The Newcomer’s Checklist: Nordic citizen

Citizens of Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway or Sweden) do not need a residence permit or visa to move to Finland. All you need to do is register your personal data at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) if you are staying in Finland longer than 6 months. When you do this, you will also receive a personal identity code. If you will spend less than 6 months in Finland, you do not need to notify the authorities.

When should this step be done

Register as soon as possible but no later than one month after moving to Finland

What you need before this step

• Passport or identity card
• An address in Finland

Official responsible for this step

Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

You need to visit DVV in person and you can do this at IHH. Read more

How long does this step take?

Depends on your situation (more information on processing times)

If you are working and receiving pay, or if you are an entrepreneur or receiving some taxable benefit, you need a Finnish tax card. Your employer needs your tax card to know how much of your wages must be withheld for taxes, pension payments and insurance contributions. Please note that it is important to follow your income throughout the year to make sure that you do not exceed the income limit indicated on your tax card. If you will earn more, you should request a new tax card with a higher income limit. Otherwise, your wage is taxed at a higher additional percentage.

In case you are currently not working, you do not necessarily need a tax card.

When should this step be done

After you have received a personal identity code, and you are expecting to receive income in Finland

What you need before this step

• Finnish personal identity code
• A valid passport or a valid identity card
• An employment contract
• If you work in construction or the shipbuilding sector, you need to visit the Helsinki Area Tax Office (Address: Hämeentie 15) to apply for a tax number and a tax card.

Official responsible for this step

Finnish Tax Administration (Vero)

You can apply for a tax card either in person, over the phone or online. You can do this by visiting the Finnish Tax Administration’s (Vero) service desk at International House Helsinki. If you work in construction or the shipbuilding sector, you need to visit the Helsinki Area Tax Office at Hämeentie 15 to apply for a tax number and a tax card.

You can apply for a tax card online at MyTax (OmaVero) only if you have online banking credentials or other means of strong identification in Finland.

Important terms

• Tax card (verokortti) = Shows your tax rate, which all people receiving wages or other income in Finland need.
• Tax number (veronumero) = Everyone working at a construction site, on an installation project or at a shipyard must have a tax number, which is a code number that identifies the taxpayer.
• Personal identity code (henkilötunnus) = A means of identification for individuals that is more specific than a name and needed to get a tax card

How long does this step take?

If you already have your personal identity code, your tax card can usually be issued immediately during your appointment at the Finnish Tax Administration’s (Vero) service desk in IHH.

Public employment services support you to find work, understand the Finnish job market, help adapt to Finland and learn the language. You need to be registered as a jobseeker with the employment services to receive unemployment benefits and to access most of their support services, including integration services. To register as a jobseeker, you must live in Finland.

When should this step be done

As soon as you arrive if you are unemployed

What you need before this step

• A passport or an official ID card issued in an EU/EEA country or a certificate from the police of temporary passport seizure
• An extract from the population register from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency or a Kela card or other document that you use to prove that you have a Finnish personal identity code and/or that you live in Finland
• Certificates of employment and education (translated into Finnish, Swedish, or English if necessary)

Official responsible for this step

Employment service of your municipality of residence or employment area

You can register as a jobseeker online on Job Market Finland or in person at the employment services.

Important terms

• Unemployed jobseeker (työtön työnhakija) = a person who is without employment, laid off or is not part of the workforce. In the context of public employment services, jobseeker normally refers to a customer who has registered as a jobseeker. As a registered jobseeker you may be entitled to employment services and unemployment security, if certain conditions are met. It is possible to register as a jobseeker even if you are not unemployed (e.g. working or studying part-time), but some services and benefits may be limited only for those whose status is unemployed.
• Unemployment benefit (työttömyysetuus) = A financial benefit during unemployment. This must be applied from the payer after you have registered as a jobseeker in the employment services. Unemployment benefit may be paid by Kela or alternatively an unemployment fund if you have been a member for more than 26 weeks while working.
• Kela = The Social Insurance Institution of Finland
• Labor policy statement (työvoimapoliittinen lausunto) = Before you can receive unemployment benefits, the public employment services will submit a statement on whether you have the right to unemployment benefits or not. The statement is then sent to Kela or your unemployment fund that makes the decision of your benefit.
• Clarification request (selvityspyyntö) = In some situations, the employment services must ask further information to issue a statement about your right for unemployment benefit. Your answer to the clarification request is forwarded to the Development and Administration Centre for ELY Centres (KEHA Centre) which will then issue the labor policy statement.
• Employment or integration plan (työllistymissuunnitelma/kotoutumissuunnitelma) = After you have registered as a jobseeker, an employment service specialist will prepare a personal employment or integration plan with you. The plan specifies the goals and methods for your job search, what services you need, and how you will manage matters in the future with employment services.
• Unemployment fund (työttömyyskassa) = Unemployment funds pay a larger amount of unemployment benefit, as the amount is earnings-based, so it is calculated based on your salary in your previous jobs. They only pay the benefit to their members who meet the work and membership requirement, so it is a good idea to join an unemployment fund when you have a job.

