Moving to Lahti

Asikkala

Asikkala is a lakeside municipality known as a gateway to Lake Päijänne. Nature is close in Asikkala, with routes and outdoor destinations around Vesijärvi and Päijänne. Parts of the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark are also located in Asikkala. The municipality also offers services for families, young people, older residents, entrepreneurs and visitors.

Learn more about Asikkala at (asikkala.fi).

Hartola

Hartola is a rural municipality in eastern Päijät-Häme. It offers opportunities for living, entrepreneurship and holidays in a peaceful countryside setting. Hartola’s tourism and leisure services highlight nature, outdoor routes, winter activities and local events.

Learn more about Hartola at (hartola.fi).

Hollola

Hollola is a municipality close to Lahti with strong nature and leisure opportunities. Its nature destinations are part of the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark, and the municipality has nature trails, hiking routes, nature reserves and cycling routes. Hollola is also known for Messilä, a full-service ski resort with an 18-hole golf course.

Learn more about Hollola at (hollola.fi).

Iitti

Iitti is a green rural municipality between Lahti and Kouvola. The municipality describes itself as a place with space for different types of housing, work and entrepreneurship. Iitti also offers nature routes, cycling, water activities, culture, events and local tourism services.

Learn more about Iiitti at (iitti.fi).

Kärkölä

Kärkölä is a peaceful rural municipality where local services, nature and free-time activities are close by. The municipality offers outdoor areas, village events, sports, culture and association activities. Huovila Park is one of Kärkölä’s important free-time and event places.

Learn more about Kärkölä at (karkola.fi).

Orimattila

Orimattila – a small and nature-close town where everyday life runs smoothly and a strong sense of community is felt. Its peacefulness, diverse services, and a convenient distance to larger cities make it an ideal place to live, work, and enjoy life.

Learn more about Orimattila at (orimattila.fi).

Heinola

Heinola – a small city with big life. With beautiful lakes, green forests, and a strong sense of community, Heinola offers a peaceful lifestyle and plenty of opportunities for work and leisure. It’s the perfect place to call home with a small-town charm.

Learn more about Heinola at (heinola.fi).

Padasjoki

Padasjoki is a municipality on the shore of Lake Päijänne, with many lakes and small villages. Residents can live close to nature and basic services, with housing options in villages and the main village centre. Padasjoki offers hiking, water activities, local sights, events and access to Päijänne National Park. Parts of the Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark are also located in Padasjoki.

Learn more about Padasjoki at (padasjoki.fi)

Sysmä

Sysmä is a vibrant municipality surrounded by nature, located on the shores of Lake Päijänne. It is known for its strong sense of community, beautiful lake landscapes, and a wide range of year-round leisure opportunities, including boating, hiking, cultural events, and seasonal activities.

Surrounded by clean nature and scenic lakeland, Sysmä is easily accessible from across Finland. With its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and high quality of life, it is both an attractive place to live and a welcoming destination for visitors throughout the year.

Living and settling in Sysmä is supported by easily accessible guidance and advisory services.

Learn more about Padasjoki at (sysma.fi).

A personal identity code is needed in many everyday situations in Finland. For example, you need it when dealing with authorities, opening a bank account, and receiving wages.

After your residence permit application has been processed, you will receive a Finnish personal identity code. If you did not receive one, you must apply for it separately. You do this by completing an online form and then visiting the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) in person to register. More detailed instructions can be found below in the DVV section.

If you have a municipality of residence in Finland, you are entitled to use local public services. These include daycare, schools, healthcare, and public transport, often at a lower cost. A municipality of residence is also required if you want to apply for a Finnish identity card or a driving licence.

If you have just arrived in Finland, you must first register as a resident of Lahti with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

The Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) is responsible for the population information system in Finland. For example, DVV issues personal identity codes and handles matters related to marriage, guardianship of a child, and registration in a municipality.

You can find more information about registering foreigners in the population information system and about obtaining a municipality of residence on the website of the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

Below useful links:

Moving to Finland (dvv.fi)

The police can issue an identity card to a foreign citizen who:

• lives in Finland permanently
• has their personal details registered with the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV); and
• has a registered right of residence or a valid residence permit or residence card.

In addition, the person’s identity must be reliably verified.

A foreigner’s identity card is valid for up to five years, or until the residence permit or residence card expires, whichever comes first. A foreigner’s identity card is not a valid travel document.

Read more about identity card at (poliisi.fi).

A Finnish bank account is essential for everyday life in Finland. It makes it easier to receive and use money. It also gives you access to Finnish electronic identification (e‑identification).

You can open a bank account by contacting a local bank of your choice. The bank must verify your identity and carry out a risk assessment. However, a Finnish personal identity code is not always required to open a basic payment account.

Once you have a Finnish bank account, you can use it for strong electronic identification when using digital services. Each bank provides strong identification in its own way. If needed, ask your bank for more information and guidance.

Using strong electronic identification means that your identity can be verified securely when you use online services provided by authorities, banks, and other organisations.

Read more about bank services at (finanssivalvonta.fi).

Kela (Kansaneläkelaitos) is the Finnish Social Insurance Institution. It provides basic social security for people living in Finland.

Kela decides whether you are entitled to different types of benefits, such as family benefits, student benefits, pensions, and housing support. It also manages health insurance, rehabilitation services, and unemployment benefits. You can apply for a Kela card by completing the required forms and submitting them to Kela.

Below useful links

Kela (kela.fi)

Lahti customer sercive point (kela.fi).

Finland is often described as a country with high taxes, and this is partly true. The difference between your gross salary (before tax) and your take‑home pay can be larger than in some other countries. However, many people feel that the services funded by taxes—such as healthcare, public transport, and education—make this worthwhile.

In Finland, all income is taxed. The tax system is progressive, which means that people with higher income usually pay a higher tax rate. Taxes are administered by the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero).

Before you start working in Finland, you need a tax card. Your employer uses the tax card to deduct the correct amount of tax from your salary. If you do not give your employer a tax card, they may deduct up to 60% in tax from your pay.

You can request, view, and update your tax card in the MyTax online service.
Your tax card shows your tax rate, which is based on your estimated annual income. If your income or deductions change during the year, your tax rate may also need to change. In that case, you should request a new tax card with an updated tax rate.

Below useful links

Tax car and tax return (vero.fi)

Work in Finland (vero.fi)

Lahti service point (vero.fi)