Support Services for Filipino Nurses in Finland

Healthcare Services

Access to public healthcare, including hospital and outpatient care.
Health insurance coverage for employed individuals.

Employment & Labor Rights

Finnish labor laws ensure fair wages and working conditions.You can get more information about Finnish Trade unions.

Housing & Financial Assistance

Guidance on rental housing through Kela (Social Insurance Institution).
Financial aid for families and students.

Language & Integration Support

Free Finnish language courses through local municipalities.
Integration programs to help nurses adapt to Finnish society.

FAQ

I Just moved to Finland for work, What should I do Next ?

After arriving in Finland, these are the initial steps you must follow.

  1. DVV Registration – In Finland, DVV (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto) stands for the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. DVV registration is the first and main step everyone must follow. You can make an appointment online and visit the DVV office as soon as you arrive in Finland. You should have a permanent address to live. In case you have a temporary address, you can still get the DVV registration, but once the address changes, you must inform DVV.
  2. KELA Registration – Kela (Kansaneläkelaitos) is the social insurance institution of Finland. It provides various supports and social security benefits to residents of Finland. After registration, you will receive two different KELA cards by post. One is for Finland, and the other you can use while traveling in EU areas. In most of the places you can find a KELA office close to DVV offices.
  3. Finnish ID Card – The Finnish Identity Card (Henkilökortti) is an official identification document issued by the Police of Finland. It is used for personal identification and electronic services. Once the DVV registration is done, you can book an appointment and visit the nearest police station to apply for an ID card. Some police stations provide services even without appointments. You can get information from the above link. You must bring a passport-size photo or photo code that you got from a Finnish photo studio. You have to pay 67 euros for an ID card, and its validity period expires as per your resident permit. You can collect the ID card usually within 1-2 weeks.
  4. Opening a Bank Account – There are lot of commercial banks operate in Finland such as S- Bank ,Nordea, OP, In some banks like Nordea, you must book appointments in advance to open a bank account. Some banks, like S- Bank,  you can open an account without an appointment. Bank charges depend on the bank and the type of account you select. You will receive the ATM card and required codes for online transactions separately by post to your registered address.
  5. Strong Identification – This is something you must have in Finland. It comes with the online credentials you get for your bank account. When you open the bank account, remember to request the strong identification facility. You can log in to most of the government/municipality services as well as other institutions online accounts using your online bank app by using strong identification, which means you do not need to create separate accounts for all the services. To get the strong identification, you must have your Finnish ID card.
  6. Tax Card – A tax card (verokortti) is an official document issued by the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero) that shows the tax rate (percentage) deducted from your salary or other income. It is required for all employees and self-employed individuals in Finland. You can order your tax card online or by visiting. It is recommended to visit for the first time, and you can get a clear idea about how tax systems work. Before applying for a tax card, you should estimate your annual income, and the tax rate depends on the estimated amount. Always try to manage it without exceeding the limit. You can change the estimated amount anytime by applying for a new tax card. In case you paid extra for a particular year, you will get the tax return next year. Every year you will receive a document to fill out for tax return.
  7. Exchanging Driving Licence – Since Finland and the Philippines are signatories to the Geneva and Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, you can use your Philippines driving license for up to two years in Finland. But it is strongly recommended to exchange it for a Finnish driving license. To exchange the driving license, you must get a medical certificate first and then visit the nearest Ajovarma office by making an appointment online. Don’t forget to bring the Medical certificate, passport-size photos , your passport, and the Philippines driving license. You have to pay 37 for this service. After handing over the Philippines driving license with the application form and other documents, you will get a temporary license document, and your driving license card will be received by post. It can take up to 3 months. 

Day Care, Pre-Primary Education and Primary Education.

