Your Journey to Finnish Roads
This guide walks you through the process of exchanging your foreign driver’s license for a Finnish one. Learn about the requirements and key steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Are You Eligible?
Check the criteria for obtaining a driver's license in Finland, including age, residency, and eligibility.
- Age RequirementsYou must be at least 18 years old to apply for a car driving license.
- Residency StatusYou must be a resident of Finland to apply for a driver's license. A residence permit for specialists is an applicable document.
- Medical RequirementsYou must be medically fit to drive. This includes passing a vision test and, in some cases, a medical examination.
- Other RequirementsValid driver’s license of another state. EU/EEA licenses can be used in Finland until they expire, after which they must be exchanged. Licenses from Contracting States, such as Russia, remain valid for two years after moving to Finland and must be exchanged afterward, along with a possible driving test.
Step-by-step to your new license
Follow our guide to obtaining a driver's license in Finland, covering required documents, medical exams and the application process.
Step 1: Get a medical certificate
Book an appointment at Itäkeskus Clinic in Helsinki or another approved medical facility. During the visit, they will check your eyesight and issue a medical certificate. The certificate from Itäkeskus Clinic costs 35 EUR.
Step 2: Book an appointment at Traficom Service Provider
Go to traficom.fi and schedule a visit to an office near your residence. Check the required documents based on your nationality and license type. You will need to bring your Finnish ID, a medical certificate, your foreign driver’s license, and an official translation if necessary. If you are applying as a student, a study certificate may be needed. The processing fee is 39 EUR.
Step 3: Visit Traficom office and submit your documents
Go to your scheduled appointment and submit your documents. You will need to fill out an application form. If all documents are in order, you will receive a temporary Finnish driving permit, which allows you to drive in Finland while your application is processed. If your foreign license has expired, you may need to pass a driving examination, which includes both a theory and a practical test. The processing time for the final Finnish license is approximately three to six months. If approved, your official Finnish driver’s license will be mailed to your home within two weeks.
If you have any questions or want to clarify about the requirements, call Traficom at +358 29 5345115.
If you have any questions or want to clarify about the requirements, call Traficom at +358 29 5345115.
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