The Road Map for Finland

Moving to a new country is exciting, and Finland makes it easier than most. We’ve broken it down into 5 steps so you can get settled, handle the paperwork fast, and actually enjoy student life:

1. Housing and Community - Find a place and connect with other students, even without a Finnish guarantor, you will need your rental agreement when applying Finnish ID - Get your Finnish ID and credentials online. This unlocks access to banking and healthcare.

- Non-EU Crucial Tip: Apply immediately through student housing foundations (e.g., SOA, HOAS, TOAS) as soon as you get your acceptance letter. Non-EU students must pay a security deposit in advance to secure the contract.

- Non-EU Crucial Tip: Your personal identity code (Henkilötunnus) is on your residence permit card. You must book a physical appointment at DVV (Digi- ja väestötietovirasto) to register your local address (Kotikunta)

2. Banking, Home Insurance & Connectivity - Set up a bank account, home insurance,  phone, and internet without the usual runaround.

- Non-EU Crucial Tip (Banking & ID): International fintechs (Revolut, Wise) are not accepted for strong electronic ID (Tunnistautuminen) on government portals. You must visit a local bank (OP, Nordea, Danske, S-Pankki) to establish this, often requiring a Finnish Police physical ID card first.
- Connectivity: Start with a Prepaid SIM from R-Kioski or an eSIM Airalo.
- Home Insurance: Use a comparator like HelloSafe to lock in student rates for mandatory Kotivakuutus.

3. Healthcare & Benefits - Register for Kela and student healthcare so you’re covered from day one.

- Non-EU Crucial Tip: Non-EU students typically do not qualify for Kela social security and must maintain private insurance. You are eligible for YTHS

4. Social Integration - Join student orgs, language cafes, and events to make Finland feel like home.

- Non-EU Crucial Type: Non-EU visas usually allow part-time work

5. Bike Culture, Public Transport & Daily Life

In Finland, public transport and cycling are not just a way to get around, they are a central component of the country’s sustainable and efficient lifestyle. 

- Daily Life & Essentials: Moving to a new country comes with a host of practical needs for everyday life. From essential pharmaceuticals and personal care items to seasonal clothes and university outfits, you can get everything quickly and online, with delivery directly to your new address.