How long does this step take?

Employment services aim at processing all applications as quickly as possible. The processing times are dependent on individual situations and processing queues.

The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) offers support in various life situations. The right to Kela benefits is based on permanent residence and/or employment. There is a separate application for each benefit.

When should this step be done

After you have received your personal identity code, you can apply for Kela benefits and/or Kela card according to your needs.

What you need before this step

• Personal identity code
• A valid passport or identity card
• An employment contract (if your stay is work-related)

Complete all the forms (see below) before you visit Kela’s service desk at International House Helsinki (IHH). The General Information and Guidance Services at IHH can provide you with help in understanding all the forms.

Official responsible for this step

Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela)

You can visit Kela’s service desk at IHH, which specialises in providing information to newcomers. You can also find out what kind of benefits you may have the right to by calling Kela’s English phone service.

You can apply for Kela benefits by submitting forms. Please find the forms and instructions in English on Kela’s website.

Important terms

• Kela = the Social Insurance Institution of Finland
• Kela card (Kela-kortti) = Kela sends the Kela card to everyone who has the right to health insurance in Finland. By presenting your card at the pharmacy or at many private medical clinics, you can get a direct, on-the-spot reimbursement for your costs. You will then only have to pay the co-payment.

How long does this step take?

See average processing times on Kela’s website.

You need a personal bank account to receive salary and benefits and to pay for rent and other bills. The online banking codes can also be used for strong identification, which you need to access most online services in Finland. You can choose any of the Finnish banks. Please note that not all banks provide services in English. Remember to check the requirements for documentation from the bank that you choose to use. A visit to the bank of your choice is required.

When should this step be done

Check the criteria for opening an account from the bank of your choice. Usually, a permanent address in Finland must be registered for you by DVV first.

What you need before this step

• Personal identity code
• Address in Finland (or in another EU/ETA country, depending on bank)
• Possibly a declaration of where your funds have come from

Official responsible for this step

Any of the banks in Finland

Important terms

• Strong identification = Most of the online services in Finland can be accessed only by using strong identification. So, to make managing your life easier in Finland, it is important to get the strong identification as soon as possible. The most common method for strong identification is to use the online banking codes, but there are other options also. Other options include citizen certificate, mobile certificate, and Suomi.fi identification.
• Citizen certificate = Certificate that is included in an ID card. It includes a Signing Certificate and an identification and encryption certificate.
• Mobile certificate = A certificate used on the mobile phone, based on two-factor authentication by your PIN code and your phone’s SIM card. Gives you access to almost all services in Finland, both public and private.
• Suomi.fi e-Identification = Can be used for strong identification into public services.

How long does this step take?

The processing time varies between banks and when first appointment times are available. Please ask from the bank of your choice.

Everyone in Finland must submit a notification of move to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) when their address changes. Please note that this step should not be followed if you are currently moving to Finland from another country, only if you have already had one address on record in Finland before. Follow the instructions on DVV’s page “Foreigner’s move to Finland, in Finland and out of Finland” when moving from another country.

When should this step be done

Always if you move from one address to another in Finland

What you need before this step

• Proof of identity (+ strong identification)

Official responsible for this step

Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)

Can be done online and in person. If you have a Finnish personal identity code and strong identification, you can submit the move notification electronically on the Notification of a move service. Paper forms are available in all post offices and DVV service points, including IHH.

A person moving from another Nordic country to Finland must visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) in person in addition to submitting a notification of move, when first moving to Finland.

Important terms

• Temporary address = A temporary address can be registered with DVV for a period of up to 12 months. If you are moving to Finland until further notice you should register a permanent address, because with a temporary address you cannot receive a municipality of residence in Finland, which means you are not entitled to public services.
• Permanent address = This is valid until further notice, meaning until you submit a notification of change of address. When the permanent address is registered, a municipality of residence can also be registered. You need this to be able to use public services.

