Personal identity code in Finland

A personal identity code is a means of identification that is more specific than a name. Personal identity codes are meant to be permanent, but in some cases you can get a Finnish personal identity code even if your stay in Finland is temporary.  

Getting a Finnish personal identity code does not affect personal identity codes issued by other countries. You use your Finnish identity code in Finland, and other countries’ identity codes in those countries.

You need a Finnish personal identity code to be identified in the authorities' information systems. A personal identity code is also needed, for example, when applying for pensions and other benefits, and for paying wages. Certain private sector operators, such as banks and insurance companies, may also need a personal identity code to identify customers.

Find out more on the website of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

As a citizen of a Nordic country, you will get a Finnish personal identity number if you move permanently to Finland. If your stay in Finland is only temporary, you must have a reason for obtaining a personal identity number. Such a reason could be, for example, studying or working in Finland or some other similar reason. 

If you are not a Nordic citizen, you will need either a registration certificate of right of residence of a European Union citizen or a residence permit card or other proof that you are legally resident in Finland. Read more on the page Population registration in Finland.

You can request a personal identity code and at the same time notify a permanent or temporary move using the Digital and Population Data Services Agency’s online form. As well as completing the online form, to get a personal identity code you must visit a Digital and Population Data Services Agency service location in person. Find out more on the website of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

If you are not moving to Finland and your reason for obtaining a personal identity number is tax-related, you can request a personal identity code from the Finnish Tax Administration. Read more about personal identity numbers issued by the Finnish Tax Administration on the Tax Administration's website.

A Finnish citizen born abroad gets a personal identity code when the Digital and Population Data Services Agency has registered the child in the Population Information System at the parents' request. Learn more about registering a child born abroad in Finland  on the Digital and Population Data Services Agency website.