  • If you have children below age 5, daycare facilities are available at municipal or private daycare centers (päiväkoti) or family daycare. You can select and apply for a day care facility. Private days are a bit expensive, but you can apply for a private day care allowance through KELA . If you select municipality day care, apply through your municipality. Example: Helsinki early childhood education. Municipality day cares are generally free, but it depends on your income, and you must submit an income declaration every year. Otherwise, you will receive a bill.
  • If you have a child at age 6, you have to apply for a pre-primary education. You can contact your municipality. Example: Helsinki City.
  • 7 Years +: Compulsory primary education begins. You can get more information at your municipality’s web site. Example: Helsinki City.

Child Benefits

Kela pays child benefit for children under 17 years of age who live in Finland. Amount depends on the number of kids in the family. These benefits are tax-free and are paid monthly for each child under the age of 17.

      • First child: €94.88
      • Second child: €104.84
      • Third child: €133.79
      • Fourth child: €173.24
      • Fifth and each additional child: €192.6

For children under 3 years old

      • An extra €26 per month per child under age 3.

For single parents

      • An additional €73.30 per month per child

Finland offers comprehensive support services for children with disabilities to ensure their well-being, education, healthcare, and social inclusion. The services are mainly provided by Kela, municipalities, and healthcare services.

Financial Support from Kela  

    • Disability Allowance for Children ( under 16 years) –Financial support based on the child’s care needs and disability severity.
    • Special Care Allowance  – If you work full-time, you can get special care allowance if you participate in the care or rehabilitation of the child for at least 4 hours (including travel). Apply here.

Health & Therapy Services

    • Public Healthcare (Through Municipalities) – Regular doctor visits, therapy (speech, occupational, physiotherapy).
    • Specialized Medical Care (HUS or Local Hospitals) – Neurology, developmental disorders, genetic conditions.
    • Rehabilitation Services  – Kela covers therapies if prescribed.
    • Assistive Devices – Free mobility aids, hearing aids, or visual aids from municipal health services.

Education and Daycare

    • Inclusive Early Childhood Education – Special support in daycare
    • Pre-primary Education  & Special Needs Support – Schools provide individualized learning plans.
    • School Transportation Support – Free transport for children with mobility issues.
    • Interpreter Services/Sign Language Training – If the child has hearing or communication disabilities.
  •  

Finland provides free healthcare services for children under 18 years old, including vaccinations, regular check-ups, and specialized medical care. These services are primarily provided by municipal healthcare centers (terveysasema), child health clinics (neuvola), and hospitals.

  • Vaccinations for Children – Finland’s National Vaccination Program offers free vaccines to all children. Vaccinations are given at Child Health Clinics (Neuvola) or at school health services. Contact your nearest child and maternity clinic (Neuvola). 
  • Regular Health Checkups – For babies and kids below age 6, they can get vaccinations and regular checkups like monitoring growth and development through Neuvola.  For school-age children, check-ups are provided by school nurses & doctors.
  • Dental Care – Municipal dental clinics (hammashoito ) provide regular check-ups and are free for kids under 18. Contact your municipality. Example: Helsinki 
  • Emergency & Urgent Care – If your child is sick and needs urgent care, call 116 117 (Free Medical Helpline, 24/7).

    Go to your nearest emergency clinic for urgent medical needs. Call 112 in a life-threatening emergency.

Kela (Social Insurance Institution of Finland) offers a wide range of services that contribute to your financial security and well-being. Here are some key benefits:

  • Healthcare Benefits: Kela helps cover the cost of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and some prescriptions. There are also reimbursements available for medical treatments abroad within the EU.
  • Sickness Benefits: If you fall ill and cannot work, Kela provides sickness allowances to compensate for lost wages. This is available after a waiting period and requires a medical certificate. Generally, your workplace will support you in getting this benefit.
  • Parental Benefits: If you have a child, Kela provides parental leave benefits, including maternity, paternity, and parental allowances.
  • Housing Allowances: Kela offers housing benefits to help with rent costs, based on income, family size, and rent. Since you are working as a nurse, you might not be eligible, but if you are living with your family , your spouse might be eligible to apply. Contact KELA for more information.
  • Unemployment Benefits: If you lose your job, you can apply for unemployment benefits through Kela. You will need to fulfill the criteria based on your work history and the type of benefits available.
  • Pension and Rehabilitation: Kela provides pensions for workers who have paid into the Finnish social security system. There are also rehabilitation benefits for those who need help returning to work after an illness or injury.

