Vahvistus (Strong Authentication)

Detailed explanation

Finland is one of the most digitized societies in the world, and strong authentication is the gateway to nearly all online services. When a service requires you to "tunnistaudu" (identify yourself), you use one of the approved strong authentication methods to verify your identity.

Bank ID (pankkitunnukset) is the most widely used method. When you open a Finnish bank account, you receive online banking credentials (username, password, and one-time codes or a mobile app authenticator). These credentials work not only for banking but also for logging into government services, healthcare portals, tax services, and many private services through the Finnish Trust Network (Suomi.fi tunnistus). Mobile certificate (mobiilivarmenne) is a SIM-card-based identification available through Finnish mobile operators. The Finnish ID card (henkilökortti) with a chip can also be used with a card reader for electronic identification.

How it affects expats

• •Bank account first: Getting a Finnish bank account is often the first priority because bank IDs unlock access to nearly all digital services

• •Catch-22 situation: Some services require strong authentication to register, but getting the authentication requires other registrations

• •banks are usually the starting point

• •Tax services: OmaVero (tax portal) requires strong authentication to file and manage taxes

• •Healthcare: OmaKanta (health records) and appointment booking use strong authentication

• •Kela services: Applying for benefits online requires identification

• •Without bank ID: If you do not yet have Finnish bank credentials, you may need to visit offices in person for services that would otherwise be available online

Key details

• •Bank ID: The most common method

• •credentials from any Finnish bank work across services

• •Mobile certificate: SIM-based identification from Finnish mobile operators

• •Finnish ID card: Chip-enabled card usable with a card reader

• •Suomi.fi: The national authentication service connecting identity providers to public services

• •Required for: Tax filing, healthcare records, Kela applications, DVV services, many private services

Related terms

• •Pankkitili (Bank Account) — Finnish bank account and credentials

• •Suomi.fi — the national digital services portal

• •DVV — Digital and Population Data Services Agency