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This is a collection of everything you need to know before moving to Åland and as a new Ålander. We want to make it easy for newcomers to find their way around and help you start your life in Åland.
This Newcomers guide can serve as a starting point, but we also strongly encourage you to check with other sources to find out to find out what applies in your specific situation.
There are some things you should do before your move and other things you should think about and prepare before the actual moving day.
The chances of finding a job in Åland are good! Contact the Åland Labour Market and Student Service Authority (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 Labour Market and Student Service Authority (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 services 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 authorities.
Skattebyrån (the Åland tax office) in Statens Ämbetshus, Torggatan 16, Mariehamn. Tel. +358 29 512 001
If you move from somewhere else 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 natural or legal person submits to the tax authorities once a year in order to determine how much tax the taxpayer should pay. Within the same year that you move to Åland, you must declare your income in both your country of departure and your country of arrival. You can submit a declaration to your country of departure even before you move.
To avoid losing your tax refund, salary and any holiday pay, you should declare your current bank account to both the tax authorities of the country of emigration and the country of your former employer. This will also make future tax matters easier. Registering a change of address with the Åland tax authority is done with a notification of a move.
Contact the Åland tax office for more information.
In some regulated professions, such as health care, 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 Valvira.
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).
Regional State Administrative Agency.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Finland monitors the work ability and well-being of employees.
More information:
Regional State Administrative Agency for Southwest Finland.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s national telephone helpline.
A-kassa is an unemployment fund that 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.
Find out more about starting 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 (e.g. companies) must have a business license before starting business activities.
Natural persons, companies and other associations are obliged to apply for a business license from the Government of Åland.
In order for a business license to be granted, the company’s language of operation in Åland must be Swedish.
If you have questions about business law, you can contact the Government of Åland.
Read more about business law at Ålands Näringsliv.
The Tax Border Office at Ålands Näringsliv makes everyday life easier for entrepreneurs in Åland by providing advice, information and advocacy on tax border management. The office also handles contact between businesses and the authorities.
The free tax border advice service is primarily aimed at businesses but also welcomes individuals who have general questions about how tax border management works.
Read more about the tax border office at Ålands Näringsliv.
Wherever you live in Åland, you’ll be near the sea, your workplace, school and 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 help arrange accommodation. When you are searching for accommodation, you can advertise free of charge on the local newspaper’s advertising website, www.marknaden.ax. There, you can also find the rental ads.
The Facebook groups “Bostäder på Åland” and “Inflyttade ålänningar - New in Åland” can be helpful as well when looking for rental or owner-occupied housing.
Rental 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. There are also rental properties located in smaller buildings of only 4–5 apartments. These properties are often owned by private individuals or small real estate companies.
Here we have gathered information for those who are looking to rent accommodation.
When you move to Åland, you can buy a house or a plot of land in a planned area for residence or in a village centre. You can also buy a house for permanent residence in even if it is not a planned area. Most residential areas are beautiful and close to nature, some with lake views and moorings. Another option is shared ownership, where you own shares in the property.
Here we have gathered information for those who want to buy a home.
Visit fastigheter.ax to find properties from all brokers.
If you want to build your own house, the options are the same as for those who want to buy. This means that you have the possibility to 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 that 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 in Mariehamn.
Start by contacting the authorities in your home country to find out what information they need from you before you move.
If you are moving to Åland from an EU country, you should also contact the population register authority in your country of departure and inform it that you are moving permanently from the country. You should then contact the Magistrate's Office of the State Department, which is the corresponding authority in Åland.
What applies when you move from outside the EU to Åland? See the latest information from the Finnish Immigration Service.
The population register, also known in Finland as the Population Information System, is a national electronic basic register that contains up-to-date personal data on Finnish citizens and foreigners residing permanently or temporarily in Finland.
If you are moving to Åland from a Nordic country you must notify the magistrate’s office at the Government offices in Åland, which is the registration authority in Åland. You must show proof of identity, either a passport or an identity card issued by the police. If you are moving with minor children the child’s parents/guardians must be stated on the child's identification document, or the child must have their own identification document.
State agency in Åland (Statens ämbetsverk).
Right of residence applies to people from an EU country, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
If you intend to stay in Finland or Åland for less than 90 days, you do not need a right of residence. If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you should register your right of residence with the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) by submitting a paper registration or registering digitally via Enter Finland.
