How a Ukrainian Can Get a Bank Account in Finland: Documents
A bank account in Finland for a Ukrainian is opened at a branch or online with an identity document. According to guidance from the financial supervisor FIN-FSA, a bank must not require a Finnish personal identity code as a mandatory condition for a basic account.
A basic payment account must be available to persons who are lawfully present in the country, and the bank considers the application within the period prescribed by law. In practice, however, banks may request additional supporting documents, so it is better to prepare the paperwork in advance.
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that refusals are most often linked not to the right to an account, but to an incomplete set of documents and differing requirements of individual branches. Below we explain how a Ukrainian can obtain a bank account in Finland and what to do if refused.
Who is entitled to a bank account in Finland
An account is needed for salary, rent, and everyday payments, so its absence quickly becomes a problem. The law guarantees access to basic services, but the details depend on your status and documents.
| Category | What matters |
| Persons under temporary protection | Receive a permit and, as a rule, a Finnish personal identity code together with it |
| Persons with a residence permit | May apply to a bank with a residence permit card and a passport |
| Persons without a Finnish identity code | The bank must not make the code a mandatory condition for a basic account |
| Employees and students | An employment or study contract may additionally be required |
The final conditions depend on the policy of the particular bank, so check the list of documents before your visit.
What documents are needed to open an account
The contents of the package depend on your status, but there are basic items that are requested almost everywhere. Prepare them together with copies.
| Document | Why it is needed |
| Foreign passport | Proof of identity and citizenship |
| Residence permit card or Migri decision | Proof of the right to stay |
| Finnish personal identity code | If you have one, it simplifies identification |
| Proof of address | A lease agreement or a letter from the DVV, if the bank requests it |
| Employment or study contract | May be required for certain services |
If the bank accepts a Ukrainian passport, then together with a Finnish identity code the person is considered to be identified with sufficient reliability. Without the code, the bank, according to the supervisor’s guidance, must retain the data of the identity document.
The Finnish personal identity code and a bank account
It is the code that most often raises questions. On the one hand, it simplifies identification; on the other, the bank must not make it a mandatory condition for a basic account.
- Persons under temporary protection receive the code together with the permit
- If you have a permit but no code, you can request it through a reception centre or the DVV
- Without the code, the bank must retain the data of your passport
- Strong electronic identification for a basic account is not always mandatory, according to the guidance
- If the bank refuses because you have no code, ask it to explain the grounds in writing
These provisions come from the supervisor’s guidance, so refer to them calmly and, if necessary, ask the branch manager to contact the bank’s legal department.
What to do if the bank refuses to open an account
A refusal is not always final. Often it is enough to remove the reason or apply at another branch or bank.
We cannot guarantee that the bank will change its decision. However, a written statement of the refusal often helps to understand what exactly needs to be corrected.
A basic account or a regular one: what is the difference
The law guarantees specifically a basic payment account with a limited set of functions. Banks may offer ordinary service packages on their own terms, and these are not always available to new customers.
| Parameter | Basic account | Ordinary service package |
| Purpose | Everyday payments, receipt of salary | A broader range, including credit products |
| Opening conditions | Guaranteed access within the limits of the law | At the bank’s discretion |
| Identification | Requirements may be more lenient | Strong electronic identification is often required |
| Restrictions | Service restrictions are possible | Depends on the tariff |
To start with, a basic account is quite sufficient. It allows you to receive a salary, pay rent and utility bills, and pay by card. Later, once you have a stable income and experience, you can consider broader services.
How to use the account after it is opened
Opening an account is only the first stage. Next, everything needs to be set up so that money arrives on time and access is not blocked. If you have changed your address or status, notify the bank. We have written in more detail about a change of address in a separate article, and outdated data may lead to restrictions.
Money from Ukraine and transfers: what to pay attention to
New arrivals often receive assistance from abroad. The bank has the right to ask about the origin of funds, especially for large amounts, so documents confirming them should be kept.
| Situation | What to prepare |
| Transfer from relatives | Confirmation of the transfer and information about the sender |
| Sale of property in Ukraine | A sale and purchase agreement and documents on payment of taxes |
| Salary from a Ukrainian employer | A contract and a statement of payment |
| Social benefits | A decision on the award of benefits |
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that banks are less likely to block transactions if the customer immediately has an explanation and supporting documents. Therefore, collect the documents in advance, not after a request.
How to prepare for a visit to the bank
Good preparation shortens the time spent at the branch and reduces the risk of refusal. Spend a day checking everything so that you do not have to travel twice. If you are unsure of your rights, do not rush to accept a refusal. Calmly ask for the grounds to be explained and record them in writing. If the branch employee cannot answer, ask that the question be passed to the manager.
Typical mistakes when opening an account
Below are the mistakes that occur most often.
- Arriving without original documents or a permit
- Not finding out the bank’s requirements in advance
- Demanding an account without checking that the passport is valid
- Not bringing proof of address when it is required
- Not recording the refusal in writing
- Not asking about fees and the time needed to open the account
Each of these mistakes can delay the opening of an account by several weeks. And without an account it is difficult to receive a salary or sign a lease. Therefore, do not postpone the visit and do not rely only on oral arrangements with the bank.
Why opening an account on your own can be difficult
At first glance, it is enough to go to a branch. However, the language barrier and the banks’ differing internal rules complicate the process.
- Forms and explanations are often in Finnish or Swedish
- Different branches interpret the requirements differently
- Uncertainty regarding the personal identity code
- Fear of refusal and a lack of arguments
- The need to coordinate the account with the employer and the landlord
That is why more and more Ukrainians who are looking for how to open a bank account in Finland seek assistance already at the first step.
On your own or with International Law Firm "Zahist": a comparison
The difference between the approaches is clearly shown in the table.
| Parameter | On your own | With International Law Firm "Zahist" |
| Document preparation | Important items may be overlooked | A checklist tailored to your status |
| Communication with the bank | It is difficult to explain your rights | Assistance with argumentation |
| Bank refusal | It is unclear what to do | Analysis of the grounds and an action plan |
| Personal identity code | You do not know where to apply | Guidance on the procedure for obtaining it |
| Timeframes | Risk of delays | Monitoring of the stages |
We do not guarantee decisions by banks or public authorities, as the final word remains with them. However, proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
How International Law Firm "Zahist" assists with a bank account
We support the client from the first step so that you understand every action.
- Analysis of your status, documents, and whether you have a personal identity code
- Drawing up a list of documents for the selected bank
- Assistance with preparing copies and supporting documents
- Preparation of explanations for the bank regarding your rights to a basic account
- Assistance in the event of a refusal: analysis and a complaint
- Support in dealings with the DVV and other institutions
- Monitoring of the stages until the account begins to be used
At every stage, you know what is happening and are not left alone with the bureaucracy. This is especially important if the account is needed for work or housing.
Legal assistance in Finland
Do not postpone opening an account, as without one it becomes more difficult to pay for housing and receive income. The earlier you prepare the documents, the lower the risk of refusal. A consultation will help you assess the situation before visiting a branch, rather than after a refusal.
Contact the lawyers of International Law Firm "Zahist", and we will help you determine how a Ukrainian can obtain a bank account in Finland and prepare the necessary documents.
