.fi/vilma/
Politics and administration in Finland
Politiikka ja hallinto Suomessa
Finland After the Wars
The wars left Finland in a state of uncertainty.
At first, there were fears that the Soviet Union
would try to turn Finland into a communist
country as it had done with the other European
neighbours of the Soviet Union after the war.
Nevertheless, Finland managed to build up a
good relationship with the Soviet Union, to retain its democratic social structure and to increase trading with the Western World. Regardless of all this, the country had to balance its
foreign policy between the Soviet Union and the
West for a long time.
Political System
Finland is a democratic republic. The president
is elected by a direct national for a six-year
term. The current President of Finland is Tarja
Halonen (2006–2012).
The Finnish Parliament comprises 200 representatives. The parliamentary term is four
years.
The Prime Minister, who is elected by the Parliament, and the other ministers in the cabinet
form the Council of State, which wields execuAfter the wars, Finland’s economy developed tive power together with the President.
extremely favourably. Finland was exporting pa- Finland is a member state of the European Unper and other forestry products, in particular, ion. Finnish representatives at the European
and earning money to increase the nation’s wel- Parliament are elected for a five-year term.
10 - Survival Guide
Central and local government
Work discrimination
Central government in Finland is divided into
central, regional and local government. Central
government consists of the Council of State
and the national boards and bodies, for example the Population Register Centre and Kela,
the Social Insurance Institution of Finland.
Work discrimination is a crime. You can report
it to the Labour Protection Authority.
Equality between the sexes
According to Finnish law, men and women have
equal rights. The Gender Equality Ombudsman
Regional and local government consists of pub- (Tasa-arvovaltuutettu) supervises that the Act
lic authorities that operate regionally or locally, on equality between women and men is being
for example local Register Offices, Provincial applied. Information on the topic: www.mol.fi
State Offices, and Employment and Economic Sexual equality
Development Centres. State and municipal authorities are in close contact with one another. According to Finnish law, nodoby shall be discriminated against on the basis of sexual oriMunicipalities in Finland are self-governed. entation, sexual identity or sexual expression.
They must guarantee, under law, that local resi- SETA or Sexual Equality promotes equality, redents have access to certain basic public serv- ports lack of equality and provides different
ices. The highest municipal decision-making kinds of services, including counselling and
body is the Municipal Council, whose members support for people who belong to sexual minoriare elected by popular vote every four years.
ties and their loved ones. In Finland, two people of the same sex can also make their relationship official. More information on the topic
Equality between people
is available on the websites of the Ministry of
Tasa-arvo ihmisten välillä
Justice and SETA ry.
According to Finnish law, discrimination is a
crime. Nobody shall be discriminated against Freedom of religion
on the basis of age, ethnic origin, nationality, Finland observes freedom of religion. Each perlanguage, religion, belief, opinion, health, dis- son is therefore entitled to practise their own
ability, sexual orientation, gender or sexual religion and to express their beliefs. Everyone
identity. Discrimination on the basis of wealth also has the right to choose whether they want
or pregnancy, for example, is also prohibited.
to belong to a religious institution or not. No one
The Non-Discrimination Act (yhdenvertaisu- is forced to practise a religion against his/her
uslaki) forbids discrimination in recruitment will. More information on freedom of religion is
and training. People cannot be discriminated available on the Info Bank’s Religion pages.
against on the basis of ethnic origin in relation Age discrimination
to social services and health care.
Nobody shall be discriminated against on the
Information on the topic: www.yhdenvertaisu- basis of age The aim is to ensure as independus.fi
ent a life as possible for elderly people in their
own home. Elderly people are entitled to differThe Ombudsman for Minorities
ent types of benefits according to their need.
The Ombudsman for Minorities is an authority More information on the subject is available on
with the basic task of advancing the status and the Elderly People pages of the Info Bank.
legal protection of ethnic minorities and foreigners as well as equality, non-discrimination Children’s rights
and good ethnic relations in Finland.
Children have the right to special protection
You can contact the Ombudsman for Minorities if, for example, you have experienced or
observed ethnic discrimination. In cases of discrimination, or if you have any other questions,
please call the customer service of the Office of
the Ombudsman for Minorities on (09) 160 43
444 (weekdays between 9.00 and 15.00).
and care. They have the right to present their
own opinions. They have the right to be taken
into consideration in matters affecting them.
Under Finnish law, corporal punishment of children is forbidden.
The aim of Child Protection Work is to ensure
that all children can grow up in good condi-
Survival Guide - 11
tions and to support the parents or a guardian
in the upbringing of children. More information
is available on the Children and Young People
pages of the Info Bank.
must have a safety seat. Adults in the car are
responsible for making sure that the child is
seated in the safety seat and has his seatbelt
on.
Rights of the disabled
basis of disability. According to the Non-Discrimination Act, those who commission work
and arrange training shall improve the opportunities of persons with disabilities to gain access
to work or training. This means making reasonable arrangements. For example, working environments can be modified in a way that makes
it easier for persons with disabilities to move
around.
The pages of the National Council on Disability
have information on legislation and disability
organisations. Information on services for the
disabled can be found on the Disabled People
pages of the Info Bank.
All motor vehicles that are used on the road
must be registered and have a valid roadworthiness certificate.
Traffic
Many cities and towns publish a free map for
cyclists. Enquire for maps from local tourism offices. Cycling maps can also be purchased from
bookshops.
Information on vehicle inspection: www.poliisi.fi
To drive a car or ride a motorbike, you need a
driving licence. In order to be issued with a drivInstances of racism and discrimination
ing licence you must be over 18 years of age.
The Racism and Discrimination part contain in- You can obtain driving instruction from a drivformation on who can help if you have encoun- ing school, or from a private person whom the
tered discrimination.
police have separately issued with a driving instruction licence. After the driving lessons, you
have to pass a written examination and a drivReligion
ing test arranged by the local vehicle inspecUskonto
tion station. The police will then issue you with
Most Finns observe the Christian faith, belong- a driving licence.
ing to either the Evangelical Lutheran (83%) or A Finnish driving licence can often be substitutthe Orthodox Church (1%). These two Churches ed for an existing foreign licence. The website
occupy significant roles in Finnish history and of the Finnish Police has more information on
culture. That is why they enjoy a special legal the topic
status.
Apart from these, other large religious com- Bikes and Pedestrians
munities include the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Towns and other densely populated areas usuFree Church of Finland, the Catholic Church, ally have designated cycle paths that take you
the Finland Adventist Church and the Church of handily from A to B. If you have to cycle on the
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Several other road, always ride as close to the right-hand
religions also operate in Finland.
side edge as possible. According to the law, you
have to wear a helmet while cycling in Finland.
Liikenne
Driving a car
In Finland, we drive on the right. Traffic rules
are strictly enforced. The law says that everyone travelling in a car must wear a seatbelt and
children who are less than 135 centimetres tall
Pedestrians must walk along the pavement or
the lane designated for light traffic, if one exists. If not, pedestrians have to walk along the
side of the road. The left-hand side edge is usually safer. Remember that in the dark or the twi-
12 - Survival Guide
light it is almost impossible for drivers to see a
pedestrian or a cyclist. That is why Finnish law
specifies that pedestrians have to wear suitable reflective gear when walking along the road
in the dark. Reflective gear is available to buy
from sports outlets and department stores, for
example, and many newsagents, chemists and
petrol stations sell it as well. Cyclists also have
to ensure that their lights are working.
Important authorities
Tärkeitä viranomaisia
These pages contain basic information on
some of the key public authorities in Finland.
Police
Poliisi
Straightforward road safety guide for pedestri- Under the Police Act, the primary duties of the
ans: www.liikenneturva.fi
police are maintaining public order and safety,
Straightforward road safety guide for cyclists: and prevention and solving of crimes.
www.liikenneturva.fi
Criminal investigation
Public Transport
Anyone can report an offence to the police, who
In Finland, public transport is very efficient. in turn have a duty to accept such a report. A rePublic transport is an environmentally sustain- port of an offence can be completed in person
able and economical way to travel. Trains and at the nearest police station, by phone, fax or
buses are clean and they run on time, every- over the Internet, or by notifying a police patrol.
where in Finland.
Pre-trial investigation of an offence is normalThe trains are operated by a state-owned enter- ly the responsibility of the local police within
whose jurisdiction the reported offence took
prise, VR.
place. However, the offence can be reported at
The nearest to Forssa-town railway station is any police station, as indicated above. The polocated in Humppila. You can reserve and buy lice station receiving the report of the offence
travel and seat tickets from local railway sta- will then forward it as necessary.
tions or at VR’s website: www.vr.fi
The police will commence a pre-trial investigaThere are several coach operators in Finland tion if there is reason to suspect that a crime
but tickets for all bus companies can be bought has been committed. Not all reports of offencfrom Matkahuolto outlets or on its website: es lead to pre-trial investigation.
www.matkahuolto.fi The bus-station in Forssa
is located quite in the centre, near the market The police also have other investigation duties
besides pre-trial investigations. These include
square.
establishing the cause of death, finding missThe new public transport route planner service ing persons and cases concerning prohibition
helps you to pick the best route to anywhere in on engaging in business.
Finland: www.matka.fi/
Permits and licenses for foreigners
Air Traffic
The local police issue:
Finland has 24 airports. The biggest airport is
• first residence permits to foreign family
Helsinki-Vantaa
members of Finnish citizens residing in FinA list of Finnish airports: www.finavia.fi/airports
land, and to the family members’ unmarried
minor children
Examples of internationally operating Finnish airlines include Finnair and Blue1. These • extended fixed-term residence permits and
airlines offer both domestic and international
permanent residence permits to foreign naflights.
tionals residing in Finland
For more information on air traffic, please visit • extended residence permits for employed
Finavia: www.visitfinland.com
and self-employed persons, and permanent
residence permits.
Applications for the above permits must be
submitted to the District Police of the applicants’ place of residence in person or through
Survival Guide - 13
an attorney. Applicants must go to the police
station in person to prove their identity before
a decision on a permit is made. Abroad, permit
applications are filed with a Finnish mission.
More information on the topic: www.poliisi.fi
License services
graph, personal and passport details. The information is safeguarded against abuse. The electronic passport is normally valid for five years.
The electronic passport is identified by the chip
logo on the cover.
Passports issued before August 21st will continue to be valid travel documents after the introduction of the new biometric passport. You
will not need to exchange your valid passport
for a new passport. All passports will remain
valid until their expiry date.
Police license services are provided by the local
police. License services are available at the approximately 280 police departments and over
50 Citizen’s Offices round the country. Police
license services mainly concern core police operations, such as maintenance of public order Identity cards
and security, crime prevention and improve- The police issue standard identity cards, miment of traffic safety.
nor’s identity cards and temporary identity
Passports, identity cards, driving licenses as cards. Health insurance data may be added to
well as firearms licenses and permits consti- an identity card if the applicant so requests. A
tute the majority of licenses issued by the po- person may only have one identity card valid at
lice. On these matters, the applicant must visit a time.
the police department at least once for physical identification by the police. When issuing
firearms licenses and permits, the police must
also assess the applicant’s suitability to carry
a firearm, which means that they may ask the
applicant some questions.
Identity cards are applied for in writing from the
local police. An application for an identity card
may be submitted to any license service point
of the police.
An application for an identity card must be submitted in person, and the card must be paid for
Police license services are net budgeted, and when submitting the application. The identity
the services are provided at cost price under card should be picked up at the police departthe Ministry of the Interior Decree on Service ment in person, but it may also be collected by
Charges.
a proxy or posted to the applicant on request.
Standard and minor’s identity cards are valid
for five years and temporary identity cards for
up to four months. Identity cards issued before
1 March 1999 expired on 31 December 2002.
When applying for an identity card, the following must be submitted:
• one passport photograph
• reliable proof of identity such as a passport
or identity card
Passport
• the consent of the parents or guardians if
the applicant is under 18 years, except for a
minor’s identity card
Finland issues biometric passports as of 21st
Fees (2008 year):
August 2006.
A passport containing a biometric identifier is a • Standard identity card EUR 40
safer travel document. Its introduction is a Eu- • Identity card for a minor EUR 24
ropean Union joint project whose objective is to • Temporary identity card EUR 30
make the forging and abuse of passports more
difficult. Inside the information page of the • Decision to refuse an identity card EUR 23
passport is a microchip. It contains the same
information as on the information page: photo14 - Survival Guide
Police office phone: 071 873 5126; police ofBefore a driving license can be obtained, it is fice fax: 071 873 5125
necessary to apply for a driving license permit E-mail: [email protected]
from the police. Driving license permit applications are submitted in person and in writing to Social insurance institution of Finland
the police department for the applicant’s place – Kela
of residence. The permit must be paid for when
submitting the application. (If you attend a driv- Kansaneläkelaitos – Kela
ing school, the school will usually handle most Sometimes people cannot cope by themselves
of the paperwork for a driving license. Any fur- and require support from society. The Social Inther applications must be made in person at a surance Institution of Finland, Kela, is responsipolice department.)
ble for providing basic social security to people
When applying for a driving license permit, the living in Finland. Kela activities are funded by
tax income. More information on Who is Entifollowing must be submitted:
tled to Social Security can be found on the Kela
• 2 photographs (required if the previous website.
photographs were submitted more than 3
years earlier or the applicant’s name has Kela also provides labor market support and
statutory sick pay. Different authorities work in
changed)
cooperation with each other. For example, un• young person’s health certificate (obtained employed people cannot turn to Kela for unemno more than five years earlier) or a driv- ployment benefit unless they are registered as
ing license medical certificate (obtained no customers of the Employment Agency.
more than six months earlier)
• written consent of parents/guardians when Local Kela office in Forssa:
applying for a moped, motorcycle or tractor Open: Monday 8.00-17.00, Tuesday-Friday
license if the applicant is under 18 years of 9.00-16.00
age.
Address: Rautatienkatu 11, 30420 FORSSA
In addition to a permit application form, appli- Phone 020 635 1240 (paid); fax: 020 635
cants must fill in a form asking whether they al- 1232
ready have a driving license issued by another E-mail: [email protected]
EU or EEA country, or whether they have been More information on the topic of Kela: www.
banned from driving in any EU or EEA country. kela.fi
Driving license permit
Fees (2008 year)
Employment Office
• Issuing a driving license permit (covering Työ- ja elinkeinotoimisto
both the short-term driving license and the
subsequent permanent driving license) EUR Employment offices operate under the Labor
60
Administration. Central services include em• New short-term (phase I and II) driving li- ployment, labor market training, career guidcense permit without the need to take a ance and advisory services regarding training
and careers. Integration of immigrants also
driving test EUR 70
falls under the responsibility of Employment Of• Issuing a driving license permit in other cas- ficies. The Office will assist you in finding Finnes EUR 40
ish language courses. Employment Offices also
• Decision to refuse a driving license permit have information on vacant positions. The customers of the Office are entitled to apply for unEUR 30
employment benefit from Kela.
Local police station in Forssa:
Local employment office in Forssa (service for
Open: Monday-Friday 8.00-16.15
Address: Murrontie 3, 30420 FORSSA
Police station phone: 071 873 5090; police
station fax: 071 873 5115
population of Forssa, Humppila, Jokioinen,
Tammela, Ypäjä):
Reception hours Monday-Friday 9.00-15.45
Calling hours Monday/Friday 8.00-16.15
Survival Guide - 15
Address: Kartanonkatu 10, 30100 FORSSA
Phone: 010 60 40039, GSM 050 3963075;
fax: 010 60 45225
E-mail: [email protected]
More information on the topic of employment
office:
www.mol.fi
care and maintenance issues and can be contacted for advice or to make an appointment
from Monday to Friday 13.00 – 14.00. For
maintenance issues please contact the departmental secretary tel. 03-4141249.
Social welfare office
Sosiaalitoimisto
The municipal Social Welfare Offices serve their
customers in various ways. The responsibilities
of these offices include:
• Day-care services for children
• Care of the elderly
• Care at home
• Care of the disabled
• Services for people with mental disabilities
• Protection of children
• Local social welfare office in Forssa:
Internet: www.forssa.fi
Address: Turuntie 18, PL 62, 30101 FORSSA
Phone: (03) 41 411; fax: (03) 422 6583
• Local social welfare office in Humppila:
Address: Kisakuja 2, 31640 Humppila,
Phone: 03 4180 300, 050-569 4937.
• Support for family care-givers
• Care of intoxicant abusers
• Provision of living allowance for people in fi- • Local social welfare office in Jokioinen:
Address: Keskuskatu 29A, 31600 Jokionancial hardship
inen,
Phone: (03) 418 2301 and (03) 418 2305.
Social work
Advice and guidance on child protection, help • Administration of municipality Tammela:
Internet: www.tammela.fi
for the family in difficult situations and support
Address: Hakkapeliitantie 2, 31300 Tamwith the problem areas of parenting.
mela
Income support for times when the family’s inPhone: (03) 41 201
come and assets do not meet the necessary
Email: [email protected]
basic living costs (as specified by the governThere is no social welfare office in Tamment standard).
mela.
Services for paternity, welfare and maintenance
• Administration of municipality Ypäjä:
issues, regarding the arrangements for the welInternet: www.ypaja.fi
fare and maintenance of a child or children and
Address: Perttulantie 20, 32100 Ypäjä
the strengthening of family relationships and
Phone: (02) 7626 500
the responsibilities of parenthood.
Please make an appointment to see the social
There is no social welfare office in Ypäjä.
workers responsible for the income support applications and child protection issues.
Appointments are arranged by the town service centre tel. 03-41411. The social workers are
also available for consultation via telephone,
Monday to Friday 13.00 – 13.30, by calling the
number above.
Tax office
Verotoimisto
In Finland, all income is taxed income. The Tax
Office will supply you with a tax card, which you
must present to your employer as soon as you
A specialist social worker, the childcare officer, start in a job. You will be taxed 60% of everyis responsible for the paternity as well as child- thing you earn while working without a tax card.
16 - Survival Guide
Remember to take to the Tax Office your employment contract, which indicates your salary.
Your tax card has your tax percentage written
on it. If you do other work simultaneously with
your primary employment, you must obtain a
tax card for additional income, which you must
also immediately disclose to your employer.
Your tax percentage depends on your income
and it can be altered during the year if your income changes. Keep an eye on your income
and your tax percentage, as if you pay too little
tax, you will have to pay more tax the next year.
Your local Tax Office will give you more information on this.
the state retirement pension is that you have
lived in Finland for a certain period of time. The
length of time that you have lived in Finland
also affects the amount of pension available to
you. Ask Kela whether you are entitled to a retirement pension or Special Assistance for Immigrants (maahanmuuttajan erityistuki).
Open: Monday-Friday 9.00-15.00
Address: Kartanonkatu 10, PL 40 30101 Forssa
Phone (03) 5724 900; fax: (03) 5724 940
More information on taxation: www.vero.fi
In case a provider of a family dies, the widow
and children are entitled to a family pension.