Information on right of residence via the Migration Agency (Migri)
If you intend to stay in Finland or Åland for less than 90 days, you only need a valid tourist visa.
If you are coming to Finland for more than 90 days and you are a citizen of a country outside of the EU (or Liechtenstein or Switzerland), you must apply for a residence permit in Finland. To apply for a residence permit, you should explain the reason for your application (e.g. family, work or studies) and show that you can support yourself.
You apply for a residence permit at the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) by submitting a paper application or digitally via Enter Finland.
Information on residence permits via the Migration Agency (Migri).
Read more about moving to Finland for non-EU citizens at InfoFinland.fi.
Contact details for removal companies in Åland.
Read more about importing removal goods before moving in at Customs.
Bringing your car with you when you move to Åland involves a cost. This sum may vary depending on where you are moving from.
It is best to contact the Finnish Customs authorities for more information on bringing a car into Åland before your move. Otherwise, you can contact Customs in Mariehamn upon arrival in Åland and inform them that you have a car with you.
Åland Customs District, tel. +358 (0)295 5200 (Customs switchboard).
If you are moving from Sweden, you should also contact Skattebyrån for information on car tax.
Service number for private individuals at the Finnish Tax Administration.
More information: Read more about “Car tax - when entering the country or registering a vehicle not registered in Finland” at Skatt.fi.
You can use the car tax calculator at Skatt.fi to get an estimate of how much car tax you will have to pay when you import your car to Åland/Finland.
At Skatt.fi you’ll find tables of the taxable values applied to cars that have previously been imported into Åland/Finland.
Remember to register your car with the Åland Motor Vehicle Office. This also applies to those moving from Mainland Finland.
Detailed information on how to do this can be found on the website of the Åland Transport Agency under 'Vehicles'.
Importing vehicles from Mainland Finland.
Importing vehicles from abroad.
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 bringing cars, vans and motorcycles into 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.
Please 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 on current Nordic regulations when moving, commuting or studying.
On the Info Norden website you can find general information about the regulations and authorities of the Nordic countries, including Åland. You can also find practical information on what you need to do when you move, work, start a business or study in another Nordic country.
There are some things you should do once you have arrived in Åland. Here is our to-do list!
The Finnish population register, or the Population Information System, is a national electronic basic register that contains up-to-date personal data on Finnish citizens and foreigners residing permanently or temporarily in Finland.
If you are moving to Åland from within Finland, you can submit your notification of move at www.alandpost.ax or by visiting the post office in person at Nygatan 6, Mariehamn.
Move notification online via Åland Post
You can also visit the State Agency of Åland, Torggatan 16 B in Mariehamn. Or you can submit your notification of move digitally using Finnish Bank ID.
Forms for notifying a move to the State agency (Statens ämbetsverk).
Once you have moved to Åland, you must submit a notification of move within one week to the magistrate’s office at the State Department of Åland, Torggatan 16 B, Mariehamn. The notification of move must be made in person. Bring a valid document of identification. If you are moving with a minor child, the child’s parents/guardians must be stated on the child’s identification document, or the child must have their own identification document.
Read more about how to register your move at DVV - Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
For stays of 3–2 months, you must report a temporary move. Nordic citizens should do this at the magistrate’s office in the State Department of Åland in Mariehamn (bring your ID), at the Åland post office or at www.alandpost.ax.
If you move to Åland for less than a year, you will get a temporary personal identity 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.
Nordic residents should only be registered in one Nordic country at a time. If you split your time between two Nordic countries, you must 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 individualizes citizens in a way that is better than by name alone.
The personal identity code has eleven characters that are formed based on a person’s date of birth and gender. The first six digits are the date of birth (DDMMYY). 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 for less than 1 year, you will receive a temporary personal identity code.
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 Mainland 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 ID card via the police’s e-service or in person at Strandgatan 27 in Mariehamn.
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 Mainland Finland. Social security for persons living in Finland is administered by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).
Social security benefits include:
When applying for a benefit, you must also report your move to Åland using form Y77r, Moving to Finland.
Download the form from Kela’s website.
Contact details for Kela Åland: Visiting address: Nygatan 7A in Mariehamn. Postal address for submitting documents: Kela, PB 10, 00056 FPA.
If you have the bank codes/BankID of an Åland/Finnish bank, you can apply through Kela’s e-service.
Kela’s e-services
More information: For more information on applying for and receiving social security benefits, see “From abroad to Finland” or contact Kela’s service number for relocation issues at +358 (0)20 634 0300.
