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Here we have gathered information for you who are about to move to Åland from another Nordic country. Use the welcome guide as a starting point, but keep in mind that it is important to find out what applies to your specific situation.
Welcome Guide NORDIC (in Swedish) (pdf)
There are some things you should do before your move, and other things that are good to think through and prepare before the actual moving day.
The chances of finding a job in Åland are good! Contact the Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services (AMS), which offers guidance in education and employment for adults in Åland. At AMS you can get information about job vacancies and answers to your questions and concerns about work and study options.
Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services (AMS) tel. +358 18 25501 info@ams.ax www.ams.ax
Search among job vacancies in Åland.
You can also use the European Commission's employment network EURES to look for jobs in Åland.
Applying for a job in Åland – information from Info Norden.
Visit our career and job pages here at Åland Living.
Difficult words on ams.ax? Here you will find a glossary!
When you work in Åland you need a tax card, which you give to your employer. The tax card states your tax rate, or how much tax you must pay on your income. You apply for a tax card via the Åland tax authority.
The Tax Office in the State Department of Åland, Torggatan 16, Mariehamn. Tel. +358 29 497 094 switchboard.
If you move from another place in Finland, you can order a new tax card via MyTax.
If you work in Finland for 6 months or less, you have a limited tax liability – read more about general and limited tax liability (withholding tax).
A tax return is the information that a taxable individual or legal entity submits to the tax authority once a year to determine how much tax the taxpayer must pay. The same year you move to Åland, you must declare your income in both your country of departure and your country of arrival. You can submit the declaration to the country of departure before you move.
To avoid losing your tax refund, salary, payslip and any holiday pay, you should declare your current bank account to both the tax authority of the country you are leaving and your previous employer. This will also make future tax matters easier. A change of address to the tax authority is made in connection with the notification of move.
Contact the Åland tax office for more information.
In some regulated professions, such as healthcare, you need special professional rights (validation) to work in Åland and in Finland. If you have obtained your degree or professional certificate in a country other than Finland, you may therefore need to apply for professional rights. You can do this with the authority responsible for the recognition of your specific profession.
Apply for recognition at:National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health.
Government of Åland (e.g. teaching degree, social worker degree).
Åland Upper Secondary School – adult education (validation of other education).
The National Food Agency.
Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom).
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has gathered information about what is good to know and think about when you come to Finland and Åland to work:
Different language versions of the guide "Working in Finland"
Also read the brochure on the Working Time Act with information from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration monitors the work ability and well-being of employees.
More information:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's national telephone helpline.
You apply for basic unemployment allowance and labour market support (general support from 01.05.2026) at the Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services (AMS).
AMS also handles the duties of the employment authority in Åland. You therefore register as a jobseeker with AMS.
You apply for earnings-related daily allowance through your own unemployment fund.
An unemployment fund (A-kassa) is unemployment insurance and acts as basic insurance for your salary. Contact your current unemployment fund for information on what applies when you move to Åland.
All unemployment funds in Finland are listed here.
Åland has a long tradition of entrepreneurship and warmly welcomes like-minded people.
Read more about how to start your own business in Åland at Åland Living.
Ålands Näringsliv offers support and help to those who want to start a business.
Business exchange – companies for sale.
Individuals, companies and other entities wishing to carry out business activities in Åland must have a business licence before starting their business activities.
Natural persons as well as companies and other entities are required to apply for a business licence from the Government of Åland.
In order for a business licence to be granted, the company's operating language in Åland must be Swedish.
If you have questions about business licences, you can contact the Government of Åland.
Read more about business licences at Ålands Näringsliv.
The Tax Border Office makes everyday life easier for businesses in Åland through advice, information and advocacy on tax border matters. The office also handles contact between companies and authorities.
The free tax border advisory service is primarily aimed at businesses, but also welcomes private individuals who have general questions about how the tax border system works.
Read more about the tax border office at Ålands Näringsliv.
In Åland you are always close to the sea, close to work, close to school and close to friends. Distances are short and traffic jams are rare. Whether you want to rent or own your home, the options are many – from houses with private gardens to semi-detached houses and modern apartments.Some employers may also help arrange accommodation. To find housing you can advertise free of charge on Aland.com's listing website www.aland.com/marknaden. There you can also read the rental ads. Also check the Facebook groups "Bostäder på Åland" or "Inflyttade ålänningar – New in Åland" for rental and owner-occupied housing.
Rental housingRental housing in Åland mainly consists of apartments owned by large Åland companies such as banks, insurance companies and shipping companies. The City of Mariehamn, through its real estate company Marstad, owns many properties in Mariehamn. Many rental properties are in smaller buildings with only 4–5 apartments, often owned by private individuals or smaller real estate companies.