Special assistance for immigrants: www.kela.fi
Salaried employees are covered by the occupational pension system and farmers and entrepreneurs are covered by their own employee
pension systems. Both pension systems include
old-age pension, disability pension, individual
early-retirement pension and unemployment
Tax returns on income must be filed annually. pension. Your profession and type of employIn April the Tax Administration sends a pre-com- ment define which pension law is applied.
pleted tax return form to all wage-earners. The
pre-completed information is obtained from, for You must apply for a pension. Three months priexample, employers, banks, insurance compa- or to reaching the retirement age, pension institutions will send the pension applicant an oldnies and the Social Insurance Institution.
age pension application form with some of the
If the pre-completed tax return form contains information already filled in. People, who do not
faulty or deficient information, you must correct receive this form, receive a letter from Kela inthe information yourself. After correcting the instead, outlining the concept of state retirement
formation, you need to sign the form and return pension. State retirement pension application
it to the Tax Administration. If all of the informa- forms are also available for collection from Kela
tion is correct, you do not need to return the and pension institutions. More information on
pre-completed tax return form.
retirement pension applications is available on
Local tax office in Forssa:
the Kela website.
Finnish immigration service
Maahanmuuttovirasto
Pension
The Finnish Immigration Service handles and
resolves issues relating to immigration, resiEläketurva
dency and refugees. It is also responsible for
Two complementary statutory pension systems issues relating to Finnish citizenship.
operate in Finland:
More information on Finnish immigration serv• Earnings-related pension is earned in sala- ice: www.migri.fi
ried employment and as an entrepreneur.
• State retirement pension secures minimum Administrative council
income for everyone for his/her days of re- Maistraatti
tirement.
People who have lived in Finland for a sufficient Administrative Councils are local administraperiod of time are entitled to a retirement pen- tive units of the state. The Councils deal with
sion at the age of 65 at the latest. State retire- e.g. registration matters. The Population Informent pension (kansaneläke) guarantees mini- mation Register contains basic information on
mum income for pensioners who have no or all people living in Finland. You must inform
insufficient earnings-related pension (ansioe- the Administrative Council when you move to
läke). The only requirement for qualifying for Finland, between different localities within FinSurvival Guide - 17
land or away from Finland. The Administrative 2. PERMITS
Councils also have various other responsibilities. The district registrar of the Administrative LUPA-ASIAT
Court performs civil marriages. For example, all
possible nuptial agreements are registered at In this part you can read about permits. Foreigners coming to Finland generally need a
the Administrative Council.
The contact details for the nearest Local Regis- Residence permit in order to stay in Finland for
a longer time. Since this is general information
ter Office – Hämeenlinnan maistraatti:
it does not necessarily apply to every individual
Open: Monday-Friday 9:00 – 16:15
situation. The information on this page is based
Address: Birger Jaarlin katu 13, PL 64, 13101 on the Aliens Act, which entered into force on
Hämeenlinna
May 1, 2004.
Phone: 07187 30161, fax 07187 31043
Visa
Visas (viisumi) are only granted for short visits.
Foreigners who come to Finland e.g. on holiday,
on business or to take part in a meeting, reTarvitsetko tulkkia?
quire a visa. Visas are generally applied for at
In Finland, it is possible to get liaison interpre- the Finnish mission in the applicant’s country
tation in very many languages. In some circum- of domicile.
stances authorities can order an interpreter Finland has agreements with certain countries
and pay for the interpretation. This is not al- that exempt the citizens of those countries
ways possible. Please consult the authorities in from the need to obtain a visa when entering
advance.
Finland.
Do you need an interpreter?
The Finnish Ministry of the Interior has produced a booklet on liaison interpreting: www. Residence Permit in Finland
intermin.fi
A fixed-term residence permit is issued either
as a temporary residence permit (the document carries the letter B) or as a continuous
residence permit (the document carries the
letter A), depending on the nature of the stay.
A person’s first residence permit is always a
fixed-term permit. It can be issued for a year or
for a shorter time if a stay due to work or study,
for example, is shorter than that.
A continuous residence permit (A-permit) can
be extended for a maximum of four years at a
time and a temporary residence permit (B-permit) can be extended for a maximum of a year
at a time.
A person who has received a temporary residence permit can apply for an extension of the
permit for continuous residence if the reason
for staying in Finland has changed during the
period of residence, for example because of
marriage.
A foreigner can get a permanent residence permit (the document carries the letter P) when
he or she has been resident in Finland for
four years on a continuous residence permit
(A-permit). The fixed-term residence permits
should follow each other seamlessly, without
18 - Survival Guide
any breaks in between. This does not mean
that the person’s stay in Finland must have
been uninterrupted. The applicant is free to go
on normal vacation trips and other travel. The
applicant is required to reside in Finland for at
least half the period of validity of the residence
permit and must have a valid residence permit
at the time he or she applies for a permanent
residence permit.
sued for studies at a university or vocational institution leading to a degree or vocational qualification. Exchange students are issued with a
residence permit if they are participating in an
approved exchange programme.
Requirements for getting a residence
permit
You can apply for a residence permit for an
employed person (työntekijän oleskelulupa) if
you have been offered employment in Finland.
Application for the first permit must usually be
made prior to entering Finland at the Finnish
Embassy of the country of origin of the applicant. The employer will request a decision
from the Employment Agency as to whether a
foreigner can be employed. If the preliminary
decision of the Employment Agency is positive,
the Finnish Immigration Service can supply the
employee with a residence permit. The application process may take some time.
Students must be able to prove that they have
sufficient funds for their residence. In addition,
when applying for an extension to a residence
permit, students are also required to have a
The grounds for issuing a continuous residence certain number of completed courses.
permit do not have to be the same during the Students are permitted to do a limited amount
four years in question. For example, after some- of work under a residence permit issued for
one gets married, a residence permit for an studies.
employed person may change into a residence
permit issued on the grounds of a family relationship. However, if the residence permit has Working in Finland
changed during the four years from continuous Töihin Suomeen
to temporary (i.e. from an A-permit to a B-permit), a permanent residence permit cannot be A foreigner generally needs a residence permit
for an employed person if he or she intends to
granted.
be in gainful employment in Finland.
Bringing your family to Finland
Perhe Suomeen
A family member of a Finnish citizen or a citizen
of some other country who is living in Finland
can be issued with a residence permit on the
basis of family ties. A family member is a spouse
or cohabiting partner, a registered partner (of
the same sex) or an unmarried child under the
age of 18 whose guardian is a person resident
in Finland. If the person resident in Finland is
under 18 years old, then his or her guardian
is considered a family member. In some cases,
other relatives may also be considered family
members.
A residence permit for an employed person is
also required for short and fixed-term employment relationships. There are, however, certain cases where a residence permit for an
employed person is not required if the employment lasts for less than three months.
A person resident in Finland and their family
members should have a secure source of income that must not rely on social welfare benefits. This requirement does not apply to family
members of Finnish citizens.
EU nationals and people with equivalent nationalities can freely engage in business in Finland. Other nationals will require a residence
permit for a self-employed person (elinkeinonharjoittajan oleskelulupa), if they intend to engage in business in Finland. Application for the
permit must be made prior to entering Finland
Studying in Finland
at a Finnish Embassy of the country of origin
Opiskelu Suomessa
of the applicant. Permits are only granted for
A foreign student needs a residence permit if profitable business activities. The regional Emthe period of study in Finland is longer than ployment and Economic Development Centers
three months. Residence permits are mainly is- (TE-keskus) deliberate whether conditions for
business exist and whether the entrepreneur
Survival Guide - 19
can obtain a reasonable living through the
business activities. The Employment and Economic Development Centre will form a preliminary decision regarding the profitability of the
business. If the decision is positive, the Finnish
Immigration Service can grant the applicant a
residence permit for a self-employed person.
political views or belonging to a certain social
class.
Application for asylum is handed over to the
passport control officials or the police in writing
as soon as the asylum seeker enters the country. The application must be filed on arrival in
Finland or immediately afterwards. Make sure
to declare in detail your reasons for seeking
Applications for extended residence permits for asylum.
employed persons in Finland are dealt with by Once you have applied for asylum, you will be
the local police.
entitled to stay in Finland for the duration of
A person who has been issued a continuous the processing of your application. You cannot
residence permit (A-permit) on grounds other travel abroad within that period of time. Your
than employment or pursuit of a trade, or a per- leaving the country would be considered as
manent residence permit (P-permit) is free to if your problem had been solved and your apwork and does not need a separate residence plication will be withdrawn. Accommodation is
permit for an employed person or a self-em- organized in several reception centers throughout Finland. If you leave your residential area
ployed person.
for a longer period of time, make sure to inform
the authority that is dealing with your situation.
Returnees and persons from areas of
the former Soviet Union
Inkerinsuomalaiset paluumuuttajat
Foreigners who have Finnish ancestry or some
other close connection with Finland may be
granted a residence permit on that basis. No
other reason, such as work or study, is required
in order to receive the permit. Receiving a residence permit depends on how direct and close
a person’s Finnish ancestry is. If the Finnish
ancestors are several generations back, a residence permit cannot be granted on that basis.
People who may be granted a residence permit
based on Finnish ancestry or close connections
with Finland are: former Finnish citizens, persons of Finnish origin, i.e. who have a mother,
father or grandparent who was born a Finnish
citizen and certain persons from areas of the
former Soviet Union.
Instead of asylum, foreigners residing in Finland may be granted a residence permit based
on the need for protection.
More information on asylum seekers, the application procedure and other related issues:
www.migri.fi
The Finnish Refugee Advice Center
The Finnish Refugee Advice Centre is a nongovernmental organization founded in 1988 by
other Finnish NGOs. The Refugee Advice Centre
provides legal aid and advice to asylum seekers, refugees and other foreigners in Finland.
The Refugee Advice Centre has four offices in
Finland.
Lawyers of the Refugee Advice Centre give legal aid to asylum seekers in different stages
during the asylum procedure. The Refugee Advice Centre also works for promoting the legal
rights of asylum seekers, refugees and other
foreigners. The organization is recognized as
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
an expert in refugee and aliens affairs in FinPakolaiset ja turvapaikanhakijat
land. It is thereby heard by officials and the ParQuota refugees enter Finland every year. Quota liament when new laws concerning foreigners
refugees are selected from people who have a are drafted and passed.
refugee status. Refugee status is granted by The Refugee Advice Centre works in close coUNHCR, the United Nations’ principal refugee operation with the United Nations High Comagency.
missioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as well as
Asylum seekers are people who are seeking European refugee organizations. The Refugee
asylum in a foreign country due to being per- Advice Centre is a member of the European
secuted in their country of origin. The persecu- Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) which
tion may be based on religion, race, nationality,
20 - Survival Guide
represents 78 refugee organizations through- 14.This right applies to entrepreneurs and selfemployed persons. Self-employed persons do
out Europe.
not require a separate residence permit. When
Helsinki office
you go to register at the police station, you must
Address: Mannerheimintie 40 D 79, 00100
bring with you a certificate of the registration
Helsinki
of a trade or another reliable account of selftel +358 (0)75 7575 100
employment.
fax +358 (0)75 7575 120
e-mail: [email protected]
More information on the topic:www.migri.fi
Executive Director Eva Lindberg, tel +358
(0)75 7575 112,
e-mail:[email protected]
Study
Information and Media Officer Sanna Rummakko, tel. +358 (0)75 7575 114, +358
(0)50 412 9413, e-mail: sanna.rummakko@
pakolaisneuvonta.fi
Opiskelut
EU nationals and people with equivalent nationalities can study in Finland without a residence permit for a period not exceeding three
months. After this period, students must register their rights of residency at the police station. The main purpose of the residency must
be studies in a Finnish educational institution.
The student must have sufficient funds to reside in Finland as well as sickness insurance.
The students will not be eligible for a Finnish
study grant.
More information on the topic: www.migri.fi
Rights of residency for family members
EU Nationals
Perheenjäsenten oleskeluoikeudet
EU-maiden kansalaiset
Family members of EU nationals can gain
rights of residency in Finland if the EU national
in question has a right to reside in Finland. The
family member must also have sufficient funds
for the residency and appropriate sickness insurance.
Residence and working in Finland
Työlupa ja työskentely Suomessa
EU nationals and people with equivalent nationalities can freely reside and work in Finland
for a period of three months. During this period
they will not require a visa or a residence permit. After three months they must register their
rights of residency at the police station. No residence permit for employed persons is required.
More information on the topic:www.migri.fi
Business activity
Liikkeenharjoittaminen
More information on the topic: www.migri.fi
How to apply for a residence permit
Miten anoa oleskelulupaa
Foreigners should generally apply for their first
residence permit before arriving in Finland at
the Finnish diplomatic mission in their country
of origin. Applicants who are permanently resident somewhere else should apply for a residence permit at the Finnish diplomatic mission
in their country of residence.
EU nationals and people with equivalent nationalities can freely engage in business in Finland. Various attachments must be enclosed with
First, however, they must register their rights of the application depending on what the purpose
residency at the police station. The local police of the applicant’s stay in Finland is.
station in Forssa information is placed at page
Survival Guide - 21
If the applicant is coming to Finland to work,
the employer may submit the application on
behalf of the applicant. In such a case, the application should be submitted to the police in
the municipality where the employer operates.
The application form for a residence permit
(OLE 1) and a list of the required attachments:
www.migri.fi
The period of validity of a residence
If the applicant lives and resides abroad but is permit
coming to Finland on the basis of family ties,
the family member living in Finland, called the
sponsor in the application procedure, may also
submit the application on behalf of the applicant. The family member should submit the application to the police in the municipality where
they live.
Where returnees are concerned, former Finnish citizens and others who have Finnish ancestry have a choice of applying for a residence
permit either at a Finnish diplomatic mission
before coming to Finland or from the police of
the municipality where they live in Finland. In
applying for a residence permit, these persons
must give a reliable account of their ancestry.
They are not required to prove that they have
means of support. Returnees from areas of the
former Soviet Union must register with the waiting list for returnees kept at the Finnish diplomatic mission in their country of domicile. They
will then be called for language tests and interviews when their turn comes.
Oleskeluluvan voimassaolo
The first residence permit is always fixed-term
and it is usually issued for one year. If the reason that a foreigner is coming to Finland is, for
example, temporary fixed-term employment or
study, the residence permit can be issued for
a shorter or longer period than a year. A residence permit for an employed person is a temporary residence permit (B-permit) or a continuous residence permit (A-permit) depending on
the nature of the work. A continuous residence
permit is usually granted for one year the first
time. A temporary residence permit is granted
for the duration of the employment contract. A
residence permit for a self-employed person is
generally granted for a year.
A student’s residence permit is temporary in
nature. If studies last for more than a year, the
residence permit is generally issued for a year
at a time. It can also be issued for a longer period if the duration of studies is known in adIn the exceptional case that the applicant is al- vance. When the studies end, the student can
ready in Finland when applying for a first resi- stay in Finland if a new residence permit can be
dence permit, the application should be sub- issued on some other grounds.
mitted to the police in the municipality where A residence permit issued on the basis of famthe applicant lives, and the police will also sup- ily ties is valid at most for the same period as
ply the application form.
the sponsor’s residence permit. The residence
New fixed-term (extended) residence permits permit can be fixed-term or permanent.
and permanent residence permits are gener- A permanent residence permit is valid unally issued by the police in the municipality in til further notice. When the holder’s passport
Finland where applicants live. Applications are expires, there is no need to re-apply for a resialso submitted to the police. Applications for ex- dence permit, but a residence permit granted
tension of a residence permit for an employed earlier must be transferred to the new passport
person can also be submitted to the employ- at the police department.
ment office.
When an applicant has been granted a resiA fee is charged for processing residence per- dence permit, the person in question may live,
mit applications. The fee must be paid in ad- reside and move freely in Finland. While the
vance and it is not refunded even if the applica- residence permit remains in force, the holder
tion is unsuccessful.
may freely choose where to live in Finland and
Decisions on residence permits may be ap- may also leave Finland and return again.
pealed to the Administrative Court. The decision includes instructions for appeal.
22 - Survival Guide
Cancellation of a residence permit
Oleskeluluvan peruutus
A residence permit is cancelled if the holder
has moved out of Finland permanently or has
continuously resided outside Finland for two
years for permanent purposes. If there is an acceptable reason for this absence, it is possible
to file an application to avoid having the residence permit cancelled.
A residence permit may also be cancelled if the
applicant has knowingly given false information
or concealed relevant information. The cancellation of a fixed-term residence permit can be
considered if the grounds for issuing the residence permit no longer exist.
A residence permit can also be cancelled if another Schengen State has decided to order the
foreigner to be removed and prohibited from
entering the Schengen area.
Practical instructions and contact information
on the Internet:
• www.poliisi.fi (the police)
• www.formin.finland.fi/missions (the Ministry for Foreign Affairs)
• www.mol.fi (The Employment Office)
Finnish Immigration Service
Postal address: P.O. Box 18, 00581 Helsinki,
Finland
Customer Service: Lautatarhankatu 10,
00580 Helsinki
tel. 071 873 3400
Switchboard: 071 873 0431
Fax: 071 873 0730
Internet: www.migri.fi
Survival Guide - 23
3. ACCOMMODATION
you usually have to leave the company-owned
housing as well.
ASUMINEN
You will find out about renting apartment in the
section “Where to find accommodation?”
Living
Further information on tenancy
Asuminen
This part contains information on how to find
accommodation. The section deals with different forms of accommodation. The pages contain information on rights and responsibilities
of tenants, assistance regarding housing allowance and other genera issues related to housing.
Rented accommodation
Vuokra-asunto
Where to find rented accommodation?
Always demand a written tenancy agreement!
Rented housing is governed by the Act on Residential Leases. The Act contains provisions on,
for example, the lease agreement, the amount
of rent, and the termination and rescission of
lease agreements.
Forssa offers its residents comfortable housing in areas close to nature and in apartment
buildings conveniently situated in the centre of
the town. There are a whole host of services
from both the public and private sectors providing for all age groups. The town has building
plots available in various locations for detached
or terraced houses and apartment buildings.
The surrounding villages also have countryside
building plots for sale.
Forssa has about 800 state subsidized apartments and terraced houses available for rent
in the town and surrounding area. For further
information about rental property, please see
the Forssa-asunnot Oy (Forssa-accommodation
Oy) web pages (every municipality has this kind
of agency).
Rented accommodation is provided by city • Forssa-asunnot Oy office in Forssa:
Address: Kartanonkatu 4, 30100 Forssa
councils and municipal councils, housing conTelephone
(03) 4334 044
structors, foundations, insurance companies,
Fax
(03) 4224 911
banks and private house owners. It is usually
Email:
[email protected]
not possible to purchase a rented property.
Working hours:
The majority of rented apartments are non-subMonday 9.30 - 16.30
sidized.
Tuesday-Thursday 9.00. - 14.00
Friday 9.00 - 15.00
The national ARAVA loan scheme or interest
subsidy loans is mainly produced and owned
by municipalities and non-profit organizations. Local real estate companies:
Tenants for State-subsidized housing are se- • Forssan Isännöinti ja Kiinteistönvälitys OY
Address: Hämeentie 11, 30100 Forssa
lected on social grounds.
