Henkilöllisyystodistus: ID card

Detailed explanation

In Finland, a henkilöllisyystodistus is a credit card-sized identity document containing your photo, personal information, signature, and security features. It's issued by the police and serves as official proof of identity for various purposes including banking, age verification, and official transactions.

Finnish identity cards come in two versions: one for Finnish citizens and one for foreign nationals registered in Finland. The citizen's ID card functions as a travel document within the EU, EEA, and some other European countries, serving as an alternative to a passport for these destinations. The foreigner's ID card (ulkomaalaisen henkilöllisyystodistus) provides official identification within Finland but is not a travel document.

The ID card contains a chip with biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and can be used for strong electronic authentication in online services. This makes it an alternative to using bank credentials or a mobile certificate when accessing government e-services like OmaVero, OmaKela, or suomi.fi.

For foreign residents, the ID card can be particularly useful because it provides official Finnish identification that may be more convenient than carrying your passport everywhere. However, it does not replace your passport for international travel or as proof of residence status. Your residence permit card remains your primary document for proving your right to be in Finland.

How it affects expats

• •Convenient identification: Provides official ID without carrying your passport daily

• •Not a travel document: The foreigner's ID card cannot be used for international travel

• •Strong authentication: Can be used for electronic identification in Finnish online services

• •Separate from residence permit: Does not prove residence status or work rights

• •Optional document: Not mandatory, but useful for daily life

Practical examples

Example 1: Maria from Brazil has been in Finland for three years with a residence permit. She applies for a Finnish ID card at the police station, which she now uses for everyday identification instead of her passport. She still carries her residence permit card to prove her status. Example 2: Johan, a Finnish citizen, applies for an ID card instead of renewing his passport. He uses it for flights within Europe and as identification at home. For travel to the US, he'll need his passport. Example 3: Ahmed needs to verify his age when purchasing alcohol. His foreign ID card from Finland is accepted, but when he visits Sweden, he needs his passport or residence permit card as the Finnish foreigner's ID is not valid internationally.

Types of Finnish identity cards

Finnish citizen's ID card (henkilöllisyystodistus)

• •For Finnish citizens only

• •Valid travel document within EU/EEA and some other countries

• •Contains biometric chip

• •Validity: 5 years (children under 12: 3 years)

Foreigner's ID card (ulkomaalaisen henkilöllisyystodistus)

• •For foreign nationals registered in Finland

• •Valid for identification within Finland only

• •Not a travel document

• •Contains biometric chip

• •Validity: Maximum 5 years, tied to residence permit validity

What the ID card contains

Visible information:

• •Full name

• •Photo

• •Date of birth

• •Personal identity code (henkilötunnus)

• •Nationality

• •Signature

• •Card validity dates

• •Card number

Chip data:

• •Biometric fingerprints

• •Digital photo

• •Machine-readable zone data

• •Electronic identification certificate

How to apply for an ID card

• Book an appointment at a police station with passport services

• Complete the application online at poliisi.fi or at the appointment

• Bring required documents:

• •Valid passport (or previous Finnish ID)

• •Passport photo (or have one taken at the station)

• •For foreigners: Valid residence permit

• Provide fingerprints at the appointment

• Pay the fee (approximately 54-60 euros)

• Receive the card by mail within 2-4 weeks

When you need the ID card vs. other documents

Use your ID card for:

• •Age verification (bars, stores)

• •Bank account opening (with other documents)

• •Library card registration

• •Various administrative tasks

• •Strong electronic authentication

Use your residence permit card for:

• •Proving your right to stay in Finland

• •Proving work authorization

• •International travel (alongside passport)

• •Dealings with immigration authorities

Use your passport for:

• •International travel outside EU/EEA

• •Visa applications

• •Some official transactions requiring travel document

• •Proof of citizenship

Using the ID card for digital services

The Finnish ID card can be used for strong electronic authentication (vahva tunnistautuminen) through: — ID card readers connected to your computer — The Police's electronic authentication service — Works with suomi.fi, OmaVero, OmaKela, and many other services

This provides an alternative to bank credentials or mobile certificates for accessing online government services.

Related terms

• •Hetu (Personal identity code) — The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services

• •Residence permit (Oleskelulupa) — Official authorization for non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Finland for extended periods

• •Registration (Rekisteröinti) — Process of officially registering your residence and information in Finnish population systems

• •DVV — The Digital and Population Data Services Agency

• •Strong authentication — A common way to log in to Finnish services using online banking credentials or a mobile ID