Finland Post-Arrival Guide for Students
Your first weeks in Finland: register your address, get your personal identity code (a Finnish ID number), pay the student healthcare fee and keep your permit valid.
Finland Post-Arrival Guide for Students
Arrival Plan
A simple plan for your first week.
Address Registration
Register with DVV.
Residence Permit
Keep your permit valid.
Your First Steps in Finland
Do the official steps in your first week. Banks and employers ask for your personal identity code.
With a D visa, your card waits at a collection point near your Finnish address.
Get your personal identity code and address registered.
EUR 35.35 for each term in 2026, paid to Kela in OmaKela (Kela's online service).
30 hours a week on average.
Earn about 45 credits a year and apply to extend your permit before it ends.
Post-Arrival Resources
Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Finland.
First day, first 3 days and first week.
Learn MorePersonal identity code and municipality of residence (the town where you are registered as living).
Learn MoreExtensions and the permit to look for work.
Learn MoreOpen a bank account and get a Finnish phone number (SIM card).
Learn MoreTell your university you will study this term (register as attending).
Learn MoreAdaptation Timeline
A structured approach to settling in Finland during your first few months.
Support Resources
Essential support services and resources to help you during your stay in Finland.
Your university's international office
Gives you a certificate that proves you are a student (a certificate of student status) and helps with study questions.
Contact
See your university's website
Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)
Registers your personal identity code, your address and the town where you are registered as living (your municipality of residence).
Contact
+358 295 536 320 (for foreign citizens)
Hours
Phone service Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 15:00
Finnish Immigration Service (Migri)
Decides your permits and extensions.
Contact
Through Enter Finland, Migri's website
Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS)
Health care for degree students at universities and universities of applied sciences.
Contact
See yths.fi
Emergency number
For emergencies where life, health, property or the environment is in danger.
Contact
112
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about post-arrival life in Finland.
Ready for Your First Weeks in Finland?
Read our step-by-step guides, or ask an advisor.
Complete Guide to Finland
Explore all aspects of studying in Finland with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
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Get Free ConsultationNeed Help Settling In Finland?
Qogent is with you even after you land in Finland, offering post-arrival assistance and guidance.
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