Apply for a queue number

Summary

  • To apply for a right-of-occupancy apartment, you need a queue number, which you obtain from the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland, Varke (formerly Ara).
  • The number is valid for two years and costs €9.20. It can be used to apply for all right-of-occupancy apartments in Finland, but a separate application must be submitted to each housing company.
  • You can apply for a number in advance for future needs, and request a new number once the previous one has expired.

Queue number for right-of-occupancy home

When you start planning to apply for a right-of-occupancy apartment, the first step is to obtain a queue number. The queue number indicates your position in the application queue among those applying for the same apartment.

The queue number is granted by The Centre for State-Subsidised Housing Construction, (Varke), (formerly Ara), and you can easily apply for it online.

Apply for a queue number (you will be redirected to Varke’s online service)

A queue number:

  • is valid for two years
  • can be used for all right-of-occupancy apartments in Finland
  • requires a separate application for each housing company
  • is personal to the applicant but applies to the whole family

The queue number costs €9.20. Please always check the latest instructions and any updates in Varke’s online service.

You can also apply for a queue number in advance, even if you are not actively looking for an apartment yet. This way, you’ll be ready when a suitable home becomes available. If you wish, you can apply for a new queue number immediately after signing a right-of-occupancy agreement.

If you do not receive an apartment during the validity period and wish to continue applying, you will need a new queue number. A new number can only be applied for once the previous one has expired. You can check the validity of your queue number in Varke’s queue number register.

How to apply for a right-of-occupancy home
Complete an apartment application