How to Apply: To apply for Kela benefits, you need to register as a resident in Finland and get a Kela card. Applications for benefits are made online through Kela’s website or at Kela offices.

Valvira (Sosiaali- ja terveysalan lupa- ja valvontavirasto) is the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health in Finland. It oversees healthcare, social services, and alcohol regulations to ensure safety and quality.  In Finland, practical nurses (lähihoitaja) and registered nurses (sairaanhoitaja) and other health professionals must be registered to work in healthcare. The registration is handled by Valvira. After moving to Finland, you must get your Valvira registration to legally work in your position. But you can work as a student nurse under supervision until you get registration with limitations such as drug administration.

The YKI test is Finland’s National Certificate of Language Proficiency, used to assess language skills in Finnish, Swedish, and other languages. To become a registered nurse and get the Valvira Registration, you must get level 3 (B1) language proficiency for all 4 modules (speaking, listening comprehension, writing, and reading comprehension) in one sitting. This is the same requirement you will need to apply for Finnish citizenship.

Register for the YKI test here.

  • Public Healthcare System: All residents of Finland, including foreign workers, have access to the public healthcare system. As an employed nurse, you can access a wide range of services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, specialized care, and outpatient treatments. These services are typically available for a nominal fee, and some services may be free depending on your municipality. To be eligible, you need to register with your local municipality and at KELA. You will be given a health insurance card (Kela card), which you’ll need to present when accessing services. Visit or contact your nearest health center (Terveysasemat).
  • Occupational Healthcare System: Occupational healthcare (työterveyshuolto) in Finland is a well-developed system that ensures employees receive preventive and primary health care services through their employers. Most of the time you can get these services through private healthcare providers (e.g. Terveystalo, Mehiläinen, Pihlajalinna ). Contact your workplace to get information about your occupational health care provider.
  • Private Healthcare System: The private healthcare system is easy to access with little to no waiting time, but it is expensive in Finland unless you have proper medical insurance.

The TE Offices (Employment and Economic Development Offices) provide services to help you integrate into the Finnish labor market, especially for immigrants and foreign workers. If you are directly coming to Finland to work or study, you are not eligible for the integration program, but in case you lose your job, you can register as a job seeker at the TE office, and also if you are coming with your family, your spouse can get some of their services. Some of their key services include:

  • Job Search Assistance: TE Offices offer free career counseling, job-searching support, and advice on how to adapt your resume and cover letter for the Finnish job market.
  • Language Training: They provide access to Finnish language courses that help to develop the language skills needed for both personal and professional life in Finland. These courses are offered through municipalities and other training providers.
  • Workplace Integration: TE Offices offer integration programs that help newcomers adjust to the Finnish workplace, which can include guidance on understanding Finnish labor laws, workplace culture, and rights and responsibilities.
  • Unemployment Support: If you are unemployed, TE Offices will assist you in applying for unemployment benefits and help you find a new job. They also provide information on social benefits available to those seeking employment.
  • Training and Courses: TE offices often provide or refer individuals to vocational training programs, adult education opportunities, and career development courses to enhance job skills and marketability.
  • Start-up Support: If you are thinking of starting a business, TE Offices offer guidance on creating a business plan, navigating legal regulations, and finding financial support.

How to Access: To access TE services, you need to register as a job seeker with your local TE Office. You can find more information on their website and book appointments for consultations and workshops.

