Entry and residence regulations for Finland: relocation made easy

Moving to Finland – to the land of a thousand lakes, endless forests and Finnish sisu – is a big step that opens up many new perspectives. With its advanced tech industry, high quality of life and excellent education system, the country is one of the most attractive destinations for German emigrants. As an experienced moving logistics company, KOCH Moving Logistics helps you with your new start in Scandinavia. This guide provides you with a detailed overview of the most important entry and residence rules that apply to German citizens. All comparisons refer to the situation in Germany. 

German citizens can stay in Finland visa‑free for up to 90 days within any 180‑day period, as the country is part of the Schengen Area. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient for entry – this applies to tourist stays, business trips, conference visits, family visits and also for job searches. Unlike in Germany, where the identity card is the standard document for travel within the EU, it is accepted equally in Finland.

NOTE ON ETIAS: It is expected that by 2026, an ETIAS travel authorisation will be required for visa‑free entry into the Schengen Area. This costs about 20 euros, is valid for three years and is applied for online. In addition, the EU is introducing the Entry/Exit System (EES), which requires travellers to register their biometric data upon entry. Unlike in Germany, where such systems are already under discussion, Finland will implement these European requirements at the same time.

German citizens also enjoy the benefits of EU freedom of movement in Finland. For a stay of more than three months, you do not need a visa, but you are subject to a registration requirement. You must apply for this at the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).A major difference from Germany: registration is not done with a registration authority but directly with the immigration authority, which is also responsible for residence documents.

You can prepare the registration online via the Enter Finlandportal, but then you must appear in person at a Migri service point. Your identity will be checked and your documents reviewed. You should bring the following documents:

 

– valid passport or identity card;

– employment contract (as proof of the purpose of stay);

– proof of residential address in Finland (e.g., rental contract);

– if applicable, birth certificates for accompanying family members.

 

As an EU citizen, you have an unconditional right of residence beyond three months if you are engaged in employment, have sufficient means of subsistence, are studying, or are moving as a family member of an EU citizen. The registration must be applied for within three months of entry. Unlike in Germany, where registration at the citizen's office is usually completed within a few days, expect longer processing times in Finland of several weeks.

The Finnish identification number (henkilötunnus) is the equivalent of the German tax ID and social security number combined – only with significantly more central importance. It is issued by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) or by Migri if you are staying in Finland long‑term. Unlike in Germany, where the tax ID and social security number are separate and hardly play a role in everyday life, the henkilötunnus is ubiquitous in Finland. It consists of eleven digits containing your date of birth, a century marker and an individually calculated check digit.

With a henkilötunnus henkilötunnus, you can easily open a bank account, apply for a Kela card (for access to social security) and obtain your tax card. Without this number, you cannot sign rental contracts, take out mobile phone contracts or use healthcare services in Finland. If you stay for less than six months, you will receive a so‑called interim number for tax and work purposes.

Since October 2024, stricter rules for naturalisation have applied in Finland. The required period of residence has been raised from five to eight years , with only periods holding a valid residence permit counting . Language skills at level B1(Finnish or Swedish) must be demonstrated in the national YKI test. In addition, a written Citizenship test citizenship test on Finnish society, laws and culture is expected to be introduced in 2026/2027. A clean criminal record and economic self‑sufficiency are also required. Compared to Germany (naturalisation after 8 years, B1 proof, costs about 255 euros), the Finnish fees are higher at about 490 € .

Finland has allowed dual citizenship – and Germany has also generally accepted this since June 2024. German emigrants therefore do not need to apply for a retention permit and do not lose their German passport. For citizens of other Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland), a reduced period of two years applies. With particularly good language skills (B1 or higher), the waiting period can be reduced to five years.

The application is submitted digitally via the Enter Finlandportal to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Processing time is currently often over 34 months due to high application numbers – a significant difference from Germany, where procedures are usually completed within a few months. After a positive decision, an additional about 60 euros is due for the first Finnish passport. KOCH Moving Logistics helps you with your move – the path to citizenship begins with a successful arrival.