You moved to Finland, found a flat somewhere near Tampere, landed a job - and suddenly realized that life without a car here is rough. Buses run once an hour, the nearest shop is 5 kilometers down a forest road, and when it’s -25 outside, walking isn’t an option. You’ve got your Ukrainian licence, but the question is: can you drive with it, do you need to swap it, and what on earth are Traficom and Ajovarma? Let’s break it down step by step.
When your Ukrainian licence is valid in Finland without exchange¶
Before you rush to exchange anything - let’s figure out if you even need to. Often the answer is: “not yet.”
Temporary protection (tilapäinen suojelu)¶
If you’re in Finland under temporary protection - your Ukrainian driving licence is automatically valid, no extra steps needed. This is set out in EU Regulation 2022/1280, adopted in July 2022 specifically for Ukrainians.
What this means in practice:
- You don’t need a translation of your driving licence to drive
- You don’t need an International Driving Permit
- Even if your licence expired after the full-scale invasion began - it’s still recognized as valid
- The digital licence in the Diia app is also accepted
Temporary protection has been extended to 4 March 2027. Until that date, you’re legally driving with your Ukrainian licence, and no one can challenge that. Finnish police know about this - just show your licence and your temporary protection document from Migri if stopped.
Exchanging your licence for a Finnish one while on temporary protection is voluntary. Nobody’s forcing you. But there are good reasons to do it - more on that below.
Regular residence permit (A or B oleskelulupa)¶
If you’ve transitioned from temporary protection to a regular residence permit or came to Finland on a work visa or for studies - the rules are different.
Here’s where the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) kicks in. Ukraine is a signatory (ratified as the Ukrainian SSR in 1974), and Finland recognizes this. In Finnish law, this makes Ukraine a “Contracting State” (sopimusvaltio).
How it works:
- After moving to Finland permanently, you can drive with your Ukrainian licence for 2 years
- After 2 years, you must exchange it for a Finnish one
- If you don’t - driving becomes illegal
Those 2 years count from when you registered your permanent place of residence (kotikunta) at DVV. If you spent a year on temporary protection, then got an A-permit and registered kotikunta - the clock starts from that point.
Just visiting?¶
Tourists and short-term visitors can drive with Ukrainian licences without restrictions. An International Driving Permit is recommended but in practice Finnish police accept regular Ukrainian licences - especially the new card-style ones with Latin characters.
Why exchange if you can already drive?¶
You might think - why bother changing if you can already drive legally? Here are some practical reasons.
After temporary protection ends. When temporary protection expires (currently 4 March 2027), recognition of Ukrainian licences stops. If you haven’t switched to another status or exchanged your licence by then - you’ll be without a valid driving document. The exchange takes 3-4 months, so start the process early.
Car rental. Some Finnish rental companies (particularly Hertz and Europcar) refuse to rent to people with non-EU licences. A Finnish licence removes all questions.
Insurance (vakuutus). In case of an accident, the insurance company may check your licence validity. With a Finnish licence, no issues. With a Ukrainian one - questions might arise, even if everything is technically legal.
ID purposes. A Finnish driving licence (ajokortti) is a fully valid ID document in Finland. You can use it to buy alcohol, open a bank account, sign a rental agreement. A Ukrainian licence doesn’t serve this function.
For permanent residence. If you’re planning to stay long-term, a Finnish licence is one step in integration that simplifies countless everyday situations.
Exchange process: step by step¶
Ukraine signed the Vienna Convention, making it a “Contracting State” in Finnish law. This gives you the key advantage: exchange without exams (neither theory nor practical) for categories A1, A2, A, and B. Compare this with exchanging a licence in Germany, where Ukrainians need to pass both exams - Finland is much simpler.
The entire process goes through Ajovarma - the official service partner of Traficom (Liikenne- ja viestintävirasto - the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency).