Trade unions play a crucial role in advocating for nurses in Finland, ensuring fair wages, working conditions, and professional rights. They offer legal support, collective agreements, and professional training. Some of the main trade unions for nurses are:

  • Tehy (Union of Health and Social Care Professionals)
  • Superliitto (Finnish Union of Practical Nurses) (Suomen lähi- ja perushoitajaliitto SuPer)
  • JHL (Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors (Julkisten ja hyvinvointialojen liitto)
How to Join a Nurse’s Union?
 
  • Visit the union’s website and apply online.
  • Pay the membership fee (usually 1–1.5% of salary, tax-deductible).
  • Choose if you want unemployment fund membership (optional but recommended).
  • Filipino Nurses Association in the Nordic Region (FiNAN): FiNAN collaborates with Filipino nurses in Finland and other Nordic countries. They focus on advocacy, policy improvement, and community building among Filipino healthcare professionals.
  • The Society of Filipino Nurses in Finland (SocFiN) : This operates under the umbrella of the Filipino Nurses Association in the Nordic Region (FiNAN), a registered non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Filipino nurses across the Nordic countries. You can visit the official websites of FiNAN to join as a member and participate in their activities and programs.
  • Finnish Nurses Association: Finnish Nurses Association is a professional community of nurses that provides professional support from study to work, develops nursing, influences education, and boldly promotes nurses’ roles in the workplace and society.
  • Sjuksköterskeföreningen i Finland rf (SFF) : This organization is available for Swedish-speaking nurses. If you are working in a Swedish hospital, you can refer to the SFF website for more information.
  • Finnish Operating Room Nurses Association (FORNA) :  This association provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development support for registered nurses with an interest in perioperative nursing.
  • The Finnish Association of Public Health Nurses (Terveydenhoitajaliitto ) : The Finnish Association of Public Health Nurses is the professional association and trade union for public health nurses and audiologists, as well as students of the field.
  • Finnish Oncology Nursing Society (Suomen Syöpäsairaanhoitajat ) : The Finnish Oncology Nurses Association promotes the professional competence of nurses caring for cancer patients.
  • The Finnish Association of Occupational Health Nurses : The Finnish Association of Occupational Health Nurses is the only trade union in Finland that has focused exclusively on advocacy for occupational health nurses.
  • Finnish Association of Urological Nurses (Urhot RY): Finnish Association of Urological Nurses Urhot RY is a national non-profit association to develop urological nursing nationwide as well as maintaining urological nurses’ professional careers. 
  • Municipal Integration Programs: Many Finnish municipalities offer free Finnish language courses as part of their integration services. These programs help immigrants learn Finnish for daily life, work, and social integration. Some municipalities offer tailored courses for healthcare professionals, but if you are directly coming to work as a nurse, you are not eligible for access to the TE office language program.
  • Private Language Schools: In addition to municipal programs, there are private language schools that offer intensive Finnish language courses.
  • Finnishcourses.fi : Finnishcourses.fi website that publishes information about Finnish and Swedish courses in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. It also lists a wide range of online courses.
  • Through Universities : In Finland, most of the universities and universities of applied sciences provide Finnish courses for immigrants. You can visit university websites for more information; here are some links: Helsinki University , Metropolia University of Applied Science, Aalto University , University of Oulu, and Savonia University of Applied Science .
  • Local Community Support: Community organizations like BIBAK Suomi provide cultural activities that help you stay connected with Filipino traditions and meet other immigrants, which can help you adjust socially.
  • Functionally Bilingual Nursing Education (TOKASA): Developed by Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, this model integrates Finnish language learning into nursing studies. International students can pursue a nursing degree while simultaneously acquiring Finnish language skills, facilitating smoother integration into Finnish society and the healthcare workforce. ​
  • CultureExpert Project: Developed by the University of Oulu, this initiative created a model, digital network, and virtual reality learning environment to assist immigrant nurses and nursing students in integrating into Finnish working life. Although the project’s active phase concluded in February 2023, its resources may still be accessible for ongoing support. Read about the project.
  • The Society of Filipino Nurses in Finland (SocFiN) : This association provides peer support, mentoring, and collaborates on integration initiatives within the Finnish social and healthcare systems in collaboration with the Filipino Nurses Association in the Nordic Region (FiNAN).

