Info for international students

If you are moving to Finland in order to start you studies, there are some formalities to handle. On these pages we have collected information on the tasks you need to complete and in which order to do so depending on your background.

Which tasks do I need to complete in my home country?

Select the correct drop-down menu based on your citizenship to familiarze yourself with the tasks to be completed when you are still residing in your home country.

Citizens of a country located outside of the EU/EEA

If you are a citizen of a country located outside of the EU/EEA area or Switzerland, you must apply for a residence permit from the Finnish Immigration Services as soon as possible after you have received your admission offer.
- NOTE! You do NOT need to wait e.g. until your admission offer is final, but you can already apply based on the offer of admission.
- It can take several months to receive your residence permit so apply immediately to ensure that you can arrive in Finland timely to attend the Orientation Days at the end of August.
  - Read more about how to apply for a residence permit.
You need an international health insurance for your residence permit application.
Book an appointment at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for when you arrive in Finland so that you quickly can complete the registration as a foreign student in Finland.

Citizens of an EU/EEA country

EU/EEA citizens must complete their EU citizen's right of residence (EU registration) on site in Finland at the Finnish Immigration Services, but we recommend that you start the process already in your home country.
- Read more about the registration process.
Book an appointment at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for when you arrive in Finland so that you quickly can complete the registration as a foreign student in Finland.

Citizens of another Nordic country

Nordic citizens do not need to complete any registration before your arrival in Finland.
Book an appointment at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency for when you arrive in Finland so that you quickly can complete the registration as a foreign student in Finland.
Read more about moving to Finland as a Nordic citizen on Norden.org and on the webpages for the Digital and Population Data Services Agency Opens in new window

Which tasks do I need to complete upon arrival in Finland?

The following tasks apply to all foreign students

Register as a foreign student and obtain a municipality of residence at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) in Finland.
Once you have completed your registrations with authorities and obtained your Finnish Personal Identity Code, submit a certificate of the personal identity code via this e-form. The personal identity code will then be registered in Sisu and Studyinfo for data transfers to work concering your study right, which applies to e.g. student discount on public transport, the study card, MyStudyinfo Opens in new window etc. Note, it is mandatory by law to have a personal identity code registered in the Study register Sisu.
Check out the practical tips for international students in Finland and find your way at Hanken.