How a Ukrainian Can Obtain a Finnish Henkilötunnus: Procedure and Documents
How a Ukrainian can obtain a Finnish henkilötunnus depends on their status. If you have temporary protection, the code is usually shown on the residence permit card, and if it is not — you need to contact the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).
Henkilötunnus is a personal identification code without which it is difficult to open an account, make a doctor's appointment, receive benefits, or formalize employment. Ukrainians with other types of permits are assigned the code when they register in the Population Information System, and the conditions depend on the length of stay.
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that most problems arise not because of complex rules, but because of incorrectly submitted documents and missed steps. Below we review the situations, documents, and mistakes, and show when it is better to entrust the matter to lawyers.
What henkilötunnus is and why a Ukrainian needs it in Finland
Henkilötunnus, or hetu, is a unique eleven-character code assigned to each person in Finland's Population Information System. It contains the date of birth and a check character, and is used in almost all public and private services.
Without it, new residents face restrictions: banks refuse full service, an employer cannot correctly arrange taxes, and medical institutions do not see you in the system.
- Opening a bank account and obtaining bank identification
- Registration with medical services and making a doctor's appointment
- Formalizing employment, a tax card, and social benefits
- Access to electronic services via Suomi.fi
- Concluding contracts for housing, communications, and other services
That is why obtaining the code matters from the first weeks after arrival. The longer you are without it, the harder it is to settle in.
Families with children feel this especially acutely: without the code, it is harder to enroll a child in school or daycare and to arrange benefits. That is why a henkilötunnus for a Ukrainian should be obtained as one of the first steps, in parallel with looking for housing.
How a Ukrainian with temporary protection can obtain a Finnish henkilötunnus
For people with temporary protection, the situation is the simplest. The personal code is usually shown on the residence permit card issued by the Finnish Immigration Service, Migri.
However, registration in the Population Information System does not always happen automatically. In that case, you need to visit a DVV service point in person and verify your identity.
- Check the residence permit card: the code should be shown on it
- If there is no code, book an appointment or visit a DVV service point
- Bring your passport, residence permit card, and proof of address, if you have them
- Ask to be registered in the Population Information System and assigned a code
- If necessary, apply for a new residence permit card on which the code will be indicated
After a visit to DVV, a new card is not issued automatically. If you need a card with the code, it must be ordered separately.
Henkilötunnus for Ukrainians with other permits: work, studies, family
Ukrainians who arrived on the basis of a work permit, a study permit, or family reunification obtain the code differently. It is assigned during registration in the Population Information System, and the grounds depend on the length of residence and the purpose of stay.
| Category | How the procedure usually works |
| Temporary protection | The code is shown on the card; if it is not — a visit to DVV |
| Work permit | Registration in the Population Information System subject to a long-term stay |
| Studies | Registration in the system when residence exceeds a specified period |
| Family reunification | The code is assigned together with registration and confirmation of residence |
| Short-term stay | The code may not be assigned; in some cases a tax number is issued |
The exact conditions are governed by law and change. Before applying, it is worth checking the current rules on dvv.fi, because practice may differ between offices.
Municipality of residence (kotikunta) and the code: what is the difference
Many Ukrainians confuse the personal code and the municipality of residence. These are different things: the code identifies you, while kotikunta determines in which municipality you receive services.
To obtain a municipality of residence, a Finnish code and a valid residence permit issued sufficiently long ago are generally required. For temporary protection, this is roughly about a year, but in individual cases the right may arise earlier.
- The personal code is issued primarily for identification and access to services
- The municipality of residence changes the way services and benefits are obtained
- Applying for kotikunta is usually voluntary
- After kotikunta is obtained, services transfer to the relevant municipality
That is why, before submitting an application, you need to weigh whether the transfer will be beneficial for you. An unsuccessful decision may change the range of available services.
Documents for obtaining a henkilötunnus at DVV
The set of documents depends on your status, but the basic package is similar for most applicants. Below is the list that is usually required.
| Document | Why it is needed |
| Passport or other identity document | Proof of identity |
| Residence permit card | Proof of the right to stay |
| Proof of address | Registration of place of residence |
| Marriage or birth certificate | Required for registering family members |
| Translation and apostille | Sometimes required for foreign documents |
Foreign documents are often requested to be translated and legalized. It is better to clarify the requirements with DVV in advance so that you do not have to return several times.