Phone (03) 4243 670
Special accommodation is provided for stuEmails: [email protected]
dents and young people. Other [email protected]
tion for special groups, such as disabled people
www.fikoy.net
and the elderly, is also available.
Sub-tenancy is allowed in a property rented by • Forssan Kiinteistökauppiaat Oy
Address: Rautatienkatu 10, 30100 Forssa
another person.
Phone 03-4361130 (24 hours)
Employers provide company housing at their
Fax
03-4361700
discretion. However, the downside of company-owned dwellings is that if you change jobs,
24 - Survival Guide
www.kiinteistokauppiaat.com
• Forssan OP-kiinteistökeskus Oy LKV
Sibeliuksenkatu 3, 30100 Forssa
puh. (03) 42 451
fax (03) 422 3243
email: [email protected]
www.opkk.fi
• Kiinteistö Järvinen Oy
Leppäkorventie 54, 32100 Ypäjä
puh. (02) 767 3405
fax (02) 767 3505
[email protected]
www.kiinteistojarvinen.fi
• Kiinteistömaailma | LKV Kotini Oy
Torinkulma/Vilppaankatu 2, 30100 Forssa
puh. (03) 433 4451
fax (03) 433 4452
[email protected]
www.kiinteistomaailma.fi
• Kiinteistönvälitys Kauriinoja LKV Oy
Kartanonkatu 5, 30100 Forssa
puh. (03) 433 5008
fax (03) 433 5008
[email protected]
www.kauriinoja.com
• Lounais-Hämeen SKV Oy LKV
Hämeentie 7, 30100 Forssa
puh. (03) 4246 1700
fax (03) 4246 1711
[email protected]
www.skv.fi
• Suomen Asunnonvaihtokeskus
Kartanonkatu 9, 30100 Forssa
puh. (020) 753 6370
fax (0207) 536 371
[email protected]
www.asunnonvaihtokeskus.com
be obtained from the Forssa-asunnot Oy (Forssa-accommodation Oy)
Student accommodation in Forssa is provided
by the Student-residence foundation of the
Hämeenlinna region, which owns the Forssan
Opiskelijatalo (Forssa Student Accommodation
Building). The fully renovated Forssa Student
Accommodation Building is conveniently situated near local facilities and about 1,5 km from
the town centre in pleasant surroundings. The
student building is fitted to a high standard and
includes, for example, a sauna, a laundry and
drying rooms. Each apartment has hot water,
central heating, the main kitchen appliances,
and a fixed Internet connection. There are altogether 94 one, two and three room apartments. The sizes vary between 29 m² and 76.5
m². Accommodation application forms and further information can be obtained from http://
www.hops.fi/
For further information about accommodation
services please contact: Antti Heinilä, Technical Manager,
Forssa Town Hall, Turuntie 18, 30100 Forssa
tel. (03) 4141 340, 050 3537 733
Rights and responsibilities of tenants
Vuokralaisen velvollisuudet ja oikeudet
• Rent is payable by the agreed date of each
month.
• The tenant is responsible for any damage to
the property. This includes damage caused
by visitors of the tenant.
• Follow the house rules and regulations,
which in tower blocks are usually placed
on the wall in the proximity of the main entrance.
For information about privately owned rental • Tenancy agreements must be terminated in
writing. The property must be vacated within
properties, please contact the estate agents in
one month of the termination of the tenancy
the area.
agreement.
Part-ownership housing is available in the Kuusto area of the town. The term part-ownership Rights and responsibilities of landlords:
refers to the arrangement whereby the occu- • The landlord is responsible for the maintepant invests at least 15% of the purchase price
nance of the property but not for the damin the property. The other part is initially owned
age caused by the tenant.
by the developer. To begin with, the occupant
pays rent but during the rental period the oc- • The landlord can only terminate the tenancy agreement in writing and an acceptable
cupant has the possibility to buy the property.
reason must be given.
Further information about part-ownership can
Survival Guide - 25
• The landlord can evict the tenant if the tenant has not paid the rent for the property or
is continuously acting in a socially irresponsible manner.
local social welfare office is in Forssa information page.
Where to find accommodation
Temporary accommodation in a crisis
situation
Mistä asunto?
You should first decide whether you want to live
in a rented, owner-occupied, partly-owned or
right-of-occupancy apartment. Listings for available accommodation can usually be found e.g.
in newspapers and notice boards. It is also a
good idea to ask around; talk to friends, neighbors and relatives, who may know of available
housing. It is important that you are active in
your search for accommodation.
Apartments on the Internet
• www.etuovi.com
• www.asuntoverkko.com
Further information on service housing is available on the asuminen.fi website: www.stm.fi
Väliaikainen asuminen kriisitilanteessa
Various life situations may bring about the
need for a temporary residence. Shelters are
available in cases of domestic violence. There
are also shelters intended for young people.
Mother and child homes are intended for young
mothers who are expecting a baby on their own.
The nearest to Forssa Shelter:
Kanta-Hämeen perhetyön kehittämisyhdistys
ry
Address: Lukiokatu 16, 13100 Hämeenlinna
Telephone 040 770 1087
Manager Marjo-Riitta Koskimies
Email: marjo-riitta.koskimies(ät)khperhetyo.fi
• www.kiinteistomaailma.com
• www.huoneistokeskus.fi
• www.oikotie.fi
Housing allowance
• www.opkk.fi
Asumistuki
• www.huoneistoketju.fi
Low-income households can apply for housing allowance. Housing allowance can be
used towards permanent rented accommoda• www.asunnonvuokraus.com
tion, right-of-occupancy accommodation or
Banks have vast amounts of information avail- owner-occupied accommodation in Finland. A
able on accommodation, house hunting, fund- household consists of people who share a living and mortgages, right-of-occupancy proper- ing space. Housing allowance is granted for a
ties, part-ownership properties and renting.
household.
• www.ovv.com
The following factors affect housing allowance
Announcements concerning apartments for and the rent share that you will need to pay
sale can be found on the Internet and in news- yourself.
papers. You can also contact a real estate • the number of people in the household
agent .
• the location (municipality) and size of the
apartment, the construction year of the
building, and the method for heating the
Accommodation for the elderly and
apartment
the disabled
Owner-occupied housing
Vanhusten ja vammaisten asuminen
• the housing costs of the household
The elderly and the disabled have the opportunity to live in service housing. This means that
various types of support and help are readily
available. It is also possible to live in an institution. More information is available from the
social services department. Information on the
• the total monthly gross income of the household
• assets
More information on housing allowance: www.
kela.fi
26 - Survival Guide
Important information on accommodation
The nearest hazardous waste collection place
Tärkeää tietoa asumisesta
• You can obtain an electricity contract by
calling an electricity company and supplying them with your name and address. Residents have the responsibility to buy and
change light bulbs and fuses.
in Forssa - Kiimassuon Jätekeskus (Ongelmajäte) :
Address: Kiimassuontie 127, 30420 Forssa
Working hours: Monday-Friday 7.00 - 18.00
Summer time May to September:
on Saturdays 9.00 - 13.00
Telephone (03) 424 2620
• The tenancy agreement will indicate whether water bills are included in the rent or
whether they are payable separately each Communal areas for residents:
Asukkaiden yhteiset alueet
month.
• If you have a landline, inform the telephone • You can sign an agreement with the landcompany of your new address and a landlord whereby you will be entitled to use the
line connection will be established.
sauna in the building.
• If you have a television, you will need a TV • You must make a reservation to use the
licence. TV licenses are available from vilaundry room in the building.
estintävirasto.
• The building’s storage facilities are intend• By Finnish law, each residence must have
ed for belongings you do not need every day.
a fire alarm. Make sure your fire alarm is in
operation. Residents are responsible for re- • Cars must be parked in allocated areas only.
You can sign an agreement with the landplacing the batteries of fire alarms approxilord whereby you can have a parking spot
mately once a year. Home insurance does
allocated for you.
not cover a fire if the fire alarm was out of
Each building usually has a house committee,
order prior to and during the fire.
• Home insurance is provided by insurance which is connected to the board of the housing
companies. Insurance companies will help association. The house committee is a chanyou to choose the right kind of insurance for nel for communicating the occupants’ opinions
you. Make sure that you know exactly what and wishes. Participation in occupants’ meetings can be beneficial. You can get elected to
is covered by the insurance.
the occupants’ committee, which is a good
• Household appliances are the responsibility place to influence the affairs of your own buildof residents, so look after your refrigerator, ing. You can also contact the house committee
freezer, cooker, cooker hood and washing if housing-related problems arise.
machine.
• You will need permission from your landlord Rules and regulations
to put up a satellite dish.
Järjestyssäännöt
• Balconies are for the residents’ recreational
purposes only. Cooking or storing food on a Each building has rules and regulations which
govern issues relating to daily life. The rules
balcony is not allowed.
commonly contain information on, for example,
Litter is discarded in closed-up bags into con- when the front door is locked, when and where
tainers that are indicated for that purpose. it is possible to dust carpets, and the hours of
Poisonous material, electrical waste and scrap the day when loud noises should be avoided.
electronics are hazardous waste and cannot be The rules and regulations may also contain indeposited in the waste containers of the prop- structions on how pets should be kept under
erty. A container for biological waste is provided control. It may be prohibited to drive or wash
for food remains. Do not put plastic or other lit- your car in the courtyard area.
ter in the biological waste container.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your building, which can usually be
found in the hallway near the front door.
Survival Guide - 27
4. FINNISH LANGUAGE
2. For «Kunta» select ”Forssa” (or one of other
municipalities)
SUOMEN KIELI
3. For «Maakunta» select ”Kanta-Häme”
Various educational institutions, foundations and projects in Finland organize Finnish language courses. One can also enroll
on courses through an Employment Agency
(työvoimatoimisto). Training organized for the
unemployed is free of charge. Information on
Finnish language courses aimed for the unemployed can be found on the website of the Labour Administration (työhallinto): www.mol.fi
4. For «Hakusana» select ”suomen kielen
kurssit maahanmuuttajille”
5. Press the ”Etsi” button
6. The result will appear:
7. «Maahanmuuttajakoulutus»
Tell in the Employment agency that you want to
study the Finnish language at the courses for
the unemployed.
Courses at educational institutions usually begin in August or September and the next term
again in January. Make sure you enroll well in Evening Finnish language courses in
advance. The institutions will instruct you on Wahren Opisto
the correct time to leave your application.
Suomenkielen iltakurssit Wahren Opistossa
The website of the National Board of Education (opetushallitus) contains information on The Evening University for adults Wahren OpisFinnish language teaching in comprehensive to in Forssa organizes also the Finnish lanschools aimed at pupils who have an immigra- guage courses. Usually studying programs in
the Evening University for adults Wahren Opisto
tion background: www.edu.fi.
start in September and finish in April. Lessons
are kept once a week for an hour and a half.
There are two sessions: September-December
and then January-April. You have to pay for
studying at that kind of courses, but the price
is very moderate.
Location of the Evening University for adults
Wahren Opisto in Forssa:
Address: Wahreninkatu 11 B, 30100 FORSSA
Reception hours for the period of studying
programs:
Monday 9.00-12.00 and 13.00-16.15
Tuesday-Friday 8.00-12.00 and 13.00-15.15
Telephone (03) 414 1390
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.forssa.fi/wahrenopisto
Finnish language courses in Forssa
Suomen kielen kurssit Forssassa
Go to the website of the Evening University for
adults Wahren Opisto: http://www.forssa.fi/
wahrenopisto/ and find the option «OHJELMA»
(studying program). In the description of 20082009 studying programs, for example, at page
22 you can see three evening courses of the
Finnish language.
Finnish language courses for the unemployed Finnish language courses at the Voca-
tional Adult Education Centre
Here you can start looking for Finnish language
Forssan Aikuiskoulutusliikelaitos (FAK)
courses for the unemployed: www.mol.fi
1. For «Ammattiala» select ”X6 Maahanmuut- Sometimes the Vocational Adult Edcation Centtajakoulutukset”
er in Forssa offers special studying programs in
28 - Survival Guide
order to prepare adult immigrants for the working life. The name of this kind of program, for
example, «Valmentava koulutus». The Finnish
language is included in this kind of program.
pere
Telehone (03) 2164 4111
Fax (03) 216 4211
4.3. Ahjolan kansalaisopisto
Location of the Vocational Adult Education Cen- Address: Ahjolankatu 3, 33250 Tampere
tre in Forssa (FAK):
Telephone (03) 253 8400
Fax (03) 253 8420
Address: Perkiöntie 9, 30300 FORSSA
Telephone 040 347 4000
Fax 040 347 4009
5. Toijala (55 km, 1 h to drive):
Akaan opisto
Go to the website of FAK: http://www.fak.fi/fin/ Address: Sontulantie 6, 37800 Toijala
koulutustarjonta/ and press on the right col- Telephone (03) 542 0387
umn «Kielet» (languages) or «Valmentava kou- Fax (03) 542 0473
lutus» (preparation studying program).
6. Turku (89 km, 1 h 30 min to drive):
Finnish language courses near Forssa
Suomenkielenkurssit Forssan lähistöllä
When necessary, it is possible to find Finnish
language courses near Forssa. The nearest
ones – in Hämeelinna, which is in one hour
driving distance far from Forssa. Farther ones
you can find, for example, in Turku which is in
1,5 hour driving distance far from Forssa.
1. Huittinen (67 km, 1 h 05 min to drive):
Huittisten seudun kansalaisopisto
Address: Risto Rytin katu70, 32700 Huittinen
Telephone (02) 560 4581
Fax (02) 560 4599
2. Hyvinkää (81 km, 1 h 20 min to drive):
Hyvinkään kansalaisopisto
Address: Helenenkatu 21, 05800 Hyvinkää
Telephone (019) 459 2580
Fax (019) 459 2582
3. Salo (63 km, 1 h 05 min to drive):
3.1. Salon seudun aikuisopisto
Address: Hyvoninkatu 1, 24240 Salo
Telephone (02) 770 41
Fax (02) 770 4315
6.1. Turun iltalukio
Address: Eskelinkatu 4, 20100 Turku
Telephone (02) 262 9882
6.2. Turun suomenkielinen työväenopisto
Address: Kaskenkatu 5, 20700 Turku
Telephone (02) 262 9811
Fax (02) 262 9822
Email:[email protected]
6.3. Turun yliopiston kielikeskus
Address: Horttokuja 2, 20 014 Turun Yliopisto
Telephone (02) 333 5975
Fax (02) 333 6563
7. Valkeakoski (74 km, 1 h 15 min to drive):
Valkeakoski-opisto
Address: Kauppilankatu 2, 37600 Valkeakoski
Telephone (03) 576 6343
Fax (03) 576 6498
8. Hämeenlinna (56 km, 55 min to drive):
Vanajaveden opisto
Address: Turuntie 2, 13100 Hämeenlinna
Telephone (03) 621 2572
Fax (03) 621 2857
Finnish language on the Internet
3.2. Salon kansalaisopisto
Address: Uskelankatu 13, 24100 Salo
Telephone (02) 778 4561
Fax (02) 778 4560
Suomenkielenkurssit Internetissä
4. Tampere (93 km, 1 h 20 min to drive):
4.1. Tampereen kesäyliopisto
Address: Yliopistonkatu 60 A, 33100 Tampere
Telephone (03) 223 8433
Fax (03) 214 8444
4.2. Tampereen työväenopisto
Address: Sammonkatu 2, PL 63, 33541 Tam-
The following Internet resources are to help
when studying the Finnish language independently.
1. Ymmärrä Suomea! http://www2.edu.fi/
ymmarrasuomea/ - The course comprises 19
texts that exist in audio as well, a basic FinnishEnglish dictionary, a grammar book, exercises
and a list of verbs..
2. Suomea, ole hyvä! http://www.edu.fi/oppimateriaalit/suomeaolehyva/ - The material
Survival Guide - 29
comprises videos for elementary-level practice, 4. Verbix http://www.verbix.com/languages/
exercises, crossword puzzles, etc.
finnish.shtml - A programme for conjugating
3. Tavataan taas! http://donnerwetter.kie- Finnish verbs.
likeskus.helsinki.fi/finnishforforeigners/ - The
course includes glossaries, grammar explained
and short practice sentences. The languages
used are Finnish and English..
5. XRCE Finnish Demos http://www.xrce.xerox.com/competencies/content-analysis/demos/finnish.en.html - morphological analysis of
Finnish wors.
4. Supisuomea http://www.yle.fi/opinportti/
supisuomea/ - Study material for the TV series
of the same name. Texts, exercises, grammar,
videos.
5. Perunakellari http://www.perunakellari.fi/
ai.html - Grammar exercises. Some are also
suitable for adults.
6. Suomen kielen harjoituksia http://cc.oulu.
fi/~langcent/fff/suomen_harjoituksia.htm - Exercises in English.
7. Uuno http://www.uuno.tamk.fi/ - A website
Do you need a certificate of Language
for studying elementary Finnish.
Proficiency in Finnish?
8. A chance to speak Finnish http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle. Tarvitsetko todistuksen kielitaidosta?
asp?intNWSAID=25143 – Basic sentences If you are applying for Finnish citizenship, you
read in Finnish and translated into English.
will need to have sufficient proficiency in Finn9. Finnish school http://www.finnishschool. ish. Proficiency in the Finnish Sign Language is
com/ - Exercises from Finnish into English and also acceptable. You can prove your language
proficiency for example by successfully passing
vice versa. Registration required.
10. Dialang http://www.dialang.org/finnish/ level 3 of the National Language Test. Level 3 is
index.htm - Test your Finnish skills: reading, the intermediate level. Remember to take your
writing, comprehension, structure and vocabu- test sufficiently early. Often there is a long waiting list for taking the test so you should allow
lary.
plenty of time for the process. You should enroll
11. Linguhouse
http://www.linguhouse. directly with an institution that offers the test.
com/Dir/StudyRoom/RU/RU-FI/StudyRU-FI_0. Information on these institutions and on timehtml - Free language course enabling the study tables is given on the website of the National
of Finnish in several languages.
Board or Education: http://db3.oph.fi/kielitutkinnot/ .
Finnish grammar is also available via the InIn Forssa passing level 3 of the National Lanternet:
guage Test is possible in Forssan aikuisopisto
1. The Finnish language http://www.cs.tut. (Wahren Opisto).
fi/~jkorpela/Finnish.html - Finnish grammar
There are also other ways to prove your lanand information on the language in English.
guage proficiency. Find out about the require2. Finnish
Grammar
http://www.uta. ments beforehand. More detailed information
fi/~km56049/finnish/ Finnish Grammar and is available on the pages of the Finnish Immiword conjugations. Explanations in English.
gration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto): http://
3. Virtual Finland: The Finnish language http:// www.migri.fi/download.asp?id=kielitaitoedelly
virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle. tys%5Feng;1077;%7bC1F03A0C-E064-464Fasp?intNWSAID=25831 - Information on the A74E-716681D6D115%7d
Finnish language and grammar in English.
30 - Survival Guide
5. WORK
Who can help in cases of discrimination?
TYÖ
On these pages you will find information on
Finnish working culture and on how to look
for work, apply for jobs and get support if you
become unemployed. The pages also contain
information on different professions, different
forms of work, how to set up a business, job
vacancies, trade unions, taxes, pensions and
occupational health care.