Step 1: Gather your documents¶
Here’s what you’ll need for your Ajovarma visit:
| Document | Where to get it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ukrainian driving licence | You have it | Original, not a copy |
| Translation of the licence | Authorized translator | Into Finnish, Swedish, or English |
| Passport or ID card | You have it | For identity verification |
| Medical certificate (lääkärintodistus) | Doctor in Finland | Valid for 6 months |
| Photos (2 pcs) | Photo studio or booth | Passport format. Not needed if you have a valid Finnish passport or henkilökortti |
| Proof of residence | DVV registration | You must live permanently in Finland or study here for 6+ months |
Key point: Traficom requires a translation if the licence isn’t in Latin script. Ukrainian licences use Cyrillic (though newer card-style ones have some fields in Latin). In practice, Ajovarma almost always asks for a translation of Ukrainian licences, so it’s better to order one in advance.
Step 2: Book an appointment at Ajovarma¶
Book through Ajovarma’s online booking system. Pick the nearest service point (they’re in all major cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, and more), select “Exchanging a foreign driving licence” and choose a convenient time.
You can walk in without an appointment too, but booking speeds things up - no waiting in line.
Step 3: Submit your application at Ajovarma¶
At your appointment, you’ll fill in an application for ajokorttilupa (driving licence permit). The Ajovarma staff will check your documents, take a photo (or accept yours), and process the application.
Your original Ukrainian licence stays with Traficom - they keep it. This is standard procedure for all exchanges: Finland doesn’t allow holding two valid licences simultaneously.
Tip: make a quality copy (photo or scan) of your Ukrainian licence before your visit - you won’t see the original again.
Step 4: Get your temporary licence¶
If your Ukrainian licence was valid for driving in Finland - Ajovarma issues a temporary licence on the spot. You can use it to drive in Finland and other Nordic countries while waiting for the plastic card.
The temporary licence is a paper document - not the most impressive looking thing, but fully legal.
Step 5: Wait for your Finnish licence¶
Traficom processes the application in about 3-4 months. After processing, the plastic Finnish licence (ajokortti) is mailed to your address. The card usually arrives within 1-2 weeks of the decision.
If you’re on temporary protection - the new licence will be issued with a validity period ending when temporary protection expires (currently 4 March 2027). If you have an A or B oleskelulupa - the validity period will be standard (15 years for B category).
Translating your driving licence: how and where¶
Here’s where it gets interesting for this blog. Traficom requires the translation to be done by an official translator, signed and stamped. In Finland, that means an auktorisoitu kääntäjä - an authorized translator who passed a state exam and is registered with Opetushallitus.
Finding a translator¶
All authorized translators in Finland are listed in the registry at akr.opintopolku.fi. Select the language pair (ukraina → suomi) and you’ll see the list.
The problem: for the Ukrainian-Finnish pair, there are only 4 authorized translators in all of Finland. Four. For tens of thousands of Ukrainians. That means queues from one week to a month.
The workaround: translate into English¶
Traficom accepts translations not just in Finnish, but also in Swedish or English. There are far more translators for the Ukrainian-English pair - both in Finland and in other EU countries.
Options:
- Authorized translator in Finland (ukraina → englanti) - search the same registry akr.opintopolku.fi
- Sworn translator from another EU country - for example, a beeidigter Übersetzer from Germany or a tłumacz przysięgły from Poland. Traficom accepts translations from recognized official translators in the EU
- Certified translation online - if the translator has the relevant official status
Before ordering - check with your specific Ajovarma point which translations they accept. In 95% of cases, an English translation from an authorized or sworn translator works fine.
Translation costs¶
| Translation option | Approximate price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized translation (Ukrainian → Finnish) | 40-80 EUR | 1-4 weeks (queues!) |
| Authorized translation (Ukrainian → English) | 35-70 EUR | 3-10 days |
| Sworn translation from another EU country | 30-60 EUR | 2-5 days |
A driving licence is just 1 page, so the price is usually minimal. The main cost isn’t money - it’s waiting time.
If you want to get a quick understanding of what’s written on a licence in another language, or prepare information for your translator - you can use ChatsControl for a fast AI translation. It won’t replace an authorized translation for Ajovarma, but it’ll help you sort out the details in advance.