See also the Centre for International Affairs.
Are you going to work remotely? Read more about social security benefits at Åland Living here.
When you move to Åland, start by contacting your new municipality of residence. Among other things, the municipality can help you find housing and answer questions about schools and childcare.
Contact your home municipality or AMS if you need further help to feel at home 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 necessary, you will receive a personal integration plan with support to help you learn Swedish and become part of society. An 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) organizes courses in Swedish for newcomers (SFI).
Swedish language courses in Åland (SFI).
Information on integration training and courses at regeringen.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
Bank account
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 in particular to persons 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.
Tax Office in the State agency of Åland building, Torggatan 16, Mariehamn Tel. +358 29 512 001
If you move from another place in Finland, you can order a new tax card via MyTax.
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.
Tax rate calculator at Skatt.fi
The following taxes are deducted from your salary in Finland:
If you work in Åland for less than six months, there are two options for taxation:
1) You pay tax at source. It is final and always 35% regardless of what you earn.
2) You can apply to have your income taxed on a progressive scale. The progressive tax is based on your total income.
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? Read more about taxation of remote work on Åland Living.
A tax return is the information that a taxable natural or legal person submits to the tax authorities once a year in order to determine how much tax the taxpayer has to pay. In the same year that you move to Åland, you must declare your income in both the country of departure and the country of arrival. You can submit the declaration to the country of departure even before you move.
To avoid losing your tax refund, salary and any holiday pay, remember to notify your current bank account details to the tax authorities of both your country of departure and to your former 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 your designated shop steward when you arrive at your new workplace.
Read more about trade unions in Åland.
On Åland unemployment benefits.
Ålcom and Midax offer mobile and internet subscriptions and broadband. IP Connect also offers broadband.
Finland’s country code is 358 and Åland’s area code is 018. So, when calling Åland from Sweden, for example, you would dial +358 18 12345.
To call abroad, dial 00 (or + if you are using a mobile phone) followed by the country code. For example, if you were calling Sweden, you would dial 0046 08 123456.
Visit the Åland Association of Municipalities for information on municipal technology and other activities.
Media and media levy
A media fee is paid by everyone who is at least 18 years old, is a resident of a municipality in Åland and earns over €14,000 a year. The media fee is deducted in connection with income taxation.
Read more about the media levy in taxation here.
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.
Once 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 insurance companies listed below, which also offer other types of insurance, for example, personal and car insurance.
Ömsen insurance
Pohjola Insurance
Lokaltapiola Åland
To contribute to a more sustainable environment, it is important to sort your waste at home before you throw it away. Sorting procedures differ slightly depending on which part of Åland you live in. Instructions can usually be found at the waste containers where you live. If you do not know how to sort your waste, contact your municipality or landlord.
Here you will find companies and organizations 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 fiscal 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 City 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 of Helsinki.
Read more about libraries in Åland.
The InfoFinland website also offers a useful guide for those who are planning to move, or have recently moved, to Finland.
To help you as a new resident, we have gathered important information and answers to frequently asked questions. Keep reading to find out what you need to know or where to turn.
Childcare, schools, family benefits and other information for parents can be found on our family life webpages.
Read more about family life on Åland Living.
See also the Ombudsman for Children’s comprehensive information on laws and policy documents concerning children in Åland.
Download the Children’s Rights Manual and find out more about laws and policies affecting children at www.ombudsman.ax.
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.
Find out 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 includes day care, after-school care and play activities. As a part of day care, children receive preschool education during the academic year before compulsory education begins.
Read more about childcare in Åland (kindergarten).
Film and brochure on childcare.
Compulsory education is the education that children are obliged to attend to learn the knowledge and skills included in the comprehensive 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. Basic education incorporates a nine-year general education programme. In Åland, all children are subject to compulsory basic education from the year they turn seven.
Film and brochure on basic education.
After compulsory school, Åland offers both general and vocational upper secondary education. Higher education is offered at Högskola på Åland (University of Åland) and corresponds to EQF levels 7 and 8.
Ålands Folkhögskola (Åland Folk High School) offers free education in a variety of subjects.
Ålands Gymnasium (Åland Upper Secondary School)
Högskolan på Åland (University of Åland)
Ålands Folkhögskola (Åland Folk High School)
Åland has over 700 cultural and sports associations for those who want to be active or get in touch with other enthusiasts. There are also a number of companies that offer a variety of leisure and hobby activities in areas such as dance, horse riding and fitness.