Are you looking for work in Finland and wish
to use your degree, which has been obtained
in another country? You can request Equation
(rinnastaminen) of your degree to a Finnish
equivalent from the National Board of Education if your degree has been obtained in an institution of higher education in a country that
does not belong to the EU or the EEA. If your degree was obtained in an EU or EEA country, you
can request a Recognition (tunnustaminen) of
the degree.
Kuka auttaa syrjintätapauksissa
Work life problems: your own trade union, if you
belong to one (Information on Trade Unions you
can read in this brochure bellow), and your labour protection district. www.tyosuojelu.fi
Where to find work?
Mistä työtä?
There are plenty of options to explore when you
are looking for work. Jobs can be found in newspapers (in Forrsa Region they are Forssan Lehti,
Viikon Uutiset, Seutu Sanomat and others) and
also on the Internet - a quick and easy way to
find vacancies. (More information on looking for
vacancies via the Internet you can find bellow
at the same section.) The television is another
means for job hunting: teletext and certain programmes have information on vacancies. In addition, keep a look out for notice boards e.g. in
different educational institutions. Always read
through the whole job advertisement carefully
before you start writing your application. Look
at the Finnish template explaining how to read
a job advertisement: www.infopankki.fi
To practice certain professions, A Right to Practice a Profession is required in Finland. An example of such a profession is health care. The
website of the National Board of Education
(opetushallitus) contains information on these
professions and the authorities you must contact to apply for a Right to Practice a Profession. However, only approximately 20% of all vacancies are advertised and networking is therefore
When looking for job, in the beginning it is im- very important. Friends, relatives and neighportant to find all the information that you need. bors can be good sources for information. Even
Be brave and get on with it!
short-term employment should not be disreThe Non-Discrimination Act (yhdenvertaisu- garded, because it’s always worth finding new
uslaki) forbids discrimination in recruitment contacts. It is also a good idea to send open job
and training. Information on the topic in the applications to employers even if they are not
advertising vacancies at the time.
English language: www.yhdenvertaisuus.fi
The website of the Ministry of Interior contains
useful information on Immigration Issues: www.
intermin.fi
According to Finnish law, men and women are
equal. Men and women shall be treated equally
with respect to recruitment, working conditions
and payment. People shall not be treated unequally in work life on the basis of pregnancy or
parenthood.
Authorities on gender equality: www.tasa-arvo. If you cannot find full-time work, you can either
fi
work Part-Time or Freelance. Remember, however, that if you are working as a freelancer, the
Employment Agency will normally not consider
you unemployed. If you are an active and enSurvival Guide - 31
thusiastic sort of person, you can think about
starting your own Business – read about starting the own business at the same section bellow. The Employment Agency will assist you in
finding different kinds of subsidized employment or work experience placements. Find out
about the different options.
Different ways of finding work
Eri tapoja löytää työtä
If you cannot find employment in the open labor market, you have plenty of other options to
explore. You can try to find a work experience
placement (työharjoittelu) or a work try-out
placement (työkokeilu) or work on subsidized
employment (työllistämistuki), on combined
Vacancies
subsidies (yhdistelmätuki) or on an apprenticeAvoimet työpaikat
ship contract (oppisopimus). In relation to all
Vacancies can be tracked down quickly and these forms of support, the state or the municieasily with the help of the Internet. Many Inter- pality subsidizes either a part of the salary or
net addresses allow you to fill in a job applica- the entire salary.
tion form and to enclose your CV. Follow the list
of a few Internet addresses where you can look
for vacancies and part-time work.
• www.mol.fi
(Vacancies listed in Employment Agencies)
• www.aarresaari.net
(Academic recruitment services)
• www.oikotie.fi
• www.staffpoint.fi
• www.biisoni.fi
• www.monster.fi
• www.uratie.net
• www.uranus.fi
• www.tyopaikat.com
• www.careerjet.fi
Work Experience Placement (työharjoittelu) is
all about offering a person a chance to gain
more work experience, which is always beneficial when one wants to apply for jobs. You will
receive labor market support (työmarkkinatuki)
for the duration of your work experiment placement: www.mol.fi .
Ask from Employment Agency for more information.
If you only have limited work experience or no
There are placing in a job organizations in work experience in Finland, volunteer work (vapaaehtoistyö) is a good way to get your foot in
Forssa:
the door. A lot of people work voluntarily in or• VPS Henkilöstöpalvelu Ky:
ganisations and e.g. help other immigrants to
Koulukatu 13, 30100 Forssa,
settle into the Finnish society. Voluntary work
Tel. (03) 587 9040
is not paid, but the work experience gained becomes useful in the future when trying to find
• Varamiespalvelu-Yhtiöt:
paid employment.
Puistolinna, Hämeentie2, 30100 Forssa,
Tel. (03) 4246 4100, (03) 422 1220
Work Try-outs (työkokeilu) are for people who
have difficulties in finding a job due to health
• Opteam:
reasons and for those who want to make a caPuuvillakatu 4 A 1, 30100 Forssa,
reer change or try out a new profession.
Tel. 010 850 0500 (to be paid)
• Jobpari:
Lamminolankatu 2, 30420 Forssa,
Tel. 010 421 8830
Subsidised Employment (työllistämistuki) is for
the long-term unemployed. You can work for a
period of 6-10 months and will receive financial
support for the duration of your employment.
Ask the Employment Agency for more informa-
32 - Survival Guide
tion concerning subsidized employment. The
Employment Agency can also provide financial
support for companies that are willing to employ an unemployed person. More information
on when subsidized employment is an option is
available from the Employment Agency.
Apprenticeship Contracts (oppisopimus) involve work and study. Apprenticeship contracts
are usually for 1-4 years. The length of the contract depends on your level of education and
the profession you choose. Apprenticeships are
temporary, but they are paid. http://www.edu.
fi/info/oppisopimus/
Help in finding employment
Apua työnhakuun
Contact the Employment Agency (työvoimatoimisto) immediately if you become unemployed. Take along to your appointment all references given to you by previous employers as
well as your educational qualifications. If you do
not possess a certain required certificate, you
can disclose it on a later date. Also, remember
to take your passport or another official identity
document with you that include your residence
permit.
The main services of the Employment Agency
are recruitment, labor force training, career
counseling and advisory services regarding education and careers. In your job seeker’s interview your adviser will discuss your hopes and
skills with you. You can tell the adviser what
kind of work or training you are interested in
and you can go through the job search process.
After the interview, the adviser will draft a jobhunting plan for you.
More information on the services of the Employment Agency is available on the Labour Administration Website:www.mol.fi
How to look for work
Miten haet työtä?
Prior to Job Hunting
Ennen työnhakua
When you are job hunting, there are various
places where you can go for help. Do remember, though, that the most important thing is
that you yourself are active. Make sure all your
certificates are up-to-date. It is recommended
that you get all your qualifications and certificates translated into Finnish. It is also worth
considering the Recognition or Equation of
any vocational qualifications or degrees from
institutions of higher education, as this helps
employers understand your education history.
Recognition and Equation of degrees is subject
to a charge. If you do not know what kind of
work you would like to do, book an appointment
with a Career Counsellor (ammatinvalinnanohjaaja) at the Employment Agency: www.mol.
fi. Employment Agency will be able to give you
more information.
People seeking employment shall not be discriminated against. When employers choose
new employees, they must not set conditions
not pertaining to the performance of the tasks.
basis on age, ethnic origin, nationality, language, religion, belief, opinion, health, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sexual identity.
Discrimination on the basis of wealth or pregnancy, for example, is also prohibited. Who can
During your period of unemployment, you are help in cases of discrimination?
entitled to an Unemployment Benefit. There are
three different kinds of benefits: earnings-related daily unemployment allowance (päiväraha), CV (Curriculum Vitae)
basic unemployment allowance (peruspäivära- Ansioluettelo
ha) and labor market support (työmarkkinatuki). The Employment Agency also has informa- Remember to update your CV. Click on “Työntion on Vacancies: http://www.mol.fi/paikat/. If haku” and then ”Työnhaun asiakirjat” (”Hakeyou cannot find employment in the open labor muksen liitteet”) on the Job Seeker’s Guide
market, you have plenty of other options. You (Työnhakuun -opas) on the Employment Agency
can try to find a work experience placement or Website to find instructions on how to write a
a work try-out, subsidized employment, or work CV. Look at a CV template in Finnish or translation of the template in the English language:
on an apprenticeship contract.
www.infopankki.fi
Survival Guide - 33
Job Application
Työhakemus
Always write a different job application for each
position you are applying for. Take your time in
drafting the applications. The purpose of an application is to arouse the interest of the employer in order to get an interview with them. Click
on “Työnhaku” and then on ”Työnhaun asiakirjat” on the Job Seeker’s Guide for instructions
on how to draft a job application: http://www.
avosto.net/a-ura/opas/. Always read through
the whole job advertisement carefully before
you start writing your application. Look at a
template of a typical job application in Finnish:
www.infopankki.fi. You’ll find also a template in
the English language from the same site.
Job Interview
Työhaastattelu
The Internet is a good place to find information
on different professions: what kind of training is required, what kind of salary is paid for
specific jobs and whether it is easy or difficult
to find work in certain fields. The Internet also
has varied career choice programmes, in which
you answer questions regarding your skills and
interests and based on these answers, the
programme suggests suitable professions for
you. The website of the Employment Agency
contains more information on career planning
as well as a Career Choice Programme: http://
www.mol.fi/avo/avo.htm . You can find information on different professions at www.ammattinetti.fi. You will also find out about the places
where you can study for the profession you are
interested in and about the development prospects in the field you have chosen. All this information will assist you in choosing the right
career for you.
Do you need help with career planning? Book
Always prepare yourself carefully for job inter- an appointment with a Career Counselor at
views. Think about questions the employer is your local Employment Agency.
likely to ask you and also think through a few
questions that you would like to ask the employer. Click on “Työnhaku” and on ”Työpaikkahastattelu” on the Job Seeker’s Guide for tips
on how to prepare for a job interview: www.
avosto.net/a-ura/opas/.
If you are looking for a new job while you are
still working for someone else, take a temporary reference or your employment contract to
the job interview.
Read also the Expat Finland website:
www.expat-finland.com/employment/finding_
work.html
Good Luck!
What kind of work?
Millaista työtä?
When you are looking for work and thinking
about what kind of work you would like to do,
make sure to find out about the education and
training required in Finland to practice the profession you are interested in. Also, make sure
you are fully aware of all the tasks involved, as
they may differ from those in the same profession in your country of origin. Local Employment
Agency in Forssa will provide you with more information.
34 - Survival Guide
6. OWN COMPANY
es for entrepreneurs can be found on various
pages about training:
OMA YRITYS
• Employment Agency (Työvoimatoimisto):
www.mol.fi
Enterprise is viewed positively in Finland.
Anyone can succeed as an entrepreneur, but • Kurssihaku (Course search): www.kurssiwhether entrepreneurship suits everybody is
haku.fi
another question. Entrepreneurship requires
professional expertise, training, one’s own field • Tieke (information about adult and personnel training): www.tieke.fi
of activity and experience of customers and
sales channels, enthusiasm and persistence. One of the best aspects of entrepreneurship is
An extensive knowledge is necessary of local independence. The entrepreneur has both the
business legislation and the risks involved in power and responsibility of decision-making. In
entrepreneurship. Sufficient finance and care- entrepreneurship it is important to prepare in
ful planning are also important. Absolutely es- knowledge and skill as far as possible, as startsential for a new company is to have a good ing a business with insufficient expertise or language ability is extremely risky. Remember too,
business idea.
Free business advice is available to everyone in that a signature makes an agreement binding,
Finland. New enterprise centers all around the so read all documents carefully before putting
country are guiding potential entrepreneurs. If your name to any contracts. Note that you beyou have a good business idea, contact your come an entrepreneur the moment you have
nearest business development agency. In For- declared yourself as such to the trade register
ssa it is The Development Centre of Forssa Re- and the tax authorities. After that you can no
gion. Forssa Region Development Centre Ltd longer be an unemployed jobseeker.
(FSKK) is owned by five municipalities (Forssa,
Humppila, Jokioinen, Tammela and Ypäjä) and
creates excellent operational conditions for diverse businesses and for the active development of the Forssa region. The main roles of
the Development Centre are to act as advisers
for industry, regional economic planning and
implementation in cooperation with the municipalities and businesses, marketing the Lounais-Häme region and undertaking development
projects. Experts there will help you shape your
business idea, conduct preliminary market
research, make profitability calculations and
chart the availability of financing. You will also
receive advice on making a business plan and
support for your decision at establishing a business.
For further information please visit the Forssa
Region Development Centre Ltd English language web pages www.fskk.fi and www.forssaregion.fi
Forssa Region Development Centre Ltd
Koulukatu 13, 30100 Forssa, Finland
tel. + 358 (03) 4240 4720
email: [email protected]
Establishing a business
Yrityksen perustaminen
The stages of establishing a business, in brief:
1. A good business idea
2. Preliminary business plan
3. Arranging of finance
4. Choice of company form and name
5. Clarification of license to trade
6. Declaration of association to the trade register and the tax authorities
7. Statutory insurances
8. Organizing of book-keeping
If you want to establish a business, consider
carefully whether your business idea is a good
one. Consider too, whether you have sufficient
professional skill and experience, and how you
will arrange the financing. New enterprise centers provide help and expert advice from the
shaping of the business idea onwards.
After this a preliminary business plan is drawn
Business services place emphasis on the im- up, the purpose of which is to establish the
portance of entrepreneurial training. There are profitability of the intended business and its
also courses especially for immigrants. Cours- chances of success. This is of benefit both to
the entrepreneur and to the expert who is asSurvival Guide - 35
sisting with the business evaluation. A thorough
business plan is always required when seeking
finance. Read more about business plan at the
same section bellow.
be made of advertising media and promotional
activities. It must also be clarified whether insurance covers the operational risks. The business plan must also include the organization
Other matters to be considered when establish- of book-keeping and economic planning, and
ing a business include the company form, the monitoring of planning implementation.
name of the company and choice of the field of More detailed advice on producing a business
activity, declarations to the authorities and fees plan can be obtained from the various business
payable, organization of book-keeping and pay- advice centers.
ment of share capital in the limited company.
Excellent guides for entrepreneurs can be
Factors influencing the choice of company
form include the number of founders, capital requirement, division of responsibility and
decision-making, financing and taxation. The
various company forms in Finland are: proprietorship (toiminimi); partnership (avoin yhtiö);
limited partnership (kommandiittiyhtiö); limited
company (osakeyhtiö) and cooperative association (osuuskunta). If you want to establish
a business larger than a proprietorship and
are considering the various company forms it
is highly advisable that you contact your business advice centre. Read more about company
forms at the same section bellow.
Business plan
Liiketoimintasuunnitelma
downloaded from their web pages in English,
plus various example documents and a model
business plan.
• Yritys-Suomi (Enterprise Finland):
www.yrityssuomi.fi/
• Työvoima ja elinkeinokeskus (Employment
and Economic Development Centre):
www.te-keskus.fi
Company forms
Yritysmuodot
• Proprietorship (toiminimi):
The simplest (and most popular) way to
start in business is to operate as a private
entrepreneur using a company name.
Decision-making and responsibility in the
company belong with the entrepreneur,
and the company may employ workers as
in other forms of business. For part-time
entrepreneurship it is often beneficial to
start as a proprietorship. Starting business
in this way is speedy and uncomplicated.
• Partnership (avoin yhtiö):
A partnership is formed when two or more
individuals agree to it by signing a partnership agreement. The partners have equal
status in all the company’s operations and
are personally responsible for company
decisions, liabilities and debts.
• Limited partnership (kommandiittiyhtiö):
With the business plan the potential entrepreA limited partnership differs from an ordineur analyses the strengths and weaknesses of
nary partnership in that in addition to one
his own capabilities, the quality of his products
or more accountable partners there is at
or services, his customers and their needs, and
least one sleeping partner.
his competitors and their products and business methods. The core of the business plan is • Limited Company (osakeyhtiö):
Establishment of a limited company rethe enterprise’s operating plan, in which carequires at least one individual or corporaful thought is given as to how the business will
tion, and its minimum share capital is
operate, the type of company offices and where
2,500 Euros. The share capital is divided
they will be situated, what production tools or
into shares: a shareholder’s voting power;
workforce will be required, and what use will
36 - Survival Guide
profit and liability depend on how many
shares he owns.
in accordance with legal and good practice requirements.
• Cooperative association (osuuskunta):
A corporate enterprise that carries out
economic operations in support of its
members’ finances and livelihood. A minimum of 3 persons can form a cooperative
association, which may include individual
members or companies, each having one
vote in cooperative association meetings.
The liability of cooperative association
members is limited to their investment of
share capital.
Entrepreneurship has long been a licensed
activity in Finland, and though occasionally an
actual license is not required, a declaration
must be made to the authorities on starting
entrepreneurial operations. Licensing authorities are mostly municipal or city authorities, police districts, provincial offices and ministries.
An inspection of the premises of, for example,
companies selling foodstuffs, or of a beauty salon, must be carried out and a license obtained
from the municipal health authorities, before
such premises can be utilized. It is therefore
important to clarify exactly which licenses are
required for establishing a company, what kind
of declarations need to be made and which
laws and obligations concern the entrepreneur.
These include sundry declarations and fees
payable to authorities, company registration
and both tax liability and the right to tax deduction for persons liable to VAT.
Financing
Rahoitus
Financing of the company must be carefully
planned before the company is founded. Money is always needed in entrepreneurial activity,
so it is important that there is sufficient capital at the outset. Company financing may also
be partly in the form of donations or loans, for
which a sound business plan will be required.
More information about various methods of financing:
The entrepreneur must also take care of both
his own pension and unemployment security
payments and those of his employees, company and employee insurance and social security
payments, and prepayment tax. It is important
Yritys-Suomi: www.yrityssuomi.fi
to pay attention to certain regulations covering
Finnvera: www.finnvera.fi
recruitment of employees, contracts of employA person embarking on entrepreneurship may ment and payment of wages. In Finland every
obtain a start-up grant to support his livelihood entrepreneur has a legal obligation to keep
in the early stages of his business operations. books.
The start-up grant is provided by the applicant’s Read also Työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus (Emlocal employment office. More information on ployment and Economic Development Centre):
the start-up grant: www.mol.fi
www.te-keskus.fi and Verohallinto (tax adminisThe grant is for a maximum of 10 months. As tration): www.vero.fi
an alternative an entrepreneur can obtain payroll support to assist in paying the wages of em- Business culture in Finland
ployees. These financial aids are not, however,
for the purpose of financing the company. More Yrittäjänä Suomessa
information: www.mol.fi
To succeed as an entrepreneur in Finland it is
Työvoima- ja elinkeinokeskus (Employment and important to be familiar with the norms, attitudes and customs of Finnish business culture.
Economic Development Centre): www.mol.fi
Having identified the basic characteristics of
Finnish business culture you can better serve
Obligations and rights of the entrepre- your customers while coming to understand
neur
the expectations placed upon you as an entrepreneur.