Here we have gathered information for those who want to rent accommodation.
Buying a homeWhen you move to Åland you can buy a house or plot of land in a planned area or in a village centre even without the right of domicile, if you first apply for a land acquisition permit. Buying a house for permanent residence in a nearby area is also possible even if it is not a planned area. Most residential areas are scenic and close to nature, some with sea views and boat moorings.
Another option is a share apartment where you own shares in the property even without a land acquisition permit or right of domicile. Always check what applies to the specific property you are interested in.
Here we have gathered information for those who want to buy a home.
Also visit fastigheter.ax, where you can find properties from all brokers.
Right-of-occupancy housingRight-of-occupancy housing is a form of housing in Åland that combines the best of renting and owning. The model is based on a one-time payment and a monthly fee, and is open to everyone without any special membership requirements. As a right-of-occupancy holder, you pay a basic share that usually corresponds to 15% of the property's original construction cost, while the remaining part is financed through loans taken out by the right-of-occupancy association. The monthly usage fee is calculated on a cost-price basis, meaning the fee is set based on the association's actual expenses.The right-of-occupancy association aims to offer quality and secure housing at a reasonable cost. The association is open to everyone and no special membership requirements apply.
Read more at Ålands Bostadsrättsförening.
Building your own homeFor those who want to build their own house, the options are the same as for those who want to buy. This means you can build without the right of domicile in planned residential areas, in village centres or similar local areas. To buy land without the right of domicile, you must first apply for a land acquisition permit. When buying land for your own home, the Government of Åland generally always grants a land acquisition permit provided you meet the conditions.
Most municipalities in Åland offer plots for building your own house for permanent residence.
Contact details and information on permanent settlement areas can be found on each municipality's own website.
Contact the National Land Survey (Lantmäteriverket) in Mariehamn.
Start by contacting the authorities in your home country to find out what information they need from you before you move.
The population register, known in Finland as the population register or the Population Information System, is a national electronic basic register containing up-to-date personal data on Finnish citizens and foreigners residing permanently or temporarily in Finland.
If you move to Åland from a Nordic country, you must notify the Magistrate at the State Department of Åland, which is the registration authority in Åland. You must show identification, either a passport or an identity card issued by the police. If you are moving with minor children, the parents and guardians must be stated on the identity document, or the child must have their own identity documents.
State Department of Åland.
Contact details for moving companies in Åland.
When you move to Åland from the Nordic countries or from mainland Finland, it is good to know that Åland has a tax border with the rest of the EU. This means that all goods brought across the tax border, including removal goods, need to be presented to Customs on arrival.
Removal goods are items you have owned and used in your household and that you bring with you when moving to Åland.
Contact Customs in Mariehamn for information on how the customs clearance works in your case.
More information can be found on the Customs website under "Movers".
If you move permanently to Åland and bring a car or other vehicle, this involves a cost. The vehicle must be cleared through customs and car tax must be paid when the car is put into use and registered in Finland/Åland.
Step 1 – Contact CustomsWhen you bring your car on a permanent move to Åland, it must be cleared through customs. Customs will give you instructions on how the import process works and what applies in your case.
Otherwise, you can contact Customs in Mariehamn on arrival in Åland and inform them that you have a car with you.
Åland Customs District, tel. +358 (0)295 5200 (Customs switchboard).
Step 2 – Pay car tax – contact the Tax OfficeSince the car is put into use in Finland, car tax must also be paid, which is administered by the Tax Administration. From the Tax Administration you can get information on how to make the car tax declaration and what the tax will be.
Service number for private individuals at the Finnish Tax Administration.
More information: Read more about "Car tax – when importing or registering a vehicle not registered in Finland" at Skatt.fi.
Using the Car Tax Calculator at Skatt.fi you can get an estimate of how much car tax will be when importing the car to Åland/Finland.
At Skatt.fi you can find tables of the taxable values applied to cars that others have previously imported to Åland/Finland.
Step 3 – Register the car in ÅlandOnce customs clearance and car tax are done, the vehicle must be registered with the Vehicle Authority in Åland before it is used. This also applies to those moving from Finland.
Detailed information on how to proceed can be found on the Vehicle Authority's page under "Vehicles".
More information: Import of vehicles from Finland.
Import of vehicles from abroad.
Here you can read more about the rules that apply to you if you work remotely and drive a foreign-registered car in Åland.
See also Info Norden for more information on importing cars, vans and motorcycles to Åland.
Find out what rules and vaccinations apply to you if you are moving with your pet.
Contact the small animal clinic Zoodiaken at the Åland Environmental and Health Protection Authority (ÅMHM) tel. +358 18 21000 for more information about importing pets.
Also visit the Finnish Food Authority for more information on importing pets.
