Moving to Finland

Are you thinking of moving to Finland? Here’s what you need to know!

Permit matters according to your nationality and life situation

Here’s a quick guide on how to navigate permit matters based on your situation:

  1. Work Permit:
    • No separate work permit is needed if you’re an EU/EEA citizen.
    • Non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit for employment.
    • Check the Finnish Immigration Service website for details.
  2. Study Permit:
    • Students outside the EU/EEA need a residence permit for their studies.
    • Apply online and provide the necessary documents.
    • Universities and colleges can guide you through the process.
  3. Family Reunification:
    • Joining a family member in Finland? Apply for a residence permit.
    • Spouses, children, and other close relatives are eligible.
    • Prove your relationship and meet your financial requirements.
  4. Entrepreneurship and Business:
    • Want to start a business? Apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurs.
    • Show a viable business plan and sufficient funds.
    • Network with local business support organizations.
Finnish personal identity code

A personal identity code is a number sequence with 11 characters, formed on the basis of your date of birth and gender. You need a personal identity code when dealing with authorities, banks and employers, for example. No one else can have the same personal identity code. You will receive a personal identity code if you are registered in the Population Information System.

You can ask for registration and a personal identity code from

  • the Digital and Population Data Services Agency
  • the tax office if you need a personal identity code for tax purposes, such as for a tax card. Not all tax offices issue personal identity codes. You can check which tax office can provide you with a personal identity code on the Tax Administration website.

Usually, the Finnish Immigration Service also issues a personal identity code when making a decision on a residence permit, an EU citizen’s right of residence or the right of residence of an EU citizen’s family member.

Social security

When you move to Finland, you should apply to Kela for a Kela card. You may have a right to social benefits if you live permanently in Finland and meet the other criteria for being granted the benefits. Your right to social benefits is assessed if you apply for them. If you work in Finland but do not live permanently in Finland, you may have a right to some social benefits.

Bank account

You will need a bank account in order to handle your day-to-day finances. When opening a bank account, you need a passport or some other official identity card. It’s a good idea to compare the services and prices of different banks so that you will find the most advantageous option for you

Insurance

It is recommendable to take out home insurance. Home insurance covers, for example, damage to your furniture and other articles. Landlords usually require home insurance in rental homes. You should ask for a quote from several insurance companies.  According to law, you must take out motor insurance if you use your own car.

Telephone

When you buy a telephone subscription in Finland, you get a Finnish phone number. Many companies sell telephone subscriptions. When you take out a telephone subscription, you must have a Finnish personal identity code and an address in Finland. Normally, you must also provide information on your payment behaviour, in other words, that you have paid your bills and that you don’t have a payment default entry recorded in your credit history. Otherwise, you need to make an advance payment for the subscription.

You can also buy a pre-paid subscription. In this case, you don’t need a Finnish personal identity code or an address in Finland. A pre-paid card has a certain sum charged into it beforehand which you use to make phone calls. Pre-paid subscriptions are sold, for example, at R-kiosks, some supermarkets or over the internet.

Materials and web resource

Guide Welcome to Finland
Working in Finland guide
Moving to or from Finland

Guide Welcome to Finland
Working in Finland guide
Moving to or from Finland