Banks in Finland
Banking in Finland is a simple and efficient process. For example, you may be surprised to receive an active ATM (cash machine) card during the short process of opening an account.
Finns use the least physical cash per capita in the world; your ATM card can be used in place of cash almost anywhere, withdrawing funds directly from your account. Plus, thankfully, the need for a personal visit to the bank is further reduced by the ease of online banking and the omnipresence of Solo and similar machines at which you can pay bills etc.
Opening a personal account
Opening a personal account is generally fast and simple. Someone in the bank will usually speak acceptable English - other foreign languages could prove problematic, so take along a Finnish friend if you have one! Go to the nearest convenient branch of the bank you choose, and to minimise the possibility of difficulty take as much official identification as you can. Charges (or bank fees / service charges / service fees) very slightly between banks but are generally quite reasonable.Starting Online Banking
Online banking is secure, with new security codes and confirmation codes (provided by the bank in advance) required each time you access your account.
To begin online banking in Finland you don't need special software. The first step is to enter an online banking agreement with your bank. They will then provide you with a customer number and access codes, and the Web site / address for accessing the online banking service. Easy!
Taxation
The first thing to do when you obtain work is to take your new employment contract to the Tax Office (Verotoimisto – map), and get a tax card (verokortti). Present the tax card to your employer as soon as you start the job - if you don't you will be taxed 60% of everything you earn while working without a card. Remember to take your employment contract to the Tax Office when you go for your card, because it indicates your salary and therefore determines your tax level.
Your tax card will have your tax percentage written on it. If you do other work simultaneously with your primary employment, you must obtain a tax card for additional income and you must also immediately disclose that to your employer. Your tax percentage can be altered during the year if your income changes.
Keep an eye on your income and tax percentage; if you pay too little tax you will have to pay more the next year. Your local Tax Office will give you more information on this. Remember to fill in and check your annual tax return form, which you will receive by mail every year. The form will indicate the date it must be returned - do it on time or be fined.
Registration
EU - EU citizens and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland must register at the local Police station their residence after staying three months in Finland. Registration costs EUR 40.
Non EU - If you are a full-degree student, you should register at the “Maistraatti” (local register office). You can get your Scial Security Number from there.
The basic data on foreigners residing in Finland are entered in the Population Information System. Registered information includes name, date of birth, nationality, familial relationships and address. A Finnish municipality of residence is registered for a foreigner who has moved to Finland if he or she plans on staying here permanently and if he or she has a residence permit for at least one year. Citizens of Nordic countries do not need residence permits. Under the law, a foreigner is required to register the same information as Finnish citizens if he or she resides in Finland for at least one year. The registration takes place at the local register office. The registered information is used, amongst other things, in the organisation of elections, and for taxation, health care, juridical administration and statistical purposes.