Settling in Espoo
Local information
Select your municipality in order to see information about local services when browsing the site.
Services that facilitate integration
Information service for immigrants
At the information service for immigrants, you can ask about several Espoo services and receive help for dealing with the authorities.
Iso Omena
Service Centre
Suomenlahdentie 1
02230 Espoo
Tel. 040 636 8097
Service Point
Information on Espoo’s services is available from the Service Points (Asiointipiste) of the City of Espoo. The Service Points are located throughout the city. More detailed contact information can be found on the website of the City of Espoo.
The shared phone number for the Service Points is: 09 816 57070 and e-mail: info(at)espoo.fi.
Chat services
You can also ask about City services in the chat, that is, by typing into the chat window.
Kivenkolo
The Kivenkolo Community Centre is an active "living room" open to everyone, where you can receive advice and guidance in various languages. Kivenkolo is located in Espoonlahti.
Kivenkolo
Merisaapas 1 A
02070 Espoon kaupunki
Tel. 050 300 6093
Starttipiste for young adults
Starttipiste in Ohjaamotalo offers guidance and counselling for young people under the age of 20 without an appointment.
Leppävaara Starttipiste
Ohjaamotalo
Lintuvaarantie 2 A
02650 Espoo
Iso Omena Starttipiste
Palvelutori
Suomenlahdentie 1
02230 Espoo
Ohjaamotalo’s service number: 040 126 7513
Trapesa
The international meeting point Trapesa offers counselling services. Book an appointment in advance. The association also has an open living room and organises Finnish language discussion groups and diverse events.
Trapesa
Kirkkojärjventie 1
Espoo station bridge
02770 Espoo
Tel. 010 583 7971
E-mail: info(at)trapesa.com
Immigrant Services
Immigrants can also contact Espoo Immigrant Services (Maahanmuuttajapalvelut). The information service provides advice and guidance without having to make an appointment. Guidance is given in several different languages.
Immigrant Services
Pyyntitie 3
02230 Espoo
Tel. (09) 81621
Hello Espoo
Hello Espoo is an English-language website providing information on services in Espoo for those planning to move to Espoo and for new Espoo residents.
International House Helsinki
If you have recently moved into the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, you can receive guidance and public services in one place at International House Helsinki (IHH).
At International House Helsinki, you can:
- seek free guidance and information related to moving in several languages
- register your right of residence if you are a citizen of an EU country
- apply for a Finnish personal identity code, register as a resident and report your address information
- apply for a tax card and receive guidance on taxation
- search for information about Finnish social security and benefits
- receive guidance on TE services and searching for work
- receive guidance on earnings-related pension and information on the A1 certificate
- receive help with finding employment
- receive guidance on day-care and school places for families
- receive support from the Spouse Program network for the spouses of foreigners who have moved to Helsinki, Espoo or Vantaa for work
- attend free-of-charge Newcomer information sessions in English that provide support and advice on what to do before and after arriving in Finland. The events are held online.
Address:
Lintulahdenkuja 2 D, 2nd floor
00530 Helsinki
International House Helsinki
IHH – a service point for people moving to FinlandLink redirects to another websiteInternational House Helsinki
Newcomer Information SessionsLink redirects to another websiteInitial assessment and integration plan
The initial assessment is conducted by Espoo Immigrant Services or the adult social work office.
Espoo Immigrant Services also assist immigrants in other matters related to living in Finland.
When you register as a job seeker, an employee of the Employment and Economic Development Office will complete an initial assessment with you and prepare an integration plan. The Espoo office is located in Leppävaara.
Espoo Employment and Economic Development Office
Upseerinkatu 3 B
02600 Espoo
Ministry of Employment and the Economy
The employment and economic development offices of UusimaaLink redirects to another websiteRead more: Integration into Finland
Do you need an interpreter?
If you do not speak Finnish or Swedish, you can use an interpreter when dealing with the authorities. In some cases, the authorities may provide the interpreter. If so, the interpreting services will not cost you anything.
“Authorities” here refers to the police, Kela, the Employment and Economic Development Office or an official of the City of Espoo, among others.
However, authorities do not always pay for the interpreter. This is why you must always ask beforehand whether or not the interpreting services are paid for.
You can employ the services of an interpreter at any time if you pay the costs and book one yourself.
You can request more information on interpreting services from Espoo Immigrant Services, for example.
Read more: Do you need an interpreter?
The Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters
Search for an interpreter or a translatorLink redirects to another websiteFinancial problems
In Finland, you can get help and advice with financial matters if you have money problems.
Read more: Financial problems
If you are out of money or in debt, contact the Public Legal Aid Office’s financial and debt counselling. The service is free of charge.
Länsi-Uusimaa Legal Aid Office
Piispansilta 9 B
02230 Espoo
tel. 029 56 61827
e-mail: lansi-uusimaa.velkaneuvonta(at)oikeus.fi