Your first month in Finland is the most admin-heavy period you will ever face here. Doing things in the wrong order can set you back weeks. This is the checklist we wish we had when we landed.
Before You Land
- Book a DVV appointment before you arrive — they fill up 2-4 weeks in advance.
- Ensure your residence permit or EU right of residence is in order.
- Download the official Suomi.fi app.
- Get a European Health Insurance Card if you are an EU/EEA citizen.
Week 1: Registration First
Everything else depends on your henkilotunnus. Go to DVV (Digi- ja vaestotietovirasto) as soon as possible. Bring your passport, lease agreement, and residence permit if applicable. You will typically receive your henkilotunnus on the same day or within a few days by post.
Week 1-2: Bank Account
Open a bank account as soon as you have your henkilotunnus. S-Pankki is usually the most accessible for newcomers. Visit a branch with your passport and henkilotunnus.
Week 2: Kela Registration
Kela is Finland Social Insurance Institution. Register at kela.fi and apply for the general housing allowance if your rent and income qualify. Students can apply for the student grant (opintoraha).
Week 3-4: Tax Card
Before you can work in Finland, you need a tax card (verokortti). Get it at vero.fi — it is free and takes about 10 minutes online. Send the tax card to your employer immediately — without it, they will withhold tax at 60%.
By end of week 4 you should have: henkilotunnus, Finnish bank account, Kela registration, Finnish SIM card, tax card, and Finnish eID active.
