Finnopedia

Dictionary for newcomers in Finland

2025-03-05 10:17 Other useful tips Adaptation
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular words that will come in handy after moving to Finland :) Here's what you need to know:
  • Banking Codes (Strong ID) — Allow access to various electronic services like signing contracts, renting apartments, paying taxes, etc.
  • Kunta — An administrative unit in Finland, similar to a municipality.
  • Oleskelulupa — Residence permit.
  • Henkilötunnus or tunnus (ID number, Social Security number) — Personal identification code issued by Finnish authorities to every resident.
  • DVV, Digi, Magistrate — The Digital and Population Data Services Agency, registering all residents in Finland.
  • DNA, Telia — Internet and mobile service providers.
  • Espoo, Vantaa — Part of the Uusimaa region, divided into districts/municipalities.
  • Uusimaa — The capital region.
  • ID Card (Henkilökortti) — A plastic card equivalent to an internal passport.
  • IF, Pohjola, Lähitapiola — Insurance companies.
  • Palkka — Salary.
  • Bruttopalkka — Gross Salary before taxes.
  • Nettopalkka — Net Salary after taxes.
  • HSL — Public transport app for the capital region.
  • Kela — The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, which provides pensions, child benefits, sickness benefits, etc.
  • Kela Card — A plastic social insurance card.
  • Koulu — School.
  • Lentoasema — Airport.
  • Rautatieasema — Railway station.
  • Lidl, K-Market, S-Market, Prisma — Popular grocery stores.
  • Lumo, Sato, Kodisto — Companies renting out apartments.
  • Migri — The Finnish Immigration Service.
  • Neuvola — "Mother and Child" clinic for pregnancy and early childcare.
  • N26, Revolut, Banq — Digital banks available in Finland.
  • Oikotie and Vuokraovi — Apartment rental listing websites.
  • OP, S-Pankki, Nordea, Danske — Finnish banks that offer Strong ID services.
  • Oodi — Central library in Helsinki.
  • Päiväkoti — Day care/Kindergarden.
  • Posti — The Finnish postal service.
  • R-Kioski — A chain of convenience stores where you can buy public transport tickets, prepaid SIM cards, etc.
  • Terveysasema — Health clinic.
  • Tori — Online flea marketplace for selling/buying used stuff.
  • Vero — The tax office.
  • Vero Card — A paper indicating the percentage of your income tax.
  • VR.fi — Long-distance trains.
  • Bolt — Handy taxi service app.
  • Yle — News portal.
  • Grillipaikka — Public grill.
  • Leikkipuisto or Leikkipaikka — Public playgrounds for kids.