After arriving in Finland you will have to register with a few relevant authorities within a certain period of time. Citizens of Non-EU/EEA countries need not to register with the authorities, but have to apply for residence permit.
Citizens of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) need to be registered at the Local Register Office in order to receive a Finnish personal identity code, which is compulsory to have in case your stay lasts at least three months (obliged by the University of Helsinki). Please note that this makes an exception to the authoritative rule of not needing to register unless the stay exceeds six months. Visit the Local Register Office (maistraatti) and ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System. More information is available on the website of the Local Register Office.
Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need a residence permit or visa, but if your in Finland lasts longer than three months, you need to apply for a right to reside in Finland at Finnish Immigration Service MIGRI. When you register your right to reside in Finland at MIGRI, please ask to be registered in the Finnish Population Information System. By doing so, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code, which is compulsory to have in case your stay lasts at least three months (obliged by the University of Helsinki).
Start by filling out an application online in the MIGRI's Online Service or a paper application. Make sure that you have all the necessary attachments for your application and bring them with you when you visit the service point. You can book an appointment beforehand in the appointment system. You can also visit a service point and queue to submit your application but please be prepared for long queues.
When your studies in Finland last over a year you can also be registered with a municipality of residence (domicile) at the Local Register Office (maistraatti). Acquiring a permanent address and place of domicile entitles you to enjoy municipal benefits, including (if your studies last for over two years) also the right to use municipal health care. By registering in the Finnish Population System you will also receive the personal identity code in case you haven’t been assigned it by MIGRI. The personal identity code is compulsory to have in case your stay lasts at least three months (obliged by the University of Helsinki).
To register at the Local Register Office you need to have a proof of:
Visit the Local Register Office website for more information and the contact information for the offices.
Also remember to update your Finnish personal identity code in the student register. You can do it by visiting the Student Services. Bring with you proof of your new identity code.