After You Arrive

Bank Account and SIM Card in Finland

In Finland you usually open a bank account after you arrive and get a Finnish personal identity code, a number the government gives you. A prepaid SIM works from day one. A monthly phone plan needs your code and an address on record in Finland.

Example bank

Available Balance

ExampleEUR

Example: Current account

Account #: Example

Recent Transactions

Example: Groceries

Example

Example EUR

Example: Rent

Example

Example EUR

Example carrier

Student SIM

Example: +358 number

Example card. Your own bank and numbers will differ.

Banking Options

Banks in Finland

Finland's big banks have services for people who have just moved here.

Banks With Services for Newcomers

Book an appointment after you register with DVV.

Nordea

An account for everyday use, a debit card and online banking codes.
No fee for everyday bank services in the first 3 months.
Service in Finnish, Swedish and English.

Visit Website

Online form, then a branch visit.
5 to 10 days on average to open an account.

Visit Website

Important

To open an account, you need a valid passport, your residence permit and usually a Finnish personal identity code.

Step by Step

How to Open a Bank Account

Most students open an account in their first weeks in Finland.

Get your personal identity code

From DVV, or with your residence permit decision.

Fill in the bank's form

OP starts with an online form. Nordea asks you to bring a form to the meeting.

Visit a branch

The bank checks your identity in person.

Get your account, card and codes

Nordea gives you an account for everyday use, a debit card and online banking codes.

Documents You Need

Each bank has its own list, so check with your bank first.

Essential Documents:

Valid passport - Your identity document.
Residence permit - Or a paper that shows your permit is still being processed. Nordea accepts this.
Finnish personal identity code - OP bank needs it. Nordea bank does not, but it makes things faster.

Additional Documents (If Available):

Address in Finland - A registered address helps. Discuss temporary housing with the bank.
Proof of where your money came from - Needed if you move money in from abroad.

Tips for a Smooth Start

You usually cannot open a Finnish account from abroad. Registration in Finland comes first.

Opening an account takes 5 to 10 days on average at OP.

Summer and early autumn are the busiest times, when many students arrive.

If you live in temporary housing, tell the bank at the start.

Staying Connected

Mobile SIM Cards

Start with a prepaid SIM, then switch to a monthly plan once you are registered.

Elisa

Offers prepaid and monthly plans, and help in English in stores and by chat.

Best Student Deal:

Most monthly plans include unlimited data, calls and messages in Finland.

Visit Website

How to Get a Finnish Number

Three simple steps.

Get a prepaid SIM

Use it in your first days, before you are registered.

Register with DVV

Get your personal identity code and permanent address registered.

Move to a monthly plan

Bring your personal identity code to the operator.

Good to Know

A residence permit card is not accepted as identification for a monthly plan at Elisa.
Temporary or test personal identity codes are not accepted for monthly plans at Elisa.

Practical Advice

Tips for Money and Phone

Simple steps that save time in your first weeks.

Banking Tips

Register with DVV first
Banks ask for a Finnish personal identity code, a Finnish ID number. Book your visit to DVV early.
Keep proof of where your money came from
Moving money from abroad can be slowed down if you cannot show where it came from.
Your account number is an IBAN
Your Finnish account number is an IBAN, the international account number. You need the BIC (SWIFT) bank code only when money comes from outside the European Union.

Phone Tips

Start with a prepaid SIM
You can use it before you have a personal identity code.
Switch to a monthly plan later
At Elisa, a monthly billed plan needs a Finnish personal identity code and a permanent address in the population register (the government list of who lives where).

Stay Safe Online

Protect your bank codes and personal details.