Finnish ID card application

It is standard practice for countries to require their citizens to hold a valid ID card, and Finland is no exception. However, the approach there is different from other countries in several ways, and not only adult citizens are eligible for a card. Read more to know the basics of a Finnish ID card application and some handy tips.

Table of contents

What is the Finnish ID card?

The Finnish ID card is an identity card with an electronic chip that keeps your personal identity and guarantees its authenticity. Besides its obvious function as an identity document, the card is also a prerequisite to access some services and can serve as a travel document. It can be used as a travel document to enter most European countries without a visa for a determined period of time. The chip can also be used for some online services.

Who is eligible for a Finnish ID card

While ID cards are usually a requirement for adult citizens, all Finnish citizens are eligible to apply, including minors, who can use the card as a travel document. Foreigners who permanently reside in Finland may also apply.

How to apply

You can apply for the ID card online and offline. The Finnish authorities recommend that you apply online as it is more convenient and costs less.

Use the online service

Here are the steps of applying for the card online:

  1. Get your photo done and uploaded to the police photograph server:
    1. You may get your photo done at a photo studio, which will send your picture to the police server and give you a code to refer to the image, which you will not be able to download and reuse privately, or
    2. You may get your photo done yourself and upload it to the police database yourself. Your image will have to completely satisfy the requirements.
  2. Apply online using this service and fill out the form;
  3. Book an appointment at a police station if you need to. If you do, bring your old passport or identity card, as well as other documents you may be asked to bring;
  4. Pick up your card at your appointed collection point.

Without the online service

You may also apply for the card at your local police station without using the online service. You will need the following documents with you:

When do you need to go to the police station?

In the case of applications for minors, an appointment at a police station is a must. In other cases, if you apply online, you do not always need to go to the police station.

You do not need to get a police appointment if:

The bottom line is that you do not need to go to a police station when no additional confirmation of identity is necessary, as a police appointment is to establish your identity.

Finnish ID photo requirements

As mentioned above, you may get your photo done at a studio, or you could do it yourself. However, the Finnish ID picture must fulfill specific strict requirements; otherwise, it can be rejected.

The requirements are:

Here's an example of the photo:

Photo for Finnish ID card

Get a Finnish ID photo online

As mentioned above, you can get your photo done yourself and save time and resources, but keep in mind that photos that do not fulfill the requirements will be rejected.

If you want to save yourself a trip to a photo studio, you can use Visafoto to help you. Just take a picture following the guidelines above. Visafoto will take care of the technicalities, from the background, sizing and dimensions, to fixing red-eye and head tilt.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

An example of a source photo:

The original photo

You will receive 2 versions of your Finnish residence permit photo: for printing and for the online application

Example of Finnish ID card
Picture for Finnish ID card for printing

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