The Nordic Council of Ministers' information service Info Norden works to make it easier for individuals to move freely in the Nordic region by providing information about current Nordic regulations regarding, among other things, relocation, commuting, or studies.
On Info Norden's web pages, you will find general information about the Nordic countries' regulations and authorities, including Åland. You will also find practical information about what you need to do when you are going to move, work, start your own business, or study in another Nordic country.
Some things on the checklist you do when you are in Åland. Here is our reminder list!
Moving within FinlandIf you are moving within Finland, you can submit your notification of move at www.alandpost.ax or by visiting the Post Office at Nygatan 6, Mariehamn in person.
Notification of move online via Åland Post.
You can also visit the State Department of Åland, Torggatan 16 B in Mariehamn. Or you can submit your notification of move digitally using Finnish Bank ID.
Read more about the notification of move at the State Department.
Moving within the Nordic countriesOnce you have moved to Åland, you must submit a notification of move within one week to the Magistrate at the State Department of Åland, Torggatan 16 B, Mariehamn. The notification of move must be made in person. Bring a valid ID document. If you are moving with minor children, the parents and guardians must be stated on the identity document, or the child must have their own identity documents.
Read more about how to register your move at DVV – Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
For stays of 3 to 12 months, you must report a temporary move. Nordic citizens do this at the Magistrate at the State Department in Mariehamn (bring ID), at the Åland Post Office or at www.alandpost.ax.
If you move to Åland temporarily for less than a year (for example for work or studies), you will get a temporary social security number and your municipality of residence will not change.
If you work in Åland for less than 3 months, you do not need to submit a notification of move.
As a Nordic citizen, you should only be registered in one of the Nordic countries. If you divide your time between two countries, you should be registered in the country where you live most of the time, at least 183 days/year.
Once you have submitted your notification of move, you will receive your Finnish personal identity code. At the same time, you will be registered in the Population Information System. The personal identity code is a means of identification that individualises citizens in a way that is better than by name alone.
The personal identity code has eleven characters that are formed based on your date of birth and gender (DDMMYYSNNNK). The first six digits are the date of birth in the order day-month-year. You need a personal identity code to deal with authorities, banks and your employer.If you move to Åland temporarily with the intention of staying less than 1 year, you can apply for a personal identity code for example for work or studies.
When you get a Finnish personal identity code, it does not affect personal identity codes you have received in other countries. You use the Finnish personal identity code in Finland and the personal identity codes valid in other countries in those countries.
Read more about how to get a personal identity code in Åland at Info Norden.
You need to be a Finnish citizen to apply for a passport in Åland and in Finland.If you are a foreign national, you may be granted an identity card if:
When applying, you must present a valid passport or identity card to apply for a Finnish identity card. If you do not have one, you must present a valid residence permit card or residence card.
You can renew or apply for a passport, ID card or identification via the police's e-service or by visiting Strandgatan 27 in Mariehamn in person.
If you are not a Finnish citizen, you will need to contact the embassy or passport-issuing authorities of the country of your citizenship
The right to social security benefits is based on whether you live or work in Åland or in Finland.
FPA (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland)It is the Social Insurance Institution FPA that manages social insurance for people living in Finland.Social security benefits include:
When applying for a benefit, you must also notify your move to Åland using form Y77r, Moving to Finland.Download the form from FPA's website.
Contact details for FPA Åland: Visiting address: Nygatan 7A in Mariehamn. Postal address for submitting documents: FPA, PO Box 10, 00056 FPA.If you have bank codes/BankID from an Åland/Finnish bank, you can apply through FPA's e-service. Take me to FPA's e-service
More information: For more information on applying for and conditions for social security benefits, see "From abroad to Finland" or contact FPA's service number for relocation issues tel. +358 (0)20 634 0300.
See also the Centre for International Affairs.
Are you going to work remotely? Here you can read more about social security benefits at Åland Living.
AMS (Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services)AMS handles employment and business matters as well as certain study benefits in Åland. Contact AMS if:
Read more at ams.ax and studiestod.ax
KST (Municipal Social Services)You apply for basic income support, maternity allowance and adoption support at KST.Read more at kst.ax
Home municipalityYou apply for home care allowance at your home municipality in Åland.
Suomi.fi is Finland's shared platform for public e-services. There you can log in securely with strong electronic identification, use the authorities' digital services, read certain official mail, manage authorisations and check register information. Some important mail is also sent via the digital mailbox Kivra.fi, which is used by many authorities and companies.Read more at Suomi.fi.Read more at Kivra.fi.
Start by contacting your new home municipality when you have moved to Åland. The municipality can, among other things, help you find housing and answer questions about school and childcare.