A tax number instead of a personal code: when this is possible
If you work in Finland but do not have a personal code, your employer needs your identifier in order to pay taxes. In some cases, the Tax Administration, Vero, issues a separate tax number that temporarily serves this purpose.
However, this number does not fully replace the code. It does not provide access to all public services, so it is better to resolve registration in the Population Information System in parallel.
| Indicator | Henkilötunnus | Tax number |
| Who issues it | DVV Agency | Tax Administration Vero |
| Purpose | Universal identification in the country | Tax and benefit accounting |
| Access to services | Full, within the limits of status | Limited |
| Whether it replaces the code | This is the primary identifier | No, it is a temporary solution |
Before contacting Vero, check the current conditions on the official website. Requirements may change, and their interpretation depends on the specific office.
What to do after obtaining the code: bank, doctor, Kela, identification
Obtaining the code is only the beginning. Next, you need to use it correctly in order to quickly gain access to services and not lose benefits.
- Check that your name, date of birth, and personal identity code are written correctly in the documents
- Open a bank account and obtain bank codes for electronic identification
- Register with the health services of your municipality
- Apply for the benefits to which you are entitled at the relevant authority
- Keep copies of all documents that contain your personal identity code
If you find an error in the documents, do not delay correcting it. An incorrect name or date of birth may deny you access to services and complicate subsequent procedures.
Common mistakes Ukrainians make when obtaining a personal identity code
Below are the mistakes we encounter most often. They may seem minor, but they can delay the process by weeks.
- Contacting the DVV without a passport or residence permit card
- Confusing a tax identification number with a personal identity code
- Failing to check whether the personal identity code is indicated on the residence permit card
- Submitting documents without the required translations and apostilles
- Registering an address without confirming the right of residence
- Waiting for “automatic” assignment when a personal application is required
Each of these mistakes reduces the chances of completing the procedure quickly. The best way to avoid them is to gather the documents according to a clear checklist.
How a Ukrainian can obtain a Finnish henkilötunnus: why doing it on your own can be difficult
On paper, the procedure looks straightforward. In practice, a person faces a language barrier, differing requirements at various offices, and the need to interpret the rules independently.
- Information on websites is written in Finnish or Swedish, and translations may be outdated
- Different offices may interpret document requirements differently
- It is difficult to understand which status must be indicated and what consequences this will have
- An error in the application leads to a refusal or a repeat application
- Housing, banking, and social benefit matters must be resolved at the same time
That is why many Ukrainians turn to us for help with documents. How a Ukrainian can obtain a Finnish henkilötunnus without unnecessary visits and mistakes is a task that the lawyers of International Law Firm "Zahist" handle regularly.
On your own or with International Law Firm "Zahist": a comparison
The difference between the two approaches is best seen in practice. The table below shows the main differences.
| Criterion | On your own | With International Law Firm "Zahist" |
| Assessment of the situation | Based on general advice from the internet | Analysis of your status and documents |
| Document preparation | Risk of omitting a translation or apostille | We prepare a checklist and verify completeness |
| Communication with authorities | In person, often in Finnish | We advise and provide support |
| Mistakes | Repeat visits and loss of time | We minimize the risk of refusal |
| Outcome | Depends on luck | A clear plan and oversight until the result is achieved |
We do not guarantee decisions by public authorities, as the final word rests with them. However, proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of refusals and delays.
How International Law Firm "Zahist" assists Ukrainians in Finland
We begin with a consultation in order to understand your status and the purpose of your stay.
- Consultation: we clarify the type of permit, the date of arrival, and the status of registration
- Review of documents and identification of what is missing
- Preparation of a list of translations and apostilles, if they are required
- Preparation for the visit to the DVV: what to bring, what to say, and what to expect
- Support in the event of a refusal or delay, and submission of clarifications or a complaint
- Further assistance with banking, tax, and social matters
At every stage, you understand what is happening and are not left alone with the bureaucracy. This is especially valuable in the first months, when everything is new.
Legal assistance for Ukrainians in Finland
Do not postpone the matter of the personal identity code: access to banking, employment, and healthcare depends on it. The sooner you resolve it, the more smoothly you will settle in.
Contact the lawyers of International Law Firm "Zahist", and we will review your situation and advise you on how a Ukrainian can obtain a Finnish henkilötunnus in your specific case and which documents to prepare.
