Can I get kotikunta automatically with my personal identity code?

No. A personal identity code or address is not enough — you need a separate application to DVV.

Can I get kotikunta through a move notification?

No. A move notification and a kotikunta application are different procedures.

Does everyone need kotikunta?

No. Short-term visitors usually do not need it. Kotikunta is linked to living in Finland long term.

Where do I submit the application?

The kotikunta application is submitted to DVV using form 6889.

What if I miss the DVV visit deadline?

Contact DVV as soon as possible and book a new appointment.

Is kotikunta linked to Kela?

Kotikunta may be one condition for some benefits, but Kela assesses each entitlement separately.

Municipality of residence in Finland (kotikunta)

How to apply for kotikunta in Finland through DVV: who needs it, how it differs from your address, and how to submit the application.

Who is this guide for?

This guide is for you if you:

• plan to stay in Finland at least one year • already have a personal identity code • no kotikunta is registered in Suomi.fi yet • want to use municipal services (healthcare, education)

People usually apply if they:

• have moved to live in Finland from another country • plan to stay in Finland at least one year • already have a personal identity code but not yet kotikunta • need to register an official municipality of residence to access municipal services

It is not for short visits (under one year).

What is kotikunta?

Kotikunta is your official municipality of residence in Finland. DVV (Digital and Population Data Services Agency) makes a separate decision.

A personal identity code does not automatically give you kotikunta. A move notification does not replace a kotikunta application — they are different procedures.

Kotikunta affects access to basic municipal services. Kela assesses benefits separately — kotikunta does not give them automatically.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1. Check whether you already have kotikunta

Check kotikunta, personal identity code and address in Suomi.fi.

Check your details in Suomi.fi

Step 2. Submit the application

Complete the kotikunta application (form 6889) on DVV's website.

Open the DVV application

Step 3. Visit DVV if required

If DVV asks for an in-person visit, book an appointment within one month of submitting the application.

Book a DVV appointment

Step 4. Verify the decision

After DVV processes your application, check kotikunta in Suomi.fi.

Common mistakes

• Assuming an address or personal identity code means kotikunta • Applying through a move notification instead of a kotikunta application • Missing the DVV visit deadline • Applying when planning to stay under one year • Expecting automatic Kela payments after kotikunta

Related guides

Recommended order for new residents:

Address registration — previous step Kela — next step

Sign language interpreting

If you need a sign-language interpreter for a DVV appointment, book in advance. If you already have interpreting entitlement from Kela, use the official booking system.

Sign language interpreting Kela interpreting service

Need help?

Before contacting anyone, we recommend:

• prepare your documents in advance; • write down your questions; • book an interpreter in advance if needed.

If you are unsure which procedure applies to your situation, SKMY can help you understand the information and prepare for your contact.

SKMY helps you understand the process, but official decisions are made by DVV and Kela.

Contact SKMY