Opening a bank account in Finland is a necessary step to do once you move to Finland. Online banking and identity verification will go hand-in-hand while you stay in Finland. The three leading banks in Finland are Nordea, the OP Group, Danske Bank and S-Pankki, representing more than 80% of Finland’s banking services. 

Opening a bank account is very easy and convenient, when you are in Finland in person. At the moment it is not possible to open an account online for foreigners. Having a bank account as a student should be free of charge up to the age of 25. However, check this information out, as rules can change.

All you need to do is go to any bank of your choice with ready documents. There is no need for booking an appointment online, as almost all personnel speak English very well. If you can not speak English nor Finnish/Swedish, you can make an appointment to ensure a person who can help you in your native language is available once you come to the bank.

List of documents that work in most banks (It is advised to bring as many of them as possible):

• Passport
• Other government-issued photo ID
• Proof of your address (like a bill)
• Personal ID number = Social security number
• Residence permit or proof of visa
• Certificate of student status

Here is an useful link with all important information to know: https://www.expat-finland.com/finance/account.html

Source: 

Expat Finland 2020. Finnish bank accounts, charges & interest. URL: https://www.expat-finland.com/finance/account.html. Accessed: 6 November 2020