Maintaining mental well-being is crucial for healthcare professionals. Finland provides various mental health services:

  • Public Mental Health Services: Available through your local health center (terveysasemat). These services offer assessments, therapy, and referrals to specialized care.
  • MIELI – Finnish Association for Mental Health : MIELI offers crisis support and mental health services. They provide a helpline and offer assistance in multiple languages, including English.If you experience a crisis, the MIELI Crisis Helpline (09 2525 0113) is available for immediate assistance.
  • Occupational Health Services: You are entitled to occupational health care through your employer, which normally includes mental health counseling and stress management programs. Get information about your occupational health care service from your employer.
  • HelsinkiMissio’s Youth Crisis Point: HelsinkiMissio provides free counseling and crisis services for individuals, including in English.

If you are working in Finland and become pregnant, you are entitled to maternity benefits, healthcare services, and parental leave. Finland provides strong support for pregnant individuals and families through Kela, municipal healthcare, and employment laws. Contact your local Neuvola (Maternity Clinic) after confirming your pregnancy.

Maternity Healthcare Services 

  • Free pregnancy check-ups at Neuvola (Maternity Clinic)
  • Screening tests & ultrasounds 
  • Public hospital childbirth services
  • Postnatal care and support
Maternity Package or Cash Benefit
 
You can choose between 
  • Maternity Package  – A box with baby clothes, blankets, and essentials.
  • €170 tax-free cash benefit instead of the package.
  • You can apply after completing 5 months of pregnancy (154 Days)
Pregnancy Leave and Pregnancy Allowance
 
  • A pregnant parent is entitled to pregnancy leave. The length of the pregnancy leave is 40 working days. You can start your pregnancy leave 14–30 working days before the expected due date of the baby, but the leave must start no later than 14 working days before the estimated date. You will receive a pregnancy allowance for the duration of your pregnancy leave. The pregnancy allowance is only paid to the pregnant parent. You can apply for your pregnancy allowance from Kela after your pregnancy has lasted 154 days. You must apply for your pregnancy allowance within two months of the start of your pregnancy leave at the latest.
Parental Leave and Allowance
 
  • Parental allowance for one child is paid for a total of 320 working days. If a child has two parents, each parent can get parental allowance for 160 working days. You can give up and turn over a maximum of 63 working days of your quota of 160 parental allowance days to another person who is caring for the child. Single parents can use both 320 days alone. Family structure does not affect your right to parental allowance. A parent may be the biological or adoptive parent of a child.
Employer Responsibilities & Your Job
 
  • You must inform your employer about your pregnancy at least 2 months before maternity leave.
  • Your job is protected by law – your employer cannot fire you due to pregnancy.
  • BIBAK Suomi: Focuses on preserving the Igorot and Cordilleran cultures. We also offer support for Filipino immigrants, including nurses, to help with social and cultural integration.
  • Finnish-Philippine Association ry (FPA) – The aim of the association is to promote social interaction between the members, assist Filipinos in the Finnish way of life, and act as ambassadors of goodwill, showcasing Filipino traditions and cultures to the Finnish people.
  • Filipinos Community in Finland Ry (FILCOM) –FILCOM serves as a community hub for Filipino expatriates, offering social, cultural, and community support.
  • Philippine Business Club Finland (PBC Finland): Provide opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs in Finland to connect, engage with a community, learn, and grow their businesses.
  • Filipino Association in Tampere ry (FilTre): FilTre aims to promote Filipino culture and advocate for cultural diversity within the Finnish community. The association focuses on community building, cultural promotion, and the support and empowerment of Filipinos living in Finland. 
  • Filipino LGBT Finland: Filipino LGBT Finland , This networking and support group caters to the Filipino LGBT community residing in Finland. It facilitates connections, shares information, and provides a platform for experiences within the community, welcoming all individuals across the gender spectrum.
  • Finnish-Philippine Society (Filippiinit-seura ry): The Finnish-Philippine Society promotes friendship and solidarity between the Finnish and Philippine peoples; it also supports the education of children of human rights abuse victims in the Philippines and helps Filipinos integrate into Finland through language courses and counselling. It is also an umbrella organization of Moneheli.
  • Overseas Workers Welfare Administration ( OWWA) : OWWA is a government agency under the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It is responsible for providing welfare and social services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
  • EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES , HELSINKI, FINLAND – The Philippine Embassy in Helsinki provides a range of services to Filipino citizens and others, including consular services, visa services, immigration services, notarial services, and community services.