Medical certificate (lääkärintodistus)¶
For exchanging a licence from a “Contracting State” (which Ukraine is, under the Vienna Convention), Traficom may require a medical certificate. Here are the rules:
- If your Ukrainian licence is still valid - a medical certificate is usually not needed
- If your licence has expired - a medical certificate is required
- For categories C and D (trucks and buses) - a medical certificate is always required
Where to get one:
- Terveyskeskus (public health center) - free or for a small fee (~20-30 EUR) if you have kotikunta and are registered in the system. Downside - the wait can be several weeks
- Työterveys (occupational health) - if you’re working and your employer provides occupational healthcare. Usually free
- Private clinic (Terveystalo, Mehiläinen, Pihlajalinna) - faster (a day or two), but more expensive: 80-150 EUR
The medical certificate is valid for 6 months. The doctor fills in a standard form checking vision, general health, and the absence of contraindications for driving.
Tip: if you’re planning to exchange your licence - get the medical check done right away so it doesn’t slow down the process. Even if Ajovarma says you don’t need it - better to have it with you than to come back a second time.
Which categories can you exchange?¶
Without exams (Contracting State)¶
Categories A1, A2, A, and B are exchanged automatically, without theory or practical exams. Submit documents - get a Finnish licence.
This is the main benefit of Ukraine being a signatory to the Vienna Convention. In countries that aren’t “Contracting States,” you’d need to pass both exams.
With restrictions¶
Categories C, CE, D, DE (trucks and buses) - the situation is more complex. For exchanging higher category licences, Traficom may require:
- A medical certificate (mandatory)
- Additional proof of qualifications
- In some cases - passing an exam
If you need C or D categories for work as a driver in Finland - contact Ajovarma for individual advice.
Motorcycles¶
Categories A1 (light motorcycle, up to 125cc) and A2 (medium motorcycle) are exchanged just like B - without exams. Category A (full) is too, but there’s an age requirement: in Finland, the minimum age for category A is 24 years (or 20 with two years of A2 experience).
Total costs: full breakdown¶
| Cost item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ajokorttilupa (licence permit) | ~36 EUR | Traficom regulatory fee |
| Licence translation | 35-80 EUR | Depends on language and translator |
| Medical certificate | 0-150 EUR | Free at terveyskeskus, expensive at private clinic |
| Photos (2 pcs) | 10-15 EUR | Photo booth. Not needed if you have Finnish passport/ID |
| Total | ~80-280 EUR | Depends on your choices |
Compare that with Germany, where the licence exchange for Ukrainians costs 500-1000 EUR (because you need to pass exams + driving school fees). Finland is significantly cheaper thanks to recognizing the Vienna Convention.
If your licence was lost or damaged due to the war¶
Many Ukrainians left without their documents - or documents were destroyed. Finland understands this and accounts for it.
If your Ukrainian licence is lost or damaged:
- The Diia app - the digital version of your driving licence is accepted as proof that you have the right to drive. Show it at Ajovarma
- Photo or scan of your old licence - if you have even a copy, it makes the process easier
- Request to the Ukrainian registry - Traficom can send a request to verify your data. It takes longer, but it works
In this case, the procedure may take longer (up to 6 months), but the exchange is still possible. The main thing is to go to Ajovarma and explain the situation. According to Visit Ukraine, Traficom has a special procedure for Ukrainians with lost documents.
If your original documents are still in Ukraine - there are ways to restore them or get duplicates, even while abroad.
If you’ve never had a licence: getting one from scratch¶
If you’ve never had a driving licence - you can complete a full training course in Finland and get Finnish rights. This is available to people with temporary protection too.
