Personal identity code and registering as a resident of a muncipality

When you move to Finland permanently, you will be registered in the Finnish Population Information System. At the same time, you can get a Finnish personal identity code and municipality of residence.

You need a personal identity code when dealing with authorities, banks and employers.

If you do not have a personal identity code, you must visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency in person, where the right to a personal identity code and municipality of residence will be checked. The nearest service point is in Joensuu. Read the instructions before visiting a service location.

Based on your application, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency will decide whether you can be registered in the Finnish Population Information System and whether you will receive a municipality of residence. In connection with the registration, you will be given a Finnish personal identity code if you have not yet received one.

When you have a permanent personal identity code, address and municipality of residence in Finland, you can:

  • apply for a Finnish identity card
  • use the services offered by your municipality of residence. The services include, for example, student welfare, day care for children, integration services for immigrants, and health care
  • receive financial support, such as a school transport subsidy from Kela. Kela will assess whether you live in Finland permanently or temporarily.

If you already have a personal identity code, you can register a temporary address in Finland when you make a notification of change of address at a post office or online.

Life and studies in Finland and North Karelia

The infoFinland website provides important and necessary information about Finnish society and everyday life in Finland. You can find the materials here. The website also has a list of the most important matters related to practical everyday life.

In addition to these, you should familiarise yourself with the websites of the following authorities:

  • KELA – support for different life situations
  • TE services – on Job Market Finland, you can find, for example, open positions and the consulting services of the TE Office
  • fi – You can order, for example, a tax card from the Tax Administration’s website. You need a tax card when you receive a salary or other income.

Also familiarise yourself with the services offered by your municipality of residence. Municipalities take care of day care services and schools, for example.  Municipalities are also responsible for housing and leisure services. Most municipalities also have people who provide guidance on topics related to immigration.