If you arrived to Finland as a practical nurse with a university bachelor’s degree, You can participate in a bridging program to equalize your non-EU qualifications to become a registered nurse and get the Valvira registration. 

If you arrived in Finland with a diploma/degree or some recognized qualifications or if you have already earned some qualifications in Finland, you can apply for a nursing top-up degree program. Several universities of applied science offer nursing top-up degrees.

If you do not have any of the above qualifications, but if you have completed upper secondary education in your country, you can register for a bachelor’s degree in Finland in the English or Finnish language. There are two intakes per year, spring and autumn. 

If you have already completed your bachelor’s or you are working as a registered nurse in Finland, you can start your master’s level education. Most of the above-mentioned universities have master programs in nursing, but to do a master’s in a university of applied science in Finland, you must have two years of working experience after graduation. You can do the master’s at a university like Helsinki University without work experience requirements, but you must have strong language skills. For example, to do a master’s at Helsinki University in the Finnish language , you must have level 4 (B2) language proficiency in the YKI test. Check the above-mentioned study info website for more information.

Here are some must-have apps to make life easier in Finland, whether for healthcare, banking, transportation, or everyday services. Most of the apps can be downloaded in Google Play store and App store. 

Official

  • Suomi.fi – Official government services.
  • 112 Suomi – Mobile app for calling the emergency number and locating callers’ locations and public alerts.

Health & Education

  • Maisa – For Health related (used in Helsinki and Uusimaa region).
  • Tervestalo/ Omamehiläinen – To access your occupational health care services.
  • Wilma – Used by schools to communicate with parents.
Finance
 
  • Your Banks App (OP, Nordea, Danske Bank, S-Pankki, etc.) – For Manging your Finance
  • Mobile Pay – To send and receive money easily without sharing your bank details
  • Epassi – In finland most of the employers provide some benefits though epassi. contact your employer for more information.

Transport

  • HSL – Public transport in the Helsinki region. (You can find your regional transports app.)
  • VR Matkalla – Buy train tickets across Finland.
  • Oma Posti – National Postal service
  • Matkahuolto Trips and Tickets – Book long-distance bus tickets.
  • Onnibus Bus Ticket Store – Book long distance bus tickets 
  • Maps Me – Nowadays everyone uses Google Maps. In Finland you can use Maps.me since the entire country has been properly mapped using open street maps. 
  • Bolt / Urber / Yango – Taxi Servises
Shopping and Grocery
 
  • S-mobiili – Discounts & offers for S-group stores (Prisma, S-Market)
  • LIDL Plus – Discounts & offers fro LIDL stores
  • K-Ruoka – K-Market offers & online grocery shopping
  • Wolt / Foodora – Food delivery from restaurants.
Parking Apps
 
  • Easy Park
  • Aimo
  • ParkMan
  • Moovy
  • AutoPay


This website was created by Tiloka Edogage and Uditha Siriwardhanage, students at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, as part of their thesis project.

Back to Home