What the process includes¶
- Ajokorttilupa - first, get a learning permit (apply at Ajovarma, ~36 EUR)
- EAS (Ensimmäisen ajokortin saajan opetus) - 4-hour theory course for first-time licence applicants
- Theory - learning road traffic rules (at a driving school or self-study)
- Practice - at least 10 hours of lessons with a driving school (autokoulu) instructor
- RTK (Riskientunnistamiskoulutus) - risk recognition course (4 hours theory + 4 hours practice)
- Exam - theory (computer-based, available in English) and practical (driving with an examiner)
Costs¶
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ajokorttilupa | ~36 EUR |
| Driving school (theory + practice) | 800-1500 EUR |
| EAS course | ~100-150 EUR |
| RTK course | ~200-300 EUR |
| Theory exam | ~40 EUR |
| Practical exam | ~90 EUR |
| Total | ~1200-2100 EUR |
Some driving schools have instructors who speak Ukrainian - worth checking when you register. The theory exam can be taken in English or Finnish, but not Ukrainian.
The entire process takes about 2-3 months of active training.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them¶
“I don’t need a translation - there’s Latin text on it”¶
New Ukrainian card-style licences do have some fields in Latin (name, categories). But the main information is in Cyrillic. Ajovarma almost always requires an official translation. Don’t risk it - order a translation in advance, it’s only 35-80 EUR and saves you a second trip.
“I’ll exchange later when I have time”¶
If you’re on a regular residence permit - 2 years fly by fast. And the exchange process takes 3-4 months. So you really need to start no later than 1.5 years after registering kotikunta. Miss the deadline and you’ll need to take exams - that’s a whole different story.
“I can drive with an expired licence”¶
Under temporary protection - yes, licences that expired after the start of the war are recognized. But if you’re on a regular residence permit and your licence expired before the war - that doesn’t apply. Check your dates.
“I’ll find a translator on the spot”¶
There are only a handful of authorized translators for Ukrainian in Finland. If you show up at Ajovarma without a translation - they’ll send you home. Order your translation 2-4 weeks before your planned visit. Or use a certified translation into English - it’s faster and often cheaper.
Useful links¶
- Traficom - driving with a foreign licence - official information
- Traficom - exchanging a foreign licence - procedure details
- Ajovarma - licence services - where to apply
- Ajovarma booking - make an appointment
- Authorized translators registry - find a translator
- Suomi.fi - licence exchange - government portal
- InfoFinland - traffic in Finland - general information
FAQ¶
Do I need to exchange my Ukrainian licence in Finland?¶
If you’re on temporary protection - no, exchange is voluntary. Your licence is automatically recognized until the end of temporary protection (4 March 2027). If you have a regular residence permit (A or B oleskelulupa) - exchange is mandatory within 2 years of registering permanent residence. After that, driving with a Ukrainian licence becomes illegal.
Do I need a translation of my Ukrainian driving licence for the exchange?¶
Yes. Traficom requires a translation into Finnish, Swedish, or English by an official translator, signed and stamped. In Finland, that’s an auktorisoitu kääntäjä - you can find them in the registry at akr.opintopolku.fi. But it’s often more practical to order a certified translation into English - more translators available, shorter queues, similar price (35-80 EUR).
How much does it cost to exchange a driving licence in Finland?¶
Total cost ranges from 80 to 280 EUR depending on your choices. Traficom’s regulatory fee (ajokorttilupa) is ~36 EUR. Licence translation costs 35-80 EUR. Medical certificate ranges from 0 (at a public health center) to 150 EUR (at a private clinic). Photos cost 10-15 EUR. This is significantly cheaper than Germany, where Ukrainians need to pass exams.
Do I need to take exams when exchanging?¶
No, for categories A1, A2, A, and B - no exams are needed. Ukraine signed the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968) and is a “Contracting State” in Finnish law. This grants the right to exchange without exams. For higher categories (C, D) there may be additional requirements - check with Ajovarma.
How long does the licence exchange take?¶
From submitting your application at Ajovarma to receiving the plastic card - about 3-4 months. During this time, you’re given a temporary paper licence that’s valid for driving in Finland and the Nordic countries. If your licence is lost and additional verification is needed - the process can take up to 6 months.
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