Registration

How does registration differ from a residence permit?

Nordic citizens and EU/EEA nationals do not need a residence permit to stay in Finland, but they must register their residence after staying three months in Finland (six months for Nordic citizens). The local police handle the registration, except for Nordic citizens, who register at a Register Office and present the Inter-Nordic Migration Form.

Non-EU/EEA citizens need a student residence permit in order to enter Finland. Please refer to the section ‘residence permits’. However, if their studies in Finland last for at least one full year, they should also register themselves on the Finnish population information system.

Registration on the Finnish population information system

If you come to Finland to complete a degree, that is, if your studies in Finland last at least one year, you should register yourself on the population information system. Non-EU/EEA citizens please note: this registration does not remove the necessity of renewing your student residence permit!

The registration on the Finnish population information system takes place at the local register office – “maistraatti” in Finnish. Information entered onto the register includes name, date of birth, nationality, family relationships and address. The registered information is used, amongst other things, in the organisation of elections, for taxation, health care, juridical administration and also for statistical purposes.

Please refer to the local register offices for more detailed information on the registration requirements and procedures!