Checklist for a non-EU citizen

When you arrive in Finland, it is important that you register your details in the Finnish Population Information System. When you register, you will receive a Finnish personal identity number. At the same time, your municipality of residence in Finland can be recorded in the Population Information System, after which you can, for example, use municipal services. The registration is usually done on the spot at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). Find out more about registering your personal data on the website of the DVV.

You need a Finnish tax card if you are employed, self-employed or otherwise receive a salary. If you are not working, you may not need a tax card. You can get a tax card from a tax office. When you live permanently in Finland, the Tax Administration will send you a new tax card every year. You need a personal identity number to get a tax card. Read more about tax cards and how to apply for one (Vero.fi)

You need a bank account to manage your finances, such as your salary and to pay bills. You’ll also need Finnish online banking IDs for electronic authentication, which is used by most online services in Finland.

Whenever you move from one address to another in Finland, you must submit a moving notification. You can use the e-service or the form you can get from the post office or the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. The notification must be submitted within one week of the move.

The police can issue an identity card to a foreigner permanently resident in Finland. A foreigner’s identity card can be issued for a maximum period of five years. The criteria for issuing the card are that the person is registered in the Population Information System and has a valid residence permit or residence card, or that his or her right of residence has been registered. See instructions on how to apply for an identity card (Poliisi.fi)

In Finland, the purpose of social security is to provide people with an adequate income in different life situations. For example, you may need financial support if you fall ill or have a child. You may be entitled to support if you work or live permanently in Finland. In Finland, social security is the responsibility of Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kansaneläkelaitos). When you move to Finland, you should apply for a Kela card. Apply for a Kela card from the OmaKela service.

If you are unemployed when you arrive in Finland, you should register as a jobseeker. When you register as a jobseeker, you can get unemployment benefits, for example. If you need help with registering as a jobseeker or with employment in general, you can contact the Etelä-Kymenlaakso employment services. Register as a jobseeker here.

Check the Traficom website to see whether you can drive in Finland with a driving licence issued in your home country or whether you need to exchange it for a Finnish driving licence. Read about exchanging your driving licence on the Traficom website.

The Immigrant Guidance and Counselling Service provides free information on important everyday issues, such as how to function in Finnish society and the services available in your city of residence. The service is not affected by the reason for your arrival or how long you have lived in Finland. The service can help you with these things, for example:

• social security and benefits (Kela)
• training opportunities
• housing
• leisure

Check out the guidance and counselling service for immigrants (Kotka.fi).