Yrittäjän velvollisuudet ja oikeudet
People who live in and companies and corpora- There are many characteristics of western, intions situated in the European Economic Area dividual-based culture in Finnish society. Finns
(EEA) have the right to carry on trade in Finland endeavor to make sensible use of their time.
They follow timetables and other plans faithfulSurvival Guide - 37
ly and expect the same from others. Finns are
careful and gather background information in
advance, but they make decisions quickly. Power and responsibility are flexibly distributed.
cuss your situation with you and tell you what
kind of unemployment benefit you are entitled
to. The adviser will also check all your qualifications and other documents and give you inThe Finnish way of thinking and working is very structions on what to do next.
consistent. As a result they sometimes shun After you have visited the Employment Agency,
unfamiliar modes of operation. In Finnish soci- send an application for unemployment allowety all are treated equally. Power distances are ance to a Kela office. If you are a member of an
low, the use of first names universal, and men unemployment fund, send an application to the
and women equal. There is a desire to solve fund as well. Include all necessary documents.
conflicts by negotiation, seeking a result that is If you take up studying or a job or if want to
the best possible for all parties.
travel while you are unemployed, inform your
The immigrant entrepreneur’s particular
strengths lie in his knowledge of foreign languages and understanding of cultural differences. It is important to remember that both
you and your Finnish colleague or customer
have individual cultural backgrounds which
influence the way you see things. Open communication prevents misunderstandings, and
placing oneself in another’s situation facilitates
understanding of culture-bound issues. For his
own part the immigrant entrepreneur represents the internationalization of Finnish business culture!
Employment Agency. They will be able to give
you information on how this will affect your unemployment benefit. You are entitled to six days
of holiday per 12 months of unemployment. If
you take more than six days of holiday, you will
not receive support for the days exceeding your
holiday allowance. You must notify your Employment Agency in advance of any holiday you are
intending to take.
Financial support during unemployment
Trade Unions
More detailed information on unemployment
benefit is available at www.mol.fi.
See also the Kela website: www.kela.fi
Ammattiliitot
Turvaa työttömyysaikana
The majority of Finns are members of a trade
Unemployment benefits are for citizens who are union. The main purpose of a trade union is to
safeguard the benefits and rights of its mem• between 18 and 64 years of age
bers. This involves for instance income develop• unemployed and registered at an Employ- ment (salaries and transfer of income), employment security guarantees as well as promotion
ment Agency
of quality in working life.
• looking for full-time employment
When joining a trade union you can also join
• able to work and available to enter the labor the trade union’s unemployment fund. It is also
market
possible to join the unemployment fund without becoming a member of the union. Joining
• unable to find work or education
If you become unemployed, register at the Em- the unemployment fund is advisable, as if you
ployment Agency on your first day of unemploy- become unemployed, the unemployment fund
ment at the latest. You should also register will pay you earnings-related daily unemployimmediately when you graduate or complete a ment allowance, which is higher than the statuperiod of subsidized employment. Bring along tory basic unemployment allowance. You will
all your references from previous employers become entitled to earnings-related daily unand all your qualifications. If you do not have a employment allowance once you have been a
certain certificate that is required, you can dis- member of your trade union for 10 months durclose it later. Also, remember to take along a ing employment.
passport that includes your residence permit. Trade union members pay a membership fee to
Officials at the Employment Agency will be able the union. Different professions have their own
to give you further advice. The advisers will dis- trade unions, which are part of large central or38 - Survival Guide
ganizations of trade unions. More information Rights and responsibilities of employon the operations of trade unions and how to ees
join them is available on trade union websites.
Työntekijän oikeudet ja velvollisuudet
You will become entitled to earnings-related
daily unemployment allowance once you have When a person starts in a new job, a written
been a member of your trade union for 10 employment contract is usually signed between
months during employment. Trade union mem- the employer and them as a new employee,
bers pay a membership fee to the union. Dif- which states the details and tasks of the job in
ferent professions have their own trade unions, question, including for instance working hours,
which are part of large central organizations of salary, benefits, possible pay rises, pay days
trade unions. More information on the opera- etc. Other relevant rules and regulations obtions of trade unions and how to join them is served in Finland can be found on the websites
of the trade unions.
available on trade union websites.
Central Organizations for Trade Unions:
• SAK (Central Organization of Finnish Trade
Unions): http://www.sak.fi
Employees have a right:
• To a salary, which is in accordance with the
collective labor agreement or the collective
bargaining contract
• AKAVA (The Confederation of Unions for • To protection, which is provided for in law
Academic Professionals in Finland): www.
and in agreements
akava.fi
• To belong to a union
• STTK (The Finnish Confederation of Salaried
• To a healthy and safe working environment
Employees): www.sttk.fi
The employer must adhere to the relevant collective labor agreement or public service col• PAM (Service Union United): www.pam.fi
lective agreement. The employer cannot, for
• AKT (Finnish Transport Worker’s Union): example, pay a smaller salary than that which
www.akt.fi
has been stipulated in the agreement.
• JHL (Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Employers shall not discriminate against emSectors): www.jhl.fi
ployees when making decisions on continuing
• OAJ (Trade Union of Education in Finland): employment, career advancement or termination of employment relationships. According to
www.oaj.fi
Finnish law, discrimination is a crime.
• Metalliliitto (Metalworkers’ Union): www.
In problematic situations you can seek counmetalliliitto.fi
seling with the occupational safety representaGet more information on trade unions of dif- tive, occupational safety officer or trustee.
ferent professions from your employer or an
Employment Agency or phone one of the trade • If a workplace has at least 10 employees,
the employees elect an occupational safety
unions directly.
representative (työsuojeluvaltuutettu) to
SAK, STTK and AKAVA have co-produced a
represent them. The employer appoints an
Guide for Foreigners Working in Finland (pdfoccupational safety officer (työsuojelupäälformat):
likkö) for each workplace:
http://www.sttk.fi/File/fe2af682-6fbf-4439- • Most Finnish workers belong to a trade unadf6-6e096060b221/ulkomopasengl.pdf
ion. In the workplace, a trustee (luottamusmies) represents the trade union and those
Another good possibility is to join Loimaan työtemployees who are members of the trade
tömyyskassa: http://www.ytk.fi
union:
www.kitkatta.net/valmis/kiikari/
luottamus.html
• Trade Unions for Certain Professions:
More information: www.tyoturva.fi/yhteistoiminta/henkilosto/ (also in English)
Survival Guide - 39
As an employee you have the responsibility to
abide by the agreed working hours. Find out
how many days you can be off sick before your
employer requires a doctor’s note. Also, remember that you are expected to respect your work
place practices. By doing this, it will be easy for
you to fit into the working community.
Employees have a responsibility:
• To perform their tasks carefully
• To follow the supervisors’ instructions
• To refuse to take part in activities that are
in direct competition with those of the employer
• To keep business and professional secrets
confidential
• To observe the benefit of the employer
Information on Tax and Pension are following
bellow.
Information on the employment relationship
and employment legislation can also be found
on the Labour Administration website: www.
mol.fi
Information on terms of employment in different industries:
Taxation
Verotus
In Finland, all income is taxed income. The Tax
Office will supply you with a tax card, which you
must present to your employer as soon as you
start in a job. You will be taxed 60% of everything you earn while working without a tax card.
Remember to take to the Tax Office your employment contract, which indicates your salary.
Your tax card has your tax percentage written
on it. If you do other work simultaneously with
your primary employment, you must obtain a
tax card for additional income, which you must
also immediately disclose to your employer.
Your tax percentage depends on your income
and it can be altered during the year if your income changes. Keep an eye on your income
and your tax percentage, as if you pay too little tax, you will have to pay more tax the next
year. Tax Office in Forssa will give you more information on this. Tax returns on income must
be filed annually. In April the Tax Administration sends a pre-completed tax return form to
all wage-earners. The pre-completed information is obtained from, for example, employers,
banks, insurance companies and the Social Insurance Institution.
Hotel and restaurant and commercia industry: If the pre-completed tax return form contains
www.pam.fi
faulty or deficient information, you must correct
More information about the subject in English the information yourself. After correcting the infrom the Service Union United PAM website: formation, you need to sign the form and return
it to the Tax Administration. If all of the informawww.pam.fi/in_english/rights_at_work/
tion is correct, you do not need to return the
Construction industry: www.rakennusliitto.fi
pre-completed tax return form.
Employment Contracts Act: www.finlex.fi
More information on taxation is available on
Collective Agreements: www.finlex.fi/fi/virano- the Tax Administration Website: www.vero.fi
maiset/tyoehto/ (also in English)
Read also the Expat Finland website with information in English about taxation in Finland:
http://expat-finland.com/living_in_finland/tax.
html.
Pension
Eläketurva
Two complementary statutory pension systems
operate in Finland:
• Earnings-related pension is earned in salaried employment and as an entrepreneur.
• State retirement pension secures minimum
income for everyone for his/her days of retirement.
40 - Survival Guide
People who have lived in Finland for a sufficient
period of time are entitled to a retirement pension at the age of 65 at the latest. State retirement pension (kansaneläke) guarantees minimum income for pensioners who have no or
insufficient earnings-related pension (ansioeläke). The only requirement for qualifying for
the state retirement pension is that you have
lived in Finland for a certain period of time. The
length of time that you have lived in Finland
also affects the amount of pension available to
you. Ask Kela whether you are entitled to a retirement pension or Special Assistance for Immigrants (maahanmuuttajan erityistuki).
Information on Special Assistance for Immigrants: www.kela.fi
Salaried employees are covered by the occupational pension system and farmers and entrepreneurs are covered by their own employee
pension systems. Both pension systems include
old-age pension, disability pension, individual
early-retirement pension and unemployment
pension. Your profession and type of employment define which pension law is applied.
You must apply for a pension. Three months prior to reaching the retirement age, pension institutions will send the pension applicant an oldage pension application form with some of the
information already filled in. People, who do not
receive this form, receive a letter from Kela instead, outlining the concept of state retirement
pension. State retirement pension application
forms are also available for collection from Kela
and pension institutions. More information on
retirement pension applications is available on
the Kela website: www.kela.fi
In case a provider of a family dies, the widow
and children are entitled to a family pension.
The Kela Website contains more information
relating to retirement pensions in Finland and
how to apply for them. The website also has
information on pensions for civil servants and
entrepreneurs: www.kela.fi
Survival Guide - 41
7. EDUCATION
teaching is to increase pupils’ opportunities
to be selected into further education.
KOULUTUS
In Finland, education is of high importance.
Finding work is much easier if you have a good
education. From this section you can find information on where and how you can study in the
region of Forssa.
• Secondary education comprises upper secondary schools and vocational training colleges. Applications for secondary education
are welcome in the spring and again in the
autumn. The application period for many
educational institutions is often long before
the beginning of the next term. You should
also reserve time for acquiring a language
proficiency certificate. There may be a separate application period for foreign students.
You should find out well in advance about
how to apply to study!
• Upper Secondary School. Education in the
Upper Secondary School (lukio) usually
takes three years. A school-leaving certificate from comprehensive school is required
to get into an upper secondary school. At
the end of the upper secondary school the
students take a Matriculation Examination
(ylioppilastutkinto). People who have taken
Education System in Finland
the matriculation examination have betKoulutusjärjestelmä Suomessa
ter opportunities to become accepted into
institutes of higher education. Adults can
The Finnish Education System is divided into
also obtain a qualification in an institution
pre-school education, basic education, secondof secondary adult education.
ary education, higher education and adult education.
• Upper Secondary Level Vocational Training.
Upper Secondary Level Vocational Training
• Pre-school Education. Pre-school Education
usually takes approximately three years.
(esiopetus) takes one year. Children go to
Preparatory Education for Initial Vocational
pre-school when they are six years old. PreTraining, which facilitates entry into vocaschool education is organized in day care
tional training, is available for immigrants.
centers and primary schools. Pre-school
Before vocational education, it is possible
education is free.
to study an extra year of basic education on
• Basic Education. Education is compulsory
the “tenth grade”. After vocational educafor all children who are permanent residents
tion, you can also continue studying at polyin Finland. Children must start in compulsotechnics or institutes of higher education.
ry education the year they turn seven and
A vocational degree does not automatically
compulsory education ends once Basic Edguarantee a right for further studies, but you
ucation (perusopetus) has been completed
must apply for one. Passing an entrance exsuccessfully or when 10 years have elapsed
amination is often required.
from the beginning of compulsory education. Primary school takes six years, classes • Universities of applied science. Studying
usually takes between 3.5 and 4.5 years.
1-6, and secondary school comprises years
A matriculation examination or a basic up7-9. Adults can also obtain a school-leaving
per secondary level vocational qualification
certificate for comprehensive school. More
is required when applying. Applications are
information is available from institutions
dealt with through the joint application procof secondary adult education. Additional
ess.
Teaching in Tenth Year: Optional additional
teaching is available for one year after basic • Universities And Institutes of Higher Educaeducation. The objective of the additional
tion. Universities and institutes of higher
education offer courses leading to under42 - Survival Guide
graduate and postgraduate degrees. MA The Upper Secondary School of Forssa
and MSc degrees usually require five or Forssan yhteislyseo (Lukio)
more years of study.
• Adult education. Some education is directed The large joint municipality upper secondary
especially at adults. The goal of adult edu- school in Forssa is the oldest upper secondary
cation can be a degree or further degree. school in the Finnish countryside (est. in 1899):
It can also comprise complementary educa- 550 students, 35 teachers, more than 300
tion or studies just for fun. Adults can also courses available. School year is divided into 5
take part in education meant for young peo- studying periods. Students can plan their studple. Adult education classes are often held ying themselves: they select how many courses
in the evenings. It is often also possible to do and which subjects they study in each study peremote studies over the Internet, for exam- riods. They also select teachers! The Syllabus
ple. Customers of employment offices can is designed to last three years, but students
also do courses via the employment office. may complete it in 2 to 4 years. 75 courses are
Labour market training is free of charge to needed to receive a school-leaving certificate.
the students. It is mainly vocational training, Normally it takes three years. Schooling ends
but it can also consist of Finnish studies, for with the national matriculation exams. Ylioppilas – it is the educational qualification awarded
example.
for a person that has successfully completed
Where to get additional information of educa- the baccalaureate exam.
tion in the region of Forssa:
Forssan yhteislyseo (Lukio), Hämeentie 29,
• Forssa, Turuntie 18, 30100 Forssa,
Forssa Headmaster, Simo Veistola tel. (03)
Jarmo Pynnönen: tel. 050 596 5155
4141 456, 050 5640 057
www.forssanyhteislyseo.fi
• Humppila, Kisakuja 2, 31640 Hmppila
Pirjo Andersson: tel. (03) 4180 552
In addition to primary and secondary education, there are institutes offering vocational ed• Jokioinen, Keskuskatu 29 A, 31600 Jokioucation and training such as the Forssa VocainenJari Sillanpää: tel. 050 5451 005
tional Institute, Forssa Adult Education Centre
• Tammela, Hakkapeliitantie 2, 31300 Tam- and HAMK University of Applied Science Forssa
melaSirpa Kotilainen: tel. (03) 412 0402
campus.
• Ypäjä, Perttulantie 20, 32100 Ypäjä
Auli Hossi: tel. 050 5747 739
Forssa Vocational Institute (FAI)
Educational institutions in the region
of Forssa
Forssan seudun koulutusorganisaatiot
Primary comprehensive schools
Peruskoulut
There are 8 primary comprehensive schools in
Forssa. Each primary comprehensive school
provides afternoon clubs, which start immediately after classes for first and second year pupils. Pupils can either do their home work, play
or just relax at the afternoon clubs. A snack is
also provided at the club. There is an attendance charge of 40 € per month (2008).
Forssan Ammatti-instituutti
The Forssa Vocational Institute offers the following courses:
• Cultural Studies
• Natural Resources and Environmental Studies
• Business Economics, Commerce and Information Technology
• Nutrition and Hospitality Studies
• Social and Health Care
• Technology and Communications
Forssa Vocational Institute (FAI), Saksankatu
27, Forssa
Principal, Tuula Koivula
For further information, please contact the af- Tel switchboard +358 (0)3 41401
ternoon club coordinator, Aila Suhonen. Tel: www.fai.fi
(03) 435 1578 or 050 5056 605
Survival Guide - 43
Forssa Vocational Adult Education
Centre (FAK)
HAMK University of Applied Sciences,
Wahreninkatu 11, Forssa
Director of Education and Research Centre,
Forssan Aikuiskoulutusliikelaitos
Heikki Ruohomaa, tel. switchboard (03) 6461,
FAK offers diverse opportunities for personal www.hamk.fi
learning and for the development of skills needed for working life. At the core of the services Ypäjän Hevosopisto
are basic, occupational and specialized occupational diploma courses, which are acknowl- Equine College Ypäjä
edged and respected by employers. At FAK it The aim of the Equine College of Ypäjä is to
is also possible to achieve various professional educate world-class equestrian professionals.
licenses and certificates.
The total population of horses in Finland is
Forssa Vocational Adult Education Centre
approximately 60.000 and the horse industry
(FAK), Perkiöntie 9, Forssa
is growing steadily. Finland is one of the best
Managing Director, Principal, Matti Keskinen,
trotting countries in the world and riding as a
tel. switchboard + 358 (0)40 347 4001
hobby is more popular than ever. The industry
www.fak.fi
needs more of qualified professionals to be
able to meet the developing requirements of
the growing branch.
HAMK University of Applied Sciences,
Forssa campus
Some 250 students attend the vocational programmes in the Equine College of Ypäjä each
Hämeen ammattikorkeakouluI
year. The Equine College is the biggest school
n Forssa campus of HAMK University f Applied in its field in Finland.
Science there are about 700 students studying After the basic second level exam the students
and 50 teachers teaching. At the present time can continue their studies in further profesthe following faculties are available in Forssa: sional education programmes.
• Technology and Communications – for be- The Equine College is the only school in Fincoming a specialist in information technolo- land with programmes especially for farriers,
gies and logistics;
lad drivers and riders, blacksmiths, saddlers,
• Tourism, Catering and Institutional Manage- riding therapists and riding instructors.
ment - for becoming a specialist in tourism; The education of riding instructors conforms
• Health Care and Social Services – for be- with the European system, and Finland is a
coming a specialist in nursing and health member of the International Group for Qualifications in Training Horse and Rider.
care.
• Starting from 2008 autumn – internation- As a provider of basic vocational education
al programme Supply Chain Management in trotting, the Equine College is the leading
school in Scandinavia.
(SCM) in the English language.
Studies in HAMK are very practice oriented. Opistontie 9, 32100 Ypäjä
New pedagogical methods are in use like tel (02) 76 021, fax (02) 7602 200,
Project Learning and Learning by Developing. e-mail: [email protected],
Internships in companies provide students with www.hevosopisto.fi
real life experience and good contacts for their
future. Team work in cross cultural student Eerikkilän urheiluopisto
groups gives exceptional experience and opportunity to build networks with students who Eerikkilä Sports Institute
come from at least 20-30 nationalities. HAK Eerikkilä Sports Institute is one of the 11 Finnworks in close contact with international corpo- ish National Sports Institutes that organize vorations like Nokia, UPM, Metso and Ruukki.
cational education in sports. Our speciality is to
Full-time studying for a bachelor-degree lasts educate nature and wilderness guides for dif3,5-4 years.
