When your studies in Finland last over a year, you should register with a municipality of residence (domicile) at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Acquiring a permanent address and place of domicile entitles you to enjoy municipal benefits, including a student discount with HSL (public transport) and the right to use municipal health care (if your studies last at least two years). By registering in the Finnish Population System you will also receive a personal identity code, assuming you haven’t been assigned it by MIGRI. The personal identity code is compulsory to have in case your stay lasts at least three months (obliged by the University of Helsinki) and it is need for various services, eg. opening a bank account. Please see here under citizenship specific guidelines.
To register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency you need to have with you:
- your valid passport or EU citizen’s official identity card with a photograph
- your residence permit card or some other proof that you have entered Finland legally
- certificate of student status
Visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency's website for more information and to book an appointment.
Once you have received your Finnish personal identity code please remember to update it in the student register. You can do it by visiting the Student Services. Bring with you proof of your new identity code and your official ID.
Degree students coming from the Nordic countries
Citizens of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) do not need a residence permit or visa to enter Finland. However, once you are in the country you need to apply for a personal identity code and register with a municipality of residence (domicile) at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. You can book an appointment in their reservation system.
Degree students coming from EU/EEA countries
Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need a residence permit or visa, but you need to apply for a right to reside in Finland at the Finnish Immigration Service MIGRI and you need to register with a municipality of residence (domicile) at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV). Please follow these instructions to complete the aforementioned steps.
NB! The3 may be long queues at MIGRI and therefore we recommend that you first register your address temporarily at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency in order receive the prices of a local resident for your public transport ticket (HSL). Please book an appointment for DVV in their reservation system. Please note however that you can get the student discount for your public transport ticket only once you have completed the steps mentioned above.
Degree students coming from non-EU/EEA countries
Degree students coming from non-EU/EEA countries enter Finland with a residence permit. Once in the country, you need to register with a municipality of residence (domicile) at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. If you have not yet received a personal identity code (check the reverse side of your residence permit) apply for one at the same time. Please book an appointment for DVV in their reservation system.