Contact your home municipality or AMS if you need further help settling in Åland. They will make an initial assessment of your education, work background and language skills to see what you need to integrate and enter the labour market. If needed, you will receive a personal integration plan with support so that you can learn Swedish and become part of society. The integration plan can also be made for the whole family and should be evaluated regularly.
Contact AMS or your home municipality for more information.
Swedish is the official language of Åland, so learning Swedish is very useful. The Citizens' Institute in Mariehamn (Medis) organises courses in Swedish for newcomers (SFI).
Swedish language courses in Åland (SFI).
Information on integration training and courses at regeringen.ax.
Swedish for newcomers (SFI and SIA) at ams.ax.
If you want to start learning Swedish on your own before your move, you can search for digital courses and resources online.
www.hejsvenska.se
www.uttal.se
You need a bank account to enable your employer to pay your salary. Check with your employer whether the account you already have will work or whether it is better to open an account with a bank in Åland. This applies primarily to those moving to Åland from a country other than Finland.The following banks have offices in Åland:
Read more about bank accounts in Åland at Info Norden.
When you work in Åland you need a tax card, which you give to your employer. The tax card states your tax rate, or how much tax you must pay on your income. You apply for a tax card via the Åland tax authority. Bring a valid ID document.
The Tax Office in the State Department of Åland, Torggatan 16, Mariehamn. Tel. +358 29 512 001 switchboard.
Read more about tax cards at Skatt.fi.
To get an estimate of your income tax in Åland, you can use the Tax Percentage Calculator.To the Tax Percentage Calculator at Skatt.fi.
The following taxes are deducted from your salary in Finland:
If you are living temporarily in ÅlandIf you work in Åland for less than six months, there are two options for taxation:
For more detailed information on taxation, contact the Tax Office in Mariehamn, tel. +358 29 512 001.Read more on the Tax Administration website, Åland Tax Office.Are you going to work remotely? Here you can read more about taxation of remote work at Åland Living.
To avoid losing your tax refund, salary, payslip and any holiday pay, remember to notify your current bank account to both the tax authority of the country you are leaving and your previous employer. This will also make future tax matters easier.
Trade unions look after the interests of their members and represent workers in matters relating to pay and working conditions. Trade unions protect workers' rights and pay unemployment benefits. Each sector of work has its own trade union.
Contact the person appointed as the union representative when you start at your new workplace.
Read more about trade unions in Åland.About Åland unemployment benefits.
At Ålcom and Midax you can sign up for mobile and internet subscriptions and order broadband. IP Connect also offers broadband.Finland's country code is 358 and Åland's area code is 018. From Sweden, for example, you dial +358 18 12345.
To call abroad, dial "00" (or "+" if you are using a mobile phone) followed by the country code. If you call Sweden, for example, you dial 0046 08 123456.
Visit the Åland Municipal Federation for information on municipal technology and other activities.
A media fee is paid by everyone who is at least 18 years old, has their home municipality in Åland and earns over €14,000 a year. The media fee is deducted in connection with income taxation.Here you can read more about the media fee in taxation.Media in Åland:
As a property owner, you receive an annual property tax assessment and pay property tax.Read more about property taxation in Åland.
When you have found your home, it is a good idea to take out home insurance. Home insurance protects your home and its contents. Home insurance is sold by insurance companies.
In Åland you can take out home insurance with the following insurance companies, which also offer other types of insurance, for example personal and car insurance:
Ömsen försäkringarPohjola FörsäkringLokaltapiola Åland
To contribute to a more sustainable environment, it is important to sort your waste at home before you throw it away. The sorting instructions differ slightly in different parts of Åland. The instructions are usually found at the waste containers at your home. Contact your home municipality or landlord if you do not know how to sort your waste.
Mise – Ålands MiljöserviceHere you will find companies and organisations in the field of waste management and recycling in Åland.
Åland Post manages postal services in Åland. There are post offices or postal agents in most municipalities. As Åland is outside the EU's tax union, goods sent to Åland must be cleared through customs. This also applies to goods coming from EU countries.
Here you can read more about postal services and other things that concern you as a recipient.
All municipalities have their own libraries, which offer books, newspapers and magazines in many different languages. Mariehamn Town Library at Strandgatan 29 is the central library for Åland.
Libraries can also order collections of books in other languages for both children and adults from the Multilingual Library in Helsinki.
Read more about libraries in Åland.
On the website InfoFinland you can find a useful guide for those who are planning to move – or have recently moved – to Finland.
To help you as a newcomer, we have gathered important information and answers to common questions. Here you will find what you need to know and where to turn.
Information on childcare, school, family benefits and other information for parents can be found on our family life pages.Read more about family life at Åland Living.
See also the Children's Ombudsman's collected information on laws and policy documents relating to children in Åland.Download the Children's Rights Manual and read more about laws and policy documents relating to children at www.ombudsman.ax.
