Your complete first-steps guide — from landing to settling in. Everything you need to do in your first 30 days.
Get your henkilötunnus (personal identity code) at DVV as soon as possible. You cannot open a bank account, register for Kela, or access most services without it. If you have it skip this.
Visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency dvv.fi to register and get your Finnish personal identity code. Bring your passport, residence permit, and proof of address. This is your key to everything in Finland.
Register at Kela kela.fi for social insurance coverage. You'll receive a Kela card that covers healthcare costs, housing benefit, and other social benefits. You can apply online once you have your henkilötunnus. Students consult your nearest Kela office, Kela's benefit differs with the residence permit.
Visit Nordea, OP, or S-Pankki with your identity documents, residence permit, and henkilötunnus. A Finnish bank account is required to receive your salary and pay bills. S-Pankki is often the easiest for newcomers.
Apply for a tax card at vero.fi or visit a tax office (Verohallinto). Your employer needs this to deduct the correct amount of tax from your salary. Without it, you'll be taxed at 60%.
Buy a prepaid SIM from DNA, Elisa, or Telia at any supermarket or phone store. A Finnish number is needed for bank verification, job applications, and government services.
The Employment and Economic Development Office (tyomarkkinatori.fi) offers free job placement, integration support, and free Finnish language courses. Register within 7 days of arriving if you are looking for work. Check your residence permit type. Visit the office for tips and information about work
Use your bank credentials or mobile certificate to access all Finnish government services digitally at suomi.fi. You can renew permits, check benefits, and manage most official matters online.
In Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, and Kauniainen, get an HSL travel card at any R-kioski or HSL service point. Visit HSL website for more information. it with a monthly pass for unlimited travel. Other cities have their own transit cards.
Before applying for jobs, get the required certificates.
Hygiene Pass – €55 ✔ Required for restaurants & cafés. ✔ 30-day Trainify access. ✔ Attend the exam at an official exam centre
Työturvallisuuskortti – €75 ✔ Required for many construction & industrial jobs ✔ 30-day Trainify access. ✔ 3.5 hrs self-study + 3.5 hrs live online training✔ ✔ Online exam.
Finding a job makes life in Finland much easier. Apply consistently for new job postings, improve your skills, and prepare yourself to meet the job requirements. The more quality applications(make it short for service jobs) you send, the better your chances of getting hired.
Take care of your health by using Finland's digital health services. In an emergency, always call 112.
Finland offers free, high-quality education for children. Apply for daycare (varhaiskasvatus) through your local municipality and enrol your child in the nearest primary or secondary school based on your home address.
Even basic Finnish opens doors — jobs, friendships, and daily life become much easier. Visit our sister site SurvivalFinnish.com to start learning for free.