Working on Finnish Construction Sites: Guide for Estonian Workers

Going from Estonia to work on a construction site in Finland? Before the first shift there are a few things that cannot be sorted out at the site gate: the Finnish tax number (veronumero), a Valtti card with that number on it and the protective equipment the site requires. This guide covers the paperwork in the right order, shows what Finnish sites expect you to wear and ends with a packing checklist you can use before you travel.

Step 1: register for a Finnish tax number before you start

According to the Finnish Tax Administration (Vero), a construction worker may not start work on a Finnish site before being registered in the Finnish tax number register (veronumerorekisteri). The tax number is the number printed on your site ID card, so it is the first thing to arrange.

You do not have to travel to Finland to get it: Estonian construction workers can get the Finnish tax number in Tallinn, thanks to the cooperation between the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) and Vero. Vero also has an Estonian-language page on the topic – check it for the current procedure before you go.

Step 2: henkilötunnus and tax card with a Finnish employer

If you are employed by a Finnish company, the tax number alone is not enough. Vero states that with a Finnish employer you also need a Finnish personal identity code (henkilötunnus) and a tax card. Arrange both with your employer before the start date.

Step 3: the Valtti card – your pass at the site gate

On a shared construction site in Finland every worker must wear a visible photo ID card that shows the tax number. This is required by section 52 a of the Finnish Occupational Safety and Health Act. In practice most workers use a Valtti card (valttikortti), which shows your name, photo, employer and tax number. Most Finnish sites require it to be visible at all times, and a worker without a card can be turned away at the gate. Agree with your employer or client who arranges the card, and make sure it is ready before your first day.

Step 4: the PPE a Finnish site expects

Finnish rules come from the Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002), the Government Decree on the safety of construction work (VNa 205/2009) and the site rules of the main contractor. Section 71 of the decree requires a safety helmet, safety footwear, reflective warning clothing and eye protection as the work requires. Main contractors usually set stricter minimums. This is what you will normally need:

For more detail see our guide mandatory PPE on Finnish construction sites.

Example: site rules of a large contractor (NCC)

As an example of a large contractor's site rules, an Estonian-language sign on NCC sites in Finland lists: safety footwear S3, S5 or S1+P; hi-vis upper body at least EN ISO 20471 class 2, class 3 on road and rail areas; an EN 397 helmet with chin strap; EN 166 eye protection according to the task; hearing protection above 85 dB; the Valtti card visible; long work trousers; and FFP3/P3 respiratory protection in dusty phases. Other contractors have their own rules, so always read the site rules of the project you are going to.

Who pays for the equipment?

An employer must provide the protective equipment its employees need, free of charge, and make sure it is used. Collective agreements may contain further terms. Self-employed workers and small subcontractors buy their own equipment, and the site rules apply to them in the same way – which is why many crews order a full kit per worker before a new project starts.

Packing checklist for a Finnish site

• Documents: tax number registered, Valtti card arranged, henkilötunnus and tax card if you work for a Finnish employer.
• Helmet: EN 397 with chin strap – see safety helmets and EN 397 vs EN 12492.
• Hi-vis: class 2 jacket or shirt as the outer layer – see hi-vis workwear, hi-vis vests and jackets; classes are explained in hi-vis classes EN ISO 20471.
• Safety boots: S3 or S5 – see safety boots and S1P vs S3 vs S3S.
• Work trousers: long trousers – see work trousers.
• Gloves: task-specific, plus a warm pair for winter – see work gloves and EN 388 ratings.
• Eye protection: EN 166 – see safety glasses.
• Work at height: harness if your tasks require it – see fall protection.
• Hearing and respiratory protection: as required by the task and site rules.

The quickest way to cover the basics is a ready workwear kit that combines a hi-vis jacket, work trousers and safety footwear per worker.

Order in time: delivery takes 8–16 days

Our delivery time is 8–16 days. If you are leaving for Finland soon, place the order early enough for the parcel to arrive before you travel – a kit that arrives after the first shift does not help at the site gate. Check sizes before ordering, especially for safety boots, to avoid an exchange shortly before departure.

General information, not legal advice. Check the current law and your site's safety plan.