Adoption allowanceIf you live in Åland, you apply for adoption allowance at the Municipal Social Services (KST).More information can be found on KST's website.
Maintenance supportIf you live in Åland, you apply for maintenance support at FPA.
Home care allowanceYou apply for home care allowance, partial home care allowance and extended home care allowance at your home municipality in Åland.FPA's child care support ends from the beginning of the month after you have moved to Åland. After that you can apply for home care allowance at your home municipality, from the day after the FPA support has ended.
Private care allowance is not paid in Åland.More information can be found on your municipality's website.
Child benefitThe child benefit in Åland differs from child benefit on the mainland. To receive Åland child benefit, the child must live in Åland.Child benefit is paid from the month after the move. If the move takes place on the first day of the month, the benefit is paid for the month of the move.You do not need to apply separately. FPA adjusts the child benefit automatically when both the child and the guardian are registered in Åland.
Child benefit amount per month:
A single parent who is not married or cohabiting also receives a supplement of €80 per child per month.
Maternity allowanceIf you live in Åland, you apply for maternity allowance at the Municipal Social Services (KST).More information about the application can be found on KST's website.
The municipalities are responsible for childcare and primary education while the regional government is responsible for upper secondary education, higher vocational education and free education in the form of schools.Read more about schools and educational opportunities in Åland.
Contact your new home municipality before the start of the term to apply for a kindergarten place, enrolment in primary school or notification of homeschooling.Contact details for Åland municipalities.
Childcare (daycare and preschool)Childcare includes day care, after-school care and play activities. In daycare, children also receive preschool education the year before compulsory education begins.
Read more about childcare in Åland (kindergarten).Film and brochure on childcare.
Compulsory education and primary schoolPrimary school education is a nine-year general education programme that begins at age seven. In Åland, all children are subject to compulsory education from the year they turn seven. Compulsory education means that children are obliged to learn the knowledge and skills included in the primary school curriculum. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that their child completes compulsory education, either by attending a municipal school, a substitute private school or homeschooling.
Film and brochure on primary school.
Upper secondary school, university of applied sciences and free educationAfter primary school, Ålands gymnasium offers both general and vocational upper secondary education. Higher education is offered at Högskolan på Åland and corresponds to EQF levels 7 and 8.
Ålands folkhögskola offers free education in school form.
Ålands gymnasium.Högskolan på Åland.Ålands folkhögskola.
Study supportÅland study support applies to you if you are permanently resident in Åland for reasons other than studies. The requirement is that you have lived here for at least six consecutive months during the last twelve months.
You apply at the Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services (AMS).More information can be found at www.studiestod.ax.
Housing support for studentsHousing support is part of the study support. Students who receive study support from AMS also apply for housing support at AMS. The support applies to rental housing at the place of study or for right-of-occupancy housing in Åland or Finland.More information can be found at www.studiestod.ax.
Student loanIf you have study support through the Åland Authority for Labour Market and Student Services (AMS), you apply for a loan guarantee for a student loan at AMS.
Student loans with Åland regional government guarantee do not entitle you to student loan compensation. However, you may be entitled to a student loan deduction in taxation.The application is made using FPA's form OT20r, which you can find via FPA's pages for students.
Åland has over 700 associations in culture and sport for those who want to be active or get in contact with other practitioners. There are also several companies offering a variety of leisure and hobby activities such as dancing, horse riding and gym.Read more about different leisure opportunities at Åland Living.
Find more associations and organisations in Åland:In the business directory at Aland.com.Cultural associations and cultural practitioners in Åland.Museums and attractions managed by the Government of Åland.Member organisations in Ålands Idrott.
Many people find a sense of community by getting involved in voluntary organisations. In Åland there are among others:Red Cross Åland districtVoluntary Rescue Service in ÅlandSave the ChildrenEmmaus ÅlandFolkhälsan in ÅlandÅland Multicultural AssociationÅland Nature and Environment
The Government of Åland has gathered information about the rights and obligations you gain when you turn 18 and are considered an adult.Read more about growing up in Åland at regeringen.ax.
Ålands hälso- och sjukvård (ÅHS) is responsible for all public health care in Åland – from maternity and child health care to various forms of specialised health care and end-of-life care. The comprehensive service offered by ÅHS to Ålanders and visitors is characterised by a people-oriented atmosphere, where care and quality are in focus. Collaborations with hospitals in Helsinki, Turku and Uppsala also give patients and staff access to top Nordic expertise.The activities of ÅHS are mainly concentrated in Mariehamn, read more at Ahs.ax.Read more about health care in Åland.
Call 112 in case of sudden, serious illness or serious accidents.
