How to Obtain Finnish Bank Codes for Identification: Procedure
Finnish banking codes for identification are issued by your bank when you become its customer. Personal appearance at a branch and a valid identity document are usually required, and the conditions depend on the policy of the specific bank.
The requirements for codes are stricter than those for opening an account, because banks are obliged to verify the customer’s identity reliably. Therefore, having an account does not yet guarantee that you will immediately be issued a means of strong electronic identification.
Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that people most often face refusals because of an incomplete set of documents and differing branch requirements. Below we explain how to obtain Finnish banking codes for identification and what alternatives exist.
What banking codes are needed for in Finland
Banking codes provide access not only to an account, but also to public and commercial e-services. Without them, many procedures have to be completed at branch offices.
| Area | Why identification is needed |
| Banking | Account management, payments, confirmation of transactions |
| Public services | Access to e-services, including DVV, Kela, and Vero |
| Immigration matters | Filing and reviewing applications electronically |
| Private services | Contracts, signing documents, rental |
That is why the question of codes is a question of access to everyday life. This is especially noticeable in the first months, when you need to arrange work, housing, and payments. The sooner you obtain them, the less time you will spend on paper procedures.
What strong electronic identification is and what methods exist
In Finland, there are several ways to confirm identity online. The main ones are banking codes, a mobile certificate, and a citizen certificate, but availability depends on your status.
| Method | Who can use it |
| Banking codes | Customers of the bank that issued the codes |
| Mobile certificate | Depends on the operator and your status |
| Citizen certificate | Limited: citizens or persons with a municipality of residence |
| eIDAS identification | For certain services, including for foreigners |
We recommend checking the issuance conditions on the providers’ websites, as they change. Below we look at the most common route — through a bank.
Procedure for obtaining banking codes
The sequence is almost the same everywhere, although the details may differ. Prepare in advance so that you do not have to return several times. If the bank refuses, ask it to explain the reason in writing. This will help you understand exactly what needs to be corrected.
What documents are required for banking codes
The composition of the package depends on the bank, but there are common items. Some banks accept only passports of EU or EEA countries for strong identification, so Ukrainians should clarify the requirements.
| Document | Note |
| Foreign passport | Valid, in accordance with the bank’s requirements |
| Residence permit card | Proof of the right to stay |
| Finnish personal identity code | If the bank requires it |
| Document with a Finnish ID card issued by the police | An additional option if the bank accepts it |
| Proof of address | A letter from DVV or a rental agreement |
Some banks require a Finnish identity code without exception, while others do without it. Therefore, before your visit it is better to check several branches or write to customer support.
A Finnish ID card issued by the police as a route to strong identification
For some foreigners, an additional option is an ID card issued by the police. Some sources indicate that it helps obtain codes with a strong identification function, but the rules depend on the bank. We cannot claim that the card guarantees that codes will be issued. However, it may simplify identification if the bank accepts it.
Typical reasons for refusal to issue banking codes
A refusal is not always final, and many reasons can be remedied. The most common ones are listed below.
- The bank does not accept a Ukrainian passport for strong identification
- No Finnish personal identity code
- Insufficient proof of address or status
- The bank considers that the customer is staying in the country temporarily
- Incomplete set of documents
- The bank’s restrictive rules for new customers
If you have been refused, contact another bank, gather additional evidence, and consider consulting a lawyer.
How to use the codes safely after obtaining them
Banking codes give access to your money and personal data, so their security is as important as obtaining them in the first place. Fraudsters often target new residents of the country.
- Never give codes or one-time passwords to third parties
- Check the website address before logging in to the bank
- Do not respond to emails or calls asking you to confirm codes
- Enable transaction notifications on your phone
- If the code carrier is lost, contact the bank immediately
Banks usually do not ask you to disclose codes by telephone. If someone calls you on behalf of the bank, it is better to end the conversation and contact the branch yourself.
What to do if the bank does not issue codes: alternative options
It happens that several banks refuse in a row. This is unpleasant, but the situation is not a dead end, and options remain.
| Option | What to pay attention to |
| Another bank | Requirements differ, so try several institutions |
| ID card issued by the police | A possible route, but the conditions depend on your status |
| eIDAS identification | For certain public services, not for all |
| Paper procedures | A temporary option for public authorities |
| Legal consultation | Helps with arguments and a complaint |
You should not rely on a single bank and wait for months. It is more effective to try alternatives in parallel and record each refusal in writing.
How to prepare for a bank visit to obtain codes
A little preparation will save you time and stress. Plan the visit as if your future life in Finland depends on it, because in many respects it does. Our experience at International Law Firm "Zahist" shows that clients who arrive with a clear list of documents usually get a result faster. This also reduces the risk of repeat visits. In addition, you immediately see exactly what is missing and can fill the gaps before meeting a bank employee.
How residence status affects obtaining codes
The bank assesses not only the documents, but also the risks associated with the customer. Therefore, your status and the expected length of your stay in Finland may affect the decision.
| Factor | How it may affect the process |
| Validity period of the permit | A short validity period sometimes prompts additional questions |
| Employment | An employment contract increases the bank’s confidence |
| Finnish personal identity code | Simplifies the identification procedure |
| Residential address | Confirms a connection with the country |
A change of address or status also requires updating the data held by the bank. We covered this in more detail in our article on changing an address in Finland.
Common mistakes when obtaining identification codes
These mistakes occur frequently, and each of them is easy to avoid.
- Attending without original documents
- Failing to clarify the bank’s requirements in advance
- Confusing an account with the right to strong identification
- Accepting an oral refusal without a written explanation
- Failing to check the passport’s validity period
- Sharing codes with other people
The last mistake is particularly dangerous, because the codes are equivalent to a signature. Do not transfer them to anyone or disclose them by telephone.
Why obtaining the codes on your own can be difficult
At first glance, it is enough to visit a branch. However, the language barrier and differing bank rules complicate the process.
- Forms and explanations are often in Finnish or Swedish
- Different banks have different document requirements
- Uncertainty regarding the personal identity code
- Difficulty explaining your rights to a branch employee
- Lack of alternative identification methods
That is why an increasing number of Ukrainians who are looking for how to obtain bank codes in Finland seek advice even before their visit.
On your own or with International Law Firm "Zahist": a comparison
The table clearly illustrates the difference between the approaches.
| Parameter | On your own | With International Law Firm "Zahist" |
| Choice of bank | Difficult to compare requirements | Assistance with analysing the terms |
| Documents | Important items may be overlooked | Checklist |
| Bank refusal | Unclear what to do | Analysis of the grounds and an action plan |
| Alternatives | You are unaware of other methods | Overview of available options |
| Timeframes | Risk of delays | Monitoring of stages |
We do not guarantee decisions by banks or public authorities, as the final word remains with them. However, proper preparation substantially reduces the risk of refusal.
How International Law Firm "Zahist" assists with bank codes
We support the client at every stage so that you understand each step.
- Analysis of your status, documents, and whether you have a personal identity code
- Selection of a bank and an identification method suited to your situation
- Preparation of the list of documents and copies
- Assistance with preparing explanations for the bank
- Support in the event of a refusal: analysis of the grounds and a complaint
- Advice on alternative identification methods
- Monitoring of stages until the codes are activated
At every stage, you know what is happening and are not left alone with the bureaucracy. This is particularly important when the codes are needed for work or public services.
Legal assistance in Finland
Do not postpone arranging the codes, because without them access to public services becomes more difficult. The earlier you prepare the documents, the lower the risk of refusal. A consultation makes it possible to 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 to obtain Finnish bank codes for identification and prepare the necessary documents.