You can buy your ticket in advance using the HSL card or app, or pay for adult single fares directly on board with contactless payment by selecting your zones and tapping your debit or credit card on the reader. In the HSL app, you can buy single or season tickets (such as a monthly ticket), find routes and stay updated on service changes.

You can buy a HSL card from a HSL service point or order one online via the HSL card service. The HSL app is available for download in your app store.

When should this step be done

When you want to use public transport (bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services) in the Helsinki capital region.

What you need before this step

• Identification, e.g. , passport or ID card
• To be able to purchase season tickets at lower, residential prices, you need to have an address registered in the HSL region by DVV.
• To get full benefit from the HSL app, you need e-identification.

Official responsible for this step

HSL = Helsinki Regional Transport Authority

Do this if you want to exchange a valid driver’s license issued by another country for a Finnish one.

You are allowed to drive in Finland using a licence issued in an EU or EEA Member State, for as long as the licence is valid.

If you have a valid driving licence issued in a country that has ratified the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention or Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan, you can exchange your licence without passing the driving examination (for most common license types). To exchange without the driving examination, you must exchange your driving licence within two years of having a permanent address in Finland and before your licence expires.

If you do not have a driver’s license and you want to drive, you need to complete driving instruction and examination to get a license.

When should this step be done

When your stay in Finland has lasted at least 6 months but less than 24 months

What you need before this step

• Proof of identity, such as passport or other official ID
• Valid foreign driving licence
• Medical certificate (valid for 6 months) stating your driving ability
• Two passport photos

Official responsible for this step

Ajovarma handles vehicle inspections, registrations, and driving examinations in Finland, including both theory and driving tests for all driving licence categories. Forms for the driving licence permit application are available at Ajovarma, and it is best to book an appointment in advance to submit your application.

The foreigner’s identity card is issued by the Police in Finland. Applying for the identity card requires a personal visit at the Police station. You can either go to the police station, take a number and wait for your turn in the same day or schedule an appointment in advance. Please note that if you schedule and appointment, it must be done well in advance, as availability of appointments is limited. Getting the initial appointment might take weeks or even months.

When should this step be done

After having registered information in the Finnish Population Information System and receiving a Finnish personal identity code and a home municipality.

What you need before this step

• Finnish personal identity code
• Home municipality in Finland

Official responsible for this step

Police

Applying for the foreigner’s identity card requires a personal visit to the Police station.

Important terms

• Strong identification = Using strong identification means that you prove your identity online with your online banking credentials, citizen certificate or mobile certificate.

How long does this step take?

The application processing is usually rather straightforward, and you can expect to receive your ID card within 1-2 weeks after your visit to the police station.

Getting a Finnish phone number makes moving to Finland easier overall and helps you reduce costs of calling. You need a local phone number to schedule certain appointments. The easiest alternatives are getting a prepaid SIM card or eSIM. You can get a prepaid subscription in convenience stores, kiosks or at mobile retailers. Postpaid mobile subscription is cheaper and more convenient in the long run, but to get it, you need a personal identity code and permanent address registered. If you are new in Finland, you may need to pay a deposit for a postpaid mobile subscription.

When should this step be done

When you arrive in Finland

What you need before this step

Postpaid service requires:

• personal identity code
• permanent address registered
• possibly strong identification if you purchase the subscription online

Official responsible for this step

Convenience stores and kiosks to buy prepaid options or mobile service providers’ online or in store if buying postpaid service.

To bring your pet to Finland, you have to prepare many things with the veterinarian before moving. The regulations are different for different pets, make sure to check online exactly what steps your pet must go through.

When should this step be done

Before travel, up to several months before moving.

What you need before this step

Depending on the animal and country you are moving from. Vaccination records and pet passport are important, but make sure to read the specific requirements for your pet and your country.

Official responsible for this step

The Finnish Food Authority is responsible for the guidelines on bringing pets to Finland.

You can bring your car to Finland with you when you move. The regulations are different based on where you are moving from, so it is important you check the requirements. In Finland you are not allowed to drive an unregistered car, so there are a few steps you must go through to be able to drive your car.

What you need before this step

• Certificate of conformity (COC) makes the process easier.

