Finnish government paperwork checklist for new non EU/EEA students in Oulu
If you have just arrived in Finland and plan to stay for more than six months to study, then these steps should work for you that I did for my first days in Oulu, which, in turn helped me, too. Hence, I will share my personal experience and provide references through the URLs I have attached.
Make sure you have your residence permit card with you. In case you have received your residence card in your home country, then you can skip this step. On the other hand, in case you apply for a D-visa, your residence card will be mailed to your address in Finland. Upon your arrival to Finland notify Finnish Immigration Office (Migri) about your new address in Finland via email: migri@migri.fi. You can mention in the email about your name, personal identification code, address in Finland, and your Finnish phone number.
Register at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) to confirm your residence in Oulu. Visit the DVV website to register online and make an appointment to visit the DVV office. In many cases (as in my experience), the DVV offers walk-in schedules or organizes sessions at the University of Oulu. However, it’s essential to complete the online registration form first. Make sure to bring your residence card with you when visiting the DVV office.
If your stay in Finland exceeds 3 months for EU citizens or 6 months for non-EU citizens, remember to register your residency at the DVV. It is a crucial step to avoid any administrative issues during your time in Finland.
Visit DVV's Website to find out more.
An application for a Finnish ID card may be completed in person or online. I decided to go to the office, submitted the required documents, and paid the necessary fee. The process will be done within a couple of weeks (approximately 2 weeks). The card can be collected or sent by post to your address. I recommend picking it up in person. More information on how to apply for a Finnish ID card can be found on the official website.
A Finnish bank account can now be obtained by you as soon as you get your Finnish ID card. As with all other banking institutions, there are a few documents required with yours being a passport, a Finnish ID and an optional initial deposit. Banks typically require official proof of your residency in Finland, which is why I recommend completing all the necessary governmental paperwork (as outlined in Steps 1–3) before visiting a bank.
Most importantly, ensure that you make a booking with your preferred bank and hold all of the required documents. Spend some time looking for the bank that best supports students studying in Finland.
Generally, the process at the offices is smooth and fast. For a seamless experience, one should always go through the official government links. Fill out all the required forms completely and correctly, and schedule an appointment before visiting. Also, arrive in time with all the necessary documents to avoid delays.
Author fact box
Greetings from Florence! I am an Indonesian and currently a first-year master’s student studying International Business Management at the University of Oulu. Strolling around and taking nature’s photographs has been my favorite activity here!