Around 63,000 young people will receive a greeting card from the authorities for their 18th birthday – Suomi.fi/18year provides guidance for young adults

In January, a birthday  card will be sent to every young person in Finland who turns 18 in 2024. With the card, the authorities have come together to congratulate those entering adulthood and to explain how their civil rights and  obligations will change.  In 2024, the card will be sent to over 63,000  young people.

Turning 18 brings a lot of change

Although studies have shown that young people in Finland tend to become  independent at an earlier age compared to many European countries,  turning 18 marks a new chapter in life for everyone. For many, becoming  independent means moving out on your own for the first time, taking care of your own finances and dealing with the authorities.

Many  young people find it difficult to use the services provided by the  authorities. New responsibilities and rights may also raise questions.  It is not always clear which authority you should contact in different  situations.

Many parents are also surprised by the fact that  they can no longer act on the behalf of their 18-year-old child in all  online services. For this reason, young people should obtain their own  online banking codes or mobile certificate so that they can manage their own affairs.

Suomi.fi/18year brings together useful information and services for young people

The aim of the authorities is to direct young people and their parents to  Suomi.fi, which has a section dedicated to topical issues for young  adults. Ohjaamo One-Stop Guidance Centres around Finland also provide  advice on the new stage of life.

"We have the honour of helping new adults take hold of their new life situation. As people reach  adulthood, they might not think about how many things become their own  responsibility. We want to reach all 18-year-olds in Finland and direct  them towards the necessary and accurate information at the beginning of  their independent path," explains Liinu Lehto, Communications and Marketing Director at the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

The campaign wants to support young people in dealing with different  issues, such as borrowing a car or paying tax on summer work. Another  aim is to instruct them on the services available, whether they are  looking for support for well-being, information about the military  service or help with debt, for example.

The campaign includes  Suomi.fi, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, the Social  Insurance Institution Kela, Ohjaamo One-Stop Guidance Centres, the  police, the Finnish Defence Forces, Statistics Finland, the Finnish  Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and the Finnish Tax  Administration. Tixtuu, a social media influencer who turned 18 last  year, will also share their tips for young people throughout the year.

Suomi.fi/18year campaign

• In January, young people turning 18 in 2024 will  receive a greeting card for their 18th birthday. The card will not be  sent if the young person has prohibited direct marketing or the  disclosure of information or has a non-disclosure for personal safety  reasons.
• The Suomi.fi/18year website brings together useful information for young adults from different authorities and public  administration organisations.
• Suomi.fi/18year provides information on rights,  obligations and services. The themes include identity documents,  opportunities to influence, studying, moving on your own, managing your  finances, military and non-military services, driving and obtaining a  driving licence, moving towards employment and travelling.
• The Suomi.fi Web Service is provided by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
• Suomi.fi provides citizens and companies with  reliable information for various life situations and related services  from municipalities, authorities and other organisations.