Official responsible for this step

• Tax administration (Vero) to submit declaration of use (can be done online, but needs bank ID or other method of strong identification for EU citizens)
• Traficom for vehicle registration, in person
• Customs (Tulli)

It might be easier to find short-term housing first, while looking for a more long-term solution. The housing market and the availability of different types of housing varies, therefore it is good to start researching the different options early in your planning process. However, tenants have only one month notice period and therefore rental apartments on the market are usually available either immediately or from the beginning of the consequent month.

When should this step be done

Soon after arrival. Temporary housing can be secured already before arriving.

What you need before this step

• Some rental agencies might require a Finnish personal identity code.

Official responsible for this step

There are several housing providers. The different cities also have their own rentals, which are at a slightly lower price point than private rentals. However, you may have to queue for a long time before an apartment is offered to you

Everyone in Finland has the right to emergency medical treatment. If you are currently covered by health insurance in another Nordic country, you can use the essential health services in Finland, even if you have not yet registered your home municipality in Finland. In this case, bring your official personal ID or your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you to the doctor. If you have registered your home municipality already, you can access public health services for the same small fee as locals. The primary point of care is the local health station (terveysasema) during office hours. Emergency number in acute crisis: 112 (police, emergency medical services, fire and rescue services or social services).

During emergencies outside office hours children in the capital region can go to the New Children’s Hospital. Adults are served in local Emergency Departments.

• Helsinki: Malmi or Meilahti Emergency Departments
• Vantaa: Peijas Emergency Department
• Espoo: Jorvi Emergency Department

When should this step be done

After you have registered your home municipality, you can use the public health services.

What you need before this step

• Home municipality registration at DVV

Official responsible for this step

Public health care:

• Health station in your neighbourhood
• Emergency: Hospital emergency departments

Private health care:

• There are several private health care providers in Finland. For EU/ETA citizens they provide services at the same price as for locals, though the prices are higher than public services.

All children have the right to early childhood education. Most commonly children under 6 years go to daycare centres. Compulsory education starts with preschool, which begins in the year the child turns 6 and first grade begins in the year the child turns 7. If your child does not speak the local language, school begins with preparatory education.

In Helsinki, first and second graders have the right to attend a local school in their neighbourhood, even if they do not know Finnish or Swedish yet. In Vantaa this applies for first graders. In Espoo children attend group form preparatory education, determined by the Multicultural Education Services of the Espoo Finnish Education Unit.

Basic education is also offered in other languages at some schools.

When should this step be done

• Daycare: Four months before expected start date (application can be done before moving to Finland)
• Pre-primary education for six-year-olds: enrol immediately after coming to Finland
• School for children aged 7 and older: enrol immediately after coming to Finland

What you need before this step

• Home municipality needs to be registered before enrolling in daycare or school.

Official responsible for this step

Municipality of residence: City of Helsinki if moving to Helsinki, City of Vantaa if moving to Vantaa and City of Espoo if moving to Espoo.

Learning Finnish is important for integrating better into Finnish society and possibly for better career opportunities. You can find many organisations and educational institutes in the Helsinki capital region offering Finnish language courses. You can also study Finnish or Swedish as part of your integration training.

When should this step be done

Whenever you are ready

Official responsible for this step

You can study Finnish online or in person, depending on your preferences.

Integration services offered by municipalities help you to settle in Finland, learn the language, and find your place in the society and working life. You can receive a personal integration plan, services and support based on your skills and needs. Integration services are generally intended for people who have lived in Finland for less than three years.

To access integration services, you must generally register as a jobseeker in the public Employment services. Municipalities also offer integration services for those who are outside of working life (e.g. at home caring for your child, over 65 years old, or have a disability or illness). You can inquire for both services through the public employment services of your home municipality.

When should this step be done

Your first integration plan needs to be made within three years of your move to Finland (registered in the Finnish population register at DVV).

What you need before this step

• a passport or an official ID card issued in an EU country or a certificate from the police of temporary passport seizure
• an extract from the population register from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency to prove that you have a Finnish personal identity code and that shows when you have moved to Finland

Official responsible for this step

Employment service of your municipality of residence or employment area.

Important terms

• Initial assessment (alkukartoitus) = First interview to evaluate your skills and needs
• Integration plan (kotoutumissuunnitelma) = Personal plan made together with an integration specialist working in your municipality listing your integration goals and needs and the services to support them.
• Integration training (kotoutumiskoulutus) = Full-time course to learn Finnish or Swedish and skills needed in the Finnish society and working life.