The medical helpline at ÅHS is available every day 08:00–20:00, tel. +358 18 535 117.Call if you or someone in your family is ill and you are worried and wondering what to do. The nurses who answer assess the need for care, give advice and help you find the right clinic if needed.
Contact your nearest health centre in Mariehamn or Godby for illnesses and problems that are not acute or life-threatening. If you live in the archipelago, contact the health centre in your municipality.How to seek care at ÅHS.
The child health clinic offers health checks, examinations of the child's growth and development, vision and hearing checks, and vaccinations according to the national vaccination programme. You need to contact the child health clinic yourself to book an appointment.Read more about the child health clinic at Ahs.ax.
The municipalities are responsible for nursing homes and assisted living facilities for the elderly. Contact your home municipality for more information and the types of accommodation available.
ÅHS dental care is available in Mariehamn and Godby. Public dental care is offered to children and young people up to the age of 28 and to patient groups that are prioritised for medical and social reasons.
Find private dental practices in Åland.
If you need help with contraception or sexual health, you can contact the contraception clinic at ÅHS. There are also private options.If you are pregnant, contact the maternity clinic at ÅHS.Contact private health care services.
In Åland we can offer support and care if you are struggling with your mental health. Contact the mental health services at ÅHS in the first instance. You can also contact them yourself for counselling or to book an appointment for treatment or support sessions.Mental health at ÅHS.
There are three private health care providers in Åland:
Cityläkarna.Medimar.Ålandskliniken.
FPA pays part of the cost of private medical care (including dental care). Many employers also offer occupational health care to their employees.
There are four pharmacies in Åland. At the pharmacy you can buy medication as well as skin care, hygiene products, vitamins and first aid equipment.Many medicines are available only on prescription. This means that a doctor must first prescribe the medicine for you and then write it on a prescription.
All prescriptions are electronic. To collect your medicine, you need to bring your ID or your FPA card. If someone else collects the medicine for you, that person must have a power of attorney and be able to prove their identity with their own identity card, passport or driving licence.The power of attorney must be made digitally via Suomi.fi.
If you need a prescription or need to renew your prescriptions, the easiest way is to contact the health centre.If you have a Finnish personal identity code, you can also check your prescriptions and medicines at Kanta.fi.
If you have not visited a doctor in Åland before and have a long-term illness, you should bring your prescriptions or an updated list of medicines when you visit a doctor.
Första Apoteket in Mariehamn and Kumlinge.Central-Apoteket in Mariehamn.Jomala Apotek in Maxinge.Godby Apotek in Finström.
Kommunernas socialtjänst k.f. (KST) is responsible for social welfare in Åland. Contact KST if you need help with income support, maternity allowance, disability services or substance abuse treatment.
KST also includes child protection, the shelter Tallbacken, special care and Fältarna, which works preventively with young people aged 13–17.Read more about social welfare in Åland.
Funktionsrätt Åland is an umbrella organisation that works for people with disabilities. The association includes 11 patient and family associations and the HandiCampen office in Mariehamn.
Funktionsrätt Åland has also produced a social protection guide that highlights your rights when you are ill or have a disability.
Read more about Funktionsrätt Åland.
Keep this in mind when you call 112:
Call 112 only in emergencies.In a crisis, many people want information, but please do not call 112 to ask what is happening. Instead, wait for the authorities to inform you.
You can find the authorities' crisis messages at www.kris.ax
In Finland and Åland, the authorities test the official alert message transmission system on National Emergency Number Day on 11 February at 11:20. During the test, a test message is broadcast on radio and television and is available on text TV page 112. Information about the test is also published at www.kris.ax.
Read also the brochure "If the crisis comes" from the Government of Åland.See also the regional alarm centre at www.alarmcentralen.ax.
When authorities want to warn the public of an imminent danger, they can use the alarm signal, also known as "Hesa Fredrik". The signal is tested at 12:00 (noon) on the first day of each month.
The municipalities in Åland maintain fire and rescue services, of which voluntary fire brigade activities are important and form a large part.Mariehamn is staffed by the Mariehamn Rescue Department, which also handles patient transportation in Åland on the basis of an agreement with Åland's health service.
The Regional Alarm Centre on Åland's official website.
The Åland Police Authority is subordinate to the Government of Åland and has the whole of Åland as its area of operation. The police station is located at Strandgatan 27 in Mariehamn.
The police switchboard is open during the day on weekdays, tel. +358 18 527 100. In an emergency, always call 112.
Ålands Sjöräddningssällskap r.f. is a non-profit organisation that conducts sea rescue in the waters around Åland.On-call number (24h) +358 18 19475.
Here you can read more about local transport and communications to and from Åland.
More information: Good to know when travelling to Åland from Visitaland.com.Good to know about travelling when you are in Åland from Visitaland.com.Ålandstrafiken – information about the archipelago ferries and public transport in Åland.The Government of Åland's map portal.