44 - Survival Guide
ferent kinds of outdoor tours and recreation in Further information on student financial aid is
all seasons.
available from the Social Insurance Institution
Eerikkilä is an outstanding sports and training (Kela). During labor market training (työvoimacentre open all year round, with complete ho- koulutus), immigrants can receive integration
tel service. Located in the south of Finland not assistance, labor market subsidy or training
much more than an hour´s drive from the cities allowance. Consult the employment office and
Kela for more information.
of Helsinki, Tampere and Turku.
Eerikkilä is also the Finnish official football
training centre with excellent summer like train- Acceptance of Foreign Degrees in Finland
ing conditions throughout the year.
Ulkomaiset tutkinnot Suomessa
Eerikkilä Sports Institute, Urheiluopistontie
138, 31370 Eerikkilä
If you have obtained a degree in an institution
Tel. (03) 424 9900, Fax (03) 4249 9399,
of higher education outside the EU and the EEA,
www.eerikkila.fi
you can request the Equation (rinnastaminen)
of your foreign degree to a Finnish degree from
the Ministry of Education. If your degree was
Career Counseling
obtained within the EU or the EEA, you can reApua ammatinvalintaan
quest the Recognition (tunnustaminen) of your
The employment agency provides assistance degree. The equation and recognition of defor those who do not know what they want to grees are subject to a fee.
study. If you need assistance, make an appoint- More information on the topic you can get from
ment with a career counselor.
the Ministry of Education.
Where to Find Funding for Studying?
Mistä rahoitusta opiskeluun?
Finnish National Board of Education (Opetushallitus), Kumpulantie 3, 00520 Helsinki,
tel 040 348 7555
If you wish to continue your studies in Finland,
credits can be transferred from foreign degrees
towards some or all of the basic studies in a
Finnish institution. The extent of the transfer
is always down to the discretion of the educational institution in question and therefore you
do not need to get your degree equated or recVocational studies qualify as full-time studies ognized separately. The educational institution
when the studies comprise at least 25 hours a you wish to study will give you more information
week. Upper secondary school studies qualify on the topic.
as full time studies when the studies comprise
a total of at least 75 courses. Studies in institutes of higher education qualify as full-time You will need to obtain the right to practice a
studies if the purpose of the studies is to ob- profession in Finland in certain fields such as
tain an academic degree or if the studies com- health care. The website of the National Board
prise an average of at least five study credits of Education (opetushallitus) contains informaper study month.
tion on the professions for which these rights
Adult education is part-time. It does not qualify are required and on bodies that grant the rights.
The regulations differ depending on whether
for student financial aid.
or not you are a national of an EU country or
Unemployed persons studying in upper second- an ETA country. More information is available
ary schools do not lose their unemployment al- from the bodies that decide on the granting
lowance. Immigrants can receive integration of rights to practice a profession in different
assistance while studying in upper secondary fields. Contact details are given on the same
schools for adults.
website of the National Board of Education:
www.oph.fi .
Foreign citizens are eligible to receive student
financial aid if they are permanently residing
in Finland and if the reason for residing in Finland is other than studying. Studying must take
place in Finland and last for a minimum of eight
weeks. Studying must be full-time.
Survival Guide - 45
The website for the Ministry of the Interior (sis- 8. HEALTH
äasiainministeriö) includes a ‘Home in Finland’
guide, which contains information on accom- TERVEYS
modation, education and social security for
immigrants in the English language: www.inter- If you are a permanent resident of Finland you
are covered by health insurace. This means that
min.fi
Kela pays a share of your medical expenses.
You can, for instance, claim a refund from Kela
in relation to many medicines. You can also ask
for more information at your local health centre.
Health insurance also covers some of private
health care expenses.
The Non-Discrimination Act (yhdenvertaisuuslaki) forbids discrimination in recruitment
and training. People cannot be discriminated
against on the basis of ethnic origin in relation
to social services and health care.
The Forssa Health Care District offers primary
health care, specialized medical treatment,
mental health services and A-clinic services (alcohol and drug treatment and prevention) for
the residents of South West Häme.
The healthcare district covers five municipalities in the region: Forssa, Humppila, Jokioinen,
Tammela and Ypäjä.
Contact Information of the Forssa Health Care
District offers primary health car :
The Forssa Health Care District, Box 42,
30101 Forssa
Telephone switchboard: (03) 41 911,
open Mon-Fri 8.00-16.00
Email: [email protected],
www.fstky.fi
46 - Survival Guide
When You Are ill
Kun sairastat
When you fall ill, you should contact your local
health centre. Health centers are part of the
public health care system. Health centers are
closed in the evenings and weekends. Urgent
cases of sickness and accidents are treated in
the Emergency Duty (päivystys). A doctor’s referral is usually required if you are in need of
tests or treatment in hospitals, except in cases
of an emergency, when a referral is not necessary. Hospital patients must pay a share of the
costs of the treatment.
• Out of hours service, Accident and Emergency unit (evening and night admissions,
24hr)
• Specialist services: internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology and maternity
out-patient unit, neurology, adolescent and
adult psychiatry, anesthesia, radiology, laboratory
Doctors on duty in Forssa
Päivystävät lääkärit Forssassa
Primary Health Care – Central Health Centre,
08.00 – 16.00, Urheilukentänkatu 2, Forssa,
If an illness or injury hinders the ability of a tel. (03) 4191 2010
person to cope with work, studies or everyday
life, taking part in Rehabilitation should be con- Specialist Health Care – Forssa Hospital 24
sidered. In case of a person becoming incapa- hours a day , Urheilukentänkatu 9, Forssa, tel.
ble of working and loses their income due to (03) 4191 3000
a medical condition, they can apply for a Sick- Evening emergencies (16.00 – 22.00) and
ness Allowance (sairauspäiväraha) from the night time emergencies (22.00– 08.00) at ForKela office.
ssa Hospital, Urheilukentänkatu 9, Forssa, tel.
(03) 4191 3000
Medical organizations in Forssa
Forssan terveysasemat
For further information on the Forssa Health
Care District services please visit www.fstky.fi
Additionally Suomen Terveystalo Forssa, a priForssa Central Health Centre, Urheiluke- vate health care clinic, offers general and spentänkatu 2, Forssa
cialist medicine, laboratory, x-ray and occupa• General practitioner surgery, maternity, tional health services.
child health and family clinic, dental care, Suomen Terveystalo Forssa, Kutomonkuja 2 A
occupational health, child psychiatry
2, tel. (03) 424 9200,
• Specialist services: social workers, speech www.terveystalo.com
therapists and psychologists
Pharmacies in Forssa
Korkeavaha - Health Centre, Linikkalankatu
Forssan apteekit
6, Forssa
• physiotherapy, primary health care inpa- Medicines are sold in pharmacies. A doctor’s
tient units 21 and 22, self-care devices and prescription is required for certain medicines.
Always take your Kela Card with you when going
equipment
to buy medicines, as your sickness insurance
• administrative centre
will cover a part of the cost of most prescribed
medicines. At pharmacies you have the opporKutomo, Kutomonkuja 2 B 3, Forssa
tunity to choose a cheaper medicine than the
• Dental Care unit
one prescribed by the doctor, provided that both
medicines contain the same effective ingrediA-clinic (alcohol and drug treatment and preents. The pharmacy staff informs the customer
vention), Sortohaankatu 3, Forssa
as to whether a cheaper alternative exists.
Child Guidance and Family Counselling Centre,
• Forssan Kutomon Apteekki, Yhtiönkatu,
Sortohaankatu 3, Forssa
FORSSA tel. (03) 4355250
Forssa Hospital, Urheilukentänkatu 9, Forssa • Forssan Vanha Apteekki , Hämeentie 5, Forssa
tel. (03) 435 5001, 435 5002
Survival Guide - 47
ers are instructed to visit the clinic already
during their pregnancy and once the babies
are born, they are to be taken to the clinic for
There are pharmacies in every municipality.
checks at regular intervals. The growth and development of children is monitored and this is
Where to get medical help if you live
necessary in order to be able to ensure that
children receive all vaccinations, for instance.
in Humppila, Jokioinen, Tammela or
Health care and dental care is arranged for
Ypäjä
school children at schools. Children can visit
Terveyspalvelut Humppilan, Jokioisten, Tam- the school nurse if they have problems or feel
melan ja Ypäjän asukkaille
ill.
• Health unit in Humppila, Humppilantie 24, If your child falls ill, you should contact your lo31630 Humppila. Теl. (03) 4191 2102
cal health centre. Health centers are closed in
• Health unit in Jokioinen, Keskuskatu 25, the evenings and weekends. Health emergencies and accidents are treated in the Emer31600 JOKIOINEN. Теl. (03) 4191 2121
gency Duty. Children who are ill should not be
• Health unit in Tammela, Einarintie 1, 31300 taken to a day nursery. When a child under 10
TAMMELA. Теl. (03) 4191 2141
years of age suddenly falls ill, one of the par• ·Health unit in Ypäjä, Perttulantie 18, 32100 ents can stay at home to care for the child for
a maximum of four days. Your employment conYPÄJÄ. Теl. (03) 4191 2151
tract indicates whether you are paid a salary for
these days.
Emergencies
• Forssan Keskusapteekki, Vapaudenkatu 5,
Forssa , tel. (03) 422 2835
Hätätilanteet
If you find someone in a life-threatening situation, there has been an accident, you wish to
report a fire or you need urgent police assistance, call the emergency number of the emergency response centre. The phone number is
112. Do not call the emergency number in the
case of common illnesses.
Occupational Health
Työterveys
Employers are responsible for providing occupational health care to all of their employees.
The objective of occupational health care is to
prevent health hazards and health risks resulting from work. Ask your employer for more inWhen calling 112, be sure to mention the fol- formation.
Entrepreneurs and other self-employed people
lowing things:
are responsible for organizing their own occu1. Your name.
pational health care.
2. What has happened?
The Kela website contains information on the
3. Where has it happened?
Occupational Health Care Act (työterveyshuoltolaki) – only in Finnish: www.kela.fi
4. Are there people in danger?
Answer all questions calmly and hang up only
after the emergency centre has given you a per- Dental Care
mission to do so.
Hammashoito
You do not need to dial an area code when call- Dental care is available in health centers and in
ing the emergency number, not even if you are private health care clinics. Ask your local health
calling from a mobile phone. Emergency calls centre for an appointment in municipal dental
can be made free of charge from all phones.
care.
Child’s Health
Lapsen terveys
Nurses and doctors at child health clinics provide advice and health care for children. Moth-
Kela pays compensation for expenses resulting
from private dental care of people who are Permanent Residents of Finland. The compensation will not, however, cover all the costs.
48 - Survival Guide
9. SOCIAL SERVICES
Pre-nuptial agreements can be made to the effect that neither party has a right over the property of the other. Pre-nuptial Agreement Model
(in the Finnish language): www.lakiopas.com
SOSIAALIPALVELUT
Social services bring help to those who need it
in different life situations. Social services are In Finland, two people of the same sex can also
provided by municipalities, companies and as- make their relationship official.
sociations.
Information on marriage ceremonies for forKela - the Social Insurance Institution of Fin- eigners: www.maistraatti.fi
land - provides basic financial social security Marriage can be registered in Town Council in
for permanent residents of Finland. Kela activi- Hämeenlinna, in Lower court in Forssa, in Evanties are funded with tax revenue. If your income gelical-Lutheran Church or in Orthodox Church.
and benefits are not enough for you to live on,
you can apply for income support from the Social Welfare Office. The Non-Discrimination Act
(yhdenvertaisuuslaki) forbids discrimination in Places for marriage registering in the region
recruitment and training. People cannot be dis- of Forssa:
criminated against on the basis of ethnic origin • Town Council in Hämeenlinna:
in relation to social services and health care.
Maistraatti Hämeenlinnan, Birger Jaarlin
katu 13, 13100 Hämeenlinna, Теl. 071 873
Information on the topic in the English lan0161
guage: www.yhdenvertaisuus.fi
Information on accommodation, education and • Lower court in Forssa:
Forssa-Loimaan käräjäoikeus: Forssan
social security for immigrants in the English
toimipiste ja istuntopaikka, Rajakatu 2,
language: www.intermin.fi
30420 Forssa, Tel. 010 364 6950 or 050
5327 358 (calls are to be paid),
Family
Chancellery working hours : 8.00-16.15
Perhe
For all Forssa region inhabitants.
According to Finnish law, men and women are
equal. Authorities shall promote the equality • Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Forssa:
Forssan seurakunta, Kartanonkatu 16
between men and women. The Gender Equality
30100 Forssa, Tel. (03) 41451,
Ombudsman supervises that legislation is beE-mail: [email protected]
ing applied and provides counseling on equality
issues.
• Orthodox Church in Forssa:
Forssan ortodoksinen rukoushuone, KesFamilies with children are entitled to certain
kuskatu 10, Forssa
benefits.
Healthcare centers and family planning clinics There are Evangelical-Lutheran Churches in
provide help in family planning and contracep- every municipality.
tion.
• Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Humppila:
Kiiisakuja
1,
31640
HumpMarriage and relationship
pila,
Tel.
(03)
4377
700
Email: humppila.srk evl.fi
Avioliitto ja parisuhde
• Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Jokioinen:
Kirkkokuja 143, 31600 Jokioinen, Tel. (03)
• over 18 years of age OR not married or in a
4240 1100
registered relationship
People who are under 18 can get married with • Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Tammela:
the consent of the Ministry of Justice.
Tammelantie 29, 31300 Tammela, Tel. (03)
4246 1600
More information on marriage: www.om.fi
Getting married is legal for everyone who is
Survival Guide - 49
• Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Ypäjä: Perttulantie 10, 32100 Ypäjä, Tel. (02) 767
3108
time are entitled to a Maternity Allowance (äitiysraha): www.kela.fi
Having Children in Finland: www.stm.fi
Children and young people
Divorce
Lapset ja nuoret
Avioero
Divorce can be filed either by one or both of the Subsidies and Allowances
spouses. Divorce is filed in the office of the loTuet ja avustukset
cal District Court of one of the spouses.
If divorce is filed by only one of the parties, the
District Court will deliver the document to the
other spouse. The proceedings will lead to a divorce even if the other party objects. Information on divorce: www.om.fi.
Voluntary family arbitration is available in divorce cases as an alternative to court proceedings. All members or only some of the members
of the family may take part in the arbitration
proceedings. More information on arbitration:
www.om.fi
Various forms of support are available for families with children. Once you stop receiving maternity grant, either the mother or the father
can apply for parental allowance. If the father
of a newborn baby participates in the care of
the child while not being in paid employment,
he is entitled to paternity allowance from Kela.
Family allowance is paid for children who live
in Finland until they turn 17. An application for
family allowance is usually made in connection
with maternity grant.
If a family has children, it is important to agree
Day Care
on their livelihood and residency.
Päivähoito
When you are pregnant
Children under school age are entitled to municipal day care. Day care is organized in day
Kun olet raskaana
care centers, in family day care and in playWomen should visit a maternity clinic as soon groups.
as they become pregnant or before the end of
the 4th month of pregnancy. The clinic moni- Forssa provides municipal day care for children
tors the health of the pregnant woman and the in day care centers. It provides family day care,
child and organizes antenatal classes for moth- which offers an individual or a group of children
ers and fathers. The services are free of charge home-like care. The town also gives a statutory
for the customers of the clinic. Once the infant allowance for care at home or support for a priis born, the doctors and nurses of the infant vate day care arrangement. An additional child
healthcare clinic take care of the health and home care allowance may also be available for
vaccinations of the child. Information on the evening and shift care and it is possible to obtain a municipal allowance for day care of chiltopic: www.stm.fi
dren with special needs.
Your local health centre will provide you with
more information on maternity and infant Preschool education for all children aged 6
years, one year before compulsory school edhealthcare clinics.
ucation commences, is provided by day care
Pregnant women who are permanent residents centers and some primary schools.
in Finland are entitled to Maternity Grant (äitiys—avustus) as long as certain conditions are The special needs day care services support
fulfilled: www.kela.fi . Maternity grant is avail- the care and education of children with special
able either as non-taxable financial aid or as a requirements for their development and upbringing.
Maternity Package (äitiyspakkaus).
Pregnant mothers who have been permanent Applications for day care are to be submitted at
residents in Finland for a sufficient period of least 4 months prior to the requirement. If the
requirement for child care arises as a result of
50 - Survival Guide
new employment, commencement of studies
or training, and the exact start date for the care
requirement is not yet known, the application
for day care should be submitted as soon as
possible, at least 2 weeks prior to the requirement.
and to support the parents or a guardian in the
upbringing of children. The support aims at enabling children and young people to grow and
develop in their own homes. However, sometimes this is not possible. In these cases the
objective is to guarantee the best possible care
Application forms are available either at the for the child outside home and support the parTown Hall service counter, day care offices, day ents in coping and managing their lives in orcare centers or from the internet www.forssa.fi/ der to be able to return the child back home as
soon as possible.
forms (Lomakkeet)
The monthly charges for day care are calculated according to the size of the family and as a
percentage of the family’s gross income. The
applicant will be informed by letter of the decision about the day care place and charges.
For further information please contact:
Day Care Office , Forssa Town Hall, Turuntie
18, 30100 Forssa
tel. (03) 4141 231 / Day Care Departmental
Manager
In addition to municipal day care centers, private kindergartens offer day care services.
Some private kindergartens operate in a language other than Finnish. If a child under
school age is in day care in a private kindergarten, financial support for the private care costs
is available from Kela.
Children who are ill should not be taken into
day care.
Day care services concentrate on the development of e.g. verbal skills of children.
A parent of a child of three years or under can
take childcare leave and stay at home with the
child. Home care allowance is available from
Kela for this purpose. The Kela website contains information on these benefits and different forms of day care.
Bringing Up Children
Parents, neighbors and friends can contact
child protection services, if they feel a child or a
young person needs help. Children and young
people can also contact a social worker themselves. Discussions with social workers are
confidential.
Elderly people
Vanhukset
Services for the Elderly
Vanhustenpalvelut
When the health and functional capacity of
elderly people deteriorate, they are entitled to
many kinds of social and health care services.
Such services and benefits include, for example, housing allowance for pensioners, pensioners’ care allowance, home services, home care
services, meals services, bathing, transportation services and home modifications. The right
to some benefits is dependent on how long the
elderly person has lived in Finland. Municipal
and private homes for elderly people look after those who can no longer live in their own
home without assistance. Service apartments
are also another good alternative. More information on the services for the elderly is available e.g. from the local Social Services Office
in your area.
HOME HELP in Forssa:
Lasten kasvatus
Ideas on how children should be brought up
vary from one country to another. In Finland,
physical disciplinary action on children, e.g. hitting a child or pulling by hair, is forbidden by law.
