Good news for researchers! Statistics Finland has released three new ready-made datasets for research use during summer 2025: FOLK_ENHEN Preliminary Data with Personal Identity Codes, PIAAC II Survey of Adult Skills II, and MIGR_OLESK Residence Permit Data.
Preliminary Data on Individuals
The FOLK_ENHEN Preliminary Data with Personal Identity Codes dataset contains preliminary information on individuals with a Finnish personal identity code – including those outside the resident population. In addition, the module includes register-based data such as municipality of residence and demographic characteristics. The data are monthly preliminary figures, and therefore provisional and uncorrected. This new dataset provides researchers with up-to-date information, enabling timely research and analysis. The final, corrected data are available in the annual FOLK modules.
Results of the Skills Survey
PIAAC, the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, is an international research programme coordinated by the OECD, focusing on the basic skills of the working-age population (16–65 years). The sample-based PIAAC II Survey of Adult Skills II dataset is based on Finland’s participation in the second round of the International Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC Cycle II), combined with register-based data.
The survey assessed the core information-processing skills of the working-age population living in Finland – literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving. Data collection consisted of a skills assessment and an extensive background interview. Register-based information (including education, employment, income, and social transfers) has been linked from three different time points: 2023, 2020, and 2017.
The dataset cannot be directly merged with other ready-made datasets and will not be updated. However, it can be combined with other data in a tailored manner through Research Services, provided that the linking of register data is permitted within the scope of information given to the survey participants.
Residence Permit Data on Immigrants
The licensing and distribution of residence permit data from the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) have been transferred to Statistics Finland. The MIGR_OLESK Residence Permit Data ready-made dataset, based on residence permit application records, contains information such as grounds for processing applications, validity periods, and citizenship decisions, starting from 2011. The compilation of the dataset has involved consultation with experts from Migri as well as researchers from the VATT Data Room who have previously used the data. Granted user lisence requires strong research justification. The update cycle of the dataset is intended to be monthly.
Descriptions of the ready-made datasets can be found in the Taika catalogue, and researchers may now apply for access through the Research Services’ permit service.
Upcoming New Ready-Made Dataset Modules
In addition to the datasets already published, new ready-made dataset modules will soon be released on the following data sources:
KOSKI – a dataset based on the Finnish National Agency for Education’s KOSKI data repository, covering participation in and completion of basic, upper secondary, and vocational education from 2018 onwards.
VARDA – a dataset based on the early childhood education and care (ECEC) data repository, covering ECEC providers, staff, and participating children from 2019 onwards.