General emergency number 112Emergency department +358 18 5355Healthcare +358 18 538 500Medical helpline +358 18 535 117Alarm centre on-call number +358 18 19000Police switchboard, daytime, weekdays +358 18 527 100Poison Information Centre 0800147111On-call dentist +358 18 14600Veterinarian on call +358 18 21000Sea rescue 029 41 000Car recovery +358 457 313 5747, +358 18 31747Search the phone book at Aland.com.
The Zero LineThe Zero Line (Nollinjen) is a national, toll-free helpline for anyone who has been subjected to violence or threats of violence in close relationships. Relatives of victims of violence or professionals and authorities who need support for client work can also call the Zero Line.Call the Zero Line: +358 80 005 005Read more about the Zero Line.
Children's helplineIf you are under 18, you can call the Bris helpline to talk to a counsellor about what you are thinking about or what you need help with.Call Bris: +358 18 25520 (local call charge)
Bris adult helpline – about childrenYou can call the Bris adult helpline if you are worried and need to talk to someone about your own or someone else's children up to the age of 18.Monday–Friday 10:00–13:00Call the Bris adult helpline: +46 77 150 5050
Women's helplineThe Women's helpline is open to Ålanders around the clock and also offers guidance to Åland authorities on issues relating to domestic violence.Call the Women's helpline: +358 18 25 500Read more about the Women's helpline at regeringen.ax.
Tallbacken shelterTallbacken can be contacted around the clock in matters relating to domestic violence. The shelter is available for women and men who are victims of domestic violence.Call Tallbacken: +358 18 532842 or +358 457 378 0018
Alternatives to ViolenceAlternativ till våld offers support and treatment to men with violence and aggression problems in their close relationships, through conversations/treatment in groups or individually. Alternativ till våld has a duty of confidentiality and the service is free of charge.Read more about Alternativ till våld at regeringen.ax.
Victim SupportFrom Victim Support service points, victims of crime, their relatives and witnesses in criminal cases can receive personal support and advice and request a support person.Read more about Victim Support Finland.Victim Support is also available in Åland.
Crisis Centre MonikaThe online service is intended for women with a migrant background who have experienced violence or threats of violence. It is easy and safe to use the services.The online services are confidential. Questions can be asked and discussed anonymously.Call Crisis Centre Monika's helpline: 0800 05058. There is also a chat function.Crisis Centre Monika.
Poison Information CentreThe Poison Information Centre answers questions by phone about the prevention and treatment of sudden poisoning in humans.Call the Poison Information Centre: 0800 147 111 or 09 471 977 (calls are free of charge)Read more about the Poison Information Centre.
Addiction ClinicAt the Addiction Clinic you can seek support for your use of or addiction to alcohol, drugs, medicines or gambling.In Mariehamn there is an addiction clinic at the Municipal Social Services (KST) that provides services for the whole of Åland.Call the Addiction Clinic: +358 18 532851.Read more about the addiction clinic at KST.
Åland is a self-governing region of Finland with its own elected parliament, Ålands lagting. It is the parliament that enacts the laws of the province. The parliament also appoints the Government of Åland (Ålands landskapsregering), which is responsible for the general management and administration of the province.
Åland has a total of 16 municipalities, including Åland's only town, Mariehamn.Ålands lagting.Government of Åland.Åland municipalities.
A driving licence is a document that shows that you are authorised to drive a motor vehicle, off-road motor vehicle, tractor and/or motorised equipment. Anyone driving a vehicle that requires a licence (for example a car) on public roads must have a valid driving licence. A driving licence is not a valid travel document or an official identity document.
A driving licence issued in the Nordic countries can be used in Åland for its entire period of validity. If you live in Åland and want to renew your driving licence, contact the Åland police authority at least 1 month before the expiry date.Read more about driving licences on the police website.
To obtain a driving licence, you need to pass a driving test.Theory tests and driving tests for those who want to get a driving licence or a new driving licence category take place at the Vehicle Authority (Fordonsmyndigheten).Here you can find driving schools in Åland.
If you have a car, you must take out vehicle insurance with an insurance company:Ömsen försäkringarPohjola FörsäkringLokaltapiola Åland
In Åland and in Finland, cars must be inspected and registered. Inspections are carried out at the Vehicle Authority (Fordonsmyndigheten) at Norra Möckelövägen 58, which is the only inspection station in Åland. You can register your car for example at the inspection station, at insurance companies and at car dealers.Visit the Vehicle Authority in Åland for more information on booking, payment and inspection intervals.
You must book your inspection appointment yourself.
There is right-hand traffic in Åland and in Finland. The traffic culture is calm.