Find out more about leisure opportunities at Åland Living.
Find more associations and organizations in Åland in the sector guide at Aland.com.
Cultural associations and enthusiasts in Åland.
Museums and attractions managed by the Government of Åland.
Member organizations of Ålands Idrott.
The Government of Åland has gathered information on the rights and obligations a person has when they turn 18 and are considered an adult.
Read more about growing up in Åland on regeringen.ax.
The Åland Health Service (ÅHS) is responsible for all public health care in Åland, from maternity and child health care to various forms of specialized health care and end-of-life care. The comprehensive service offered by ÅHS to Ålanders and visitors is characterized by a people-oriented atmosphere, where care and quality are in focus. Collaborations with hospitals in Helsinki, Turku and Uppsala give patients and staff access to top Nordic expertise.
The activities of ÅHS are mainly concentrated in Mariehamn, read more on Ahs.ax.
Read more about health care in Åland.
Call the emergency number 112 in case of sudden, severe illness or serious accident
The health information service at ÅHS is available every day from 8 am to 8 pm, tel. +358 18 535 117.
Call if you or someone in your family is ill and you are worried and wondering what to do. A nurse will assess the need for care, give advice and help you find the right clinic if necessary.
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.
ÅHS provides all parents with support and encouragement during their child’s first year. All children who have not yet started school can come here.
Read more about the helpline for children’s issues at Ahs.ax.
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 prioritized 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.
There is support and care available for those who feel mentally unwell. A person in need of this kind of help should start by contacting the mental health services at ÅHS. Counselling and treatment services and support sessions are available.
Mental health at ÅHS.
There are two private health care providers in Åland:
Cityläkarna
Medimar
Kela pays part of the cost of private medical care (including dental care). Many employers also offer occupational health care to their employees.
There are three pharmacies in Åland. At the pharmacy, you can buy medicines as well as skin care, hygiene products, vitamins and first aid equipment.
Many medicines are available only by prescription from a doctor
All prescriptions are electronic. To collect your medicine, you need to bring your Kela card or another form of identification. If someone else needs to collect a 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 license.
The authorization must be made digitally via Suomi.fi.
If you need a prescription for a medicine or if you need to renew a prescription, the easiest way is to contact the health centre.
If you have a Finnish personal identity code, you can check you’re the status of 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 with you when you visit a doctor.
Första Apoteket in Mariehamn and Kumlinge.
Central-Apoteket in Mariehamn.
Godby Apotek im 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 Tallbacken shelter, special care and Fältarna, which works preventively with young people aged 13–17.
Read more about social care in Åland.
Funktionsrätt Åland is an organization 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 the rights of those who 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 larger crisis, many people want information, but please do not call 112 to ask what is happening regarding a troubling situation you have learned about. Instead, wait for the authorities to inform you on how to proceed.
The authorities’ crisis messages can be found at www.kris.ax.
In Finland and the Åland Islands, the authorities will test the official alert message transmission system on National Emergency Number Day, February 11, at 11:20 am. During the test, a test message will be broadcast on radio and television and will be available on the 112 text TV page. Information about the test will also be published on 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”. This signal is tested at 12 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.
Regional Alarm Centre.
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 organization, which conducts sea rescue in the waters around Åland.
Daytime number (24h) +358 18 19475
Here you can find out more about local public transport and travel to and from Åland.
More information: Good to know when travelling to Åland from Visitaland.com
Good to know when travelling 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 112
Emergency +358 18 5355
Health +358 18 538 500
Medical information +358 18 535 117
Alarm centre hotline number +358 18 19000
Police switchboard, daytime, weekdays +358 18 527 100
Poison Information Centre 0800147111
Short-term dentist +358 18 14600
Veterinarian on call +358 18 21000
Sea rescue 029 41 000
Car recovery +358 457 313 5747, +358 18 31747
Search the phone book at Aland.com.
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 80 005 005
Read more about the zero line.
If 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)
You can call Bris’s adult helpline for issues concerning children if you are worried and need to talk to someone about your own or someone else’s child up to the age of 18.
Monday–Friday 10 am–1pm
Call the Bris adult helpline: +46 77 150 5050
The Women’s helpline is open to residents of Åland 24 hours a day and offers guidance to Åland authorities on issues related to domestic violence.
