Foreigner's ID number (HETU)

Detailed explanation

The HETU is an 11-character code that contains encoded information about the holder's date of birth and gender. The format follows a specific pattern: six digits for the birth date (DDMMYY), a century indicator character (+ for 1800s, — for 1900s, A for 2000s), three individual digits, and a control character. This system has been in use since 1964 and is fundamental to how Finland manages personal data across all administrative systems.

For foreigners moving to Finland, the HETU becomes your primary identification number across nearly all official interactions. It links your records in healthcare, taxation, banking, employment, and social services systems. Without a HETU, many everyday tasks become significantly more complicated or impossible, making it one of the first administrative priorities when relocating to Finland.

The code is issued by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) when you register your residence in Finland. EU/EEA citizens typically receive their HETU when registering their right of residence, while non-EU citizens usually obtain it through the residence permit process or upon registering with DVV after arriving.

How it affects expats

• •Banking: Required to open a Finnish bank account at most institutions

• •Healthcare: Needed to access public health services and register with Kela

• •Employment: Employers need your HETU for tax and social security purposes

• •Housing: Often required when signing rental agreements

• •Mobile contracts: Many phone operators require HETU for postpaid plans

• •Online services: Essential for strong authentication and accessing government portals

How to get your HETU

• For work-based residence: Apply through Migri; HETU is assigned during the permit process

• For EU/EEA citizens: Register your right of residence at DVV (Digi- ja vaestorekisterikeskus)

• For students: Register at DVV after receiving your residence permit

• Required documents: Valid passport, residence permit (if applicable), proof of address

Related terms

• •DVV — The Digital and Population Data Services Agency

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

• •Residence permit (Oleskelulupa) — A permit that allows you to reside in Finland for a certain purpose

• •Kela — Finland's Social Insurance Institution