Your first weeks working abroad – registration, tax, insurance

1. Register your right of residence with the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) if you stay longer than 3 months: apply online in Enter Finland once you have moved, then visit a service point with your original documents. Fee: €53 (2026). You get a paper registration certificate. (Nordic citizens register with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, DVV, instead.)
2. Personal identity code (henkilötunnus): issued by DVV, and in some cases by Migri or the Tax Administration. At a tax office, bring your passport or ID card and your employment contract – the code is usually issued within 1–3 working days. Contact DVV about registering your address in Finland.
3. Tax card (verokortti): if you stay longer than 6 months you are a resident taxpayer – apply for a tax card and give it to your employer. If you stay 6 months or less, tax at source is usually 35%, but as an EU/EEA citizen you can ask for progressive taxation instead.
4. Kela (social security): if you work in Finland and earn at least €800.02 a month (2026), you can get Kela benefits, such as sickness allowance, from the start of your job. Apply in OmaKela or with form Y 77e; you then get a Kela card for reimbursements of private health care and medicines. Public health care at normal client fees is available if you have a Finnish municipality of residence.
5. Bank account: salaries and other payments are handled electronically in Finland, so you need one.

Problems with your rights as an EU worker? Your Europe Advice and SOLVIT help for free.