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Finding housing in Finland
Finding housing in Finland is easier when you understand the local registration rules. A rental address is often needed for permits, healthcare, school and tax paperwork.
Address registration in Finland
Personal identity code at DVV: Book at DVV or at any tax office. Free. Bring documents — Passport, residence permit / EU registration, marriage/birth certificates translated. Register your address — Done at the same visit. Enables Kela, tax card, bank account. Residence permits via Migri: Fully online. Work, study, family, entrepreneur streams. Apply on Enter Finland — Fee €470–€520 for first permit. Visit an embassy for biometrics. Register with EU registration — EU/EEA citizens instead apply for EU registration certificate at Migri — €54. Public healthcare: Access at your terveyskeskus once you have a municipality (kotikunta). Register kotikunta — At DVV once you plan to stay >1 year. GP visit fee — €20 first visit/year; free for children and pregnant.
Where to search safely
Use established rental portals, local housing offices, reputable agencies and municipality information pages. Be extra careful with social-media listings. Never send a deposit before you have seen the home, verified the landlord and received a written contract.
Contract and deposit
Check the rent, deposit, utilities, notice period, inventory and whether registration at the address is allowed. In Finland, a home that cannot be registered can block healthcare, school, benefits and residence renewals.
Housing-related offices
DVV — Digital & Population Data Agency: Personal identity code, address. Kela — Social Insurance Institution: Health, family, unemployment benefits. Phone: 020 692 200. Vero — Finnish Tax Administration: Tax card (verokortti). Phone: 029 497 050.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register my address in Finland with a temporary room?
Often yes if the landlord or host can provide the required proof, but rules vary locally. Ask the municipality before paying a deposit.
Which office should I contact first in Finland?
Start with DVV — Digital & Population Data Agency. For broader newcomer help, also check Migri — Finnish Immigration Service, DVV — Digital & Population Data Agency, Kela — Social Insurance Institution.
What language will offices use in Finland?
The main administrative language is Finnish / Swedish. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
How large is a typical deposit?
1–3 months of rent is normal across most of Europe. It must be returned when you leave, minus any damage beyond normal wear.
Can a landlord refuse me because I am a newcomer?
Discrimination based on nationality or origin is illegal across the EU. You can report it to national equality bodies.