The Digital and Population Data Services Agency streamlines the registration of international students arriving in Finland and their application for a municipality of residence

International student’s service needs at DVV may include obtaining a personal identity code and applying for a municipality of residence. In immigration matters, DVV contributes to improving the efficiency of the public sector by digitising the application processes and the applicable forms. A new online form for applying for a municipality of residence was published at the beginning of August.

– We encourage international students to use our online forms for reporting information, as it is easier to use them than paper forms, their processing is faster and the accuracy of the information is also improved, says Chief Specialist Maisa Gynther from The Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Students need a Finnish personal identity code for their studies. If an international student does not yet have one, they request the registration of a foreigner from DVV. A personal identity code may also be needed when dealing with the authorities, opening a bank account and paying wages.  

Students can apply for a municipality of residence online if they have a personal identity code and they meet the statutory requirements for obtaining a municipality of residence. You do not have to apply for a municipality of residence, but it is needed, for example, for a Finnish electronic ID card or a student discount on public transport.

Pop-up events make things easier for students and The Digital and Population Data Services Agency

Once the student has submitted the application for a municipality of residence or a registration request for a foreigner, DVV usually still has to meet them in person. DVV has adopted a customer-oriented role in this.

– As the number of students arriving in Finland is large, we organise pop-up events in co-operation with universities. In these events, an international student can have themselves identified for their application. These events are organised in example at the educational institutions and DVV premises. This way, the student does not need to make an appointment at DVV customer service, and we are able to serve our other customers more flexibly, says Gynther.

Students can ask their Finnish institution for more information about possible events.

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Fact box: How the case of a student arriving in Finland progresses at The Digital and Population Data Services Agency

1. The student fills in an online form at dvv.fi.
2. They must have themselves identified within one month of submitting the online form. Identification events are organised for students in co-operation with higher education institutions.
3. The Digital and Population Data Services Agency processes the matter.
4. The student is notified of the registration