People who have turned 18 have legally come
of age. People under 18 have limited rights to
decide on certain matters by themselves.
The purpose of the service is to provide the opportunity for senior citizens to remain living in
their own homes and their familiar living environment for as long as possible.
Contact details:
Home help administrator, Ella Leikkilä tel. (03)
4141245
Home help administrator, Heljä Numminen tel.
The aim of Child Protection Work is to secure (03) 4141244
that all children can grow up in good conditions
Survival Guide - 51
• HEIKANRINNE SERVICE CENTRE in Forssa:
The centre provides accommodation, support services as well as nursing and general care for those senior citizens who
can no longer manage to live at home
even with the support of a home help.
Contact details: Manager Marjut Lehtinen
tel. 4141530
bled child under the age of 16 in hospital or in
some cases at home. If a father or mother is
caring for a disabled child under the age of 16
at home, they can apply for a Child Disability Allowance (lapsen hoitotuki) from Kela. In certain
cases, a disabled child can also receive medical Rehabilitation (kuntoutus) for seriously disabled children provided by Kela.
• SERVICE CENTRES TYYKIHOVI AND RIMPIKO- A guide for services available for disabled imTO in Forssa: these centers offer rented migrants: www.tukikeskushilma.fi
accommodation for the elderly and the
disabled. There are two shared homes for
dementia patients within these centers. Various different services are available in close
proximity to the accommodation buildings.
Contact details: Manager, Tuija Salakari tel.
42466500
There are service centers in every municipality.
Old Age Pension
Vanhuuseläke
People who have lived in Finland for a sufficient
period of time are entitled to a retirement pension at the age of 65 at the latest. Ask Kela for
more information on whether you are entitled
to a retirement pension or Special Assistance
for Immigrants (maahanmuuttajan erityistuki).
Special Assistance for Immigrants (maahanmuuttajan erityistuki): www.kela.fi
Disabled people
Vammaiset
Services for the Disabled
Special services are available for the disabled
in relation to e.g. accommodation, transport
and communication. You will need a doctor’s
certificate to apply for services for the disabled.
Disabled people between 16 and 64 years of
age can apply for a Disability Allowance (vammaistuki) from Kela if they have lived in Finland
for a sufficient period of time. Kela organizes
and compensates for medical Rehabilitation
for the seriously disabled and Occupational Rehabilitation (ammatillinen kuntoutus) for incapacitated people.
Mothers and fathers can apply for Special Care
Allowance (erityishoitoraha) if they cannot take
part in employment due to the care of a disa52 - Survival Guide
10. CRISE SITUATIONS
KRIISITILANTEET
for Crime Victims (rikosuhripäivystys) or Refuges (turvakoti).
Women and girls who have become victims of
violence can telephone the National Women’s
Line in Finland (Naisten Linja) helpline 0800
02400, which provides a service in the English
language on Fridays 16.00-20.00:www.naistenlinja.com
This part contains information on a variety of
emergency situations and where to get help.
The areas covered include problems concerning the family, children and young people,
health, mental health, alcohol, drug abuse,
gambling addiction, debt, homelessness, rac- Resource Centre Monika (Voimavarakeskus
ism and discrimination, violent situations, Monika) provides advice and support for fecrime and death.
male immigrants in many different languages
Various authorities and non-governmental or- (tel. (09) 692 2304).
ganizations provide help in crisis situations. The websites for refuges contain information
More information can be obtained from your lo- on places where the Violent Party can seek for
cal social services and health authorities.
help: www.turvakoti.net.
The SOS Center, crisis services for foreigners Lyömätön linja helps men that want to abanin Helsinki offers free assistance to immigrants don their violent behavior:www.lyomatonlinja.fi
and their families in various languages. You
must make an appointment in advance.
Problems of children and young peo-
SOS Center Helsinki, Maistraatinportti 4 A, 4th ple
floor, Tel. 09-413 50501
Lasten ja nuorten ongelmat
Family problems
Perheongelmat
Children and young people can address their
problems to e.g. the school nurse, school welfare officer and the school psychologist. Telephone help-lines provide advice at least in
Finnish (e.g. the Mannerheim League for Child
Welfare - Mannerheimin lastensuojeluliitto help line for children and young people): 0800
120 400. Calls can be made anonymously.
With regard to family problems, you can turn
to your local social worker (aluesosiaalityöntekijä). Social workers can be contacted if your
family needs financial support, day care for
children, help in domestic tasks and help in
finding activities for children during school holi- • Managing with a Baby
days, for instance. Social workers also help to
Everyday life with a baby can sometimes
solve problems in relationships and within the
be exhausting even for the most patient of
family and give advice on bringing up children.
people. You can discuss your problems for
Family advice clinics and family counselors atinstance at family planning clinics.
tend to partnership problems, as do psychiatric
outpatient clinics, the family advice centers of • Family Planning Clinics
Family planning clinic (perheneuvola) helps
congregations and the family therapy centre of
children, young people and their families
the Finnish Association for Mental Health.
when it comes to matters of growing up,
developing and family relations.
Domestic Violence
Perheväkivalta
• Child Guidance and Family Counselling Centre in Forssa: Sortohaankatu 3, Forssa
Domestic violence is a crime. Violence can be • Bullying
either physical or psychological. Women are the
Bullying (kiusaaminen) means repeated
most common victims of domestic violence,
acts of physical or psychological violence
but elderly people, children and men are also
towards a person. Children who are bullied
targeted. Assault in private premises is a crime
at school should always tell an adult about
and a person can be charged for it. For help
it, such as a teacher or the school nurse.
in situations of domestic violence, contact e.g.
Alternatively, you can call the free-of-charge
the Police, Social Services, the Finnish Service
Helpline for Children and Young People
Survival Guide - 53
managed by the Mannerheim League for
Child Welfare. The number is 0800 120
400. If you prefer, you can send an anonymous e-mail via the Online Service for
Children and Young People: www.lastenjanuortennetti.net. The answer will come from
a reliable adult volunteer. Remember that
anyone can become a victim of bullying,
including adults. There is no shame in looking for help if you are being bullied.
Mental health problems
Mielenterveysongelmat
Many issues can put a person’s mental health
into a test. In difficult situations sorrow can
manifest itself as psychological and physical
symptoms; friendships are neglected, personal
welfare and hygiene are overlooked, hobbies
are abandoned and a person does not show
interest towards the things they have been interested in before.
Where to Get Help?
Problems with alcohol
Alkoholiongelmat
• A-clinic (alcohol and drug treatment and prevention) in Forssa: Sortohaankatu 3, Forssa
• AddictionLink (Päihdelinkki): Tests, discussions, chance to Ask Anonymous Questions
of Experts, information for parents: www.
paihdelinkki.fi
• Foreigner Info: Information for those new to
Finland concerning addiction services, what
options you have and your rights to treatment: www.paihdelinkki.fi/foreigner-info
Drug abuse
Huumeongelmat
If you require help for drug abuse, you can contact your local A-Clinic. The services of the AClinic of your home municipality are free for
customers who are permanent residents of Finland. A-clinic (alcohol and drug treatment and
prevention) in Forssa: Sortohaankatu 3, Forssa
Help for mental health problems is available at Drug abusers can also turn to their local health
your local Social and Health Authorities. Ask for centre or a social service centre.
more information at your health centre or social services office.
Problems with debt
The SOS center, crisis services for foreigners Velkaongelmat
(SOS-keskus / Ulkomaalaisten kriisipalvelu)
helps immigrants living in Finland. Tel: (09) 413 If you cannot pay a bill, contact the sender of
the bill immediately.
50501
Centre for Torture Survivors in Finland (Kidu- Help in payment or debt problems is available
tettujen Kuntoutuskeskus) offers help for refu- from your Local Debt Councellor (velkaneuvogees and asylum seekers who have been sub- ja).
ject to torture in their country of origin. Tel. (09) ·Legal advice is available from solicitors and
7750 4584
other lawyers as well as public legal advisers
working at the Public Legal Aid Offices (valtion
Depression
oikeusaputoimistot).
Depression can take over when a person for
instance faces difficulties or suffers from anxi- The Public Legal Aid Office:
ety for a long period of time. Depressed peo- Forssa-Loimaan oikeusaputoimisto,
ple find it difficult to enjoy almost anything and www.oikeus.fi/oikapu/forssa,
help should always be sought for the condition. Kartanonkatu 10 B, 30100 FORSSA ,
Information on depression in the English lan- Теl: 010 36 606 10 (call is to be paid),
guage: www.tampere.fi/
Traumas
Help in Money Matters:
Information on trauma-related stress in the Papunet Spending Guide (in plain Finnish):
http://papunet.net/selko/arkipaiva/raha-asiEnglish language: www.tampere.fi
at.html
54 - Survival Guide
Racism and discrimination
Rasismi ja syrjintä
Racist Crime to the Finnish League for Human
Rights?
Contact information: RASMUS-network is
According to Finnish law, discrimination is a coordinated by the Finnish League for Human
crime.
Rights, Döbelninkatu 2, 00260 Helsinki,
The Ombudsman for Minorities is an authority Tel (09) 4155 2500, Fax: 09 4155 2520,
with the basic task of advancing the status and Info: [email protected]
legal protection of ethnic minorities and foreigners as well as equality, non-discrimination Who can help in cases of discriminaand good ethnic relations in Finland: www.vation?
hemmistovaltuutettu.fi
You can contact the Ombudsman for Minori- Mistä apua syrjintätilanteessa?
ties if, for example, you have experienced or • Work life problems: Your own trade union
observed ethnic discrimination. In cases of disif you belong to one and your labour proteccrimination, or if you have any other questions,
tion district: www.tyosuojelu.fi
please call the customer service of the Office of
the Ombudsman for Minorities on (09) 160 43 • Services of companies: The Office of the
Ombudsman for Minorities (vähemmistöval444 (weekdays between 9.00 and 15.00).
tuutetun toimisto): www.vahemmistovaltuWork discrimination (työsyrjintä) is a crime. You
utettu.fi· Municipal social services: Social
can report it to the Labour Protection Authority:
Ombudsman
www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland.
• Health services: Patient Ombudsman.
The Non-Discrimination Act (yhdenvertaisuuslaki) forbids discrimination in recruitment • Negative decision by KELA (Social Insurance
Institution of Finland) or social services ofand training. People cannot be discriminated
fice: written appeal and if necessary: Legal
against on the basis of ethnic origin in relation
aid office (oikeusaputoimisto) or private lawto social services and health care.
yers.
Information on the topic in the English lan• Bullying at school on the basis of ethnic
guage: www.yhdenvertaisuus.fi
origin: Teacher, principal, school welfare ofRacism can mean e.g. discrimination, threats,
ficer, Municipal child protection authorities
bullying or violence. If you become a victim of a
racist crime, contact the police. Visit your local • Applying for a rental apartment owned by
the city: The Office of the Ombudsman for
police station or report a crime online. If your
Minorities: www.vahemmistovaltuutettu.fi
well-being or life is in danger or you need immediate police assistance for any other reason, • Disputes between ethnic groups in housing
companies: Superintendent, tenant adviser
you can call the national emergency number.
The national emergency number is 112.The po- • Family violence: Shelter (turvakoti). There is
lice will take your details and call you in for a
not any shelter in Forssa region. The nearquestioning at a later date. You are entitled to
est one is in Hämeenlinna.
have an interpreter and a lawyer present in the
questioning. If you inform the police in advance
and require an interpreter, the police will organ- Violent situations
ize the interpreter free of charge.
Väkivaltatilanteet
Legal advice is available from solicitors and It is important that you find help if you are faced
other lawyers as well as public legal advisers with a violent situation. If you need immediate
working at the Public Legal Aid Offices (valtion help from the police, phone the general emeroikeusaputoimisto).
gency number: 112. No area code is required
The Finnish League for Human Rights maps the even if you are calling from a mobile phone.
experiences of people who have experienced
discrimination, in order to develop support and
advice services. Would you like to Report a
Survival Guide - 55
There are many places where help is available 11. CULTURE AND LEISURE
for victims of violence. You can contact e.g.
the Finnish Service for Crime Victims (Riko- KULTUURI JA VAPAA-AIKA
suhripäivystys) (Tel. 0203-16116).
Are you looking for something to do, a hobby,
Victim Support Finland also has a Help Line no. an experience or new contacts? Find out more
0203 16118 in both Finnish and English, open about recreational activities in our region.
Mon-Wed 3-6 p.m.
Resource Centre Monika (Voimavarakeskus Culture and leisure in Forssa
Monika) provides advice and support for female immigrants in many different languages Forssan kulttuuri ja vapaa-aika
(tel. 09-6922 304).
Sport and exercise
Harassment at Work
Työhäirintä
Harassment at work usually involves psychological violence, which the supervisors at the
workplace must try to end. You can also turn to
the occupational welfare officer or the occupational healthcare authorities at your workplace.
Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of!
Forssa is widely known as a sporting town. For
active people, there are places such as the
Feeniks sport centre and the schools’ sport
halls. These are also available to hire for various exhibitions and celebrations. The ice-hockey and practice halls are also in active use. Athletics, baseball and football are played at the
Lamminranta sports field and at other outside
facilities.
The Water park Vesihelmi is a cheerful and popular place for exercising in water for the whole
family. The diving platform, spring board, and
water slides together with the whirlpools and
massaging showers all contribute to an invigorating and enjoyable experience. The use of
the exercise and body building gyms are also
included in the entrance fee.
For tennis players, there are two outdoor courts.
In Vieremä, there is an archery field, as well as
tracks for throwing the hammer and shot putt.
For people who like being outdoors, there are
3 nature paths with lighting, which serve as ski
tracks in the wintertime. There are also unlit
tracks of varying distance for cross-country skiing in the winter.
Further information about places to exercise
can be obtained from the Sport Fields Manager, Jyrki Koskinen tel. 0500 428 675.
There are many types of club activities in Forssa. For example, basketball (www.fokopo.fi ,
www.forssanalku.fi ), ice-hockey (www.forssanpalloseura.fi , www.fopsjuniorit.fi ), football
www.fjk.fi ), salibandy/floorball (www.fosu.fi ),
gymnastics
(forssannaisvoimistelijat.sporttisaitti.com ) etc.
Youth services
In Forssa, there are three lively youth centers
in Paavola, Viksberg and at Kehräämö. They
56 - Survival Guide
have organized activities in the afternoons and • Lounais-Häme School of Music,
evenings. A very popular summer camp, organWahreninkatu 11 B, Forssa, tel. (03) 4141
ized by the town’s youth services, takes place
801
in June at the beautiful scenic Ruostejärvi outPrincipal, Hillevi Karttunen-Heikkinen tel.
door centre. Fun activities for children can also
(03) 4141 800, 050 559 0869
be found in the children’s traffic park, which is Forssa is the busy centre of the region’s comopen in the summertime.
mercial life and services. During the summer
For further information, please contact the Cul- market days (Tue, Thu and Sat), the town centural Activities Manager, Jarmo Pynnönen tel. tre is full of bustling activity and various events
050 5965 155.
draw people from far and wide.
Youth centers:
Forssa is also well known as a sporting town
• Paavola youth centre, Koivumäentie 4, For- where it is easy to find opportunities to exercise.
For example, at the Vesihelmi Water park you
ssa tel. (03) 4141 514
can swim, relax and enjoy the whirlpool baths,
• Viksberg youth centre, Ollintie 6, Forssa rolling surfs, waterslides as the time pleasantly
tel. (03) 4141 517
slips by.
• Kehräämö youth centre, Wahreninkatu 11 At the stately Cotton Mills area, there are museG, Forssa tel. (03) 4141 513
ums and art exhibitions displaying the history
and traditions of both the town and the region.
The Wahren Center
The site has become a popular venue for events
Forssa is also a town that values culture. At and banqueting. History has been respected
the Wahren centre, there is a popular school with the renovation of the Theatre of Moving
of visual arts, a music school, an adult educa- Images in the heart of the town, and at The Mution centre and a library. The Theatre of Living seum Estate of Hevossilta where visitors can
Images, the Forssa Theatre and the museums become acquainted with the past among the
in the Old Cotton Mill area work in close and old restored agricultural buildings dating from
active cooperation. Everybody is welcome to the 1800’s to the 1950’s.
the concerts, performances, events and exhibitions. You are welcome to come along and enAnnually the town hosts the famous Forssan
joy the cultural activities!
Holjat festival, the Tyyki Blues music event, the
For further information, please contact the Cul- Pick Nick vintage car gathering, the Forssan
tural Services Manager, Pertti Munck, tel. 050 Suvi-ilta marathon run, an international Silent
5640 024
Film festival and many other smaller events.
The Forssa area tourist information centre opWahren Centre Operational Units:
erates in the summer months alongside the
• Forssa Adult Institute, Wahreninkatu 11 B, café in the market place.
Forssa tel. (03) 4141 390 ,
The tourist advice centre at Forssa Region DePrincipal, Jukka Nummelin tel. (03) 4141
velopment Centre provides information on the
391, 050 313 2107 ,
region’s (Forssa, Humppila, Jokioinen, Tammewww.forssa.fi/wahrenopisto
la, Ypäjä) events, sights, shopping areas, ac• Forssa Town Library, Wahreninkatu 4,
commodation, group outings, activities, places
Forssa tel. (03) 4141 405 , Chief Librarian, to eat, guided tours and nature treks.
Maarit Järveläinen-Kannisto tel. (03) 4141
The tourist advice centre arranges tours and
400, 050 564 0025,
theme based excursions around the region prowww.forssa.fi/kirjasto or www.lounakirjasvided by The South-West Häme Tour Guide Astot.fi
sociation.
• Forssa School of Visual Arts for children
The tourist advice centre also displays broand young people, Wahreninkatu 13, Forchures about other interesting Finnish tourist
ssa
Lead teacher, Teija Lauronen tel. (03) 4141 locations.
499, 050 564 0055
Survival Guide - 57
Forssa Region Tourist Advisory Service, Koulu- • Horses: www.hevosopisto.fi
katu 13, 30100 Forssa, tel. (03) 4240 4724, • Musical theatre: [email protected]
teri.fi
Culture and leisure in Humpila - www.hump- • Golf: www.loimijokigolf.fi
pila.fi
More information -> www.forssanseutu.fi
Places to visit:
• Atelie Helja: www.helja.fi
• Glass-blowers: www.arabia.fi
• Railroad museum:
www.jokioistenmuseorautatie.fi
• Mannor of Urpola:
www.viikinkisauna.fi/urpola/
• Vikings’ sauna: www.viikinkisauna.fi/
Culture and leisure in Jokioinen - www.jokioinen.fi
Places to visit
• Evening University for adults: jokilaanin.
[email protected], tel (03) 418
2402.
• Library: Keskuskatu 27, 31600 Jokioinen
Tel (03) 418 2420.
• Gym: Keskuskatu 14, 31600 Jokioinen
• Swimming in the summer: Rehtijärven
uimala, Uimarannantie 16 and Kuuman
uimala, Kankaantie 54.
• Watching farming life: www.mtt.fi/elonkierto/
• Railroad museum: www.jokioistenmuseorautatie.fi
Culture and leisure in Tammela - www.tammela.fi
• Gym: phone (03) 412 0405 / 050 353
7708.