In Åland and in the Nordic countries, it is required by law that cars have winter tyres (studded or friction tyres) between 1 November and 31 March when there are winter road conditions. Winter tyres may also be used from 15 October to 15 April and outside that period if road conditions require it.When it is dark outside, it is important that pedestrians use reflectors to be visible in traffic.
The police monitor compliance with traffic rules. If you break the traffic rules, you will be fined. Driving any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence.
In built-up areas, the speed limit is normally 50 km/h, but outside built-up areas the basic speed is 70 km/h.Read more about road safety at regeringen.ax.
The right of domicile regulates who can own land or real estate and conduct business in Åland. You can apply for Åland right of domicile if you have moved to Åland, have lived here continuously for more than five years, are a Finnish citizen and have a satisfactory knowledge of Swedish.The Åland right of domicile gives you the following rights:
You can read more about the right of domicile on the website of the Government of Åland.
If you do not have Åland right of domicile, you need to apply for a land acquisition permit to buy land or a house in Åland.
As a newcomer, you can be granted a permit to buy a plot of land under 4,000 m² in a residential area, provided you have permanent employment or can otherwise show that you plan to stay. After five years of residence, a permit is generally granted without restrictions.
Note that buying a right-of-occupancy apartment usually does not require a land acquisition permit, but always check whether the housing company's own permit includes any special requirements.
During the application process, the Government of Åland requests a statement from the municipality, but this is not binding. The final decision always rests with the Government of Åland. The processing time is normally two to three months.
Apply for a land acquisition permit at the Government of Åland.
Those who have the right of domicile and have moved to Åland before the age of 12 are exempt from military service.
Åland has its own legislation on parliamentary and municipal elections.The same rules apply to the European Parliament, parliamentary and presidential elections as in Finland.Read more about voting rights in Åland at Info Norden.More information about elections in Åland.
In the Nordic countries we have the right to move freely in forests, land and over water. However, you may not move through cultivated land or private plots. This right is called the right to roam (allemansrätt). The right to roam in Åland differs in some respects from the right to roam in Sweden and the rest of Finland.
A more detailed description of the right to roam at the Government of Åland.Visit Åland provides information about the right to roam.
There is freedom of religion in Åland. This means that everyone living in Åland has the right to choose and practise their own religion. It also means that you have the right to choose to have no religion at all. No one can be forced to participate in religious activities against their will.
Most people in Finland are Christian. The largest religious community is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The Orthodox Church of Finland is the country's second largest religious community. The Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox churches have a special status in Finland. They have, for example, the right to collect taxes.
There are also other religious communities in Åland.
The national public holidays are so-called holidays. This means that all government offices and many shops are closed or have shorter opening hours. Hospitals always have on-call services. Some of the holidays are flag days, which means that the Åland flag is raised.
When the flag is at half-mast, it is called mourning flag. Mourning flag is usually used to express private grief. For a nationally prominent person or in connection with a major accident, the Ministry of the Interior may also recommend public mourning flag.
The Åland flag is an important symbol of self-governance. Since the flag is a symbol of Åland, it is permitted to fly the flag every day from 08:00 to 21:00. Åland Flag Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in April.
Everything about the Åland flag.Read more about the Finnish flag and coat of arms.
Many national public holidays are connected with Christianity. In addition to the official public holidays, some days may be partially free.
Official public holidays
The Welcome Guide has been produced in cooperation with the Government of Åland.
Your Europe is an official EU portal that gathers practical information about your rights as an EU citizen. Here you will find guidance on housing, moving, working, studying, travelling and everyday life across borders. The portal also provides support for businesses looking to start, establish themselves or expand within the EU.
In our welcome guide, you will find tips, advice, and information for those moving to Åland from another Nordic country.
In that case, you can find more information here:
Aland.ax – Åland's official website.
Regeringen.ax – The official website of the Government of Åland.
Visitaland.com – tourist information for visitors from Visit Åland.
Aland.com – phone directory, business guide and tourist information.
Info Norden – The Nordic Council of Ministers' information service for those looking to work, move, study, travel or start a business in the Nordic region.
When you have sorted out all the practical matters, it is time to focus on your social life. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start, but you will get far by joining an association and being active and reaching out yourself. This way you will integrate into society more quickly.
In the Town Hall at Storagatan 11 B, you will find Mariehamn's integration unit, which helps you who have recently moved to the city to find your way in your new everyday life. Here you can get answers to practical questions and other useful information, for example about daycare, school, or other municipal services. The integration unit also organizes activities and projects where you can meet others and become part of the local community.
If you have more questions about life in Åland, you are welcome to contact us! We provide personal guidance, help you with your moving plans, and are happy to give tips about jobs, housing, schools, and leisure activities.
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