Streamlined services for issuing personal identity codes and municipality of residence for foreign citizens

The Digital and Population Data Services Agency took action last year in order to streamline the registration of foreigners. You can now get your personal identity code when visiting the agency in 12 locations. The updated website and instructional videos will guide customers to use services that match their situation.

The registration of foreigners' personal data has accelerated as the Digital and Population Data Services Agency has improved its practices and systems. You can now apply for a personal identity code and municipality of residence online, which speeds up processing and improves the accuracy of the data. After filling in the online form, the customer must still usually visit the agency in order to verify their identity.

“Data registration is much faster than before. We are now able to provide a personal identity code and a municipality of residence during a visit, provided the conditions are met,” says Maisa Gynther, Chief Specialist at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

“We are thrilled to make the everyday lives of our foreign customers easier by granting them a personal identity code and a municipality of residence quickly. This has been the result of several years of development,” Gynther adds.

Customers can receive their personal identity code in connection to a visit 

A few service locations of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency tested the practice first and started issuing a personal identity code during a personal visit, and as their experiences were positive, the practice was adopted permanently. At the moment, persons who have booked an appointment and completed an online form may receive their personal identity code in 12 locations: Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Oulu, Pori, Rovaniemi, Tampere, Turku and Vaasa. 

To receive their personal identity code during the visit, the customer must first submit their data to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency using an online form and book an appointment online. They must also meet the requirements for obtaining a personal identity code. However, a personal identity code cannot always be issued during a visit if the matter requires further clarification. 

The online form for obtaining a personal identity code is available to all foreigners, and it does not require strong identification. You can use the same form to request a municipality of residence if you are intending to stay in Finland for more than one year. The conditions for obtaining a personal identity code and municipality of residence are examined individually for each customer.

Obtaining a personal identity code and municipality of residence faster make the daily life of foreigners easier

Having a Finnish personal identity code makes many everyday matters possible, such as dealing with the authorities, opening a bank account and receiving wages. In addition to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, a foreigner may in certain situations receive a personal identity code from the Tax Administration or the Finnish Immigration Service.

You can also apply for a municipality of residence online if you have a personal identity code and you fulfil the statutory requirements for obtaining a municipality of residence. Often, you must also visit the Digital and Population Data Services Agency in person to obtain a municipality of residence. You do not have to apply for a municipality of residence, but you need it to get a Finnish identity card or a student discount for public transport, for example. 

The website instructs customers what to do in their situation

Several changes have been made to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency’s dvv.fi website to improve the user experience. Thanks to a clearer website, foreigners can find the right instructions for their situation more easily than before. By answering the questions on the website, the customer can move towards the right way to use services. The new instructional videos also help customers to apply for a personal identity code and a municipality of residence.

For additional information and instructional videos, visit https://dvv.fi/en/as-a-foreigner-in-finland 

Additional information: Chief Specialist Maisa Gynther, Digital and Population Data Services Agency, tel. +358 295 536 355, [email protected].