• Historical road: www.harkatie.net
• National parks: www.lounais-hameenpirtti.
com/luonto.html
• National parks: www.luontoon.fi -> Torronsuo and Liesjärvi
• Reconstruction of historical events:
www.nsaura.fi/tapahtumanesittely.html
Culture and leisure in Ypäjä - www.ypaja.fi
• Evening University for adults: www.ypaja.fi
58 - Survival Guide
THE LIST OF THE INTERNET-LINKS USED
1. General information about Finland in Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finland
2. General information of Forssa region: www.forssaregion.fi
3. General information of Forssa-town: www.forssa.
fi
4. Links relating to Finnish history. The text on the
website is written in simple Finnish. You can choose
the level of difficulty of the language when you first
enter the site: http://virtuoosi.pkky.fi/vilma/
5. Equality between people: www.yhdenvertaisuus.
fi/mp/db/file_library/x/IMG/11450/file/yvlakiesite_en.pdf
6. Equality between the sexes: www.mol.fi/mol/
fi/99_pdf/fi/04_maahanmuutto/07_aineistot_kirjasto/01_esitteet/tasarv/tasarv_eng.pdf
7. Information on vehicle inspection: www.poliisi.fi/
poliisi/home.nsf/pages/index_eng
8. Straightforward road safety guide for pedestrians: www.liikenneturva.fi/vanhat/862/Jalkankulkija%20suomi.pdf
9. Straightforward road safety guide for cyclists:
www.liikenneturva.fi/fi/liitetiedostot/turvatieto/
Pyorailyesite_suomi.pdf
10. VR’s (Finnish railways) website: www.vr.fi/heo/
eng/index.html
11. Matkahuolto’s (Finnish buses) website: www.
matkahuolto.fi/en/
12. The new public transport route planner service:
www.matka.fi/haku/en/
13. A list of Finnish airports: www.finavia.fi/airports
14. Finavia: http://visitfinland.com/w5/index.nsf/
(Pages)/Finland_Map_Dynamic
15. Police: www.poliisi.fi/poliisi/home.nsf/pages/
CCCAC60A96939016C2256EF4002D9058?Open
Document
16. Kela: www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf
17. Employment agencies: www.mol.fi/mol/en/index.jsp
18.
Taxation:
www.vero.fi/default.
asp?language=ENG&domain=VERO_ENGLISH
19. Special assistance for immigrants: www.kela.
fi/in/internet/english.nsf/NET/300603141513HN
?openDocument
20. Finnish immigration service: www.migri.fi/netcomm/Default.asp?language=EN
21. The booklet on liaison interpreting: www.intermin.fi/intermin/images.nsf/files/D622FE48012
BC248C22573A000488BF5/$file/tulkkima_eng.
pdf
22. Information on asylum seekers, the application
procedure and other related issues: www.migri.fi/
netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2476,2537&langu
age=EN
23. Residence and working in Finland for EU-Nationals: www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=
8,2473,2499&language=EN
24. Business activity in Finland for EU-Nationals:
www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2473,
2501&language=EN
25. Studying in Finland for EU-Nationals: www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2474,2514&l
anguage=EN
26. Family members of EU nationals: www.migri.fi/
netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2472,2492&langu
age=EN
27. The application form for a residence permit
(OLE 1) and a list of the required attachments:
www.migri.fi
28. Practical instructions and contact information
on the Internet: www.poliisi.fi (the police); www.
formin.finland.fi/missions (the Ministry for Foreign
Affairs); www.mol.fi (The Employment Office
29. Apartments on the Internet
www.etuovi.com; www.asuntoverkko.com; www.
kiinteistomaailma.com; www.huoneistokeskus.fi;
www.oikotie.fi; www.opkk.fi; www.huoneistoketju.fi;
www.ovv.com; www.asunnonvuokraus.com; www.
skv.fi; www.opkk.fi
30. Information on service housing on the asuminen.fi website: www.stm.fi/Resource.phx/eng/
subjt/socwe/polic/accomodation.htx
31. Housing allowance: www.kela.fi/in/internet/
english.nsf/NET/081101150604EH?OpenDocum
ent
32. Website of the Labour Administration (työhallinto):
www.mol.fi/koulutukset/?locale=fi_
FI&profession=X61
33. The website of the National Board of Education (opetushallitus: www.edu.fi/english/SubPage.
asp?path=500,574
34. Finnish language courses for the unemployed:
www.mol.fi/koulutukset/?locale=fi_
FI&profession=X61
35. Website of the Evening University for adults
Wahren Opisto: www.forssa.fi/wahrenopisto/
36. FAK: www.fak.fi/fin/koulutustarjonta/
37. Finnish language on the Internet:
Ymmärrä Suomea! www2.edu.fi/ymmarrasuomea/
- The course comprises 19 texts that exist in audio
as well, a basic Finnish-English dictionary, a grammar book, exercises and a list of verbs..
Suomea, ole hyvä! www.edu.fi/oppimateriaalit/
suomeaolehyva/ - The material comprises videos
Survival Guide - 59
for elementary-level practice, exercises, crossword
puzzles, etc.
Tavataan taas! http://donnerwetter.kielikeskus.
helsinki.fi/finnishforforeigners/ - The course includes glossaries, grammar explained and short
practisce sentences. The languages used are Finnish and English..
Supisuomea www.yle.fi/opinportti/supisuomea/ Study material for the TV series of the same name.
Texts, exercises, grammar, videos.
Perunakellari www.perunakellari.fi/ai.html - Grammar exercises. Some are also suitable for adults.
Suomen kielen harjoituksia http://cc.oulu.
fi/~langcent/fff/suomen_harjoituksia.htm - Exercises in English.
Uuno: www.uuno.tamk.fi/ - A website for studying
elementary Finnish.
A chance to speak Finnish http://virtua l . f i n l a n d . f i / n et c o m m / n ew s / s h owa r t i c l e .
asp?intNWSAID=25143 – Basic sentences read in
Finnish and translated into English.
Finnish school www.finnishschool.com/ - Exercises
from Finnish into English and vice versa. Registration required.
Dialang www.dialang.org/finnish/index.htm - Test
your Finnish skills: reading, writing, comprehension, structure and vocabulary.
Linguhouse
www.linguhouse.com/Dir/StudyRoom/RU/RU-FI/StudyRU-FI_0.html - Free language course enabling the study of Finnish in several languages.
38. Finnish grammar is also available via the Internet:
The Finnish language www.cs.tut.fi/~jkorpela/Finnish.html - Finnish grammar and information on the
language in English.
Finnish Grammar www.uta.fi/~km56049/finnish/
Finnish Grammar and word conjugations. Explanations in English.
Virtual
Finland:
The
Finnish
language
http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25831 - Information on the
Finnish language and grammar in English.
Verbix www.verbix.com/languages/finnish.shtml A programme for conjugating Finnish verbs.
XRCE Finnish Demos www.xrce.xerox.com/competencies/content-analysis/demos/finnish.en.html morphologycal program
39. The website of the National Board or Education: http://db3.oph.fi/kielitutkinnot/
40. Finnish Immigration Service (Maahanmuuttovirasto): www.migri.fi/download.asp?id=kielitaitoe
dellytys%5Feng;1077;%7bC1F03A0C-E064-464FA74E-716681D6D115%7d
41. The Non-Discrimination Act (yhdenvertaisuuslaki) in the English language: www.yhdenvertaisuus.fi/mp/db/file_library/x/IMG/11450/file/
yvlakiesite_en.pdf
42.Ministry of Interior contains useful information
on Immigration Issues: www.intermin.fi/intermin/
home.nsf/pages/index_eng and www.intermin.fi/
intermin/home.nsf/pages/2FF6FE098BF08BC0C
2257386003E3008?opendocument
43.Authorities on gender equality:www.tasa-arvo.
fi/Resource.phx/tasa-arvo/english/index.htx
44.Work life problems: www.tyosuojelu.fi/fi/workingfinland
45. Finnish template explaining how to read a job
advertisement: www.infopankki.fi/File/97ca3146b212-4446-8bba-c81aa15169f3/0/tyopaikkailmoitus_suomi.doc
46. Translation of the same template into the English language: www.infopankki.fi/File/7dab4b2dfd47-40e2-9ff1-58a64e8e43db/0/tyopaikkailmoitus_englanti.doc
47. The list of a few Internet addresses where you
can look for vacancies and part-time work.
www.mol.fi (Vacancies listed in Employment Agencies)
www.aarresaari.net (Academic recruitment services)
www.oikotie.fi; www.staffpoint.fi; www.biisoni.fi;
www.monster.fi; www.uratie.net; www.uranus.fi;
www.tyopaikat.com; www.careerjet.fi
48. Vacancies in Forssa region from the Internet
page: www.forssa.fi/?pageid=ZMHBpsaXqIPAk47
49. Work Experience Placement (työharjoittelu) :
www.mol.fi/mol/fi/00_tyonhakijat/01_tyonhaku_
suomessa/07_tyoharjoittelu_ja_tyoelamavalmennustuki/index.jsp
50. Apprenticeship Contracts (oppisopimus): www.
edu.fi/info/oppisopimus/
51. The Employment Agency also has information
on Vacancies: www.mol.fi/paikat/
52. Information on the services of the Employment
Agency is available on the Labour Administration
Website:
www.mol.fi/mol/en/02_working/01_
services/index.jsp
53. Booking an appointment with a Career Counsellor (ammatinvalinnanohjaaja) at the Employment
Agency: www.mol.fi/mol/en/02_working/01_services/03_vocationalguidance/index.jsp
54. CV template in Finnish: www.infopankki.fi/File/
ad01bae8-3ff7-4d54-9eb2-2905698ef861/0/
cv_suomi.doc
55. Translation of the same template in the English
language: www.infopankki.fi/File/13ab88d7-a09f44fb-bddb-85464593e580/0/cv_englanti.doc
60 - Survival Guide
56. Instructions on how to draft a job application:
www.avosto.net/a-ura/opas/
57. Template of a typical job application in Finnish: www.infopankki.fi/File/49777739-674b-4fa884db-c3702091f369/0/hakemus_suomi.doc
58. Translation of the same template into the English language: www.infopankki.fi/File/62feda693a11-4f62-a57d-10febf414baf/0/hakemus_englanti.doc
59. How to prepare for a job interview: www.avosto.
net/a-ura/opas/
60. The Expat Finland website: www.expat-finland.
com/employment/finding_work.html
61. Career Choice Programme: www.mol.fi/avo/
avo.htm
62. Information on different professions at www.
ammattinetti.fi
63. Forssa Region Development Centre Ltd English
language web pages www.fskk.fi
64. Courses for entrepreneurs can be found on
various pages about training:
Employment Agency (Työvoimatoimisto): www.mol.
fi/mol/fi/tyovoimatoimistot.jsp
Kurssihaku (Course search): www.kurssihaku.fi/
showpage.action;jsessionid=6C9E2C895843392
EDE24988443EE5748.LB1?locale=en
Tieke (information about adult and personnel training): www.tieke.fi/in_english/
65. Enterprise in Finland (Yritys-Suomi): www.yrityssuomi.fi/default.aspx?nodeid=13019&lang=2&
PresLanId=2
66. Employment and Economic Development Centre (Työvoima ja elinkeinokeskus): www.te-keskus.
fi/Public/?area=7580&lang=2&PresLanId=2
67. Information about various methods of financing (Yritys-Suomi): www.yrityssuomi.fi/default.
aspx?nodeid=14415
68. Finnvera: www.finnvera.fi/eng
69. Information on the start-up grant:www.mol.fi/
mol/en/02_working/01_services/06_self_employment/index.jsp
70. Payroll support to assist in paying the
wages of employees: www.mol.fi/mol/fi/01_
tyonantajat/06_2rekrytoinnin_tuki/index.jsp
71. Employment and Economic Development Centre: www.te-keskus.fi/public/Default.aspx
72. Tax administration: www.vero.fi/default.
73. Information on unemployment benefit: www.
mol.fi
74. Kela website about unemployment benefit:
www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf/NET/0811011
50015EH?OpenDocument
75. Central Organisations for Trade Unions:
SAK (Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions):
www.sak.fi/english/whatsnew.jsp?location1=1&sl
2=1&lang=enhttp://www.sak.fi/englanti/
AKAVA (The Confederation of Unions for Academic
Professionals in Finland): www.akava.fi/pages/
english/index.asp
STTK (The Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees): www.sttk.fi/en-GB/
Trade Unions for Certain Professions:
PAM (Service Union United): www.pam.fi/in_english/
AKT (Finnish Transport Worker’s Union): www.akt.
fi/en
JHL (Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors):
www.jhl.fi/asp/system/empty.asp?P=216
&VID=default&SID=305296225257082&S=1
&C=27540
OAJ (Trade Union of Education in Finland): www.
oaj.fi/por tal/page?_pageid=515,452376&_
dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Metalliliitto (Metalworkers’ Union): www.metalliliitto.fi/portal/english/
76. SAK, STTK and AKAVA have co-produced a
Guide for Foreigners Working in Finland (pdf-format): www.sttk.fi/File/fe2af682-6fbf-4439-adf66e096060b221/ulkomopasengl.pdf
77. The trustee: trustee (luottamusmies): www.
kitkatta.net/valmis/kiikari/luottamus.html
and
www.tyoturva.fi/yhteistoiminta/henkilosto/ (also in
English)
78. Information on the employment relationship
and employment: www.mol.fi/mol/fi/02_tyosuhteet_ja_lait/011_tyosopimus/index.jsp (also in English)
79. Information on terms of employment in different industries:
Hotel and restaurant industry: www.pam.fi/in_english/rights_at_work/terms_of_employment_in_
the_hotel/
Commercial industry: www.pam.fi/in_english/
rights_at_work/terms_of_employment_in_the_
comme/
More information about the subject in English from
the Service Union United PAM website: www.pam.
fi/in_english/rights_at_work/
Construction industry: rakennusliitto-fi.directo.fi/
in_english/
Employment Contracts Act: www.finlex.fi/en/laki/
kaannokset/2001/20010055 Collective Agreements: www.finlex.fi/fi/viranomaiset/tyoehto/ (also
in English)
Survival Guide - 61
80. Information on taxation is available on the
Tax Administration Website: www.vero.fi/default.
81. The Expat Finland website with information in
English about taxation in Finland: expat-finland.
com/living_in_finland/tax.html
82. Information on retirement pension applications is available on the Kela website:
www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf/
NET/110702094641MH?openDocument
83. Information on pensions for civil servants and
entrepreneurs:
www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.
nsf/NET/081101151613EH?OpenDocument
84. Upper Secondary school in Forssa: www.forssanyhteislyseo.fi/
85. Vocational Institute (FAI) in Forssa: www.fai.fi
86. Vocational Adult Education Centre (FAK) in Forssa: www.fak.fi
87. HAMK University of Applied Sciences in Forssa:
www.hamk.fi
88. National Board of Education: www.oph.fi
89. “Home in Finland” guide contains information
on accommodation, education and social security
for immigrants in the English language: www.intermin.fi/intermin/images.nsf/files/32C10F6EF73C
BB46C22573A2002B4A04/$file/kotisuo_eng.pdf
90. Private medical center in Forssa: www.terveystalo.com
91. Information on the Occupational Health
Care Act (työterveyshuoltolaki) – only in Finnish:
www.kela.fi/in/internet/suomi.nsf/
Docs/260901131313K%C3%85
92. Information on accommodation, education and
social security for immigrants in the English language: www.intermin.fi/intermin/images.nsf/files/
32C10F6EF73CBB46C22573A2002B4A04/$file/
kotisuo_eng.pdf
93. Information on marriage (in the English language): www.om.fi/20501.htm
94. Pre-nuptial Agreement Model (in the Finnish
language): www.lakiopas.com/asiakirjamallit/mallit/rtf/avioehtosopimus.rtf
95. Information on marriage ceremonies for foreigners (in the English language): www.maistraatti.
fi
96. Information on divorce: www.om.fi/20517.htm
(in the English language)
97. Information on arbitration: www.om.fi/20518.
htm (in the English language)
98. Maternity Grant (äitiysavustus): www.kela.fi/in/
internet/english.nsf/NET/081101123937EH?ope
nDocument
99.
Maternity
Allowance
(äitiysraha):
www.kela.fi/in/internet/english.nsf/
NET/081101125811EH?openDocument
100. Having Children in Finland: pre20031103.
stm.fi/suomi/eho/julkaisut/mamuvauva/vauva_
englanti.pdf (in the English language)
101. Application forms for day care centres: www.
forssa.fi /forms (Lomakkeet)
102. A guide for services available for disabled
immigrants: www.tukikeskushilma.fi/images/stories/oppaat/hilma_english.pdf (in the English language)
103. National Women’s Line in Finland (Naisten
Linja): www.naistenlinja.com/en/index.html
104. The websites for refuges contain information
on places where the Violent Party can seek for help:
www.turvakoti.net/en/aggressors/
105. Lyömätön linja helps men that want to abandon their violent behaviour: www.lyomatonlinja.fi/
Sivusto/In%20english.html
106. Helpline - Online Service for Children and
Young People: www.lastenjanuortennetti.net/
107. Information on depression in the English language: www.tampere.fi/tiedostot/53SydIA1z/englanti_1.pdf
108. Information on trauma-related stress
in the English language: www.tampere.fi/
tiedostot/53Syf8YfL/englanti_2.pdf
109. AddictionLink (Päihdelinkki): Tests, discussions, chance to Ask Anonymous Questions of Experts, information for parents: www.paihdelinkki.fi/
english/
110. Information for those new to Finland concerning addiction services, what options you have and
your rights to treatment: www.paihdelinkki.fi/foreigner-info
111. Help in Money Matters: Papunet Spending
Guide (in plain Finnish): papunet.net/selko/arkipaiva/raha-asiat.html
112. The Ombudsman for Minorities is advancing
the status and legal protection of ethnic minorities
and foreigners as well as equality, non-discrimination and good ethnic relations in Finland: www.
vahemmistovaltuutettu.fi/intermin/vvt/home.nsf/
pages/index3
113. Labour Protection Authority: www.tyosuojelu.
fi/fi/workingfinland
114. A brochure on discrimination is available in
the English language: www.yhdenvertaisuus.fi/mp/
db/file_library/x/IMG/31805/file/Syrjintaopasenglantipaivitetty.pdf
115. There are many types of club activities in Forssa. For example, basketball (www.fokopo.fi , www.
forssanalku.fi ), ice-hockey (www.forssanpalloseura.fi , www.fopsjuniorit.fi ), football www.fjk.fi ), sali-
62 - Survival Guide
bandy/floorball (www.fosu.fi ), gymnastics (forssannaisvoimistelijat.sporttisaitti.com ) etc
116. Forssa Town Library: www.forssa.fi/kirjasto;
web: www.lounakirjastot.fi
Especial thanks for important basic information for
immigrants on the http://www.infopankki.fi/website.
Survival Guide - 63

information for immigrants moving to forssa region finland

Transcription

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