Strong identification in Finland 2026: personal code and bank codes
Using Finnish e-services requires two things: a personal identity code (henkilötunnus) and strong electronic identification. Strong identification is most often done with online banking codes, a mobile certificate or a certificate card, and through the Suomi.fi service you log into Kela, Vero, Migri (Enter Finland) and OmaKanta with them.
If you do not yet have a Finnish personal identity code or bank codes, you can use another EU country’s eIDAS token or the Finnish Authenticator app. Below is where to get the personal code, what strong-identification methods exist and how to get around the chicken-and-egg problem.
- 11
- characters in the personal code
- 2–4 wk
- DVV processing time
- 3
- main strong-ID methods
- Suomi.fi
- single sign-in
What is the personal identity code and where do you get it?
The personal identity code (henkilötunnus) is 11 characters long, the first six formed from your date of birth. It is issued when your data is registered in the Population Information System. If you are granted a residence permit or a registered right of residence by Migri, the code is usually created automatically and printed on the residence permit card.
Otherwise you request it from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV): you fill in an online form and visit in person within a month. Processing typically takes about 2–4 weeks. For the visit you need a valid passport or EU ID card and a residence permit card or other proof of legal residence. You need the code at a bank, with an employer and in dealings with authorities.
Strong electronic identification — bank codes and other methods
With Suomi.fi e-Identification you log into public-administration services with a single sign-in. The strong-identification methods are online banking codes, a mobile certificate and a certificate card (such as the ID card issued by the police). You get online banking codes by making a contract with a Finnish bank, and they must be issued to you personally. A mobile certificate is activated with your operator and often requires existing bank codes — it does not work on a prepaid subscription.
The chicken-and-egg problem: what without a code or an account?
Bank codes require a bank account, and opening an account requires a personal identity code and strong identification — often a visit to a branch. So in practice the first strong token is usually the online banking codes. If you cannot get a Finnish token yet, you can use your own EU country’s eIDAS token or the Finnish Authenticator app (for people without a personal code, 18+, in English) — though it does not work in every service.
A fintech account (such as Revolut or Wise) helps at the first stage with salary and payments, but it does not give Finnish strong identification to Kela, Vero or Migri. It is a good bridge while you wait, not a replacement for a Finnish bank and bank codes.
| Method | For whom | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Online banking codes | Customer of a Finnish bank | Most common; needs a bank account |
| Mobile certificate | Operator subscription | Not on prepaid; activation often via bank codes |
| Certificate card / ID card | Issued by the police | High assurance level |
| Finnish Authenticator | Without a personal code (18+) | In English; not in every service |
| eIDAS token | Another EU country’s token | Works in Finnish authority e-services |
Calculators for this topic
FAQ
Where do I get a Finnish personal identity code?
It is created when your data is registered in the Population Information System. With a Migri residence permit usually automatically (shown on the permit card); otherwise you request it from DVV via an online form and a visit, processing about 2–4 weeks.
What strong-identification methods are there?
Online banking codes, a mobile certificate and a certificate card (such as the police-issued ID card). Through Suomi.fi you log into public-administration services with them.
How do I identify myself without a Finnish personal code?
You can use your own EU country’s eIDAS token or the Finnish Authenticator app (for people aged 18+, in English). However, not every service accepts the latter.
Is Revolut or Wise enough for strong identification?
No. A fintech account helps with salary and payments, but it does not give Finnish strong identification to Kela, Vero or Migri. For that you need a Finnish bank’s codes, a mobile certificate or a certificate card.
Can I get bank codes without a bank account?
No. Online banking codes are issued together with a bank account under a contract. Opening an account in turn requires a personal identity code and proof of identity.