Foreign driving licences in Finland (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: A driving licence from an EU or EEA state is valid in Finland within its period of validity. Visitors may use licences from convention states and other recognised states, with an international licence or translation if the licence does not clearly show categories and validity. Residents may keep using a convention-state licence for 2 years and another recognised state's licence for one year.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceA licence issued in an EU or EEA state stays valid in Finland within its period of validity. When it is about to expire, the holder applies for a new licence in the country of permanent residence. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceVisitors may drive with a valid licence from any of some 110 states that signed the Geneva or Vienna road traffic conventions (and Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan), or from another state recognised by Finland (moped, motorcycle or passenger car). The police may ask for an international driving licence or an official Finnish, Swedish or English translation, unless the licence clearly shows the categories and validity. Licences from states Finland does not recognise (for example Transnistria and Crimea) are not accepted. [1]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceA licence from a Geneva or Vienna Convention state is valid for 2 years after moving to Finland permanently, so it must be exchanged before the two years pass. A licence from another recognised state is accepted for one year after the holder is registered as resident in Finland. [1]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • A foreign licence is valid in Finland only if the holder got it before moving to Finland; it is not valid if the holder's permanent residence was in Finland when it was first issued. The holder must meet Finnish age and health requirements.
  • The Traficom page does not say whether an international driving licence is needed with an EU or EEA licence, so no value is shown.

Sources

  1. Traficom: Driving in Finland with a foreign driving licence (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.