Call the Women’s helpline: +358 18 25 500
Read more about the Women’s helpline at regeringen.ax.
Tallbacken 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
Alternativ till våld, meaning alternatives to violence, 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 Support service points provide personal support and advice to victims, their families and witnesses in criminal cases, as well as the possibility to request a support person.
Read more about Victim Support Finland.
Victim Support is also available in Åland.
The 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
The Poisons 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)
Find out more about the Poison Information Centre.
At 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 province in Finland with its own elected parliament, the Åland Parliament. It is the Lagting that enacts the laws of the province. The Lagting also appoints the Government of Åland, which is responsible for the general management and administration of the province.
In Åland, there are 16 municipalities in total, including Åland’s only city, Mariehamn.
Åland Parliament (Ålands lagting)
Government of Åland (Ålands landskapsregering)
Åland municipalities
A driving license is a document that shows that you are authorized to drive a motor vehicle, off-road motor vehicle, tractor and/or motorized equipment. Anyone driving a licensed vehicle (e.g. a car) on public roads must have a valid driving license. A driving license is not a valid travel document or an official identity document.
A driving license 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 license, contact the Åland police authority at least 1 month before the expiry date.
Read more about driving licenses on the police website.
To obtain a driving license, you need to pass a driving test.
Theory tests and driving tests for those who want to get a driving license or a new driving license category take place at the Transport Agency.
Here you can find driving schools in Åland.
If you have a car, you must take out motor insurance with an insurance company:
In Åland and Finland, cars must be inspected and registered. Inspections are carried out at the Fordonsmyndigheten at Norra Möckelövägen 58. This is the only inspection station in Åland. You can register your car at the inspection station, insurance companies and car dealers, for example.
For more information on booking, payment and inspection intervals, please visit the Åland Motor Vehicle Authority (Motorfordonsbyrån).
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 the Nordic countries, it is compulsory for cars to have winter tires in winter. In winter you can use either studded or friction tires. 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. It is an offense to drive any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Read more about road safety at regeringen.ax.
Åland regional citizenship regulates who can own land or real estate and conduct business in Åland. You can apply for Åland domicile if you have moved to Åland, have lived in Åland continuously for more than five years and are a Finnish citizen.
The Åland regional citizenship gives you the following rights:
You can read more about the right of domicile on the website of the Government of Åland.
Persons with a right of domicile who 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 on elections in Åland
In the Nordic countries, people have the right to move freely in forests and by water. However, you are not allowed to move around in privately owned fields. The right to move freely is called the right of public access. The right of public access in Åland differs in some respects from the right of public access in Sweden and the rest of Finland.
A more detailed description of the right of public access at the Government of Åland
Visit Åland provides information on the right of public access.
Åland enjoys freedom of religion. This means that everyone living in Åland has the right to choose their religion and practice it. It also means that you have the right to choose not to have any religion at all. No one can be forced to participate in religious practice against their will either.
Most people in Finland are Christian. The largest religious community is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The Orthodox Church of Finland is the second largest religious community in Finland. The Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox Churches have a special status in Finland. For example, they have the right to levy taxes.
There are also other religious communities in Åland.
National holidays are known as public holidays. This means that all government departments and many shops are closed or have shorter opening hours. Hospitals are always on call. Some of the public holidays are flag days, which means that the Åland flag is raised.
The flag flown at half-mast signifies mourning. Mourning flags are usually used to express private grief. The Ministry of the Interior may also recommend a public mourning flag for a person of national importance or in connection with a major tragedy.
The Åland flag is an important symbol of self-government. As the flag is a symbol of Åland, it is allowed to be flown every day from 8 am to 9 pm. Åland Flag Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in April.
All about the Åland flag.
Find out more about the Finnish flag and coat of arms.
Many national holidays are linked to Christianity. In addition to the official holidays, some days may be partial holidays.
The Welcome Guide is produced in cooperation with the Government of Åland.
If so, you can find more information here:
Aland.ax - the official website of Åland
Regeringen.ax - Official website of the Government of Åland
Visitaland.com - tourist information for visitors from Visit Åland
Aland.com - telephone directory, business guide and tourist information
Info Norden - the Nordic Council of Ministers’ information service for people working, moving, studying, travelling or starting their own business in the Nordic region.
Once you’ve taken care of all the practicalities, it’s time to focus on your social life. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start, but joining an association and being active and making contacts yourself will go a long way. This will help you integrate into society faster.
